top of page

VILLAIN

Why save the world when you can own it? Step into the shadows with games that let you play as the bad guy—the tyrant, the mastermind, the monster. From charming sociopaths to chaos-loving overlords, these stories celebrate power, corruption, and dark fun. CRIMENET dives into the best villain games where evil finally gets the spotlight—and the soundtrack slaps harder than justice ever could.

A colossal tentacled sea monster tears through a modern city street as police cars and tanks surround it, with shattered pavement, dust, and towering skyscrapers creating a cinematic scene of urban destruction.

A colossal tentacled sea monster tears through a modern city street as police cars and tanks surround it, with shattered pavement, dust, and towering skyscrapers creating a cinematic scene of urban destruction.

YOU ARE THE MONSTER Review (2026): Finally, A Game That Rewards Property Damage

1 day ago7 min read

Armed penguin thieves stand outside a brightly lit warehouse at night, one wearing a green frog hoodie and carrying a crowbar while the other aims a suppressed rifle, with a helicopter and guard tower overlooking the heist scene.

Armed penguin thieves stand outside a brightly lit warehouse at night, one wearing a green frog hoodie and carrying a crowbar while the other aims a suppressed rifle, with a helicopter and guard tower overlooking the heist scene.

The Greatest Penguin Heist of All Time Review (2026): The Geneva Convention Never Mentioned Penguins

1 day ago6 min read

A group of mischievous garden gnomes flee a suburban house carrying stolen loot while an enraged homeowner, armed with a pistol and frying pan, chases them out the front door alongside a barking dog. Broken household items litter the lawn as the tiny burglars sprint toward the viewer in this stylized action artwork inspired by Burglin' Gnomes.

A group of mischievous garden gnomes flee a suburban house carrying stolen loot while an enraged homeowner, armed with a pistol and frying pan, chases them out the front door alongside a barking dog. Broken household items litter the lawn as the tiny burglars sprint toward the viewer in this stylized action artwork inspired by Burglin' Gnomes.

Burglin' Gnomes Review (2026): Home Invasion Has Never Looked This Adorable

1 day ago11 min read

The Brewline protagonist holding a bottle in a dark brick alley, with bottles of bootleg alcohol, stacks of cash and a baseball bat on a table behind him.

The Brewline protagonist holding a bottle in a dark brick alley, with bottles of bootleg alcohol, stacks of cash and a baseball bat on a table behind him.

The Brewline Review: Is This Bootlegging Crime Sim Basically Schedule I With Booze?

2 days ago9 min read

Half-zombie butcher holding meat in a dark, eerie butcher shop surrounded by hanging sausages, cured meats, tentacles, and a skull.

Half-zombie butcher holding meat in a dark, eerie butcher shop surrounded by hanging sausages, cured meats, tentacles, and a skull.

Zombutcher Review: Cooking With Corpses Has Never Been This Profitable

2 days ago9 min read

Ghostly green spirits swirl through a supernatural portal between red theatre curtains, watched by a horned demon and a grinning skeletal figure seated in ornate chairs.

Ghostly green spirits swirl through a supernatural portal between red theatre curtains, watched by a horned demon and a grinning skeletal figure seated in ornate chairs.

Ghost Keeper Review: Finally, A Game That Puts the Ghosts in Charge

6 days ago8 min read

Best GTA Online Money This Week (July 16-July 23): What Actually Pays?

6 days ago7 min read

Masked thieves exchange gunfire with security inside the Kortz Center museum during a chaotic GTA Online heist, as priceless artifacts and display cases become collateral damage.

Masked thieves exchange gunfire with security inside the Kortz Center museum during a chaotic GTA Online heist, as priceless artifacts and display cases become collateral damage.

Best Kortz Center Heist Solo Strategy (2026): Make More Money Without Getting Greedy

Jul 154 min read

Four GTA Online criminals gather around a detailed scale model of the Kortz Center, planning their next museum heist before the robbery begins.

