Top 20 Shocking Betrayals in Video Games You Never Saw Coming

Micah Bell – Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

Spoiler Warning: This article contains major plot spoilers for a number of video games. If you haven’t played some of the titles mentioned and want to experience their twists firsthand, you may want to proceed with caution.

Micah Bell is widely regarded as one of the most treacherous characters in video game history. As a seemingly loyal member of the Van der Linde gang, Micah masks his true nature beneath layers of sarcasm and swagger. Over time, his ambition and ruthlessness surface, and his betrayal of Arthur Morgan becomes one of the most pivotal moments in the game. By secretly collaborating with law enforcement and driving a wedge into the gang, Micah sets off a tragic chain of events. His actions are not just shocking – they redefine the emotional weight of the story. Few betrayals in gaming hit as hard or feel as personal. | © Rockstar Games

Vincent – A Way Out (2018)

Vincent’s turn around in A Way Out is as emotional as it is unexpected. The co-op gameplay builds a deep bond between players, who assume the roles of Vincent and Leo, two men escaping prison and forming a brotherly connection. The reveal that Vincent is actually an undercover cop feels like a punch to the gut, recontextualizing every moment the two characters shared. The emotional fallout from the betrayal transforms the narrative from a simple escape story into a powerful examination of trust, loyalty, and justice. It’s a twist that not only surprises but elevates the entire experience. | © Hazelight Studios

Ted Faro – Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)

Ted Faro’s betrayal is not directed at a single character but at all of humanity. As the tech mogul behind Faro Automated Solutions, he unleashed a line of uncontrollable machines that led to Earth’s destruction. In an act of twisted penance – or perhaps hubris – he later sabotaged Project Zero Dawn by deleting the Apollo database, wiping out all human history and culture. Faro’s decisions were catastrophic, turning one man’s fear and arrogance into a global extinction event. His betrayal resonates throughout the game’s world, reminding players how dangerous unchecked power can be. | © Guerrilla Games

Huey – Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)

Huey Emmerich is a character whose betrayal slowly unfolds in layers of suspicion, secrecy, and denial. At first, he appears to be a brilliant if socially awkward scientist, but cracks begin to show as his actions endanger others on Mother Base. From alleged sabotage to questionable alliances, Huey's behavior erodes the trust of those around him. What makes his betrayal so haunting is his constant insistence on innocence, even in the face of damning evidence. His ultimate exile feels both justified and tragic, marking one of the most morally ambiguous betrayals in the Metal Gear Solid series. | © Kojima Productions

Mike and Bonnie – Telltale's The Walking Dead (2013)

In a world where every choice carries weight, Mike and Bonnie’s betrayal in Telltale's The Walking Dead hits especially hard. These characters present themselves as compassionate allies, earning Clementine’s trust during some of the story’s darkest moments. When they turn around and abandon her – stealing supplies and planning to flee – it underscores the brutal reality of a post-apocalyptic world. Their decision, driven by fear and desperation, feels like a personal violation of the trust the player has helped build. It’s a betrayal that stays with you, not just because it’s shocking, but because it feels so human. | © Telltale Games

Anders – Dragon Age II (2011)

Anders isn’t just another companion in Dragon Age II – he’s one of the most emotionally complex characters BioWare has ever written. A former Grey Warden and a mage possessed by a spirit of Justice, he walks a fine line between idealism and fanaticism. You spend most of the game building trust with him, only to watch him take a path that ends in chaos. His decision to destroy the Kirkwall Chantry – without your knowledge or consent – feels like a betrayal not only of the characters around him, but of the player’s own choices. It’s a moment that splits the fanbase and adds lasting weight to the game’s moral dilemmas. | © BioWare

Daina Le Guin – Dead Space 2 (2011)

Daina Le Guin presents herself as a rare ally in the madness of Dead Space 2, giving Isaac Clarke – and players – a brief sense of direction and hope. She claims to be on your side, working against the horrors caused by the Necromorph outbreak. But in a world full of paranoia and religious zealotry, appearances are deceiving. It doesn’t take long before her true identity as a Unitologist is revealed, and her motives turn deadly. Daina's sudden betrayal jolts the pacing of the game and reminds you that in Dead Space, trust is just another tool for survival – or manipulation. | © Visceral Games

Wheatley – Portal 2 (2011)

Wheatley starts off as your lovable, clumsy sidekick in Portal 2, guiding you through the ruins of Aperture Science with a heavy dose of comic relief. His quirky personality and underdog vibe make him easy to root for – until the unthinkable happens. After helping you overthrow GLaDOS, Wheatley seizes power for himself and transforms into an unstable, vengeful AI. The switch is jarring, hilarious, and surprisingly sad. What makes Wheatley’s betrayal so memorable is how deeply personal it feels, especially after everything you’ve been through together. It’s betrayal with a punchline, but it still stings. | © Valve Corporation

Edgar Ross – Red Dead Redemption (2010)

Edgar Ross plays the long game in Red Dead Redemption, and his betrayal is one of the most heartbreaking in gaming. As a government agent, Ross manipulates John Marston into hunting down his former gang members under the pretense of earning his freedom. After Marston completes every deadly task asked of him, Ross repays him with bullets – not a pardon. The ambush that ends John’s life is a gut-wrenching moment that underscores the game’s themes of control, redemption, and betrayal. Ross becomes the face of a corrupt system, and his actions leave a permanent scar on the franchise’s legacy. | © Rockstar Games

General Shepherd – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)

