10 Best Video Game Antagonists of 2024 (So Far)

Antagonists are just as vital to the success of a game as protagonists, perhaps even more. They deserve just as deep backstories as the protagonist, showcasing their motives and personalities. The best antagonists leave a lasting impression, often the kind that makes you love to hate them so much. But also, they brutally decimate you in battle, so when you finally master the skills and resources to beat them, it feels well-earned. While we haven’t quite crossed the first half of the year yet, gaming has already given us some of the best video game antagonists of 2024 to watch out for. 

10. Dr. Genos (Berserk Boy)

In a distant future, a maniacal Dr Genos seizes the power of the Berserk Orbs to further his own agenda. Taking on the role of the titular Berserk Boy, you’ll set off to defeat evil. At first, you’ll decimate Dr. Genos’ minions, waging war on Earth. Eventually, though, there’ll be no escaping the inevitable face-off against the grand master himself.

9. Alien Mosk (Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom)

Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom is ideal for retro fans, recreating genuine arcade fun from the N64 era. But beyond silly fun, it infuses a story that relates to today’s world. Your protagonist is a yellow taxi that runs on a spring rather than fuel, for instance. Meanwhile, you’ll build up to the final face-off against the big corporate invader, Alien Mosk, who sells harmful fuel that causes cars to explode.

8. Daimur (Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore)

The evil demon king, Daimur, returns but this time Princess Arzette isn’t having it. She sets off to fight for her kingdom, Faramore, and bring Daimur to justice, once and for all. Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore does a great job of capturing Daimur’s evil laugh, sound and visuals alike. Overall, it bolsters an energetic personality that fans of charming tales will surely love.

7. Emperor Eddie (Penny's Big Breakaway)

But perhaps you’ll fancy Penny’s Big Breakaway more. It follows the titular Penny and her yo-yo as they run away from Emperor Eddie and his penguin army. It definitely has lots of laughable moments, especially as the clumsy penguins chase after you. But more so, it packs well-done penguin combat and effortless platforming to boot.

6. Emperor Naro (Pepper Grinder)

Taking on Emperor Naro in Pepper Grinder is no easy feat. At first, the boss fight knits together a reasonable pattern you can quickly learn. However, the final form of Emperor Naro unleashes steep unpredictability. He brings out lightning bolts that switch up the battle. Yet once you take him down, the effort it takes feels well worth the trouble.

5. Chronos (Hades II)

Hades II offers a wholesome experience that is already superior to its predecessor. Particularly so for the antagonist, who has changed from Hades to Chronos. Embark on yet another grueling but rewarding adventure, taking on the Titan of Time. Chronos will be swift on his feet and by a mile. He wields control over almost every creature of the Underworld and the surface, too, even Hades himself, whom he holds prisoner. As a result, you’ll have your work cut out for you, pouring several hours into the battle against Chronos and taking multiple tries to put him down.

4. Takaya Sakaki (Persona 3 Reload)

At the center of the Persona 3 Reload story are two secondary antagonists, Takaya Sakaki and Shuji Ikutsuki, yet Takaya Sakaki ends up stealing the spotlight and is therefore the antagonist we care the most about. His personality stands out as that of a brave and charismatic opponent. You sympathize with him based on his past as a lab rat, which drastically influences his present and future. He lives in the moment, seeing no hope for the future. And while living in the moment can be simply having fun for some, Takaya Sakaki, instead, lays waste to others. It’s a neat way to show an antagonist’s perspective, that the past has plenty to do with how villains form twisted beliefs without any show of remorse. 

3. The Dragon (Dragon's Dogma II)

In the deep, explorable, fantastical world of Dragon’s Dogma II, it makes sense that your efforts fighting monsters and scavenging for resources come in handy in putting down a big, bad boss at the end of the game. That villain is the dragon, who’s also the final boss battle that’ll suck every last drop of energy and will to fight. But the best part about Dragon’s Dogma II’s antagonist is the clever intertwining between your story and the red dragon’s. The dragon has chosen you to be his Arisen, tying your fates together. 

2. Vahram (Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown)

Alternatively, you can take on the mythical world of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. While fighting the enemies on your way, and bosses, you’ll come across the major boss battle against the main antagonist, Vahram. He’s the leader of the Immortals and the final boss you must get past to succeed. While Vahram fights for Queen Thomyris, you could easily dismiss his character, yet he does have a complex story arc. His father was killed at a young age, fueling a rage that reaches its peak when he unlocks Simurgh's powers that turn him into a god. 

1. Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)

Funny enough, Sephiroth started out as a renowned war hero. Somewhere down the road, though, he turned evil. It’s these complex story patterns that make Sephiroth one of the most memorable villains of all time. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and the games before it develop Sephiroth’s character so delicately that by the time he decides to actualize his mother’s plans for destruction, we can’t completely blame him. You can even identify with his story at certain points. Plus, he looks cool and is a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our best video game antagonists of 2024 so far? Are there more antagonists we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.