Metroidvania Games Where You Play as the Villain: 2026 Overview

Finding Metroidvania games where you take on the role of the antagonist is a unique pursuit for players looking to invert traditional narrative structures. As reported by Kevin Christopher Sullivan and published May 2026, the concept of the "villain as the hero" remains a compelling hook for developers in the action-platformer space. By shifting the perspective, these titles force players to reconsider the morality of their actions within the game world.

Understanding Villain Protagonists in Metroidvania Games

The best Metroidvania games where you play as the villain often rely on subverting established genre tropes. While the Metroidvania format is traditionally defined by exploration, backtracking, and power-ups, the inclusion of an evil protagonist adds a layer of narrative tension. In 2026, our coverage at In Game News highlights how these titles, such as Carrion or Metroid II: Return of Samus, force players to confront the consequences of their objectives.

When discussing what are the best Metroidvania games with villain protagonists, it is important to distinguish between overt monsters and morally ambiguous heroes. Some games allow the player to embody a force of nature, while others place the player in the boots of a character performing questionable tasks for a greater, albeit potentially sinister, cause.

Notable Titles Featuring Anti-Heroes and Villains

Several Metroidvania games with evil main characters 2026 players should consider offer varying degrees of villainy. The following list outlines specific examples that challenge the definition of the traditional protagonist:

• Carrion: Developed by Phobia Studios and published by Devolver Digital, this title places the player in control of a shapeless, tentacled creature. The primary objective is to escape a research facility by consuming the staff and evolving, effectively casting the player as the horror movie monster.
• Metroid II: Return of Samus: While Samus Aran is typically presented as a savior, her role in this specific entry is often debated. Tasked with the total eradication of the Metroid species on planet SR388, players essentially act as an agent of genocide, complicating the standard heroic narrative.

The Mechanics of Playing the Villain

In many of the top rated Metroidvania games featuring villain protagonists, the gameplay loop is adjusted to suit the character's nature. In Carrion, for instance, the player does not use traditional weapons but instead relies on biomass consumption and DNA upgrades. This mechanical shift reinforces the role of the antagonist, turning the environment itself into a puzzle to be dismantled rather than a world to be saved.

For those asking are there any Metroidvania games where you are the villain, the answer is a resounding yes. However, the experience varies significantly depending on whether the game leans into the "monster" archetype or the "misunderstood hero" trope. Players looking for more analysis on genre trends can check out our gaming trends coverage for further insights.

Narrative Impact and Player Perception

The decision to place the player in the role of the villain often serves to highlight the hubris of the supporting cast. In the case of Carrion, the scientists are the ones who initiated the conflict by capturing and experimenting on the creature. The player’s destructive path is presented as a direct reaction to human interference, framing the villain as a victim of circumstance.

Conversely, titles like Metroid II: Return of Samus utilize the player's history with the character to create discomfort. Because players are familiar with Samus as a hero, the cold, calculated nature of her mission in this specific game creates a dissonance that forces the player to question their own actions. This psychological element is a defining feature of the best Metroidvania games where you play as the villain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any Metroidvania games where you are the villain?

Yes, several titles in the genre allow players to control the antagonist, such as the creature-focused horror game Carrion or the morally complex mission in Metroid II: Return of Samus.

What are the best Metroidvania games with villain protagonists?

Top-rated titles featuring villain protagonists include Carrion, which centers on an escaped experiment, and various entries in the Metroid series that challenge traditional hero archetypes.

Why is Samus Aran sometimes considered a villain in Metroid II?

Samus Aran is viewed by some as an antagonist in Metroid II: Return of Samus because her mission involves the systematic extermination of an entire species on SR388.