Four GTA Online criminals gather around a detailed scale model of the Kortz Center, planning their next museum heist before the robbery begins.

Why Your Kortz Center Heist Payout Reset (2026): Weekly Cooldown Explained

Jul 154 min read

Masked thieves carefully navigate a maze of red laser security inside the Kortz Center vault during a stealth heist in GTA Online.

Masked thieves carefully navigate a maze of red laser security inside the Kortz Center vault during a stealth heist in GTA Online.

Kortz Center Heist Payout Explained (2026): Why Your Second Run Pays So Much Less

Jul 154 min read

GTA Online The Kortz Center Heist key art showing masked robbers, museum security and the new art heist.

GTA Online The Kortz Center Heist key art showing masked robbers, museum security and the new art heist.

Kortz Center Heist Money Guide (2026): The First Run Is Amazing. Then Reality Hits.

Jul 1514 min read

A gothic couple stands beneath a moonlit sky outside a looming Victorian mansion, surrounded by thorny vines and deep red roses. The dark-haired man holds a glowing three-candle candelabrum while the blonde woman wears an ornate crimson corset dress, with rain-slicked paths and illuminated mansion windows completing the ominous romantic scene.

A gothic couple stands beneath a moonlit sky outside a looming Victorian mansion, surrounded by thorny vines and deep red roses. The dark-haired man holds a glowing three-candle candelabrum while the blonde woman wears an ornate crimson corset dress, with rain-slicked paths and illuminated mansion windows completing the ominous romantic scene.

The Crimson Maid Review (2026): A Beautiful Gothic Mystery With Barely Any Game Under the Floorboards

Jul 1511 min read

A cinematic GTA Online: The Kortz Center Heist artwork featuring a masked thief in an ornate gold skull mask, an armed woman aiming a pistol, a hazmat-suited robber carrying a suppressed rifle, Trevor Philips beside a tiger, a biker speeding away, police surrounding a gunman, and an art thief stealing a painting inside the neon-lit Kortz Center museum.

A cinematic GTA Online: The Kortz Center Heist artwork featuring a masked thief in an ornate gold skull mask, an armed woman aiming a pistol, a hazmat-suited robber carrying a suppressed rifle, Trevor Philips beside a tiger, a biker speeding away, police surrounding a gunman, and an art thief stealing a painting inside the neon-lit Kortz Center museum.

GTA Online Kortz Center Heist Guide (2026): New Heist, Weekly Bonuses & All Major Changes

Jul 155 min read

Forensic investigator's toolkit open beside a bloodstained living room, with evidence markers, scattered clues, overturned furniture and sunlight illuminating a modern apartment crime scene.

Forensic investigator's toolkit open beside a bloodstained living room, with evidence markers, scattered clues, overturned furniture and sunlight illuminating a modern apartment crime scene.

Forensics: Crime Scene Detective Review: Worth Investigating, or Should You Leave It to the Lab?

Jul 135 min read

Dark fantasy poster showing a towering horned dungeon overlord with glowing blue eyes above a fiery underground fortress, while armed heroes face waves of monsters beneath swirling green soul magic.

Dark fantasy poster showing a towering horned dungeon overlord with glowing blue eyes above a fiery underground fortress, while armed heroes face waves of monsters beneath swirling green soul magic.

You Don't Kill Heroes In Dungeons. You Farm Them. (2026 Review)

Jul 125 min read

Close-up portrait of Skull and Bones pirate king Philippe La Peste snarling beneath a weathered tricorn hat, with burning rope fuses framing his face as flames and smoke engulf a pirate fortress in the background.

Close-up portrait of Skull and Bones pirate king Philippe La Peste snarling beneath a weathered tricorn hat, with burning rope fuses framing his face as flames and smoke engulf a pirate fortress in the background.

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Review (2026): Ubisoft Fixed the Graphics... Then Sank the Ship

Jul 1117 min read

Green alien baby surrounded by futuristic traders, money blocks, and rising stock arrows in Space Warlord Baby Trading Simulator.

