Top 10 Video Game Betrayals That Will Leave You Shocked

Video games possess a remarkable ability to forge deep emotional connections between players and their characters. This attachment makes instances of betrayal resonate profoundly, often leaving an indelible mark on the gaming community.

While plot twists involving beloved characters turning against protagonist figures are common across various media, when they are executed with exceptional writing, the impact is felt long after the credits roll. In this article, we will explore ten of the most memorable video game betrayals that continue to haunt fans even years after their release.

Be warned, as this list includes significant SPOILERS for each title discussed.

10.Loyalists – Dishonored

Not So Loyal After All

In the world of Dishonored, one would expect a conspiratorial group to tread cautiously, especially when it involves trying to poison a master assassin gifted with supernatural abilities. Unfortunately, Admiral Havelock and the other loyalists dismiss this notion entirely.

After Corvo Attano is wrongfully accused of murdering the Empress, he diligently seeks to rescue her daughter, Emily, with the help of an underground faction looking to restore her to the throne. However, once they succeed in the revolution, Corvo becomes a liability to Havelock, who intends to manipulate Emily for his own ends and eliminate Corvo. Thanks to his resilience and powers, Corvo survives the assassination attempt, ready to pursue his own brand of vengeance.

9.Leo and Vincent – A Way Out

From PvE to PvP

A Way Out captivates players through its cooperative gameplay. Its narrative progresses only when players work together to escape prison, creating a bond akin to brotherhood shared between the characters. However, as the story reaches its climax, a shocking twist forces Leo and Vincent into a deadly confrontation.

This moment of betrayal is not simply a plot device; it leaves players feeling a sense of dread after having spent countless hours building camaraderie. With two different endings based on the outcome of their final confrontation, every player walks away altered by the experience.

8.Atlas – Bioshock

I Kindly Would Not

As players enter the world of Rapture, the atmosphere is steeped in claustrophobia, populated by mutated inhabitants and lethal foes. In the midst of this chaos, Atlas emerges as a beacon of hope, guiding players through a terrifying experience. However, the truth behind Atlas’s intentions is a gut-wrenching revelation that shakes the foundation of trust established throughout the game.

This betrayal fuels players’ motivations as they seek vengeance against Atlas, solidifying Bioshock’s status as a masterclass in narrative design.

7.Master Miller – Metal Gear Solid

Enemy On The Inside

For many, the betrayal in Metal Gear Solid hit home. Solid Snake relies on various skilled operatives, including Kazuhira Miller, to guide him through his mission. However, it is ultimately revealed that the voice providing direction has been impersonated by Liquid Snake, manipulating the mission from within. The revelation that Miller is dead and that Snake has been deceived unleashes a wave of disbelief that resonates with players long after they finish the game.

6.Wheatley – Portal 2

Sarcastic Slow Clap Activated

Portal 2 opens with Chell realizing that she hasn’t escaped the Aperture Science facility after all. Once she understands her situation, she finds unlikely support in the quirky yet charming Wheatley, an AI with an endearing personality. Their journey culminates in a confrontation with GLaDOS, but Wheatley’s rise to power leads him down a dark path as he betrays Chell in pursuit of greater control.

This unexpected twist not only underscores Wheatley’s character depth but also exemplifies the sharp writing that defines Portal 2. If you haven’t experienced it yourself, it’s time to add this gem to your gaming library.

5.Patches – Souls Franchise

Not You Again!

Patches is a recurring character throughout From Software’s titles, and while his deceptions may only surprise a player once, his pattern of betrayal is beloved by fans. Each iteration features Patches befriending the player before inevitably double-crossing them, only to later plead for forgiveness. Despite his treacherous ways, players have formed an endearing bond with this slippery character.

4.Albert Wesker – Resident Evil

You’re Undead To Me

In the original Resident Evil, the S. T.A. R.S.team expects to depend on each other for survival in the mansion’s haunted environment. However, when their leader, Albert Wesker, is revealed to be in league with the very company responsible for their predicament, it marks a pivotal betrayal. Wesker’s duplicity sets the stage for his reputation as an iconic villain, casting a long shadow over all subsequent entries in the series.

3.Big Smoke – GTA: San Andreas

All Smoke, No Fire

Upon CJ’s return to Los Santos after a family tragedy, the last person he suspects to betray him is Big Smoke, who appears to be a loyal ally. He becomes a mentor for CJ and supports his reintegration into the Grove Street Families. Behind the scenes, however, Big Smoke is colluding with rival factions, ultimately leading to a catastrophic betrayal that transforms him from a friend into a formidable drug lord. His actions ripple through the story, reinforcing the depth of his treachery.

2.Shepherd – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

One Less Loose End

Modern Warfare 2 showcases a gripping narrative filled with camaraderie among soldiers, making General Shepherd’s betrayal particularly shocking. His cold-blooded execution of beloved characters Roach and Ghost starkly contrasts the game’s themes of loyalty and sacrifice, leaving players stunned. This pivotal moment resonates with fans, especially in how it shapes the overarching narrative of loss and retribution.

1. Dutch Van Der Linde – Red Dead Redemption 2

Yes, Even Worse Than Micah

While characters like Micah Bell evoke animosity due to their betrayals, Dutch Van Der Linde serves as a more complex figure. Initially portrayed as a father figure to the gang in Red Dead Redemption 2, Dutch’s decline into paranoia and manipulation reveals a darker reality. His ultimate betrayal, prioritizing self-interest above loyalty, leads the gang to destruction. Dutch’s tragic arc culminates in significant loss, highlighting the profound impacts of betrayal not only on individuals but on the bonds forged within the group.

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