Demons have been the main antagonists since stories began, representing the darkest parts of society in most cases. In recent times, however, video games have played both sides and put the player in the demonic driver's seat. Whether it's standing across the battlefield or the main character, demons have fully invaded the narratives from good to bad.With so many floating around, there are only a few that stand out among the rest.

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Whether it be frightening design or immense power, these demons test the player's abilities in every facet. Sometimes granting the player access to their wicked power, it's easy to see why fans are clamouring to be in control and become the scary beast under the bed. Doomslayer might be one of the most powerful characters in gaming, but even he'd sweat trying to tear through the medium's most imposing demons.

10 Dante – Devil May Cry

DMC5

One of the few demon protagonists, Dante's one of the most fully developed demons in gaming– fighting his own kind, hunting down the evilest forces in the world using his own devilish powers. Facing down the most powerful enemies with snarky comments and his handy pistols, there's not much that can wipe the smirk off his face.

Being the son of a demon so powerful that some worshipped his father as a god, Dante got the power rub and now easily overpowers demon's even in human form. His abilities stretch so far that he brought down the massive hell gate of Fortuna, a task most felt was impossible.

9 Mundus – Devil May Cry

Boss Fight demon

A devil prince so powerful that he overthrew the ruler of the demon world and claimed his throne, Mundus ruled over every evil being before being betrayed by his chief Sparda. Stripped of his powerful disguise, Mundus' true form is unsettling to say the least– three eyes and writhing arms make for a frightening opponent.

Not only does he have the credentials, Mundus' is one of the most versatile opponents in the title. Slowly shedding its grand armour and forcing players to battle in the danger zone when it's hideous origin is exposed.

8 Lucifer – Painkiller

chapter 5 boss fight

The double-crossed fallen angel that has a chip on his shoulder now that some of his armies turned against him, he now seeks revenge. Daniel now has to come face to face with the devil after taking down his generals, the winged figure is the final boss of the game.

Having to travel into hell to battle him on homecourt is daunting, needing to kill 66 demon souls before the boss will even appear. So strong that he can only be brought down by his own sword, Lucifer makes for one of the most formidable demons in recent years.

7 Adria – Diablo 3

Evil Witch Diablo

A witch with some serious daddy issues, Adria's corrupt form is an unnatural representation of her twisted soul. She actually appears as a useful character, even helping the player in battle in previous titles. It's only in Reaper of Souls that players get to fight her.

Having to be extremely mobile throughout the battle, avoidance is key with her attacks dealing big damage physically and the form she takes leaving a lasting impression. The blood demon is definitely a character to remember for better or worse and has one of the most unique styles in the series.

6 Samael – Darksiders

Hell, devil Darksiders

One of the purest versions of a demon, Samael is a supercharged version of what kids see in their nightmares. Samael isn't an enemy of the player, more like a relenting ally. Stripped of his powers and sent to the Scalding Gallow, players must now restore his powers in exchange for access to certain regions.

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One of the rare instances where fans aren't locked in battle with the demon, Samael walks the fine line between helpful and insulting. What more can you expect from a demon?

5 Jackie – The Darkness

Jackie Estacado

A man and his demons fighting for revenge, Jackie is a human host that holds The Darkness. Players have to avenge the death of his girlfriend using the demonic powers, taking down a crime family in the process. Gradually coming more and more consumed by the demon is half the fun, gaining more power as the game progresses.

Usually an opposing force, the parasitic version of a demon is somehow more creepy. Slowly taking over the mind and body of Jackie as he's seduced into using its power to further his own needs. Stuck in a battle between humanity and power is a terrifying place to be, even in a game.

4 Soki – Onimusha

Onimusha

Technically a reincarnation of an Oni god or "God of Darkness," Hideyasu Yuki isn't fooling anyone when he fully reveals his power. With Sharp horns and intimidating armour, any sane person can tell the demonic influences that control the character.

In the endgame, Hideyasu has to fully accept his demonic powers to overcome the final obstacle. Taking a much more righteous approach than most demon characters, it's a great PR spin for the dark side and shows that not every demon has bad intentions.

3 Flauros – Silent Hill Origin

Silent Hill Origin

The final boss in the origin story, those who have played the game will have the image etched into their memory. Though Flauros doesn't have much character development outside of battle, it's relentless stalking without break creates a very claustrophobic feeling that would induce anxiety in most.

Following you relentlessly without giving any room to breathe, players have to take the red-skinned demon on while avoiding its magic. Representing the corrupt ideas the main character has of the outside world, the demon is even believed to amplify psychic abilities.

2 Baphomet – Agony

Agony Boss Battle

Even though he's the chapter 1 boss, Baphomet's design is enough to make a person's skin crawl. A strange, disturbing combination of animal and human, his creepy aesthetic is sure to burn an image on the mind.

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Devouring his enemies' heads is his finishing move, the speed at which he moves makes for a jittery fight. His screech at defeat or awakening comes out of left field, catching most off guard and serving as the warning shot before players have to avoid staying out of reach from the many arms.

1 Cyberdemon – Doom

Doom 3 Boss battle

While the typical demon is scary enough, Cyderdemon adds the element of machinery to his arsenal. Having to take on the upgraded minotaur makes for one of the toughest challenges in the series, having to dodge missiles being launched out of a massive chimera.

Not only its considerable offence to worry about, but the thing also has one of the toughest defences around. Having to chip away at the hulking mass for an extended period really gives players a sense of just how powerful an enemy it is. Don't forget about the laser beam it can shoot out of its shoulder. OP much?

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