Green alien baby surrounded by futuristic traders, money blocks, and rising stock arrows in Space Warlord Baby Trading Simulator.

Space Warlord Baby Trading Simulator Review: I Got Rich Betting Against Alien Babies

Jul 1012 min read

Buckshot Roulette horror game artwork showing the Dealer holding a shotgun across a gambling table in a dark underground room filled with shells, smoke, and industrial equipment.

Buckshot Roulette horror game artwork showing the Dealer holding a shotgun across a gambling table in a dark underground room filled with shells, smoke, and industrial equipment.

Buckshot Roulette Review (2026): Is This Shotgun Horror Game Still Worth Playing?

Jul 1013 min read

Crime Boss Rockay City cinematic poster showing criminals in Rockay City with a crime boss, gang members, helicopter chase, police action, neon streets, and heist atmosphere.

Crime Boss Rockay City cinematic poster showing criminals in Rockay City with a crime boss, gang members, helicopter chase, police action, neon streets, and heist atmosphere.

Is Crime Boss Rockay City Worth Playing In 2026? The Payday Rival That Refused To Die

Jul 68 min read

Need for Speed Most Wanted 2012 high-speed police chase with two sports cars drifting through Fairhaven city streets in a red, black, and white cinematic racing poster style.

Need for Speed Most Wanted 2012 high-speed police chase with two sports cars drifting through Fairhaven city streets in a red, black, and white cinematic racing poster style.

Need For Speed Most Wanted Review (2026): Is This Police Chase Classic Still Worth Playing?

Jul 67 min read

GTA Vice City Definitive Edition review artwork featuring neon Miami-style streets, palm trees, luxury car, and 1980s criminal empire atmosphere.

GTA Vice City Definitive Edition review artwork featuring neon Miami-style streets, palm trees, luxury car, and 1980s criminal empire atmosphere.

GTA Vice City Definitive Edition Review (2026): Is This Crime Classic Still Worth Playing?

Jul 67 min read

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Review (2026): Is The Legendary Crime Game Still Worth Buying?

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Review (2026): Is The Legendary Crime Game Still Worth Buying?

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Review (2026): Is The Legendary Crime Game Still Worth Buying?

Jul 68 min read

Mafia II Definitive Edition crime game review featuring Vito Scaletta, mafia warfare, classic cars, and Empire Bay’s criminal underworld

Mafia II Definitive Edition crime game review featuring Vito Scaletta, mafia warfare, classic cars, and Empire Bay’s criminal underworld

Mafia II: Definitive Edition Review: A Crime Masterpiece With One Big Problem

Jul 57 min read

GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition artwork showing a blonde woman with sunglasses in front of the Los Santos skyline, palm trees, helicopter, plane, and classic lowrider car.

GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition artwork showing a blonde woman with sunglasses in front of the Los Santos skyline, palm trees, helicopter, plane, and classic lowrider car.

GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition Review (2026): Is It Finally Worth Playing?

Jul 59 min read

Bloodied Wei Shen standing in a neon-lit Hong Kong alley during heavy rain in Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition, capturing the gritty Triad crime thriller atmosphere with dark urban streets and intense martial arts action.

Bloodied Wei Shen standing in a neon-lit Hong Kong alley during heavy rain in Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition, capturing the gritty Triad crime thriller atmosphere with dark urban streets and intense martial arts action.

Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition Review (2026): Is This Forgotten GTA Rival Still Worth Playing?

Jul 58 min read

Yakuza Like a Dragon poster featuring Ichiban Kasuga with his signature bat surrounded by allies, yakuza factions, and Yokohama’s criminal underworld in a fiery cinematic scene.

Yakuza Like a Dragon poster featuring Ichiban Kasuga with his signature bat surrounded by allies, yakuza factions, and Yokohama’s criminal underworld in a fiery cinematic scene.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon Review (2026): A Crime Masterpiece Where You’re Too Nice To Be The Villain

Jul 48 min read

Hazmat worker disposing of a bloodied barrel inside a toxic industrial laboratory in Hazard Pay, a dystopian puzzle game about cleaning up crime scenes and destroying evidence.

