Dystopian video games often have fascinating but brutal worlds that show humanity’s worst potential futures. From the irradiated Wastelands of the Fallout series to the corporate-ruled Night City of Cyberpunk 2077, dystopias can take many forms and tell different stories about the fate of society.

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The grim but sometimes stunning dystopian worlds in video games often come with rich lore that can be pieced together through quests and items. Part of the fun of playing these games is figuring out exactly what led to the collapse of society in a particular world and what the player’s role is in working to fix it.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution follows the story of Adam Jensen who unexpectedly discovers that there’s a deeper story about the coveted biological augmentations that have been dividing society for years. It explores themes of transhumanism, thrusting players into a world where those who can afford augmentations rule and those who can’t are left to starve.

The most powerful entities in the game, as is the case with many fictional dystopias, are mega-corporations. The fate of these corporations depends on the protagonist’s actions and decisions—it’s one of those games where player’s choices really matter. From opting for stealth over direct assaults to choosing to say one thing over another, Deus Ex gives players a lot of freedom over their actions. These decisions significantly affect the story and the ultimate fate of the characters and the world.

Dishonored

Corvo on a ledge with a mechanical monster behind him and a villain in the window in the video game, Dishonored

Set in the industrial city of Dunwall, Dishonored lets players control Corvo Attano, who was serving as the Empress’ bodyguard before her assassination. It’s up to the player to uncover the sinister plot of the new rulers and find out how to restore the rightful heir to the throne.

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Dishonored’s dystopian world shows a stark separation between the rich and the poor, with most of society relying on harvesting whale oil to make a living. The entire city is also infested with plague-spreading rats, which turn citizens into Weepers, grotesque zombie-like entities that cry blood and attack unprovoked. Of course, the entire situation is perfect for the oppressive new government that uses armed Tallboys to execute citizens regularly. It’s a grim image of a future where only the rich can afford to be healthy and comfortable.

Wolfenstein: The New Order

An image of a gun pointing at Nazis and a robotic enemy in the video game Wolfenstein The New Order

Wolfenstein: The New Order takes one of the darkest periods of humanity and turns it into an even more twisted reality. Its alternative history takes place in a dystopian version of the 1960s where the Nazis are establishing a global totalitarian regime after winning the second World War.

The player’s role is to control the war veteran William Blazkowicz and stop the expansion of the Nazi regime. Wolfenstein takes it a step further by adding technological and scientific monstrosities to their dystopia. With robotic enemies like the Panzerhund and heavily-armored super-soldiers like the Fire Troopers, it’s an exhilarating world to explore and an interesting take on historical events.

Detroit: Become Human

Connor's back with the word "Android" on his uniform in the video game, Detroit: Become Human

It’s 2038, and technology has progressed rapidly enough to produce androids that walk and talk like humans. Detroit: Become Human focuses on the struggles between humans and androids, raising questions about morality and servitude.

Players control three androids, all serving different masters, as they slowly gain sentience and make crucial decisions about their lives and humanity’s future. It’s a game that focuses on players’ choices, as it has several possible endings depending on what the androids decide to do with their newfound sentience and potential freedom. Seeing a futuristic Detroit from the perspective of these androids gives players a unique look at ways technology can go too far, endangering society and all of its conscious beings.

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn Cover Art

Horizon: Zero Dawn is one of those few dystopian games that takes place in a gorgeous world. With lush fields and verdant mountains, players must uncover the darker story behind Aloy’s reality. Through Zero Dawn’s exciting main and side quests, Aloy eventually learns that the primitive state of humanity and the rampant aggressive machines all stem from an ancient plan that has gone wrong.

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It’s up to players to navigate Zero Dawn’s world to find out more about the machines and the AI governing them. As Aloy ventures deeper into Cauldrons and learns more about her own past, players get a clearer picture of the impending apocalyptic events they must stop, as well as the protagonist’s true role in restoring the dystopian world to the way it’s meant to be.

Metro Exodus

Metro Exodus Sunrise Key Art

In the year 2036, players find themselves in the middle of the war-torn Moscow Metro, with the debris of the old world serving as their shelter against the harsh nuclear winter. The protagonist of Metro Exodus, Artyom, is convinced that there’s life outside of the Russian winters they’ve grown used to.

The player must venture out with their band of brave Rangers, taking the train called ‘Aurora’ in search of a better life out in the East. Players have to get through mutated creatures, irradiated tunnels, and warring factions to find their own place in this chaotic future. It’s an expansive world in a game that takes place throughout an entire year, showing players that, with time and effort, there can be hope in even the most desolate dystopias.

BioShock

Big Daddy with Little Sister by its side in the video game, BioShock

BioShock’s submerged city, Rapture, was meant to be a utopia that provided the best resources to the elite. Of course, humanity’s greed and corruption eventually won, with citizens starting wars over a new valuable substance called ‘ADAM.’ As inequality and corruption became the norm, the supposed utopia began to birth mechanical monstrosities like Big Daddies and Little Sisters.

Players control Jack in the midst of all the chaos, a surface-dweller who unwittingly discovers this dystopian city. By navigating its treacherous streets and interacting with its few sane citizens, Jack slowly learns about Rapture’s complicated past and his crucial role in determining its future. Its philosophy-driven story asks important questions about humanity, greed, and the concept of a utopia, giving players a chance to reflect on mankind’s nature.

Cyberpunk 2077

A man standing behind his car looking out at Night City in the video game, Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 has changed a lot since its initial buggy launch, giving players a chance to experience Night City in all of its glory. It’s a dystopia teeming with cybernetic modifications and bright flashing ads, ruled by mega-corporations with the sole agenda of staying on top.

It can be either a glamorous or brutal dystopia, depending on who’s life one looks at. As the mercenary V, it’s an unforgiving city with violent gangs and cosmetic-obsessed citizens. Cyberpunk 2077 is a terrifying glimpse into a future where corporate rule is the norm. The game does an incredible job of unfurling this narrative as players can spend weeks on end exploring the dark secrets hidden in the vibrant marvel that is Night City.

Half-Life 2

A promotional poster featuring Gordon and Alyx in the video game, Half-Life 2

Half-Life 2 is set 20 years after scientists accidentally unleashed alien forces in the Black Mesa Research Facility. Players control the scientist, Gordon Freeman, who was actually partly responsible for accidentally opening the portal that let the Combine aliens in.

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The game tells an incredibly immersive story, as players see the world through the guilty protagonist’s eyes, who must now do everything he can to make up for his mistakes. The brutal police state that the Combine has established now controls what remains of the populace. City 17’s citizens are living in horrible conditions, subject to regular raids and abuse by the aliens. Its dilapidated hospitals, parks, and restaurants serve as a constant and painful reminder of the normal lives they once had.

Fallout 4

A Brotherhood of Steel warrior in Power Armor in Fallout 4.

The events of Fallout 4 take place in 2287, more than two hundred years after The Great War. The entire Fallout series is built in this post-nuclear war universe, where a retro-future with technology and aesthetics from the ‘50s serves as the backdrop for its events. Irradiated monstrosities like Bloatflies and Deathclaws roam the barren Wastelands, making it one of the most inhospitable and bleakest video game worlds.

Fallout 4 has an impressive open world full of well-written characters and exciting quests. As players explore the irradiated landscape, they’ll find out more about the complicated politics and warring factions in the game. The protagonist plays a crucial role in determining the best path for what’s left of humanity while also struggling to understand their own past and thier complex relationship with their family.

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