15 Most Hated Video Game Characters

While playing the game, we can connect to a game character and put ourselves in that character’s shoes. As such, when something happens to our main character, we can hold another character responsible and feel intense emotions.

In addition, some bad characters in the games can be loved by the majority because they are designed very successfully or are right by some of the players. We will leave aside the sympathetic aspects of these characters and focus on the bad aspects. Here are the most hated video game characters.

P.S. The article contains spoilers.

The Most Hated Video Game Characters

Runewright – The Witcher 3

Introduced in the Hearts of Stone expansion, the Runewright, named Olgierd von Everec, is a mysterious craftsman with the ability to enhance Geralt’s weaponry and gear using powerful enchantments and runes.

Runewright’s mysterious demeanor and the complex process of unlocking his abilities add an extra layer of depth to the game, providing players with both a valuable ally in battle and a fascinating mystery within the rich tapestry of Geralt’s adventures. Still, the character is considered one of the most hated video game characters because of his endless demands for money for crappy runes.

Dutch van der Linde – Red Dead Redemption

Dutch van der Linde, the charismatic yet morally ambiguous leader of the Van der Linde gang in Red Dead Redemption, stands as one of the most hated video game characters for his complex and manipulative nature. As players traverse the harsh landscapes of the Old West, Dutch’s descent into madness becomes increasingly apparent, leading the gang into a downward spiral of chaos and betrayal.

His grandiose speeches and promises of a utopian future create a stark contrast with his actions, leaving players with a deep sense of betrayal as the gang disintegrates. Dutch’s erratic behavior, combined with his disregard for the well-being of his comrades, culminates in a character that players come to despise for his role in the tragedy that befalls the Van der Linde gang, making him a central figure in the emotional narrative of the game.

Also Read: The 7 Unsolved Mysteries in Video Games

G-Man – Half-Life

Surprisingly, the G-Man from the Half-Life series is not a character most players hate, but rather an enigmatic figure that evokes a mix of fascination and frustration. The G-Man, with his cryptic speeches and mysterious demeanor, is a puppet master pulling the strings behind the curtains of the game’s events. While players may feel a sense of unease and curiosity towards this character, the hatred is directed more at the unanswered questions he leaves in his wake.

The G-Man’s enigmatic presence, coupled with the unresolved mysteries surrounding his motives and true nature, has fueled both admiration and frustration among players. Rather than being hated, the G-Man is often seen as one of the most memorable and perplexing figures in video game history, leaving players eagerly awaiting answers to the many questions he leaves in his enigmatic wake.

Teemo – League of Legends

The little scout Teemo, who has managed to annoy every League of Legends player at least once and has become one of the most disliked characters of the game, is also here. This deceptively cute and seemingly harmless yordle conceals a lethal arsenal of abilities that can make any opponent’s gaming experience a frustrating ordeal. Teemo’s specialty lies in planting invisible mushrooms across the map, creating minefields that can decimate unsuspecting enemies.

His hit-and-run tactics and the persistent annoyance of his toxic “blind” ability make him a thorn in the side of many players. It’s not just Teemo’s in-game prowess that draws the ire; it’s the psychological toll he takes on opponents, turning matches into a test of patience and resilience. As a result, Teemo stands as the embodiment of irritation on the virtual battlefield, earning his place as one of the most detested characters in the League of Legends universe.

Also Read: Top Games Like League of Legends

Vladimir Lem – Max Payne

Vladimir Lem, the treacherous Russian mob boss in the Max Payne series, etches himself into the annals of gaming as one of the most hated characters due to his cunning and ruthless nature. Lem’s betrayal and manipulation of Max Payne, the game’s titular character, leave players seething with animosity. From orchestrating Max’s family tragedy to exploiting his vulnerabilities, Lem embodies the embodiment of betrayal in the gritty, noir-inspired world of Max Payne.

His smug demeanor and callous disregard for others’ lives intensify players’ disdain, making Vladimir Lem a memorable antagonist whose actions resonate long after the game concludes, cementing his place as one of the most despised figures in the Max Payne narrative.

Gaunter O’Dimm – The Witcher 3

Contrary to the norm, Gaunter O’Dimm in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt isn’t precisely hated but rather feared and revered as one of the most captivating and enigmatic characters in the gaming world. Known as the Man of Glass or Master Mirror, O’Dimm is a malevolent and omniscient force, weaving through the game’s narrative with an eerie sense of control.

His cunning and ambiguous motives make him an unsettling yet compelling presence, challenging players’ perceptions of morality and power within the Witcher universe. Instead of hate, Gaunter O’Dimm elicits a sense of awe and trepidation, proving that his impact on players transcends the typical disdain often reserved for more straightforward antagonists in video games.

Also Read: The Best Games Based on Books

Abby – The Last of Part II

Abby, from The Last of Us Part II, finds herself as one of the most hated video game characters in gaming history rather than simply being hated. Her role in the game subverts traditional expectations, and players’ emotions toward her are complex. Abby’s actions, particularly early in the narrative, lead players to question their allegiances and challenge the conventional hero-villain dichotomy.

The unique narrative structure and the exploration of moral ambiguity make Abby a character who elicits strong emotions, but this is more a testament to the game’s success in fostering empathy and thought-provoking storytelling than a straightforward disdain for her character. In a game that delves into the complexities of revenge, Abby’s presence ensures that players confront the blurred lines between right and wrong, ultimately contributing to the game’s lasting impact and sparking discussions among the gaming community.