Hazmat worker disposing of a bloodied barrel inside a toxic industrial laboratory in Hazard Pay, a dystopian puzzle game about cleaning up crime scenes and destroying evidence.

Hazard Pay Review: Cleaning Up Murder Has Never Been This Satisfying

Jul 35 min read

Murky Divers underwater horror scene featuring a deep-sea diver reaching toward a severed hand while a terrifying mutant stalks from the darkness inside a flooded laboratory.

Murky Divers underwater horror scene featuring a deep-sea diver reaching toward a severed hand while a terrifying mutant stalks from the darkness inside a flooded laboratory.

Murky Divers Review (2026): Is This Underwater Horror Game Actually Worth Playing?

Jul 26 min read

GTA Online Gunrunning bunker sale featuring a Phantom Custom delivery truck racing down a highway alongside armed escort vehicles during a high-risk weapons delivery mission.

GTA Online Gunrunning bunker sale featuring a Phantom Custom delivery truck racing down a highway alongside armed escort vehicles during a high-risk weapons delivery mission.

When Should You Sell Your Bunker Solo In GTA Online? (2026 Guide)

Jul 23 min read

Armored weaponized truck leaving a GTA Online Gunrunning bunker at night, illuminated by bright bunker lights and surrounded by towering desert cacti under a dramatic star-filled sky.

Armored weaponized truck leaving a GTA Online Gunrunning bunker at night, illuminated by bright bunker lights and surrounded by towering desert cacti under a dramatic star-filled sky.

Best Bunker Upgrade Order in GTA Online (2026): Which Upgrade Should You Buy First?

Jul 24 min read

Free Lago Zancudo Bunker in GTA Online surrounded by dry grass and wildflowers, showcasing the military bunker property available during the weekly event.

Free Lago Zancudo Bunker in GTA Online surrounded by dry grass and wildflowers, showcasing the military bunker property available during the weekly event.

Is The Free Lago Zancudo Bunker Worth It In GTA Online? (2026 Verdict)

Jul 24 min read

PAYDAY 3 masked heist crew standing in front of an open bank vault surrounded by flying cash, ready for a high-stakes robbery.

PAYDAY 3 masked heist crew standing in front of an open bank vault surrounded by flying cash, ready for a high-stakes robbery.

PAYDAY 3 Review (2026): Better Than Ever, But Is It Better Than PAYDAY 2?

Jul 112 min read

Mafia: Definitive Edition movie poster featuring a 1930s gangster in a fedora holding a Tommy gun, standing before a fiery city skyline with vintage cars in a noir-inspired Prohibition setting.

Mafia: Definitive Edition movie poster featuring a 1930s gangster in a fedora holding a Tommy gun, standing before a fiery city skyline with vintage cars in a noir-inspired Prohibition setting.

Mafia: Definitive Edition Review (2026): One Of The Best Mafia Games Ever Made, But It's Not GTA

Jun 307 min read

Watch Dogs 2 thumbnail showing hacker Marcus Holloway overlooking San Francisco with drones, the Golden Gate Bridge, and a smartphone in Ubisoft's open-world hacking game.

Watch Dogs 2 thumbnail showing hacker Marcus Holloway overlooking San Francisco with drones, the Golden Gate Bridge, and a smartphone in Ubisoft's open-world hacking game.

Watch Dogs 2 Review (2026): Ubisoft's Best Open-World Crime Game Is Still Worth Hacking

Jun 306 min read

Two escaped prisoners stand back-to-back in a rain-soaked prison yard at night, illuminated by harsh floodlights from a looming guard tower. Barbed-wire fences, wet pavement, and heavy storm clouds create a tense cinematic atmosphere as the pair prepare for their dangerous escape.

