Games Where Player Choices Lead to Political Uprisings

Video games frequently give players choices that affect the story, but some go further, allowing you to overthrow governments and completely change countries. These games have systems where your choices about what’s right and wrong, and who you support, can actually cause political revolutions or major shifts in power. The games below show how this kind of storytelling can realistically simulate the complicated processes of social change and rebellion.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

During the game’s ending, Larian Studios gives players a powerful choice that impacts the fate of the Githyanki. If you choose to free Prince Orpheus, you can start a massive revolt against the evil lich-queen Vlaakith. This dramatically changes the political situation in the Astral Plane and fights against a tyranny that has lasted for ages. Whether this rebellion truly happens depends on the player’s decision to oppose a god-like being in order to free the Githyanki people.

‘Triangle Strategy’ (2022)

This tactical RPG, created by Square Enix and Artdink, tells a story that changes based on your choices and beliefs. If you choose the path of Liberty, you’ll work to break down the strict social classes of Hyzante and stop Aesfrost’s warmongering. This ultimately leads to a complete reshaping of the continent of Norzelia, prioritizing freedom for everyone. The game shows how strong beliefs can cause massive changes in society, both through battles and peaceful negotiations.

‘Road 96’ (2021)

In this adventure game created by DigixArt, you play as teenagers trying to escape the strict country of Petria. Your choices and how you interact with people and the world around you will influence Petria’s politics as a crucial election approaches. You could spark a violent uprising or help the country move towards peaceful democracy. Ultimately, the combined effect of your decisions will decide whether the current government stays in power or is replaced by the people.

‘Suzerain’ (2020)

In this political drama game from Torpor Games, you play as President Anton Rayne of Sordland. If you don’t manage the country’s finances well or can’t satisfy both those calling for change and the demands of the military, you’ll face growing unrest. Bad choices can quickly lead to large protests, and ultimately, to either a revolution or a military takeover. The game realistically shows how easily political power can be lost and the impact of poor leadership.

‘The Outer Worlds’ (2019)

In Obsidian Entertainment’s darkly humorous game, you navigate a future controlled by powerful corporations and can choose to fight back against their rule. Teaming up with the scientist Phineas Welles, you can awaken the colony ship Hope and spark a revolt against the Halcyon Holdings Board. This involves battling corporate forces to build a new society led by scientists and colonists. The story explores the conflict between total corporate control and the basic human need for freedom.

‘GreedFall’ (2019)

In GreedFall, players explore the complex political landscape of the island of Teer Fradee. You can choose to support the native people in their fight against colonizing forces, potentially driving out foreign powers and helping them regain control of their land and freedom. The game delves into the consequences of colonialism and the difficult fight for liberation.

‘Detroit: Become Human’ (2018)

In Quantic Dream’s game, players experience a world where artificial intelligence becomes self-aware and fights for equal rights. As the character Markus, you can choose to lead a non-violent protest or spark a full-blown android rebellion. Your decisions influence public opinion, ultimately deciding whether androids are accepted into society or crushed by the government. The game’s complex story powerfully illustrates the sacrifices made during times of revolution and the struggle for acceptance.

‘Tyranny’ (2016)

Obsidian Entertainment and Paradox Interactive are flipping the typical RPG formula on its head. Instead of playing the hero, you’re an agent working for the villain. But you have a choice: you can turn against your boss, Kyros, and spark a rebellion. Doing so means carefully making friends with the groups Kyros has conquered, building an army strong enough to take him down. The game really highlights how hard it is to unite different people against a powerful tyrant.

‘Far Cry 4’ (2014)

In Ubisoft Montreal’s game, you play as Ajay Ghale, caught in a civil war within the made-up Himalayan nation of Kyrat. You’ll side with either Amita or Sabal, leaders of the Golden Path rebel group, to defeat the oppressive dictator Pagan Min. Your decisions will impact the outcome of the rebellion and shape the future of Kyrat, ultimately determining the kind of government that takes over – leading to different endings based on the ideology you support.

‘Papers, Please’ (2013)

Created by Lucas Pope, this gripping game puts you in charge of a border crossing in the made-up communist country of Arstotzka. You have the option to secretly help a rebel group called EZIC by letting their people pass through. Supporting them consistently undermines the government and can ultimately lead to a revolution. The game shows how even small acts of resistance and defiance within a bureaucracy can contribute to the downfall of a system.

‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’ (2011)

In Bethesda’s Skyrim, players can choose a side in a full-scale civil war that determines the future of the province. Players who join the Stormcloaks fight against the Imperial Legion to win independence for the Nords. Winning key battles and sieges ultimately leads to Ulfric Stormcloak becoming High King. The game portrays this rebellion as a fight for religious and local self-governance against a weakening empire.

‘The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings’ (2011)

In the game, players can choose to side with the elf Iorveth, leading Geralt of Rivia to help defend the city of Vergen and create an independent nation for non-human characters. This new nation directly opposes the rulers of the Northern Kingdoms, who want to maintain control of the land. The story highlights how supporting those who are often overlooked can lead to a powerful uprising against traditional authority.

‘Dragon Age II’ (2011)

The story in BioWare and Electronic Arts’ game centers around the growing conflict between mages and Templars in the city of Kirkwall. The player’s actions in aiding the mages eventually lead to a full-scale uprising against the Templar Order. This rebellion devastates Kirkwall and triggers a larger war that engulfs the entire world of Thedas. The game demonstrates how suppressing a group can ultimately lead to widespread revolution when things reach a breaking point.

‘Fable III’ (2010)

Lionhead Studios created the first part of this action RPG around the idea of taking down the player’s cruel brother. As the main character, you’ll journey across the land of Albion, seeking help and making deals with different leaders to build an army and start a revolution. If you succeed, you’ll overthrow the King and become the new ruler. What makes this game special is that it combines the excitement of a rebellion with the difficulties of then governing the country.

‘Fallout: New Vegas’ (2010)

In Obsidian Entertainment’s Fallout: New Vegas, players aren’t forced to choose between the dominant powers of the NCR and Caesar’s Legion. By supporting the AI character Yes Man, players can remove both factions and create an independent New Vegas. This path represents a choice for local self-governance over outside control, though whether that results in freedom or chaos depends on how the player acts. The game is a standout example of how player choices can truly determine the fate of a post-apocalyptic world.

Tell us which of these political upheavals you found most satisfying to execute in the comments.

2025-12-18 21:47