General Shepherd – Call of Duty

General Shepherd in the Call of Duty series emerges as one of the most hated video game characters due to his ruthless and self-serving nature. Tasked with protecting the United States from various threats, Shepherd’s betrayal in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 shocks players as he orchestrates a heinous act that claims the life of a beloved protagonist.

His manipulation of both players and in-game characters for personal gain generates intense animosity. Shepherd’s callous disregard for the lives of his own soldiers and the catastrophic consequences of his actions make him a memorable antagonist, leaving a lasting impression as one of the most detested figures in the “Call of Duty” narrative.

Irene Engel – Wolfenstein

Irene Engel, the formidable antagonist in the Wolfenstein series, earns her status as one of the most hated video game characters through her unrelenting cruelty and zealous dedication to the Nazi regime. As a high-ranking officer in the SS, Engel embodies the worst aspects of the enemy, exhibiting a sadistic nature and unwavering loyalty to Hitler’s ideals.

Her ruthless pursuit of protagonist B.J. Blazkowicz and the sadistic pleasure she takes in causing suffering contribute to her notorious reputation. The visceral impact of Engel’s actions, coupled with her ideological fanaticism, makes her a character players love to hate, as she epitomizes the brutality and inhumanity of the Nazi regime within the immersive world of Wolfenstein.

Lance Vance – GTA: Vice City

Lance Vance, from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, cements his place as one of the most hated video game characters due to his betrayal and opportunistic nature. Initially posing as a close ally and business partner to the protagonist, Tommy Vercetti, Lance’s eventual turncoat actions in the pursuit of personal gain catch players off guard.

His betrayal at a critical juncture in the narrative adds a layer of emotional impact and resentment, making him a character players love to despise. Lance Vance’s treacherous actions in the neon-soaked streets of Vice City contribute to his reputation as one of the most memorable and loathed figures in the Grand Theft Auto universe.

Vaas – Far Cry 3

As the charismatic and psychopathic pirate lord, Vaas inflicts psychological torment upon the protagonist, Jason Brody, and the other captives on the Rook Islands. His unpredictable outbursts, coupled with the chilling insanity in his eyes, create an atmosphere of constant tension and fear.

Vaas’s memorable “definition of insanity” monologue further solidifies his notoriety. Players find themselves captivated and repelled by his captivating yet repugnant presence, making Vaas one of the standout and despised villains in the gaming world.

Iudex Gundyr – Dark Souls 3

Iudex Gundyr, the initial boss encounter in Dark Souls 3, often earns the ire of players due to his challenging and punishing nature. Serving as the gatekeeper to the game’s demanding world, Gundyr tests players’ skills right from the outset, and his relentless attacks can be a daunting obstacle for newcomers.

Many players find themselves repeatedly facing defeat at the hands of this formidable foe, leading to a love-hate relationship. While Gundyr’s difficulty is a hallmark of the “Dark Souls” series, his status as the first major hurdle makes him a character that players both dread and begrudgingly respect, solidifying his reputation as a challenging and, for some, a most hated video game character.

Also Read: The Best Soulslike Games

Micah Bell – Read Dead Redemption 2

Micah Bell, the cunning and treacherous character in Red Dead Redemption 2, earns his place among the most hated video game characters due to his unapologetic villainy and betrayal. Throughout the game, Micah consistently undermines the protagonist, Arthur Morgan, and the rest of the Van der Linde gang.

His manipulative actions and self-serving agenda come to a head during pivotal moments, leaving players with a deep sense of animosity towards this despicable character. Micah’s role in the downfall of the gang and his complete lack of moral compass create a lasting impact, making him a memorable and intensely disliked figure within the narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2.

Patches – Dark Souls

Often posing as an ally, Patches exploits players’ trust with cunning traps and ambushes, leading to frustrating and unexpected confrontations. His role as a trickster and the sense of betrayal players experience when falling victim to his schemes make Patches a character despised in the Dark Souls community.

Despite his memorable antics and the dark humor he brings to the series, players can’t help but harbor a strong resentment towards the mischievous and duplicitous Patches.

Big Smoke – GTA: San Andreas

Big Smoke, from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, has earned a place among the most disliked video game characters, not due to his villainy, but rather his unexpected betrayal. Initially portrayed as a close friend and mentor to the protagonist Carl “CJ” Johnson, Smoke’s abrupt betrayal during a critical mission catches players off guard.

His involvement with the enemy gang and the subsequent revelation of his betrayal create a sense of shock and resentment. The betrayal by someone thought to be an ally makes Big Smoke one of the most memorable and disliked characters in “GTA: San Andreas,” adding a layer of complexity to the game’s narrative and leaving players with mixed emotions about their once-trusted companion.

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In the vast tapestry of video game characters, a few find themselves on the receiving end of player disdain. Whether due to poor design choices, frustrating mechanics, or irritating personalities, these characters have left an indelible mark on the gaming community. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the subjective nature of gaming ensures that what one player despises, another may find endearing or, at the very least, tolerable. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s certain that more characters will join the ranks of the most hated, becoming a curious footnote in the ongoing narrative of interactive entertainment.