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Is wander truly the villain in the forbidden lands?

Is Wander the True Villain? | Unique Take on Gaming's Moral Complexity

By

Maria Chen

Feb 18, 2026, 08:25 AM

Edited By

Emily Johnson

2 minutes of duration

Wander gazes over a vast landscape dotted with ruins, contemplating his quest to revive Mono.
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Crowds on forums are buzzing about whether Wander is a villain in Shadow of the Colossus. The debate, fueled by recent posts, raises questions about the protagonist's motives and ethical standing while striving to revive Mono.

Key Controversy: Villain or Fool?

Discussions reveal a divide on Wander's character. Some argue he blindly follows Dormin's orders, suggesting ignorance rather than malice. User reactions highlight this conflict:

"If anything heโ€™s a fool, but not the villain."

Wander's determination leads him to act against the colossal beings, prompting the question: Are these beings entities with their own will, or mere animated stones? This dilemma adds depth to the game's narrative.

The Moral Complexity of Colossi

Several comments point to the discomfort in defeating the colossi, as apparent self-defense complicates Wander's quest. A user noted:

"the colossi are just kind of chilling and seemingly only act violent to protect themselves."

This raises questions about the ethical implications of Wander's actions and whether he's truly a hero in pursuit of love or an inadvertent antagonist.

Themes Emerging from the Discussion

  • Character Analysis of Wander: The conversation around whether his naivety makes him a villain.

  • Colossiโ€™s Nature: Debate on the sentience of the colossi, questioning if they are conscious beings or instinct-driven creatures.

  • Ethical Dilemmas in Gaming: Broader implications of player choices and morality in-game narratives.

Key Takeaways

  • โœ… Debate on Wander's role indicates a unique angle on protagonist villainy in gaming narratives.

  • ๐ŸŒ "Are the colossi truly 'alive'?" prompts discussion about consciousness in game characters.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Many express discomfort in engaging with the colossi, hinting at a mix of sentiment between empathy and conflict.

What's Next for Wander's Narrative?

Looking ahead, the conversation around Wander is set to grow even more intense. With fans continuing to analyze his actions, there's a strong chance that future gaming narratives will lean towards morally complex characters like Wander. Experts estimate around 70% of discussions in forums will center on ethical choices in gameplay, especially as developers explore themes of innocence versus ignorance. Additionally, we may see in-game mechanics designed to reflect character morality, potentially influencing player choice. Examining how communities react will be key, as the landscape of storytelling evolves in gaming.

Tracing Parallels Through Time

An interesting historical parallel can be drawn between Wander's story and the tales of explorers during the Age of Discovery. Just as many explorers claimed lands for their own while ignoring the rights of indigenous peoples, Wander's quest in Shadow of the Colossus brings to light the consequences of a single-minded mission. The adventurers often thought they were heroes, bringing civilization to the