The 15 Best Video Game Castles (And Their Real-Life Counterparts)

These collaborations of nerd and geek culture are just begging to house kidnapped princesses, or to be invaded, or to produce winged beasties.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Bowser’s Castle

Game: New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Real-Life Castle: Thirlestane Castle

In the early 16th century, shortly after the Wedderhede family inherited Thirlestane Castle, the Wedderhede family was murdered. In November 2009, a new owner of the castle was revealed along with a number of structural and landscaping adjustments, including large spiked turrets, a portcullis, a lava moat, and a collection of stone reliefs.

Later that month, approximately ten hours later, the owner and his family were also murdered, reportedly by the castle’s plumber. Scottish castles are notoriously haunted.

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Hyrule Castle

Game: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Real-Life Castle: Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle has spawned more 1000 piece picture puzzles than any other castle in history, probably. Its regal spires sprinkled across the 19th century Bavarian Estate set high on a hilltop was the primary template for the design of Disney’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Sleeping Beauty’s distressed damsel act has been recreated in myriad media forms, but Zelda has recreated the myth more closely than most. By the transitive property, Neuschwanstein Castle owes its continued upkeep to the Master Sword. Midna be praised.

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