Examining one’s living conditions can be an uncomfortable exercise, yet it is a reality that not everyone enjoys the privilege of a comfortable home. This theme resonates deeply within both real-life scenarios and the richly crafted narratives found in many video games.
Cities, whether imagined or real, often feature dilapidated districts that serve as harbors for the marginalized and struggling members of society. These areas can vary widely; some may present a level of instability but remain somewhat hospitable, while others devolve into chaotic environments rife with crime and danger. Although they may not be the most uplifting settings, slums frequently give rise to complex characters and layered storylines.
10 Freeside
Fallout: New Vegas
In the expansive world of Fallout: New Vegas, the vibrant city of New Vegas represents a remnant of its pre-war glory. However, for those unable to access the glamour of the Strip, the adjacent district of Freeside becomes their refuge. This area, which remains from the original Las Vegas, was intentionally separated from the lavish Strip by Mr. House and his cohorts.
The residents of Freeside are primarily individuals who have either fallen short of the Strip’s credit requirements or lost everything to gambling. Despite the efforts from local groups such as the Kings and the Followers of the Apocalypse to provide aid and maintain some semblance of order, the streets are fraught with opportunistic thugs and desperate individuals.
9 Rogueport
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Welcome to Rogueport, a quintessential hub of crime and mischief within Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Predominantly populated by grizzled sailors and cunning pickpockets, this town is anything but inviting. Though it may be harsh to label it a “slum, ” its less-than-pleasant atmosphere is hard to overlook.
The further one ventures east, the more grim the surroundings become, with walls stained by graffiti and litter strewn about. In contrast, the western part of Rogueport offers slightly improved conditions, yet it remains under the strict influence of the Pianta Syndicate, which does little to enhance the overall quality of life.
8 Sector 7 Slums
Final Fantasy VII
In the industrial metropolis of Midgar, as portrayed in Final Fantasy VII, residents enjoy a relatively comfortable existence above the city’s plate. However, beneath this elevated structure lies a starkly different reality where individuals either cannot afford to live above or refuse to comply with Shinra’s oppressive regulations.
The slum situated beneath Sector 7 is notable for being one of the most secure areas in the underbelly of Midgar, featuring the best infrastructure among the city’s slums. Furthermore, it is home to the Seventh Heaven bar, which also serves as the secret hideout for the eco-terrorist group known as AVALANCHE.
7 New Coventry
Bully
Within the game Bully, the town of Bullworth features various districts, with New Coventry being the haven for the Greasers—a group steeped in working-class values. This neighborhood, marked by its proximity to an industrial park, is perpetually tainted by smog and decay.
Abodes in New Coventry are typically rundown tenements with few available amenities, including a local market, a tattoo parlor, and a pool hall. However, the Greaser community fosters a vibrant bike racing culture alongside a makeshift BMX park, providing a glimmer of excitement in an otherwise dismal setting.
6 Gray Quarter
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
In Windhelm, a city within The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Gray Quarter stands as a predominantly Dunmer neighborhood. This area was established after the Dunmer fled Morrowind due to a volcanic eruption, initially referred to as the “Snow Quarter.”
Over time, however, the locals began using the name Gray Quarter in a derogatory manner, reflecting their prejudice against the Dunmer’s appearance. Indifference from the Nord population, amped by the hostile sentiments of the Stormcloak supporters, adds layers of complexity and conflict to the lives of the Gray Quarter residents.
5 Pauper’s Drop
BioShock 2
Pauper’s Drop emerged as a response to the construction of the Atlantic Express underwater railway in BioShock 2. Initially intended for the influx of workers, the temporary housing facilities morphed into permanent residences when the labor force couldn’t afford to relocate into the more affluent areas of Rapture.
This resulted in Pauper’s Drop becoming one of the largest slums in the city—an area characterized by despair, both before and after the Rapture Civil War. As Sinclair aptly notes, “there’s no side of the tracks more wrong than under them.”
4 fence
League Of Legends
In the universe of League of Legends, Piltover shines as a beacon of culture and scientific advancement. However, Zaun serves as its shadowy counterpart, inhabited by iconic characters such as Jinx, Vi, and Ekko. Originally, it was an unremarkable undercity meant for waste disposal and societal rejects.
Over time, Zaun evolved significantly, developing into a robust city capable of rivaling Piltover, even declaring its independence. While residents might resist being called a slum, Zaun’s culture and commerce, though volatile, provide a rich tapestry of life beneath Piltover’s lofty heights.
3 Saint’s Row
Saints Row (2006)
The neighborhood known as Saint’s Row in the original Saints Row game reflects a much different reality than its past. This small district in Stilwater once fostered a thriving community; however, it deteriorated into a battleground due to gang rivalries including Los Carnales, Vice Kings, and West Side Rollerz.
By the time players are introduced to this area, it is on the brink of collapse, with businesses closed, properties in disrepair, and a sense of abandonment hanging in the air. Julius, the founder of the 3rd Street Saints, seeks to reclaim the Row from the chaos brought on by rival gangs.
2 The Lower Quarter
Tales Of Vesperia
Tales of Vesperia unfolds in the Imperial Capital of Zaphias, which is segmented into four districts catering to various social classes—from the affluent royal quarters to the cramped and neglected Lower Quarter. This district is severely overcrowded, offering only a single source of clean water, the Aqua Blastia.
When a critical part of the Aqua Blastia is stolen, it disrupts the flow of clean water, flooding the Lower Quarter with sewage, and forcing Yuri to embark on a quest to restore their water supply for the sake of his struggling community.
1 Pacifica
Cyberpunk 2077
In the chaotic landscape of Cyberpunk 2077, Night City is fraught with violence and urban decay, making it difficult to pinpoint any one area as the ultimate “slum.” However, Pacifica stands out as perhaps the most emblematic of this designation.
Initially envisioned as a lavish coastal resort lined with shopping and entertainment options, Pacifica was left to languish after investors backed out, leaving it to devolve into a lawless zone. Overrun by criminals, the district is so neglected that the local police force, the NCPD, opts not to patrol it, and it has even been omitted from the city’s official map—an act ordered by the mayor to keep its unsettling crime statistics out of the public eye.
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