Top 10 Video Game Volcanoes

What is it about villains and volcano lairs? Apparently, the villainous owl Clockwerk from “Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus” felt this was a prudent course of action – as he set up shop in the heart of a Russianvolcano. This lair exudes a certain antagonistic energy, given that the area is made up of lava pools and sharp rock formations. Factor in the twisting pathways, protective Robo-Falcons, giant death ray and countless mines strewn about, and one thing becomes clear: Clockwerk wants our hero Sly Cooper dead.

Though the classic Cinnabar Island may be better known, Mount Chimney has something else going for it. It's home to Team Magma, the fire-themed criminal organization plaguing the region of Hoenn. The volcano itself is interesting in that it also houses the dormant Groudon, one of the region's Legendary Pokemon. Exploring Mount Chimney is quite an adventure, both because of Team Magma's hostile presence and the reward of a Meteorite, which can be traded later for TM27 – letting you train a Pokemon to use the Return ability.

While not serving as the entire level, the volcano portion is significant. In the climax of “Resident Evil 5”, the BSAA tag-team of Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar battle their blonde superhuman nemesis Albert Wesker once more. The fight shifts from a plane to the peak of a volcano, where Chris and Sheva get their bearings – and Wesker gets mutated. It's a challenging fight, aided by the collapsing terrain and nearby lava flows, but it's worth it to see Wesker's reign of tyranny end via rocket launcher.
Something I’d ad at the start: This is it folks, this is the moment Resident Evil Jumped the Sharks

In the same year that we got Super Mario 64's Lethal Lava Land, here came this equally dangerous realm. Mario and company enter the magma-filled peak with the intent of obtaining the sixth of seven Star Pieces – which, incidentally, happens to be guarded by a giant Czar Dragon. The trek through Barrel Volcano is treacherous; on top of the usual threat of molten-hot magma, the volcano is packed with assorted foes such as Armored Ants and Corkpedites. And let's not get started on the Chained Kongs.

Disaster strikes, and we all mourned. Mount Aguilas, a seemingly dormant volcano in South America, is the site of a routine mission at the start of “Disaster: Day of Crisis”. International Rescue Team members Raymond and Steve head out to rescue some hikers – and then Aguilas erupts. The earth trembles, smoke clouds begin to form, and the team flees from a gigantic lava flow. If something could be called the epitome of devastating eruptions, we feel this is it.

Even in the early days of gaming, volcanoes were a valuable touchstone. This fiery locale in the classic role-playing game is one of several places the heroic Warriors of Light visit, in their quest to save the land. Besides only being accessible by canoe, its chief quality is that its inner floors are lava-based. The sheer act of traversing the volcano's core causes damage to party members, something which still surprises us. It says something about the Warriors of Light that they are able to endure such pain.

Dr. Jones sure knows how to pick them. In this point-and-click adventure game, archeologist Indiana Jones seeks the famed lost city in a race to prevent the Nazis from accessing valuable technology. At the game's climax, the good doctor finds himself in the catacombs of a dormant volcano – which double as the ruins of Atlantis. The combination of controlled magma flows and ancient architecture is breathtaking in design, which makes its destruction all the more tragic.

Monkey Island's take on the volcanic destination is certainly interesting, if unconventional. During the misadventures of lovable pirate Guybrush Threepwood, he stumbles upon Blood Island, a hotel resort with an unmistakeably active volcano and a cannibal vegan tribe who worship it. As a act of mischief, Guybrush tosses a piece of cheese into the volcano's mouth – which causes it to erupt and spew lava. Well, at least we get an iconic line out of the devastation and turmoil.

Such a series staple do we rarely find. Appearing as the final dungeon of the original “Legend of Zelda”, it offered a series of challenging rooms on the way to fighting the evil Ganon. In more recent instalments, the Mountain's role has been expanded – it now acts as the home of the peaceful Goron race, while still possessing intricate dungeons to explore. But whether past or present, Death Mountain always manages to be an pleasant example of the dormant volcano in all its glory.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Bald Mountain
“Kingdom Hearts” (2002)

Volcano Level
“Jurassic Park” (1993)

Grumble Volcano
“Mario Kart Wii” (2008)

Level 3: Volcano
“Iron Sword: Wizards and Warriors II” (1989)

A fitting conclusion to a suitably grandiose game. “Morrowind” spends much of its running time setting up a confrontation between your character, the Nerevarine, and the undead Chimer lord Dagoth Ur. So it's no surprise that your final quest is to fight Ur on his territory – but who expected a battle in the heart of a volcano? The approach to Red Mountain alone is impressive, with a sweeping musical score and swirling ash clouds. But the journey through the volcano's darkened tunnels, leading to the final duel – that is the stuff of legends.


Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite volcanic peak in video games? For more heated Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.