Shapeshifters, Vampires, and Werewolves: Playing as Mythical Beings in Fantasy Games

11 September 2025

Ever sat back while slaying dragons in a fantasy game and wondered, “What if I wasn’t the usual sword-swinging hero? What if I could morph into something… less human and a lot more mythical?” If you’re like me, you’ve probably fantasized about prowling through moonlit forests as a werewolf, stalking prey as a vampire, or transforming into a giant eagle to soar over your enemies. Well, you’re not alone! Fantasy games have been embracing the supernatural for years, and, honestly, who wouldn’t want to play as a mythical being?

From shapeshifters to bloodthirsty vamps and ferocious werewolves, modern games let us dive headfirst into the darker corners of folklore. So grab your silver bullets and garlic (or chuck them out, if that's your vibe), because we’re about to sink our teeth into the wild world of mythical beings in fantasy gaming—and why you should absolutely give it a try.

Why Mythical Beings Make the Best Playable Characters

Let’s keep it real: playing as a mythical creature is just… cooler. Sure, slashing enemies as a brave knight or hurling fireballs as a mage has its charm, but shifting into a wolf mid-battle? That’s next-level gaming. Mythical beings add a whole new layer of depth to gameplay, smothered in mystery, power, and—let's be honest—badassery. They’re not just characters; they’re legends you’re living through.

But it’s not just about the aesthetics (though turning into a bat and flying past your enemies is definitely a flex). Playing as mythical beings often comes with unique abilities and storylines that traditional human characters just can’t replicate. Think about it: a shapeshifter can adapt to any situation, a vampire thrives in the shadows, and a werewolf? Unstoppable rage under the full moon. It’s the kind of power trip we all secretly crave.

Let’s Talk Shapeshifters: Masters of Adaptation

Shapeshifters are arguably among the most versatile mythical beings you can play as. These guys can adapt to practically any scenario. Need to cross a chasm? Turn into a bird. Want to sneak past a guard? Transform into a mouse. Structuring your game strategy becomes a creative puzzle when you can switch forms at will.

Games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim absolutely nail the shapeshifter concept. By becoming a werewolf in the game, you not only gain increased speed and strength but also the ability to intimidate NPCs and dominate in battles. And let’s not forget about World of Warcraft—the druids’ shapeshifting mechanics let you swap forms for combat, stealth, or traversal. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for gameplay!

But beyond the mechanics, shapeshifters tap into something primal in us. They remind us that change is power. They’re the ultimate metaphor for adaptability. After all, who wouldn’t want the ability to become something else in a moment of need?

Vampires in Games: Living the Dark Fantasy

Next up: vampires. Oh boy, where do we even start? Vampires bring a certain elegance and danger to fantasy games. They’re not just bloodthirsty monsters—they’re the embodiment of dark power, eternal life, and charisma. Playing as a vampire allows you to explore moral gray areas while indulging in some seriously cool powers.

Take Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, for example. This cult classic lets you experience life as a vampire trying to survive (or dominate) a hidden society. The game nails the vampire fantasy with unique disciplines (read: vampire superpowers) like superhuman speed, hypnotizing mortals, or turning invisible. And the cherry on top? You have to balance your bloodlust with maintaining what’s left of your humanity. It’s like walking a tightrope made of fangs and moonlight.

Let’s be real: vampires are seductive because they’re more than just monsters. They’re haunted by their choices, stuck in eternal night with endless time to wrestle with their guilt—or embrace it. Playing as a vampire isn’t just about biting necks (though that’s fun too); it’s about navigating the complex web of morality and power.

Werewolves: The Untamed Powerhouses

If vampires are all about finesse and internal struggle, werewolves are the complete opposite. They’re raw, untamed power wrapped up in fur and fangs. Playing as a werewolf taps into our primal instincts—this idea of unleashing a part of ourselves that’s wild and uncontrollable.

One of the best examples? The aforementioned Skyrim. When you transform into a werewolf, you’re an unstoppable tank of destruction. Forget stealthy strategies or carefully planned moves—this is about embracing chaos. It’s the ultimate power fantasy. Want to smash through groups of enemies like a wrecking ball? Go werewolf mode.

And hey, werewolves aren’t just about brute force. The lore surrounding them—curses, lunar cycles, and the eternal struggle to control their wild side—makes for deeply immersive gameplay. Some games, like The Wolf Among Us, even dive into the emotional and psychological aspects of being a werewolf. Can you really keep the beast inside at bay? Or do you just give in?

The Balance Between Humanity and Myth

One of the coolest things about playing as mythical beings—whether it’s a shapeshifter, vampire, or werewolf—is the constant tension between humanity and the supernatural. Fantasy games love to explore this theme, and it’s easy to see why. It adds depth to what could otherwise just be a “cool powers” simulator.

Take vampires, for instance. Many games focus on how they’re torn between the hunger for blood and their desire to retain their humanity. Similarly, werewolves struggle with controlling their rage, while shapeshifters constantly walk the line between who they are and who they can become.

This duality makes gameplay more immersive. You’re not just pressing buttons; you’re making choices that define who your character is. Are you a monster pretending to be human? Or a human grappling with the monster inside? And honestly, isn’t that something we all relate to on some level?

Why We’ll Never Get Tired of These Beings

So, why do we keep coming back to shapeshifters, vampires, and werewolves in games? There’s something timeless about these creatures. They’re steeped in folklore and mythology, but they’re also deeply personal. Each one taps into a different part of our psyche.

Shapeshifters represent our desire for freedom and adaptability. Vampires are all about temptation and the struggle between power and humanity. And werewolves? They’re the pure, untamed force within us all.

From a gameplay perspective, they’re endlessly fun. Whether it’s morphing into an animal, stalking prey under the cover of darkness, or smashing through enemies with bestial strength, mythical beings keep the action fresh and exciting.

Games That Got It Right

If you’re itching to dive into some mythical gameplay, here are a few must-plays:

- Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines: The quintessential vampire RPG with deep lore and compelling gameplay.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Become a werewolf or vampire (or both!) and wreak havoc across Tamriel.
- World of Warcraft: Shapeshift as a druid and experience one of the most versatile classes in the game.
- The Wolf Among Us: A gritty, narrative-driven take on werewolves in a modern setting.
- Castlevania Series: Vampiric action and rich storytelling for fans of dark fantasy.

The Final Bite

Whether you’re prowling as a werewolf, lurking in the shadows as a vampire, or adapting to challenges as a shapeshifter, playing as mythical beings is about more than just cool powers (though, let’s admit—it’s mostly that). It’s about stepping into stories that have captivated us for centuries and wielding the kind of power we only dream of.

So next time you fire up a fantasy game, ditch the plain old warrior or mage and embrace your inner mythical beast. You might just find that unleashing your wild side is exactly what your gaming experience needed.