There is a long list of possible challenges that you can undertake in your favorite video games. Some challenges are self-imposed in order to make classic games even harder for those that consider themselves veterans, but some challenges are actually intended to be undertaken. One of the most popular developer-intended challenges is the always difficult pacifist run.
What makes a true pacifist run is up to debate, but most people agree that a run counts as a pacifist run if you can make it through the game without killing any of the game's enemies. Some people go a step farther and include games that may force you to kill characters for plot or in their favorite cutscenes since you have no real control, but regardless of where you stand, there are tons of tough pacifist runs in gaming.
10 Mirrors Edge
The concept of a Mirrors Edge pacifist run is actually a strange one. The game has an achievement for reaching what the developers consider to be a pacifist run, but you’re still able to toss people clean off of the game's various skyscrapers.
Regardless of how you view a pacifist run, Mirrors Edge offers you plenty of different ways to put together your own run. Throwing the game on the hardest difficulty and attempting to use only your evasion skills and physical combat to rush past enemies is a great challenge.
9 Fallout 1 & 2
If you dismiss the fact that you’re forced into unleashing a nuke during the first two Fallout games’ final segments, you can actually get through both games without any direct fatalities. As these games are beloved by hardcore fans of the series, the first two games feature plenty of unique fan challenges.
The first two games are very different from the modern entries in a lot of ways. While they do feature some action, it could be argued that both games see the player relying on their decision-making over their combat skills.
8 Thief
Some of the toughest stealth games that any gamer can try come from the Thief series. A few of the entries can feel a bit dated now, but they did some incredible things upon their release. Each and every game stands out as a tough challenge for any kind of playthrough.
A true pacifist run of Thief is absolutely possible, but it is definitely not a challenge for the faint of heart. Many people online have swapped stories about their inability to complete the difficult pacifist run, but some have managed to claim the elusive achievement.
7 Tenchu: Shadow Assassins
Usually, a pacifist run is simply something that players will perform as a personal challenge. Occasionally, an achievement is tied to a peaceful run of a game. Other times, you simply can’t actually say you’ve completed a game until you’ve done a pacifist run.
Tenchu: Shadow Assassins is a brutally tough stealth game, and if you want to achieve the highest rank throughout the game, you’ll need to master the game's mechanics. To earn an S Rank in the game's stages, not only will you need to hold your steel, but you’ll also need to avoid all eyesight.
6 Watch Dogs 2
While it is possible to get through a pacifist run of Watch Dogs 2, you really won’t be getting anything for it other than your own personal satisfaction. If you love the series and want a great challenge, you’ll be putting a lot of hours into a pacifist run.
Since a run like that isn’t necessarily intended, you’ll need to be a pro with all the game's unique mechanics and gadgets. You’ll need to know exactly how everything is affected by your tech, and how long things will stay affected if you hope to stand a chance.
5 Silent Hill: Downpour
People have a lot of different opinions on the Silent Hill games the further you get into the series, but it can’t be said that Downpour didn’t try to do some things differently. One such thing is that you can do a pacifist run, something somewhat rare for the horror genre.
Not only can you do a pacifist run of this game, but it’s actually required if you want to experience the game's best ending. Locking the true ending behind something like that may sound cheap, but it makes a lot of sense when you learn more of the game's story.
4 Mark Of The Ninja
Once again, to complete a pacifist run of Mark Of The Ninja, it comes down to your definition of a true pacifist run. If you go by the standards set within the game's world and mechanics, then a pacifist run of this game is entirely possible.
It’s another tough run, but with expert use of non-lethal takedowns, you’ll be able to make it to the end of the game in no time. You’ll know you completed a mission without killing an enemy when you get a huge point bonus at the end of each stage.
3 Dishonored 1 & 2
You can technically do a pacifist run in Dishonored 1, but the second game is definitely the truer pacifist run of the two games. Each game has its own quirks as to what does and doesn’t count as kills in regards to enemies and takedown methods, but both games are tough.
Regardless of which game you pick to undertake a run, you’ll have to exercise plenty of patience with the game. It’s worth it to have played through the games once or twice each before even attempting a run because you’ll want to be a pro if you hope to reach the end with peace.
2 Metal Gear
You can actually do different kinds of technical pacifist runs throughout almost the entire Metal Gear series. Most of the games come with their own asterisks due to story-related deaths needing to take place, but outside of being forced to enact Snake’s wrath, you can crawl through many games without any violence.
Regardless of which game you attempt to take the challenge in, you’re in for a steep challenge, especially on the higher difficulties. If you want a true pacifist run without any cheap forced moments, play Metal Gear Solid 4, but be warned, it’s going to be rough.
1 Undertale
With how famous Undertale became in such a short amount of time, it would be shocking to hear of anyone who wasn’t aware of the unique mechanics this game features. You can absolutely play the game like any other RPG, but you’ll end up feeling pretty bad for it.
One of the best ways to play the game is to exercise those brain muscles and move-dodging skills by completing a pacifist run. Each encounter lets you solve a small puzzle in order to reason with the creatures around you. Playing this way leads to the game's best ending.