General Shepherd commands respect from the moment he enters Modern Warfare 2, portrayed as a battle-hardened leader with a no-nonsense approach. For most of the game, he’s the one guiding your missions, pushing the team to stop a global threat. But just when victory seems near, Shepherd flips the script – murdering Ghost and Roach in one of the most jaw-dropping betrayals in Call of Duty history. His motive? To rewrite history and control the narrative of modern warfare. It’s a betrayal that comes out of nowhere and leaves players stunned, elevating him to iconic villain status in the franchise. | © Infinity Ward

Joshua – The World Ends With You (2007)

At first glance, Joshua seems like just another eccentric partner in Neku’s fight for survival in the Reaper’s Game. He’s snarky, secretive, and always just a bit too clever for his own good – but still somehow trustworthy. That illusion starts to crack as the story progresses, and eventually shatters when the full truth comes out: Joshua isn’t just another player – he’s the Composer, the one responsible for the entire twisted game. This reveal doesn’t just pull the rug out from under Neku; it reframes everything you’ve experienced. The betrayal is layered, intellectual, and hits harder the more you think about it. | © Square Enix

Atlas – Bioshock (2007)

From the moment you descend into Rapture, Atlas is your lifeline – a calm, friendly voice guiding you through chaos. He helps you survive, gives you purpose, and seems like the only person you can trust. So when it’s revealed that Atlas is actually Frank Fontaine, the manipulative mastermind pulling your strings, it hits like a punch to the gut. The iconic “Would you kindly?” twist isn’t just a betrayal of the character – it’s a betrayal of the player’s free will. It’s one of the most unforgettable moments in gaming, and it changed how stories are told in the medium. | © 2K Games

Akira Nishikiyama – Yakuza (2005)

The bond between Kiryu and Nishikiyama is the emotional backbone of the original Yakuza game, which makes what happens between them all the more heartbreaking. Nishiki starts out as Kiryu’s sworn brother, loyal and full of promise. But years apart and a series of personal losses twist him into someone Kiryu barely recognizes – a cold, ruthless man chasing power in all the wrong ways. Their eventual clash feels less like hero vs. villain and more like a tragedy that was always just beneath the surface. It’s betrayal born from pain, and it’s devastating to witness. | © SEGA

Master Li – Jade Empire (2005)

Few betrayals are as carefully planned – or as soul-crushing – as the one delivered by Master Li. He begins the game as your calm and wise mentor, someone you’d follow without question. He teaches you, protects you, and pushes you toward your destiny. But the truth is, he’s been manipulating everything from the start. When he finally reveals his true motives, the shock comes not just from what he’s done – but from how fully you trusted him. His betrayal isn’t loud or explosive – it’s quiet, calculated, and utterly devastating. | © BioWare

Big Smoke – GTA: San Andreas (2004)

In the early hours of San Andreas, Big Smoke is more than just a gang member – he’s family. His larger-than-life personality and smooth talk make him instantly likable, even when things start getting tense in Los Santos. But as CJ digs deeper into the city’s corruption, the awful truth comes out: Smoke has sold out. He’s aligned with the very people tearing their neighborhood apart, chasing money and influence at any cost. It’s not just betrayal – it’s personal. And when the final confrontation comes, it feels like justice has finally caught up with him. | © Rockstar Games

Eric Sparrow – Tony Hawk's Underground (2003)

Eric Sparrow might just be one of the most infuriating characters in skateboarding game history. What starts as a lighthearted friendship quickly turns sour as Eric constantly sabotages, steals credit, and flat-out lies to get ahead. From taking credit for your legendary trick to outright framing you, his jealousy knows no bounds. The game does a great job of turning a goofy rivalry into a surprisingly personal betrayal that motivates the final act. Players who came for kickflips and grinds didn’t expect to get a lesson in betrayal – but Eric makes sure they do. | © Neversoft

Bastila – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)

Bastila Shan begins as one of your most important allies in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, offering wisdom, power, and a deep connection to the Force. Her role as a Jedi and battlefield commander earns your trust, but when she falls to the dark side, it completely redefines the emotional stakes of the story. Her turn isn’t just a shock – it’s a test of the player’s own journey, forcing you to confront her, redeem her, or destroy her. It’s a rare betrayal that feels earned, layered with themes of temptation, loyalty, and destiny. | © BioWare

Lance Vance – GTA: Vice City (2002)

Lance Vance plays the part of a loyal partner throughout most of GTA: Vice City, helping Tommy Vercetti rise through the criminal ranks of 1980s Miami. But as the stakes get higher, Lance’s ego and insecurity start to crack through the surface. Eventually, he sells you out in a critical moment – flipping on you for personal gain. It’s a betrayal that stings, not just because of the backstabbing, but because of how much you’ve relied on him. His downfall feels inevitable, but still satisfying when the tables finally turn. | © Rockstar Games

Albert Wesker – Resident Evil (1996)

Albert Wesker is the textbook definition of a double agent, and his betrayal in Resident Evil helped set the tone for the entire franchise. Initially posing as a high-ranking officer in S.T.A.R.S., Wesker seems calm, collected, and dependable. But it doesn’t take long before you discover he’s been manipulating the team from the start – serving the Umbrella Corporation and orchestrating the chaos inside the Spencer Mansion. His betrayal isn’t just a twist; it becomes a recurring thread that defines Resident Evil’s long-term narrative. Wesker may be the series' biggest villain, but it all started with a single backstab. | © Capcom

Player 2 – Double Dragon (1987)

Back in the arcade era, Double Dragon ended with one of the most surprising twists of its time. After battling side by side through hordes of enemies to save Marian, Player 2 – your co-op partner – suddenly becomes your final opponent. It’s a twist that caught players completely off guard and added an extra layer of competition to a game that was all about teamwork. The fight for Marian wasn’t just against the bad guys – it was against your own friend. For a game in the '80s, this kind of twist was bold, memorable, and still talked about decades later. | © Technōs Japan