Two escaped prisoners stand back-to-back in a rain-soaked prison yard at night, illuminated by harsh floodlights from a looming guard tower. Barbed-wire fences, wet pavement, and heavy storm clouds create a tense cinematic atmosphere as the pair prepare for their dangerous escape.

A Way Out Review (2026): One Of The Best Co-Op Crime Games Ever Made?

Jun 277 min read

Crime Simulator promotional artwork showing a masked burglar holding a crowbar outside a suburban house at night during a burglary mission

Crime Simulator promotional artwork showing a masked burglar holding a crowbar outside a suburban house at night during a burglary mission

Crime Simulator Review (2026): The Closest Thing To A Burglar Career Without A Court Date

Jun 276 min read

GTA Online cocaine lockup workers processing narcotics on a large cutting table filled with white powder, scales, chemicals and packaging equipment inside a dimly lit underground drug lab.

GTA Online cocaine lockup workers processing narcotics on a large cutting table filled with white powder, scales, chemicals and packaging equipment inside a dimly lit underground drug lab.

Cocaine Lockup Payout In GTA Online (2026): Is It Still Worth Buying?

Jun 256 min read

GTA Online Fooligan Jobs promotional artwork featuring Dax and the Fooliganz gang in Blaine County, highlighting the 2X GTA$ and RP bonus week and Acid Lab progression rewards.

GTA Online Fooligan Jobs promotional artwork featuring Dax and the Fooliganz gang in Blaine County, highlighting the 2X GTA$ and RP bonus week and Acid Lab progression rewards.

Fooligan Jobs Payout In GTA Online (2026): Do 10 Then Never Touch Them Again

Jun 256 min read

Necromancer performing a dark ritual inside a ruined gothic temple while undead creatures rise from the mist in The Necromancer's Tale

Necromancer performing a dark ritual inside a ruined gothic temple while undead creatures rise from the mist in The Necromancer's Tale

The Necromancer's Tale Review (2026): One Of The Best Villain RPGs You've Probably Missed

Jun 247 min read

Destroy All Humans! 2 Reprobed artwork featuring Crypto the alien invader flying above a massive explosion while UFOs attack a city with laser beams, tanks, cars, and destruction below.

Destroy All Humans! 2 Reprobed artwork featuring Crypto the alien invader flying above a massive explosion while UFOs attack a city with laser beams, tanks, cars, and destruction below.

Destroy All Humans! 2 Reprobed Review (2026): Is Crypto's Alien Rampage Still Worth Playing?

Jun 246 min read

Destroy All Humans remake artwork featuring Crypto-137 invading Earth with a UFO, alien weapons, explosions, and terrified civilians fleeing through a burning city during an extraterrestrial attack

Destroy All Humans remake artwork featuring Crypto-137 invading Earth with a UFO, alien weapons, explosions, and terrified civilians fleeing through a burning city during an extraterrestrial attack

Destroy All Humans! Review (2026): One Of Gaming's Best Villain Power Fantasies?

Jun 246 min read

Grand Theft Auto VI promotional artwork showing protagonists Jason and Lucia in Vice City, highlighting Rockstar Games' highly anticipated open-world crime adventure launching on November 19, 2026.

Grand Theft Auto VI promotional artwork showing protagonists Jason and Lucia in Vice City, highlighting Rockstar Games' highly anticipated open-world crime adventure launching on November 19, 2026.

GTA VI Pre-Orders Open Tonight. Humanity Is About To Financially Injure Itself.

Jun 244 min read

Lincoln Clay stands front and center holding a shotgun in a dramatic Mafia III-inspired poster. Behind him, two criminal figures emerge from smoke and fire while a classic muscle car races through the streets of a burning New Bordeaux. The city skyline, riverboats, bridges, and orange flames create a gritty 1960s crime atmosphere filled with revenge, organized crime, and urban chaos.

Lincoln Clay stands front and center holding a shotgun in a dramatic Mafia III-inspired poster. Behind him, two criminal figures emerge from smoke and fire while a classic muscle car races through the streets of a burning New Bordeaux. The city skyline, riverboats, bridges, and orange flames create a gritty 1960s crime atmosphere filled with revenge, organized crime, and urban chaos.

