Cults have been incorporated into horror media for quite some time now. They display a terrifying concept of either people being lured into some type of brainwashing or people being brought into a seemingly innocent organization, but below the surface, a much darker secret is hidden.
While not every cult is deadly or morbid, there are a few extreme cases, especially in the world of video games. The cults in this list, though, are certainly ones you would most likely prefer to not encounter. Without further ado, here are a few of the scariest cults in video games.
This article deals with some darker and possibly disturbing themes.
8 Los Iluminados
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4
4.5/5
Survival Horror Platform(s) PS4 , PS3 , PS2 , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , Switch , Wii , Nintendo GameCube , PC , Android , iOS Released January 11, 2005 Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Capcom
Los Iluminados, or the Enlightened Ones, is a cult from Resident Evil 4 (2005) that Leon Kennedy encounters during his mission. They were once a large group in Valdelobos but dwindled when they were exiled. They worship the Plaga, a parasite that all of the members carry.
The cult derives from many religions but mostly takes inspiration from Catholicism. They have a chapel for their rituals and worship and a quaint cave they have, which they use for human sacrifices. However, they also eventually become a terrorist group trying to get revenge on Leon Kennedy.
7 The Devourers Of God
Sally Face
The Devourers of God originated from Sally Face, and though you aren’t really aware of it until the final chapter, it is deeply incorporated into the game. They have become deeply embedded into the community, covering up hundreds of murders, including the one of Sal’s mother.
Their main goal is to summon a demon onto Earth. During their efforts, they have killed many children and adults, protected criminals, and corrupted an entire community. The Devourers of God had been operating for centuries by the time Sal and Larry put an end to them.
6 Testament Of The New Ezekiel
Outlast 2
Outlast 2
Survival Horror Platform(s) PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC Released April 25, 2017 Developer(s) Red Barrels Publisher(s) Red Barrels
In Outlast 2, the Testament of the New Ezekiel is a cult that truly believes the world is damned; but it isn’t exactly their fault. They have all been driven insane as a result of radio towers that had been put up around them. Their actions are inexcusable, though.
They have murdered countless children they suspected could be the Anti-Christ. Their leader, Sullivan Knoth, truly believes he is speaking to God and has convinced his followers that he can do so. Unfortunately, they are not above kidnapping and murdering anyone who they think should be.
5 Rest In Peace
Days Gone
Days Gone
2.5/5
Open-WorldActionAdventure Platform(s) PS4 , PC Released April 26, 2019 Developer(s) Bend Studio Publisher(s) Sony
The Rest in Peace cult, commonly called the Rippers, is a foul group of people in Days Gone who are hopelessly devoted to their leader, Carlos, also known as Jesse Williamson. They purposefully mar their bodies to blend in with the zombies, who they also worship.
If you refuse to join the Rippers, they will attack and kill you brutally. They typically roam in groups, never alone, and are not afraid to immediately attack. Their goal is to remove any signs of the old life before the apocalypse happened, and sometimes, people just so happen to be reminders.
4 The Order
Silent Hill
Silent Hill
Survival Horror Systems
Platform(s) PS1 Released January 31, 1999 Developer(s) Konami Publisher(s) Konami Franchise Silent Hill Engine Unreal Engine ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Animated Blood and Gore, Animated Violence How Long To Beat 7 Hours Metascore 86 Expand
The Order is one of the main antagonists throughout the Silent Hill series. They started as a secret underground organization but grew to be deeply rooted in the town of Silent Hill. One of their main goals is to «save» as many members as they can before the end times come.
The Order believes humanity and society as a whole are corrupt and that they are the chosen ones. They have kidnapped and hurt children, they have murdered people they do not like, and have committed and covered up many crimes to protect their cult, and so much more.
3 The Rapture Family
BioShock 2
BioShock 2
First-Person Shooter Platform(s) PS3 , Xbox 360 , PC , macOS Released February 9, 2010 Developer(s) 2K , Irrational Games Publisher(s) 2K
BioShock 2 has a cult called The Rapture Family, who worships Sofia Lamb and her teachings. While they used to be on the innocent and accepting side, welcoming anyone of any faith and belief. But, of course, things changed as the world changed.
The Rapture Family grew, and so did their rules and beliefs. Eventually, they grew powerful enough to start attacking other faiths, going as far as to hang bodies on walls and label them «nonbelievers» to scare people into joining them. While some people joined The Rapture Family of their own free will, others were forced or killed.
2 Unitology
Dead Space 2
Dead Space 2
Survival Horror Platform(s) PS3 , Xbox 360 , PC Released January 25, 2011 Developer(s) Visceral Games Publisher(s) Electronic Arts
Unitology is a cult in Dead Space 2 that was inspired by an alien artifact and the discoveries of a geophysicist. They believe the Black Marker, the alien artifact, has the secrets to evolution and eternal life. To them, though, one of the most important things a member could do is die.
On the most basic level, they appear to be another cult preaching to nonbelievers. But taking a step r reveals leaders who have led mass suicides, members who believe self-mutilation will bring them r to their faith, and a lot more insanity.
1 The Project At Eden's Gate
Far Cry 5
Far Cry 5
FPSOpen-World Platform(s) PC , PlayStation 4 , Stadia , Xbox One Released March 27, 2018 Developer(s) Ubisoft Montreal , Ubisoft Toronto Publisher(s) Ubisoft
The Project at Edens Gate is a cult from Far Cry 5, but it’s a little different from the rest of the cults on this list. It’s dangerous in a different way because it’s militarized but similar in the way that it is another doomsday cult.
In order to recruit members, they would take people and brainwash them. There’s a special drug that was used in order to forcibly convert people to join them. In the end, though, Eden’s Gate was right; it was the end of the world, and almost all of its members were completely wiped out. Almost.
