Dads in video games don't always get the credit they deserve. Some are good, while others are pure evil. Ethan Mars in Heavy Rain, Kratos in God of War, Zachary Hale in BioShock Infinite…there are many terrible fathers in video games.

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However, these guys are often just bad at being parents. It takes a truly sadistic psychopath to be a bonafide evil dad. The gentlemen featured here are the worst of the worst. These evil dads cause destruction and mayhem in their respective games, on top of being awful parents to their children.

10 Gwyn

Dark Souls

Gwyn, the Lord of Cinder, is the final boss in Dark Souls. Wielding a sword ingrained with the power of light, he is the most dangerous villain in the game.

When he's not in battle, Gwyn is a dad to four children. Rather than spend time with his kids, he seeks out war with the Ancient Dragons and willingly erases the history of those who aided his battle once it was won. He cast out his youngest daughter, Filianore, to the Ringed City, and forced his youngest son Gwyndolin to be raised as a girl. His eldest son - who initially inherited Gwyn's throne - tried to ally with the dragons and was stricken from history entirely, so that not even his name remains. Gwyn is in full control of the Light Soul, giving him power over lightning and sunlight, and he can also manipulate people's souls. He is just an all-around bad guy.

9 Black Doom

Sonic The Hedgehog

Black Doom stars in one of the most forgotten Sonic the Hedgehog games. This evil antagonist is Shadow's biological father, making his appearance in Sonic X.

In the game, Black Doom orders Shadow to collect the Chaos Emeralds so he can use them for his nefarious scheme. Where Black Doom is sadistic and power-hungry with a disregard for all human life, his son, Shadow, is a nuanced character who sometimes serves as an ally to Sonic and his team.

8 Dracula

Castlevania

Count Dracula Vlad Tepes, better known as Dracula, is in the best Castlevania games. He's one of the most evil video game dads in Nintendo's history.

Dracula has had a tough life. He lost his wife, struck an alliance with Death, and faced off against ruthless vampire hunters. With such a background, he was destined to become evil, leaving little room for him to be a father to Alucard. Dracula's cruel indifference makes him stand out in the world of bad dads.

7 William Birkin

Resident Evil 2

There are many forgotten villains in the Resident Evil series, but William Birkin stands out. It's hard to forget an evil scientist who turns into a powerful mutant.

William Birkin's daughter Sherry was only twelve when she was rescued by Leon and Claire. She needed to be saved since her father, and her equally evil mother Annette, gave her an infected locket as part of their research. Plus, William released the "G-virus" into the sewers, affecting Raccoon City's drinking water.

6 Bowser

Super Mario Bros.

Bowser Jr. may not know his biological mother, but he does have one evil papa in Bowser. This fire-breathing monster is known for kidnapping, throwing molten rocks, and causing endless destruction.

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There are many exciting games with Bowser as a playable character, but usually, this baddie is the antagonist. Bowser will stop at nothing to take out Mario and keep Princess Peach for himself, even if it means recruiting his son to do his bidding.

5 Henry Lawson

Mass Effect

Lawson is a ruthless antagonist in the Mass Effect trilogy. Sometimes he's behind the scenes wreaking havoc, while other times he's a prominent part of the storyline.

As a parent, Henry definitely won't be getting any gifts for Father's Day. He's a money-hungry businessman who will stop at nothing to create his "genetic dynasty," even if it means using his daughter's DNA to create a better daughter. Eventually, Henry's evil goes as far as managing his own planet and luring in civilians to act as test subjects.

4 The Bloody Baron

The Witcher 3

Not to be confused with the Harry Potter ghost, the Bloody Baron is one of the standout villains in The Witcher 3. He has done monstrous things, including getting drunk and beating his wife.

Phillip Strenger (the Bloody Baron) is a warlord who takes over the region of Velen. When his wife and daughter go missing, he resorts to kidnapping to get them back. Players will encounter this minor antagonist during the quest "Family Matters" and must make a choice that determines his ultimate fate.

3 Harlan Wade

F.E.A.R.

Without a doubt, Alma Wade is one of the most powerful female video game villains. However, her father, Harlan Wade, certainly gives her a run for her money.

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Harlan Wade believes "it's the way of men to make monsters." He uses this ideology to create a supernatural creature known as the Creep. He also has a hand in Alma's horrific fate at the Armacham Technology Corporation. This eventually backfires against Harlan later in the game. The only remnant of Harlan left is the Creep, which can swallow its victims whole.

2 Zeus

God Of War

Odin and Kratos are bad video game dads, but the top spot in the God of War series goes to Zeus. The King of Olympus was destined to overthrow his father and invoke the reign of the Gods.

While most fathers want the best for their sons, Zeus is always out for blood. In God of War, he weakens Kratos and tricks him into abandoning his powers. Zeus has superhuman strength, speed, and durability, as well as the ability to control lightning. He's immortal, which is why he nearly defeats Kratos on the battlefield.

1 Rip Blazkowicz

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Many popular first-person shooters don't bother with an elaborate storyline. In Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, players get to know Rip Blazkowicz, an underrated evil father in video games.

With a name like Rip, it's no surprise that this antagonist is horrifically abusive. He's also a vicious anti-semite who doesn't have much time for his son B.J. Rip doesn't get a lot of screen time in the game, but when he does appear, it's enough for players to see his horrific mannerisms and the considerable assistance he provided to the Nazis.

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