Mafia III: Definitive Edition Review (2026): The Best Mafia Story Of The Modern Era Trapped Inside A Very Repetitive Video Game

Jun 227 min read

Masked money launderer in a red hoodie and gas mask counting stacks of cash beside industrial washing machines, surrounded by soap bubbles and towering piles of banknotes in a secret criminal cash-cleaning warehouse.

Masked money launderer in a red hoodie and gas mask counting stacks of cash beside industrial washing machines, surrounded by soap bubbles and towering piles of banknotes in a secret criminal cash-cleaning warehouse.

Cash Cleaner Simulator Review (2026): Turns Out Money Laundering Is Mostly Laundry

Jun 226 min read

A rugged desert raider holding a glowing rifle stands in the foreground while a giant walking fortress explodes behind him on the dunes of the planet Sophie. Armed scavengers charge toward the battle as smoke, fire, and dust fill the dieselpunk wasteland.

A rugged desert raider holding a glowing rifle stands in the foreground while a giant walking fortress explodes behind him on the dunes of the planet Sophie. Armed scavengers charge toward the battle as smoke, fire, and dust fill the dieselpunk wasteland.

SAND: Raiders of Sophie Review: Mad Max, But the Shed Has Legs

Jun 229 min read

Drug Dealer Simulator 2 Review (2026): A Criminal Empire Sim That Can't Decide Whether It's Scarface Or A Spreadsheet

Drug Dealer Simulator 2 Review (2026): A Criminal Empire Sim That Can't Decide Whether It's Scarface Or A Spreadsheet

Drug Dealer Simulator 2 Review (2026): A Criminal Empire Sim That Can't Decide Whether It's Scarface Or A Spreadsheet

Jun 197 min read

Fine Art Collector Program event artwork in GTA Online featuring a NOOSE operative overlooking the Kortz Center at night, highlighting exclusive rewards including GTA$1.5 million, a free Turreted Limo, and upcoming Kortz Center Heist bonuses.

Fine Art Collector Program event artwork in GTA Online featuring a NOOSE operative overlooking the Kortz Center at night, highlighting exclusive rewards including GTA$1.5 million, a free Turreted Limo, and upcoming Kortz Center Heist bonuses.

Fine Art Collector Program Rewards Explained (2026)

Jun 184 min read

Diamond Casino Heist payout guide artwork showing diamonds, vault drilling tools, Bugstars disguise equipment, security access cards, casino blueprints, and a suppressed pistol on a planning table inside the Diamond Casino vault in GTA Online.

Diamond Casino Heist payout guide artwork showing diamonds, vault drilling tools, Bugstars disguise equipment, security access cards, casino blueprints, and a suppressed pistol on a planning table inside the Diamond Casino vault in GTA Online.

Diamond Casino Heist Payout In GTA Online (2026): Is It Still Worth Grinding?

Jun 185 min read

GTA Online Drop Zone payout guide featuring players parachuting into a capture zone above Los Santos during a high-paying adversary mode bonus week.

GTA Online Drop Zone payout guide featuring players parachuting into a capture zone above Los Santos during a high-paying adversary mode bonus week.

GTA Online Drop Zone Payout (2026): Is It Actually Worth Your Time?

Jun 185 min read

Official Grand Theft Auto VI cover art showing Jason and Lucia in Vice City alongside helicopters, luxury cars, speedboats, criminals and the neon-soaked chaos of Rockstar Games' upcoming GTA 6 release.

Official Grand Theft Auto VI cover art showing Jason and Lucia in Vice City alongside helicopters, luxury cars, speedboats, criminals and the neon-soaked chaos of Rockstar Games' upcoming GTA 6 release.

GTA 6 Pre-Orders Open June 25. The Economic Damage Begins.

Jun 183 min read

2 3 4 5

bottom of page