Summary
- RPG betrayals can be shocking and memorable, adding depth to storytelling.
- Players can avoid betrayals by choosing wise allies in co-op RPGs.
- Betrayals in RPGs are emotional, but can lead to redemption and character growth.
Role-playing games often let players control numerous party members, with these groups bonding to become closer than ever. So, it can be heartbreaking to see this party face a stumbling block in the event of a betrayal.
Some of the best RPGs know how to build up to this betrayal and shock the player, making for a memorable moment in a game that has already captured their attention. Players may hate these characters, but they can't help but appreciate the storytelling depth in these moments as they try to avoid these betrayals — when it's possible to do so.
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8 Persona 5
Betrayer(s): Goro Akechi
Persona 5
Persona 5's story is slow-paced, making it all the more enthralling when it kicks things into high gear and lets players enjoy iconic moments. One such instance comes when the group figures out the member of their party who's secretly a traitor.
Akechi is a detective prodigy who is making people lose their minds behind the scenes, only for a simple mistake to out him to the Phantom Thieves. He should never have been able to understand Morgana before awakening his Persona, letting Joker and the group prepare for his betrayal in a turning point for the game.
7 Divinity: Original Sin 2
Betrayer(s): Possibly Everyone In The Party
Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Released
- September 14, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is one of the most ambitious CRPGs ever made, featuring in-depth tactical combat coupled with a story that boasts a ton of meaningful choices. During numerous points in the storyline, players may be forced to turn on their comrades if they go against their wishes in a major way.
Along with this, the ending of the game can feature a surprise battle where the party members can either turn on the player character or support them in their quest to become Godwoken. It's a swerve that fans enjoy, and shows that every party member in Original Sin 2 is looking out for themselves unless players make the effort to convince their friends to stand by as the protagonist ascends to godhood.
6 Final Fantasy 7
Betrayer(s): Cait Sith
Final Fantasy 7
- Released
- January 31, 1997
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation (Original), PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
The Gold Saucer section of Final Fantasy 7 is so engaging that fans won't even realize that a newcomer in their party is a Shinra spy. Cait Sith isn't exactly a beloved party member, and this betrayal doesn't sit right with many fans.
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However, he does redeem himself somewhat with a valiant sacrifice to save the party. Given his status as a robot, he comes back and joins the party again. It's great for players who don't want to lose another playable character permanently, even if it dampens the impact of his sacrifice.
5 Barkley, Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden
Betrayer(s): Vinceborg 2050
Barkley, Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden
- Released
- January 22, 2008
- Developer(s)
- Tales of Game's Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC
Barkley, Shut up and Jam: Gaiden is one of the most unique RPGs players can get their hands on. It serves as a dark and brooding sequel to Space Jam, where basketball is outlawed and players are reimagined in new and interesting ways.
One such player is Vince Carter, who is brought back as a cyborg and aids the party early on. However, after meeting Michael Jordan, he remembers his original programming set by B.L.O.O.D.M.O.S.E.S. And betrays the heroes.
4 Tyranny
Betrayer(s): Barik
Tyranny
- Released
- November 10, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS
Tyranny is one of the best-written RPGs, as long as players can forgive a hasty and disappointing ending. Players love controlling the Fatebinder, as they either earn the respect of their party members or command them with fear.
One of the party members, Barik, is loyal to the Disfavored and refuses to stand with the Fatebinder unless players try to convince them. Failing to do so leads to Barik leaving the party and fighting the heroes as a member of the Disfavored, which is a betrayal the player would prefer to avoid by passing some skill checks.
3 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Betrayer(s): Yu Nanba
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
- Released
- November 10, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Like a Dragon is one of the best Yakuza games fans can check out, introducing a beloved character who uses the help of his friends to uncover a conspiracy for the ages. One of these buddies is Yu Nanba, a homeless man who joins Ichiban's cause for his own goals that he keeps hidden.
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He eventually betrays the party and fights them, as he is trying to hunt down his brother's killer. Ichiban refuses to give up on him, beating some sense into his friend before using the power of shonen to convince Nanba to rejoin the party. It's a surprisingly emotional moment, and shows why Like a Dragon's story is among the best in this beloved series.
2 Final Fantasy 4
Betrayer(s): Kain Highwind
Final Fantasy 4
Final Fantasy 4 features many party members that come and go before players finally get to control the five party members who will be a permanent fixture. Kain is one of these permanent allies, but he is easy to manipulate and betrays the party numerous times.
Thankfully, Cecil doesn't give up on his close friend, and convinces Kain to fight for the side of good. While his feelings for Rosa remain, Kain decides to prevent this reason from being a hero who saves the world from Zemus' evil plans.
1 Dragon Age: Inquisition
Betrayer(s): Solas
Dragon Age: Inquisition
The final scene of Dragon Age: Inquisition is quite shocking, especially for fans who put in the work to romance Solas. He's revealed to be Fen'Harel, an elven trickster god with plans of his own.
His betrayal is explored in the story DLCs, which are a must-play for fans who want to see Inquisition's story to completion. Fans who wanted Solas to be the main antagonist of The Veilguard were disappointed to see that he was done away with, courtesy of a convenient plot point to focus on a different evil instead.
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