In many video games, humanity’s greatest enemies are non-human entities, whether that be a demonic force or an intergalactic threat. Non-human antagonists often display the most memorable designs while delivering iconic moments and thrilling boss battles that help to define their respective series.
The non-human characteristics of these villains set them apart from their humanoid counterparts, as their nature allows their respective designers to broaden their horizons, not limited by the human form. These villains introduce a new perspective when it comes to their lack of humanity — they’re not confined to the limits of human villainy, and often feature their own mysterious backstories that help their motivations shine through.
10 Need A Hand? Master Hand (Super Smash Bros)
The Master Hand’s design is one that’s simple in execution, yet perfect for his role within the Super Smash Bros. games. Simply a white-gloved hand, this is a villain you end up fighting a lot throughout the games, especially if you want to unlock all the characters available.
A description of the Master Hand’s trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS also revealed that this villain is the creator of the Smash Bros. universe. As the name suggests, this mastermind has the universe in the palm of his hand.
9 But The Future Refused To Change: Lavos (Chrono Trigger)
Lavos is a parasitic alien hailing from outer space, draining the life force of the planet. While its origins and motivations are up to interpretation, it still proves to be a deadly villain. Despite Lavos’ incentives being unclear, its power cannot be underestimated, as it has the ability to steal DNA and use your own strengths against you.
It’s only through the use of time travel that you’re able to best this intergalactic parasite and save the planet’s future. The threat of Lavos looms over your entire adventure in Chrono Trigger, even though it only makes a few appearances in the game.
8 In Space No One Can Hear You Scream: Xenomorph (Alien: Isolation)
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The Xenomorph in Alien: Isolation is just as hostile and terrifying as its movie counterpart. This alien creature hunts you down as you traverse the Sevastopol space station, killing you brutally and without mercy if it spies your position.
Thanks to the game’s AI programming, the Xenomorph is able to find your location and interact with the environment, in a way that makes its movements seem natural rather than artificially generated. This means your encounters with it are all the more horrifying, because it actively stalks you, ready to strike you down at any given moment.
7 He’ll Drive You Bananas: King K. Rool (Donkey Kong)
This royal croc made his debut in Donkey Kong Country, where he starred as the main antagonist and final boss. The leader of the Kremlings, King K. Rool is determined to steal Donkey Kong’s Banana Hoard and is a cruel ruler — as is reflected in his name.
King K. Rool isn’t as blue-blooded as he may seem, as he assumed this position himself in a bid to gain power over the rest of the Kremlings. Rather than bettering his people, he uses his authority for tyranny.
6 Best Frenemies: King Dedede (Kirby)
King Dedede and Kirby have a tumultuous relationship throughout the series — while King Dedede appears as a villain in the majority of the Kirby games, Nintendo describes him as Kirby’s “frenemy”. Although King Dedede is often controlled by another force when coming up against Kirby, he can act like a villain of his own accord, too. These polarizing sides of his personality make him an interesting villain.
King Dedede’s bright and colorful penguin design isn’t what you’d expect from a villain, but it perfectly encapsulates the magic of the Kirby series and shows that he has a good side as well.
5 God Of Death: Ridley (Metroid)
One of Nintendo’s darker villains, Ridley isn’t afraid to show his brutal tendencies. This pterodactyl-like creature is the main antagonist of the Metroid series, and revels in violence and chaos. Despite appearing as a recurring villain in the series, Ridley is only the final boss in one entry, Metroid: Samus Returns, where you must fight against the cybernetic Proteus Ridley form.
Although he has a fondness for destruction, this non-human villain is intelligent and cunning, as he’s able to evade death on many occasions and come back for Samus again and again.
4 Cosmic Destroyer: Giygas (EarthBound)
EarthBound is a classic RPG where a group of four kids with PSI abilities embark on a journey to defeat the alien Giygas. The almighty Giygas is also known as the Embodiment of Evil, a descriptor that fits him well.
Giygas initially wanted to steal PSI abilities back from humans, but after failing to do so, resigned to plunging the world into eternal darkness instead. Giygas’ abstract design also makes for an ominous final boss fight, as he resembles a distorted, emaciated face stuck mid-scream. Pokey says that Gigyas’ “own mind was destroyed by his incredible power”, which is reflected in the final fight of the game, where he cries out for help.
3 There’s More Beneath The Mask: Majora (The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask)
Being part of a series where the main villain is so iconic, Majora had a lot to live up to. A malevolent force that uses the titular Majora’s Mask to manipulate Skull Kid, Majora is a villain shrouded in mystery. This makes Majora all the more compelling as an antagonist, and has led to lots of discussions regarding its true form.
Using Skull Kid as a conduit for its evil deeds, Majora attempts to bring down the moon onto the land of Termina. This leads to one of the most unforgettable boss fights in the series, where Majora has three distinct forms — Majora’s Mask, Majora’s Incarnation, and Majora’s Wrath.
2 Peachy Keen: Bowser (Super Mario)
Bowser is one of the most iconic video game villains, thanks to his simple yet effective non-human design and his place in one of video games’ most well-known series. This draconic Koopa has a habit of kidnapping Princess Peach, much to the ire of Mario.
Bowser has had a large role in the Super Mario series, especially in Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story — where you get the chance to be up close and personal with Bowser, controlling both him and the plumber brothers. Bowser also has layers, juggling being a super villain and a father to Bowser Jr.
1 Evil Incarnate: Ganon (The Legend Of Zelda)
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One of, if not the, most famous video game villains of all time, Ganon is Link and Zelda’s arch nemesis. He'll stop at nothing to obtain the Triforce. While taking human form in some of the series’ entries, Ganon most commonly appears in his beast form, the shape of a pig.
This fearsome foe has made for lots of memorable boss fights over the years, including in Ocarina of Time, where Ganon sheds his human form to become a beastly pig, and Breath of the Wild, where his form is almost spider-like and takes design elements from the game’s Guardians.