Castles have always been intrinsically linked to video games. They make for ominous locations in horror titles, RPGs are often littered with them, and they are ideal stages for classic platformers. Thus, this seeming favorite locale of game developers has acquired a healthy number of enticing entries throughout the years.

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Some of these castles are rooted in the past, while others are technological titans taken directly from the future. Variety is the name of the game, here. No matter what your personal preference, there is a castle for everyone buried somewhere in your favorite games.

A Link To The Past's Hyrule Castle

Hyrule Castle in A Link to the Past is the ultimate escape room. The whole castle is one giant maze. You will have to navigate a number of dark rooms, find hidden keys for locked doors, and traverse narrow walkways.

A quick word of advice: check inside pots. You will be rewarded. However don't break them, as that would be extremely unnecessary. Once you get to the top, you will be treated with a view of all around you. Hyrule Castle is less about the decor and more about the adventure.

9 The Knights of Favonius Headquarters, Genshin Impact

mondstadt from a distance

Located in the city of Mondstadt, the Knights of Favonius Headquarters is one of the first locations you visit in Genshin Impact. It is host to a number of the most notable Genshin Impact characters (from Jean the Acting Grand Master of the knights to Kaeya the spymaster).

This is an example of a classic European castle, but unlike some other notable castles in games, this one is exceedingly cozy. It even operates as a public library for the rest of the town. The Knights of Favonius Headquarters is worth visiting for the good vibes alone. However, if the Favonius Headquarters isn't enough castle for you, you should be pleased to hear that Mondstadt is, itself, a castle town with large castle walls surrounding it. It is like the castle equivalent of Russian nesting dolls.

8 Castle of Mist, Ico

Ico's Castle of Mist

The Castle of Mist in Ico emphasizes height in a way that few other castles do. This is absolutely not going to be a fun tour for people who aren't comfortable with heights. When you're walking along the many bridges that connect the different sections of this massive palace, the scale of the castle becomes readily apparent.

The way the Castle of Mist looms above the rocky shore below will take your breath away. It is a location that has started to fall to time, but that makes this ruinous castle feel even more like an adventure, though it may, at times, make you feel a little concerned about your footing.

7 Whippet Creampup Castle, Cuphead

Cuphead Bon Bon Boss Guide

This may be the only castle in fiction that is both sentient and edible. Composed entirely of candy, Cuphead's Whippet Creampup castle is a living creature willing to do its queen's bidding.

Related: Cuphead: The Hardest Bosses In The Game And How To Beat Them Easily

While you never have the pleasure of entering this palatable palace, you do see some of the characters who reside in it, and it is a colorful cast that includes airborne chocolate bars as well as gumdrop people. Come for the novelty, stay for the company. And if you are lucky, maybe you can gnaw on a wall or two.

6 Wily Castle, Mega Man

Wily Castle from Mega Man 2

Here is something a little different. It isn't often that you see a castle shaped like a skull, but it has more to offer than the rad exterior. Dr. Wily's Castle is unique in that it isn't a medieval affair; instead, it is a technological wonder. Filled with advanced robotics, Wily Castle is a marvel for the curious.

Who doesn't want to see a giant mechanical dragon (though the footing in that room appears to be somewhat treacherous)? Wandering through Wily Castle would certainly put any animatronic show to shame. Consider yourself on notice, It's A Small World ride.

5 Figaro Castle, Final Fantasy 6

Figaro Castle from Final Fantasy 6

While most castles are desirable due to their decor and splendor, this is one castle that is notable due to its mechanical ingenuity. That's right, Final Fantasy 6's Figaro castle is a mechanical marvel. Capable of submerging itself deep in the surrounding sand, the entire castle is as much a vehicle as it is a structure.

The engine room is probably where you would want to spend most of your time. If you are lucky, maybe you would even get to experience the castle plunging deep into the desert while you were inside.

4 Cainhurst Castle, Bloodborne

Castle Cainhurst in Bloodborne

Cainhurst Castle is a hauntingly beautiful gothic castle, which is appropriate because it is also haunted. However, that is beside the point. This architectural beauty has wide-open rooms, secret doors, and expansive balconies that wrap around the castle itself. One of the highlights is the multi-tiered library that is filled with ornate shelves and railings.

Related: How To Join The Cainhurst Vilebloods

However, the highlight of Cainhurst Castle is on the roof. There are a number of walkways and large open areas, completely exposed to the elements topside. Here, you will find ornate stonework everywhere you turn. There must be thousands of statues to be admired lining the roof of Cainhurst Castle.

3 Dunan Castle, Suikoden 2

Suikoden 2 Dunan Castle with a screen shot of the main hall and the roof.

The Suikoden series is often lauded for its army building component, but another fantastic element is how your castle is built alongside the aforementioned army. However, it isn't just about building the size of your castle, it is also about adding amenities.

You will build practical stuff like smithies and armories, of course, but you will also acquire some conveniences, such as a bathhouse (for when you want to let off some steam) or a gambling den (for when you want to lose some money). It is always an absolute delight to see how your castle has grown after having been away for long stretches of time.

2 Castle Dimitrescu, Resident Evil: Village

Castle dimitrescu's from Resident Evil Village

While the lady of Castle Dimitrescu certainly received a lot of attention, the castle she rules over deserves an equal amount. This is easily the most visually stunning location in the game. While many video game castles appear to be in a state of disrepair, the Castle Dimitrescu is immaculately well-maintained (despite a little flooding in the basement).

Related: Spooky Details You Missed In Castle Dimitrescu

The castle has a number of wings and is outfitted with sprawling spires. There are also the remnants of a medieval dungeon on the lower floors. Who wouldn't want to languish in this beautiful castle filled with gilded, Baroque-era furniture? This is Resident Evil: Village's premier area, but it is also among the best castles in gaming.

1 Castlevania, Castlevania Series

Simon looks at Castlevania from a distance. Image taken from Super Castlevania 4.

You can't talk about castles without mentioning the most famous game to take place nearly exclusively in a castle (it even has "castle" right in its name). Castlevania's namesake is incredible. It has a giant library with books from floor to ceiling, a huge garden, towering spires, clock towers, and so much more.

Castlevania is opulent and has nearly everything you would want in a castle (outside of the residents, that is). Though if you plan to see the whole thing, you'd better bring your hiking shoes and you should probably avoid making any other plans for the day (or maybe the week): this castle is massive.

Next: Most Iconic Locations From The Elder Scrolls Series