5 Best Video Game Antagonists of 2022

What is a game's great hero without a villain to match them? The antagonist's role is a significant one, and the same is valid within the realm of video games. Many of our favorite game heroes are amplified by the presence of a great villain of some sort. That said, 2022 has brought us some great antagonists this year, and we should be grateful for that. So without further ado, here are our picks for the 5 Best Video Game Antagonists of 2022.

5. Volo

Players initially meet this villain under relatively innocuous means in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. They appear shortly after players pick their starter Pokemon. At first, it seems to be innocent enough, even challenging the player to do battle with their Togepi. However, as the game continues, there are more hints that there is more than meets the eye and that something might be up with Volo. Players will see them all throughout their journey at various points in the game, but little do they know just what they are up to.

It would appear that Volo is, in fact, not an innocent person but the actual true villain of the game. The motivation behind his actions is a bit confusing, with him wanting to control Giratina to reach Arceus and attain some level of godhood. After the player defeats him, however, he vows to learn more about the Hisui region and return to capture the powers of the god of the Pokemon world. In short, Volo is one of the more memorable villains we have had in Pokemon in quite some time and our pick for one of the best video game antagonists of 2022.

4. DJ Octavio

DJ Octavio is a villain from the Splatoon 3 game. This octopus-themed villain is constantly seeing his plans foiled by the protagonist. The character leads the Octarians and, as he has in past Splatoon titles, serves as a final boss. This villain features many dastardly tricks up their sleeve, such as a fully functional robot that they use to antagonize the player. However, the player is able to make relatively short work of this fiend throughout the game's runtime.

Players who love the wacky nature of the Splatoon games will find this guy to be a serviceable villain in Splatoon 3. Throughout the game's runtime, this villain comes up with various ways to pester the player. In addition, the guy is so capable that he even makes a space-capable shuttle in which to battle. Although this villain might not have the widespread appeal of others on this list, it is worth mentioning how persistent he has been throughout the Splatton games. Because of this persistence, we grant DJ Octavio the title of one of the best video game antagonists of 2023.

3. Scaramouche

Scaramouche is one of the most exciting antagonists we have received from massively popular CRPG Genshin Impact. This guy appears to be the product of some experiments within the game. He questions his existence and becomes filled with hatred due to childhood events. While we won't go into great detail to avoid spoilers, it is safe to say that Scaramouche is definitely dealing with some serious problems when he comes across the Traveler.

This character is unique among the Eleven Fatui Harbingers in his origin. The way that Scaramouche acts on screen is rather chilling at times which adds to his appeal. This is not the only highlight of his character, however. Due to events that we dare not spoil here, a change happens with this character that leads them down a much different path than the one we see them initially walking. It is partially due to these events that Scaramouche is so attractive as a character. In closing, Scaramouche is a fantastic antagonist in one of the best video games of 2022.

2. Savathun, The Witch Queen

Being one of the primary antagonists of a Destiny 2 expansion can be difficult. However, Savathun pulls the role off with grace and great malice. The Hive god is also a sister to The Taken King, which Oryx also had their own Destiny expansion. The motivations behind this villain are actually not entirely villainous at all. This adds an extra layer of depth to their character, allowing them to be more memorable. They simply seek to understand more about the universe. However, this leads them down some rather dark roads.

The expansion surrounding her character was released earlier this year in Febuary to great acclaim. Many Destiny 2 players even cited this expansion as one of the best ones they have received in quite some time. In a world as vast as the one presented in Destiny 2, it says that this character can stand out and shine in the way they do. In conclusion, this villain has served the Destiny 2 universe significantly and is certainly one of the best video game antagonists of 2022.

1. Eliza Vorez

Eliza Vorez is one of the greatest antagonists that we received this year. In a game like The Quarry, which already focuses so much on story and character, standing out as a villain is genuinely remarkable. The character truly jumps off of the screen as players play throughout the game. In addition, the unique way this game approaches choices and storytelling means that there are many opportunities to thwart this villain.

That isn't to say that they are necessarily easy to defeat or any lesser than stronger villains, as with villainy, even the frailest villain can be horrifying. There are several different ways that the player can choose to kill the villain in a flashback sequence that occurs during the ninth chapter of the game. Players can choose one of two demises for this character, either impaled by a steel bar or killed in an explosion. While this does not give the player a feeling of catharsis or anything, it's nice to welcome the option. One of the standout features of this character is that they use tarot cards to manipulate the player by predicting a favorable future for them. All in all, Eliza Vorez is a villainess that offers more than meets the eye in 2022.

So, what's your take on the 5 Best Video Game Antagonists of 2022? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.