Video games — it’s a wild ride of stories and worlds that suck us in, making us part of their universe. But let’s chat about those moments that really knock our socks off — the betrayals. You know the drill. You’re knee-deep in a game, you’ve buddied up with this character, trusting them through every quest and battle. And then bam! They turn on you. It’s like a punch in the gut, isn’t it? Betrayals in video games are the ultimate “Really?” moments, shaking up everything we thought we knew about these virtual worlds.
Related: Top 10 Greatest Endings in Video Games
Most Shocking Betrayals in Video Games
Now, why do these betrayals hit us like a ton of bricks? It’s simple. We’re not just players — we’re part of the story. We laugh with these characters, fight alongside them, and make choices trusting their word. So, when they flip the script, it’s not just a plot twist — it feels personal.
We’re left reeling, rethinking every decision, every trusting moment. And that is the magic of video games. They pull us into their world so completely that a character’s betrayal feels as real as if it happened to us in our own lives. Let’s talk about the five most shocking betrayals in video games recently.
SPOILER ALERT: There are some serious spoilers about upcoming games’ stories.
5. Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Diving into our top five shocking betrayals in video games, number five is a beauty from Dying Light 2. Picture this: You’re caught between two factions — The Peacekeepers and The Survivors. It’s a classic tale of trying to serve two masters, and we all know that’s a recipe for disaster.
The Peacekeepers are all about getting to the bottom of their leader’s death. The Survivors? It’s not exactly the welcoming committee, especially not for you, the player.
Now, let’s talk about “The Raid”. You’re on the hunt for Sophie, a Survivor, and bam! You get this message she’s held captive in a hotel. But wait for it… It’s a trap! Suddenly, you’ve got Barney from The Peacekeepers on your tail, accusing you of playing for the other team. Cue the adrenaline-pumping chase.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human was released on February 4, 2022.
Related: Is Dying Light 2 Cross-Platform?
4. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
At number four on our most shocking betrayals in video games, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor throws us a curveball that’s hard to forget. Bode Akuna, right from the get-go, comes off as a stand-up guy. He’s there, helping you through missions, being the reliable sidekick.
But then, in a moment that makes your jaw drop, he turns the tables. In a shocking twist, Bode shoots and kills Eno Cordova right before your eyes. This betrayal isn’t just a twist — it’s a gut punch that launches you into an intense chase and a showdown with Bode.
Here’s the kicker — Bode was once a Jedi Knight, a spy for the Republic Intelligence during the Clone Wars. This betrayal sneaks up on you, catching you completely off guard. It shakes up the entire game, making you second-guess everything Bode ever told you. Was it all true, or was it a meticulously crafted lie?
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was released on April 28, 2023.
Related: Will Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Be on PS4?
3. A Plague Tale: Requiem
Sliding into the number three spot of the most shocking betrayals in video games is A Plague Tale: Requiem, the gripping sequel to A Plague Tale: Innocence. In the second game, we’re following the heart-wrenching journey of siblings Amicia and Hugo de Rune across Southern France as they desperately seek a cure for Hugo’s blood disease.
The storytelling here is so rich and emotional that you can’t help but feel deeply connected to these characters. That’s why the betrayal in this game hits like a ton of bricks.
On the mysterious island of La Cuna, you’re welcomed by The Count and Countess, setting a scene of deceptive calm. But then, out of the blue, The Count betrays you in the worst way — he kicks Amicia down a flight of stairs, sparking a nail-biting chase through the castle.
A Plague Tale: Requiem was released on October 17, 2022.
Related: The Game Awards 2023 Nominees and Our Favourites
2. Demon’s Souls
The saying goes, “The most painful betrayals are the ones you never see coming”, and this couldn’t be truer for the Demon’s Souls remake. In this dark, apocalyptic world, you stumble upon Yurt the Silent Chief, trapped inside a cage in the Tower of Latria. Rescuing Yurt is entirely up to you — it’s an optional part of the game that you might easily overlook.
But here’s where things take a dark turn. If you decide to engage with Yurt, slowly uncover his intentions and even go as far as bringing him back to your hub, that’s when the true betrayal unfolds. Yurt starts assassinating the other NPCs in the Nexus. This treacherous act is a signature move of From Software, one they’ve used to devastating effect in Bloodborne as well.
The impact of this betrayal cuts deep for a couple of reasons. First, once those NPCs are gone, they’re not coming back until you start a New Game Plus. Second, you’ve likely formed an emotional bond with these characters, and losing them feels like a personal loss. Plus, these NPCs are crucial for various aspects of the game, like levelling up or blacksmithing.
This layered betrayal lands Demon’s Souls remake at number two on our list of the five most shocking betrayals in video games, a twist that’s as cunning as it is heartbreaking.
Demon’s Souls remake was released on November 12, 2020.
Related: Differences Between Remake vs Remaster vs Reboot
1. Final Fantasy XVI
Topping our list of the most shocking betrayals in video games is Anabella’s betrayal in Final Fantasy XVI. Known for its rich, twist-laden narratives, the Final Fantasy series outdoes itself in this instalment. The betrayal that unfolds at the end of the Prologue isn’t just shocking — it’s a seismic shift that sets a new standard for betrayals in video games.
The events at Phoenix Gate are a whirlwind of chaos, marked by traumatic twists and the loss of key characters. The most gut-wrenching moment? The assassination of the King of Rosario. But the real shocker, the twist that left all of us open-mouthed, was the revelation that Queen Anabella was an imperial traitor. In a harrowing scene where her handmaidens meet their end, Queen Anabella cements her place as one of the most despicable villains in the series’ history.
As you connect with the characters you play, your hate for Queen Anabella grows. Her betrayal isn’t just a plot point — it’s a deeply personal blow that resonates with players. And, of course, solidifying its place at the peak of betrayals in video games.
Final Fantasy XVI was released on June 22, 2023.
Related: The Real Reason Final Fantasy XVI Is Rated M
Final Thoughts
Betrayals in video games are not just plot twists — they’re key moments that showcase the storytelling prowess of this medium. They keep us glued to our screens, eager to uncover what’s next.
That’s all we have to say for now about the most shocking betrayals in video games recently. We will continue to publish new lists in the coming days. While you’re at it, you can take a look at The 5 Most Disappointing Games of 2023.
Author Profile
- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.