Most video games will rely on one or two genres to tell their stories, but that doesn't restrict developers from incorporating minor elements of other genres if the story requires it. By this logic, it isn't necessary to limit vampires to a particular genre, even if they are typically considered more suited to horror.

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Vampires don't need to be terrifying to be considered iconic, but it can be a great help. The only thing a vampire really needs to be is compelling. A convincing personality alongside a believable backstory is more than enough to create a lovable vampire, and, though many games apply these traits well, some do it better than others.

7 Jurgen (Sam & Max: Night Of The Raving Dead)

Jurgen Sam & Max: Night Of The Raving Dead

Unlike most video game vampires, Jurgen contracts vampirism through unconventional means. He receives the infliction from a slushie, and, though some may assume him to be a decent person because of this, they will quickly learn how wrong they are upon meeting him.

Jurgen's primary goal in Sam & Max: Night of the Raving Dead is to coerce unsuspecting partygoers into a trap and absorb their souls. He is a cruel antagonist, but the way he presents himself would never suggest this. Though Jurgen seeks some truly terrible things, he is also obsessed with portraying himself as hip.

6 Vamp (Metal Gear Solid)

Vamp in Metal Gear Solid

Though Vamp is never truly confirmed to be a vampire, the fact that he drank the blood of his deceased family members and came to develop some otherworldly powers all but cements him as one. Vamp has remained one of the Metal Gear series' core staples for a variety of reasons, but his vampiric abilities are the most notable.

Not only did Vamp consume the blood of his parents, but countless others throughout the series as well. Like a vampire, he can walk on water, regenerate, ascend vertical slopes, and travel absurdly fast. Metal Gear has introduced some truly unsettling characters since its inception, but Vamp is one of the strangest.

5 Carmilla (Castlevania: Lord Of Shadow)

Carmilla in Castlevania: Lord Of Shadow

Carmilla's overly sexualized design may somewhat diminish her as a character, but she remains one of the most vindictive and sinister vampires in gaming history. Her time in Castlevania: Lord of Shadow sets her on a quest for blood, but the protagonist, Gabriel, blocks her path.

Carmilla has developed and honed her skills in manipulation throughout her afterlife and used them regularly to get what she wanted. An example of this can be seen when she tries to convince Gabriel to forget his deceased wife and move on. Gabriel sees through her fabricated persona, however, and refuses to abide. Though she failed to sway her target in this one instance, she is frighteningly powerful when she wants to be.

4 The Unseen Elder (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Blood & Wine)

Unseen Elder in The Witcher

Some players may never get the chance to see the Unseen Elder, but those who have the misfortune of doing so will likely never forget the experience. Geralt is given a choice during the Blood and Wine DLC where he must decide not to search for Syanna and instead look for the Unseen Elder.

Choosing this path will result in the player receiving one of the DLC's bad endings, but those hoping to witness some terrifying sights may find doing so to be the most rewarding option. The Unseen Elder is arguably the most terrifying creature in the entire Witcher series due to his design, mannerisms, and lust for blood.

3 Lady Dimitrescu (Resident Evil Village)

resident evil village lady dimitrescu and daughters

Lady Dimitrescu quickly became an icon after her trailer debut in 2021 and managed to retain the title even after Resident Evil Village's release. Fans quickly fell in love with her after viewing the trailer, only to become terrified upon encountering her in-game. Though she may not appear like evil incarnate at first glance, she is possibly the most dangerous villain in all of Resident Evil.

Dimitrescu is iconic for a variety of reasons. She is frighteningly tall, has a fascinating way of conversing with others, and is also harboring a shocking level of anger behind her calm and collected demeanor. Her final moments in the game see her discarding her more approachable form in favor of becoming a dragon-like creature and using her newfound powers to kill Ethan Winters. Though her attempt to do so fails, she remains one of the most terrifying vampires in gaming history.

2 Vincent Valentine (Final Fantasy 7)

Vincent Valentine from Final Fantasy 7

Like the Unseen Elder, there is a chance the player may never come across Vincent Valentine depending on where their journey takes them. Vincent can only be discovered by returning to the Shinra mansion in Nibelheim after visiting it during the main story. A series of puzzles must be solved to gain access to him, but doing so is made worth it upon meeting him.

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Vincent joins the party shortly after being woken up and brings with him a fascinating ability. He can transform into a terrifying monster on the battlefield, making him more than just a background character. Along with this, his story answers some very important questions relating to Sephiroth's lineage.

1 Serana (The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Dawnguard)

elder scrolls 5 skyrim serana vampire

Serana is an ancient vampire introduced in Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC. Upon unearthing her from her slumber, she joins the Dragonborn as a follower on his quest to rid Skyrim of a terrible evil. Her father, Lord Harkon, seeks to plunge the world into darkness, thus allowing vampires free rein on the darkened land, but Serana refuses to stand by and let this happen.

With the Dragonborn's help, she sets off to confront her father in an attempt to reason with him. Her attempts fail, forcing her to end her father's schemes by killing him. She offers to remain by the Dragonborn's side even though she achieved her goal, proving her to be a loyal ally and devout friend.

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