Facebook
Reddit
Email
Assassin’s Creed has featured several notable villains in its long lineage. Let’s explore some of the best ones in the popular game series.
The Assassin’s Creed series has paired several worthy villains with the games’ protagonists. The Templars, who oppose the Assassins, have their own goals and motives; their rivalry with the Assassins is the foundation for the franchise.
Certain villains from the Assassin’s Creed series stand out from the rest due to their unique characteristics or motives. In this article, we will explore seven of the best Templars who have made a lasting impression.
1) Shahkulu
Shahkulu has solidified his status as one of the best Templars in the franchise due to his despicable motives and sheer ability to stand up to Ezio Auditore. The Templar from Assassin’s Creed Revelations enjoyed torturing and mutilating people. He didn’t necessarily kill to further the Templars’ agenda; instead, he engaged in violence for his own pleasure.
In combat as well, Shahkulu was unique compared to other adversaries. He put up a fight against Ezio even after being struck with the Hidden Blade. Despite Ezio’s best efforts to assassinate the dastardly Templar, Shahkulu had the will to live and battle the Assassin before succumbing to his death.
2) Taharqa- ‘The Scarab’
Taharqa used his wisdom to hide his true identity from watchful eyes. In reality, he was ‘The Scarab’, a member of the Ancients, a predecessor group to the Templars. Taharqa often employed ruthless methods to torture and bury anyone who stood in his way.
In Assassin’s Creed Origins, Taharqa manages to outwit Bayek by convincing the Assassin of his innocence and then poisoning him. Taharqa thought he had left Bayek for dead. However, Bayak’s desire for retribution fueled him to return and put an end to ‘The Scarab’.
3) Al Mualim
Al Mualim is the very first notable adversary you have to get rid of in the long-running franchise. Featured in the very first Assassin’s Creed game, Al Mualim plays mentor to the protagonist. Al Mualim plays both sides, though, as he convinces Altair of his role in exterminating the Templars. Later, you find out that killing the nine Templars was a part of Al Mualim’s ploy to further his own standing amongst the Order.
Al Mualim would have laid his hands on the Apple of Eden by utilizing the resources of the Assassins and the Templars, if not for Altair. The latter successfully kills his master to rid the world of evil, though his actions were questioned when some Assassins failed to believe their master’s betrayal.
Al Mualim’s biggest strength was his ability to sow doubt amongst the Assassins and play both sides for his own agenda.
4) Haytham Kenway
Haytham Kenway is a landmark character in the Assassin’s Creed series. At first, we believe that Haytham Kenway furthered the Assassin’s directives when he struck down his rivals. However, later we learn that Kenway was a Templar who looked to sow seeds of conflict in alignment with the Templar agenda.
He played an instrumental role in starting the Boston Massacre in his bid to provoke instability and violence. He even tried to kill his son Connor because he opposed the very ideology that Haytham Kenway had fought long to protect.
Nevertheless, in Assassin’s Creed 3, Connor killed his father with his hidden blade when it looked like Haytham Kenway had gotten the upper hand.
5) Warren Vidic
Warren Vidic differs from the other entries in this list as he didn’t have immense combat prowess or prove to be a physical danger. Vidic’s strength lies in his mental fortitude. Vidic is a modern-day Templar whose lust for control and power lets him employ trickery in dangerous ways. Vidic was in charge of the Animus, and he used this great responsibility to locate the Pieces of Eden.
His deep dislike for free will allowed him to use and manipulate the Assassins’ descendants into locating a powerful artifact capable of altering reality. Growing frustrated at the delay in acquiring the Apple of Eden, Vidic threatened to hurt Desmond Miles’ father. Desmond went on to use the Apple of Eden in a savvy manner to manipulate the security guarding Vidic and kill him.
6) Charles Lee
In Assassin’s Creed 3, getting to Charles Lee and killing him is a long and arduous task. Lee is definitely one of the most despicable adversaries in the entire series. His lack of remorse and empathy became apparent when he beat up children for his own pleasure. Moreover, Lee made efforts to kill George Washington and even started the Boston Massacre. He also turned Connor’s allies against him and convinced them to fight against Washington.
Charles Lee meets his end after multiple confrontations with Connor. In the end, a piercing strike to his heart meant that he could do no more evil in this lifetime.
7) Rodrigo Borgia
Rodrigo Borgia is undoubtedly one of the most evil characters in the franchise. Through bribery and deceit, Borgia established himself as the leader of the Catholic Church while harboring evil intentions and committing dastardly acts.
He killed countless people while leading a terrifying family, whom he groomed and manipulated. He encouraged his children to commit several crimes and follow the despicable example he set. Borgia was allied with Ezio’s family before he turned his back on them and brought about their death.
Rodrigo Borgia’s thirst for power continued to bring death all around him. His reign of terror finally came to an end when his own son poisoned him.
Looking For More?
Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!
