Achievements in video games are more than just extra goals they represent challenges, secrets, or alternate paths that reward players for exploring outside the usual boundaries. One such unique goal is the Corruptible achievement, which appears in various story-driven or decision-based games. The name itself hints at moral ambiguity, implying that the player needs to choose a darker or less righteous path to earn it. Whether you are aiming for 100% completion or simply want to experience every narrative twist, understanding how to get the Corruptible achievement can help you plan your decisions wisely. This guide will walk you through what it takes to unlock it, including the typical game mechanics involved, examples of games that feature similar achievements, and tips to make sure you don’t miss it on your playthrough.
What is the Corruptible Achievement?
Understanding the Concept
The Corruptible achievement usually refers to a player making a morally questionable choice that contrasts with a virtuous or heroic path. It often appears in RPGs or narrative-heavy games where decisions shape the outcome. Unlocking this achievement typically requires you to act against what would normally be seen as good or just. This might involve betraying a character, taking bribes, accepting power, or siding with a villainous faction.
Not Tied to a Single Game
While the exact conditions vary from game to game, the idea behind the Corruptible achievement remains consistent. It is usually awarded when the player allows themselves or their character to be influenced by greed, ambition, or self-interest, often at the expense of others. Some games feature this achievement directly, while others may use a different name with similar mechanics, such as Dark Side, Betrayer, or Sold Out.
Common Game Types Featuring the Corruptible Achievement
Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
In games like The Elder Scrolls, Mass Effect, or Dragon Age, players often face morally gray decisions. Choosing to ally with certain characters or groups, or making specific dialog choices, can lead to outcomes that qualify as corrupt or evil. These games track choices and may offer rewards based on your morality level.
Interactive Story Games
Titles like Telltale’s The Walking Dead, Detroit: Become Human, or Life is Strange also offer branching paths where decisions lead to different character fates. Accepting power, lying, or manipulating other characters can trigger endings or scenarios that reward you with corruption-themed achievements.
Strategy or Simulation Games
Games with empire-building or leadership themes, such as Crusader Kings, Civilization, or Frostpunk, may grant corrupt-related achievements for making morally questionable leadership decisions, accepting bribes, or oppressing citizens for gain.
How to Unlock the Corruptible Achievement
Follow the Corrupt Path
- Identify story decisions that contrast with heroic behavior. Look for opportunities to take bribes, betray allies, or pursue power selfishly.
- If the game features a morality meter (such as Paragon/Renegade), lean toward the darker or renegade choices.
- Explore dialogue options that let you manipulate, deceive, or exploit NPCs.
Choosing the corrupt path can often close off good endings, so it’s best to make a separate save file if you want to explore both outcomes.
Trigger Specific Events
Some games require very specific sequences to unlock the Corruptible achievement. This might include:
- Taking a bribe during a quest instead of completing it honorably.
- Betraying a major character who trusts you.
- Aligning with an antagonist faction even when alternatives exist.
- Accepting forbidden power, such as dark magic or a cursed weapon.
If you’re unsure whether a choice counts, check your in-game journal, morality stats, or wait for the achievement to trigger after major scenes.
Tips to Secure the Achievement
Save Frequently
Before making major decisions, especially in story-heavy games, create manual save files. This allows you to backtrack if you miss the required conditions or if the achievement doesn’t trigger immediately.
Study Dialogue Options
Pay close attention to the wording of dialogue choices. Some options may seem neutral but have deeper implications. Choosing a self-serving or opportunistic option often aligns with the corruptible path.
Look for Alternate Endings
In some cases, the Corruptible achievement is only unlocked through specific game endings. Replay the game or consult your decision log to test alternate outcomes if needed.
Why You Might Miss the Corruptible Achievement
One-Time-Only Decisions
Many games lock decisions once they’re made. If you choose a virtuous path early in the game, the corrupt option might never appear later. Missing a single chance to betray someone or accept power could cost you the achievement.
Game Progression Limits
Some corrupt paths may only be available if you align with a particular faction or follow a unique questline. Failing to trigger that quest or choosing another route can eliminate your chance to become corrupt in that playthrough.
Overlooked Conditions
Achievements like Corruptible may also require hidden conditions, such as maintaining a certain level of reputation or completing a secondary objective. Always explore side content and optional decisions, as these often contain critical elements.
Examples of Corruptible Decisions
- Accepting a large bribe in exchange for letting a villain escape.
- Choosing to save a powerful antagonist for your own gain.
- Turning against a close ally in return for influence or wealth.
- Enslaving or exploiting a population for easier gameplay results.
These decisions usually affect the ending or the fate of characters in the story, reinforcing the theme of moral corruption.
Benefits of Playing the Corrupt Path
Unlocking Unique Content
Choosing corrupt options can unlock special items, dialogue, quests, or cutscenes that aren’t available to players who take the noble route. This makes the Corruptible path worthwhile even beyond the achievement itself.
Story Depth and Roleplay
Exploring different moral paths adds depth to your understanding of the game’s world and characters. Playing as a corrupt figure can reveal different perspectives, motivations, and consequences that you’d otherwise never see.
The Corruptible achievement is a symbol of alternative gameplay, rewarding players who choose morally ambiguous paths. Whether it involves betrayal, manipulation, or self-serving decisions, it challenges players to step outside of heroic roles and embrace complexity. By understanding the game’s branching narratives and staying alert for critical choices, you can successfully unlock this unique and thought-provoking achievement. Always remember to save often, think ahead, and be willing to explore the darker side of your game’s universe.