Summary
Horror has a storied history with video games, spawning some of the most famous franchises across various decades. There are numerous aspects that go into creating a good horror game, and the monsters are a main focal point. Whether it’s Nemesis fromResident Evil 3, the Necromorphs fromDead Space, or the Xenomorph fromAlien: Isolation, monsters have been antagonizing players for decades.
However, none is as well known asPyramid Headfrom theSilent Hillseries, an imposing, intimidating, and unsettling boogeyman. With his eponymous pyramid helmet and giant knife, he is found throughout theSilent Hillfranchise, and has become the face of the horror players will encounter (despite never seeing his face). Yet Pyramid Head’s role alters somewhat between games, or is left as a reference when he isn’t present.
While a notable criticism of Pyramid Head is his inclusion in other games separate from James' story, he is found as a reference in some titles. BothSilent Hill: OriginsandSilent Hill: Downpourinvolve such inclusions.
Originsincludes a bit more of a humble reference, showing a painting similar to the Misty Day, Remains Of Judgement painting central to James' conceptualization of Pyramid Head. The Pyramid Head reference inSilent Hill: Downpourshows theoccasional goofy side ofSilent Hill, appearing in a joke ending at a party. Pyramid Head shows up and cuts the cake for protagonist Murphy Pendleton.
As Pyramid Head is an iconic horror monster, it’s only natural that he has been featured in various other games. Both spin-offSilent Hillgames, as well as non-Silent Hillfranchises, have included Pyramid Head. These range from jovial titles, to more serious entries.
Notably, Pyramid Head appears inSilent Hill: The ArcadeandSilent Hill: Book of Memoriesas an enemy. Outside theSilent Hillseries,Pyramid Head appears inDead By Daylightattempting to punish those who deserve such treatment. He is also featured inSuper Bomberman Rwhere he shares a similar role, andKrazy Kart Racing, being published by Konami, to name a few.
Pyramid Head can also be found in other works, such as with more creations from Masahiro Ito. His short work titledБелый охотник(which translates to “white hunter”) features an entity similar to Pyramid Head whose role is to kill the angels briefly featured. The short filmFukurois similar, featuring various monsters fromSilent Hill 2,as well as other monsters fromearly sketches of the game.
Pyramid Head also appears in various comics based onSilent Hill. Pyramid Head appears in different ways depending on the comic, such as chasing the protagonist, killing other characters, or wandering the streets of Silent Hill. The bookSilent Hill: Betrayalfurther features Pyramid Head, but with changes. Pyramid Head is instead associated more with the divine, being a servant of Valtiel, and enacts vengeance and justice.
Christophe Gans
Cast
Sean Bean, Radha Mitchell, Laurie Holden, Deborah Kara Unger, Kim Coates, Tanya Allen, Alice Krige, Jodelle Ferland
126m
M.J. Bassett
Adelaide Clemens, Kit Harington, Deborah Kara Unger, Martin Donovan, Malcolm McDowell, Carrie-Anne Moss, Sean Bean
95m
Release Date
July 19, 2025
Going by a slightly different name, the movie version of Pyramid Head follows a similar role to that of the games. InSilent Hill,he pursues the main characters in attempts to kill them. The second movie,namedSilent Hill: Revelation, chooses quite a different story for Pyramid Head, turning him into a good guy. He is the protector of Alessa Gillespie/Heather Mason, helping and protecting her from harm, and even killing Claudia Wolf, the antagonist.
Silent Hill: Homecominghad one of the most controversial takes on Pyramid Head, involving him outside his involvement with James' personal story. However, this time he’s named the Bogeyman, terrorizing protagonist Alex Shepard and additional characters in his terrifying fashion.
The Bogeyman functions similarly to Pyramid Head, appearing before the protagonist and committing acts befitting that ofthe iconic monster. He antagonizes Alex and murders others in his usual ghastly way. However,Silent Hill: Homecomingrevealed that these Bogeymen can be created, and that there can be more than one of them. After choosing immoral actions throughout the game, the Judgment ending presents the player with two Bogeymen placing a pyramid helmet on Alex, showing that he is able to punish, just like they did across the game.
James Sunderland’s venture into Silent Hill in the second game birthed the iconic Pyramid Head. First found in the Wood Side Apartments, Pyramid Head appears throughout the game, as a boss, a roaming enemy, and in cutscenes.
Despite antagonizing players throughout the game, Pyramid Head served animportant role in the storyother than just the big scary monster. Pyramid Head is a physical manifestation of James' subconscious guilt and desire for punishment after the death of Mary. Something clearly seen throughout the game, he harshly punishes James both physically and mentally. The monster finally disappears after James realizes what Pyramid Head’s role is, and accepts his own past in tandem. It will be interesting to see how Pyramid Head will beportrayed in theSilent Hill 2 Remake,being one of the more important aspects of the game.
