There's something thrilling about letting go of a fixed form and becoming something far more dangerous. Games that let players shapeshift offer a power fantasy that truly goes beyond mere strength or speed. They invite fans to slip into new skin, wield abilities no ordinary character could, and see the world from a fresh perspective.
Some of these titles turn players into monstrous predators, others into divine warriors, and a few even let them blend perfectly into their surroundings before striking. These games revel in transformation, and make the act of shifting shape feel central to their worlds.
8 Best Manga with Shape-Shifting Protagonists
Shapeshifters, or characters with shapeshifting abilities, show up a lot more often in manga than you might think. Here are some of the best examples.
Prototype
Becoming the Apex Predator
Prototype
- Released
- June 9, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Radical Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action, Open-World
Prototype gives players the power trip of a lifetime, putting them in the shoes of Alex Mercer, a man infected with a mutagen that essentially turns his entire body into a weapon. His shapeshifting isn't just cosmetic. It lets him sprout claws or massive hammers, absorb enemies to steal their appearance, and even leap across entire city blocks. The game’s story involves a conspiracy-filled dive into bioweapon warfare and corporate secrets.
But it’s the feeling of becoming unstoppable that makes this game so memorable. Mercer isn't just strong; he’s almost godlike, mowing down military squads one minute and taking out tanks the next. Few games make players feel as untouchable as this one does when its shapeshifting is fully unleashed.
Carrion
The Monster In The Vents
Carrion
- Released
- July 23, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Phobia Studios
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Action, Indie Games, Puzzle
Few games manage to flip the horror script quite like Carrion. Players control a writhing, many-mouthed creature breaking out of a secret facility, slithering through vents, and devouring terrified scientists. Each new biomass upgrade lets the creature shift size and unleash new abilities.
8 Most Iconic Anime Shapeshifters
Anime is full of supernatural and fantastical themes, like those that can shapeshift. But who are the most iconic shapeshifters?
What makes it special is how the shapeshifting isn't just about combat, but also movement and puzzle-solving. Shrinking to fit through narrow tunnels or growing into a mass of teeth and tentacles keeps the game wonderfully dynamic. By the time players are tearing through security squads with ease, the game has delivered on its promise of letting them be the horror.
Altered Beast (2005)
Classic Transformation With A Twist
Altered Beast
- Released
- January 27, 2005
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sega
The 2005 reboot of Altered Beast brought the arcade classic into 3D and leaned even harder into shapeshifting. Players become a member of a military experiment who can turn into a werewolf, a dragon, or even an aquatic mutant, each with distinct playstyles.
The transformations are the highlight here, often triggered mid-combat to turn the tide of battle in brutal fashion. The game also has a darker tone than its original counterpart, with a story about genetic experimentation gone wrong. While the reboot wasn’t universally loved, its commitment to letting players swap forms as often as possible kept the action interesting.
Bayonetta
Stylish Witch, Endless Forms
Bayonetta
- Released
- October 29, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Platinum Games
- Genre(s)
- Action
Bayonetta may be known for her dazzling combos and that whole angel-slaying spectacle, but her shapeshifting abilities are equally iconic. Mid-combo, she can transform into a panther to sprint across battlefields or a bird to glide through the air.
Her Witch Time mechanic already slows enemies to a crawl, but combining it with her transformations gives her unmatched fluidity. The shapeshifting also extends outside of combat, making traversal feel just as flashy as the fights. It’s about turning every fight into a dance of constant transformation.
Primal
Becoming The Guardians
Primal
- Released
- March 25, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- SCE Studio Cambridge
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Horror
In Primal, players step into the shoes of Jen Tate, a woman pulled into a parallel dimension and gifted the ability to take on the forms of four guardian races. Each form has its own strengths, weaknesses, and abilities that affect both combat and exploration.
8 RPGs with Shape-Shifting Mechanics
These great RPG titles masterfully employ the mechanic of shapeshifting.
The game’s focus on using the right form at the right time gives it a puzzle-like rhythm. Switching from a lava-resistant Djinn form to a winged Wraith form isn't just cool, it’s necessary to progress. This makes the shapeshifting feel like an integral part of the journey rather than just a flashy gimmick.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
Dracula Unleashed
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
- Released
- February 25, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- MercurySteam
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 finally lets players take full control of Dracula himself, and his shapeshifting powers are as brutal as expected. He can transform into a swarm of bats to evade attacks, a mist to slip through gates, or even a dragon for devastating finishers.
The ability to freely switch between these forms mid-combat creates some of the most stylish battles in the series. Outside of fights, the transformations are used for clever traversal and stealth segments. It’s an example of shapeshifting being tied to both narrative and mechanics, truly focusing on Dracula’s status as a legendary force of darkness.
Prey
Become The Coffee Mug
Arkane Studios’ Prey might be best remembered for its eerie Art Deco space station setting. But its Mimic Matter ability deserves its own special place in all-time great video game powers. Players take control of Morgan Yu, who is trapped on a station that's been completely overrun by shape-shifting aliens called Mimics.
After she manages to unlock their own alien abilities, she can turn their own trick right back on them. Players can turn into anything from a humble office chair to a life-saving turret and use this bizarre power to sneak past enemies, solve environmental puzzles, or set up the perfect, paranoid ambush. It's empowering, and wonderfully mischievous.
7 Best Isekai Anime & Manga With Shapeshifting Protagonists
From That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime to Reborn as a Vending Machine, here are the best anime and manga titles with shapeshifting protagonists.