Evolution mechanics and gene editing are subjects eagerly explored not only by scientists, but also by filmmakers and game designers.
In video games, various engaging mechanics focused on DNA editing enable players to take control over their character’s development, often introducing abilities or superpowers unachievable without – realistic or not – mutation systems.
Today, we’d like to present our carefully curated list of games featuring mutation or gene manipulation mechanics, allowing players to evolve, customize, or transform their characters or environments. Let’s dive right in!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Spore | 2008-12-19 | Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) | Maxis™ | |
 | BioShock | 2007-08-21 | Shooter & Adventure | 2K Australia | |
 | Carrion | 2020-07-23 | Adventure & Platform | Phobia Game Studio | |
 | Biomutant | 2021-05-25 | Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) | Experiment 101 | |
 | XCOM 2 | 2016-02-04 | Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator | Feral Interactive (Linux) | |
 | The Binding Of Isaac | 2011-09-28 | Role-playing (RPG) & Shooter | Edmund McMillen and Florian Himsl | |
 | Prototype | 2009-06-10 | Adventure & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up | Radical Entertainment | |
 | Plague Inc Evolved | 2016-02-18 | Simulator & Tactical | Ndemic Creations | |
 | Gears 5 | 2019-09-10 | Adventure & Shooter | The Coalition | |
 | ARK: Survival Evolved | 2015-06-02 | Adventure & Shooter | Efecto Studios |
Spore
Starting from the early stages of the game, players of Spore (2008) can edit their creature’s DNA using the in-game Creature Editor in order to help them adapt to different environments.
Spore
Release Date: December 19, 2008
Genres: RTS, RPG, Simulator, Strategy, Adventure
From upgrading a single-cell organism, through adding limbs, eyes, and a mouth, all the way to advanced modifications, players develop species of creatures to guide them through various stages of evolution. The game introduces a complex evolution system in an accessible and intuitive way, making it a perfect choice for players of all ages.
BioShock
In order to gain supernatural abilities, players use Plasmids – genetic modifications in the form of serum made from processed ADAM substance – that can be found or bought during the game, with some of them being a reward for completing a particular objective.
BioShock
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Genres: Shooter, Puzzle, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Bioshock’s (2007) amazing biological upgrades, such as Electro Bolt, Cyclone Trap, and Telekinesis, can be useful in combat and exploring the underwater city of Rapture, often becoming crucial for survival, and some of them can be combined to stack their effects or chain them for even more impressive results.
Carrion
In Carrion (2020), players take control over an ever-growing organism escaping from a top-secret laboratory.
Carrion
Release Date: July 23, 2020
Genres: Platform, Adventure, Indie
As their one-of-a-kind character feeds and grows, it acquires new mutations, resulting in gaining new abilities essential for survival and effective combat. Thanks to the genetic mods, the creature learns how to become invisible, take control of hostile humans, shoot projectiles, et cetera. The game masterfully blends stealth, puzzle-solving, and DNA editing mechanics, all within an original, reversed horror concept.
Biomutant
This amazing open-world action RPG allows players to control a genetically modified, fully customizable creature.
Biomutant
Release Date: May 25, 2021
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Gene editing plays a crucial role not only during character creation, but also progression – exposure to bio-contamination and genetic manipulation leads to the acquisition of new mutations. As a result, the main protagonist of Biomutant (2021) can increase their strength, resistance to environmental hazards, et cetera, creating an unusually personalized experience together with the branching storylines mechanics of the game.
XCOM: Enemy Within
Enhancing soldiers with gene therapy in the Genetics Lab is a way to gain significant tactical advantages, which can dramatically increase players’ chances of success in various difficult missions of XCOM: Enemy Within (2016).
XCOM 2
Release Date: February 04, 2016
Genres: RPG, Simulator, Strategy, TBS, Tactical
These biological upgrades are based on alien DNA and can equip characters with Gene Mods, which can be applied to areas of their bodies (brain, eyes, chest, skin, legs). As a result, soldiers that have undergone genetic modification can gain super-human capabilities such as enhanced vision, immunity to panic and mind control, reduced recovery time, and even receive a critically wounded status instead of dying when reaching 0 HP.
The Binding of Isaac
While not based on realistic gene editing, many items obtainable in the classic indie gem The Binding of Isaac (2011) simulate mutation mechanics, representing a surreal take on biological transformation.
The Binding of Isaac
Release Date: September 28, 2011
Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure, Indie
Some of the items clearly suggest consuming or being injected with a particular substance (The Virus, Growth Hormones, Ipecac, Jesus Juice, etc.), biomedical experimentation or organ mutation (Experimental Treatment, Diplopia, Polyphemus, Proptosis, etc.), and gaining technological enhancements (The Ludovico Technique, Technology, Technology 2, and so on). Additionally, gaining new items often changes the character’s appearance, making it more and more deformed and strange during runs.
Prototype
The main protagonist of Prototype (2009) is Alex Mercer, a man infected with the Blacklight virus, which grants him unusual shapeshifting abilities.
Prototype
Release Date: June 10, 2009
Genres: Platform, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
As the virus continually rewrites Alex’s DNA, his body and equipment are converted into a living biomass possessing various supernatural senses and offensive powers. Influencing not only his abilities, but also his appearance and personality, constant mutation serves not only as a main gameplay feature, but also as a crucial narrative element.
Plague Inc: Evolved
Perhaps the first game that comes to mind when speaking of mutation systems in video games, Plague Inc: Evolved (2016), is a real-time strategy simulator where players evolve a pathogen in order to infect and eradicate humanity.
Plague Inc: Evolved
Release Date: February 18, 2016
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy, Tactical, Indie
The successful extinction of the human race results in unlocking new scenarios and pathogens, which can be enhanced by unlocking genetic traits affecting transmission, symptoms, and resistance in a one-of-a-kind simulation of diseases evolving and adjusting to various conditions.
Gears 5
Gears 5 (2019) also explores the fascinating theme of genetic research, experimentation, and evolution.
Gears 5
Release Date: September 10, 2019
Genres: Shooter, Adventure
The main enemies are introduced in the form of the so-called Swarm, a hive-minded organism fighting to dominate all life, that constantly evolves and transforms everything it can. As players uncover the story of the game’s lead protagonist, Kait Diaz, and her connection to the Swarm, they also explore the impact of DNA manipulation on humans and aliens alike.
ARK: Survival Evolved
Through selective breeding and the use of devices related to creature mutation, players can explore various forms of genetic engineering to achieve desired results. Consequently, their herd of prehistoric and fictional creatures can be enhanced with improved statistics or unique abilities.
ARK: Survival Evolved
Release Date: June 02, 2015
Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Adventure, Indie
Additionally, one of the ARK: Survival Evolved (2015) DLCs adds the Gene Scanner to the game – it’s a powerful tool allowing players to extract and store traits, which can be later implemented into creatures to customize them beyond typical abilities.
We hope that you enjoyed our list – whether you’re customizing prehistoric creatures or rewriting your own DNA for survival, these fantastic titles offer fascinating mutation and gene editing systems we’re sure you’ll enjoy. Give them a try!