Editing Heartless

{{Game|KH1|FM1|COM|REC|KH2|FM2|358|KHC|RCO|BBS|FMB|DDD|DHD|KHX|UCX|XBC|AFP|KH3|3RM|DR|MOM}}
{{cleanup|Story and origin (focus on important uses of Heartless and events important to Heartless as a whole; not every single Heartless appearance needs to be given a detailed synopsis)}}
[[File:Heartless Emblem.png|200px|thumb|The Heartless Emblem]]
The {{nihongo|'''Heartless'''|ハートレス|Hātoresu}} are beings of [[darkness]] that manifest in two forms, "Pureblood" and "Emblem". While most Heartless are, in fact, manifested [[heart]]s, they behave entirely devoid of emotion, and thus were named "Heartless".<ref>'''''[[Ansem's Report 3]]''''': "One thing I am sure of is that they are entirely devoid of emotion."</ref>
<!--Explain Pureblood and Emblem, using cutscenes and interviews-->

The Heartless are the primary enemy type in the ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|series}}'' series, with various subspecies appearing as enemies in nearly every game.

==Story==
===Before ''Kingdom Hearts χ''===
{{c|Darkness|character}} originally had physical forms, but cast them off in order to attack hearts directly. These original Darknesses infected people's hearts and preyed on their negative emotions, giving rise to the first Pureblood Heartless.

===''Kingdom Hearts χ''===
With the incoming Keyblade War, a Nightmare Chirithy manipulated Keyblade wielders in an attempt to prevent them from fighting over [[Lux]]. However, the Dream Eater's actions caused opposite reaction, leading to them giving into darkness and being turned into [[Darklings]]. They continued their pursuit of Lux eventually coming for Skuld and Player but fled after a fight. Later on, the trio are absorbed by Nightmare Chirithy to do battle again, but ends in defeat. The Darklings' pursuit continued after crossing the world line and following the Dandelions into the data world. Inside the Clock Tower as glitches appear Player, Ephemer and Ventus are soon are surrounded by a Darkling who utters "not you...", which confuses the trio. Then a lone Darkling was followed by Ephemer and Player while traversing through the mysterious tunnel, still muttering the same phrase it did before. They do battle, and the Darkling runs further into the tunnel, with the pair following. 

Ephemer continued to follow it through Game Central Station and into Hero's Duty, and once again reunites with Player despite defeating the Darkling for the third time; it still says "not you", leaving Ephemer perplexed about what it could mean. Before confronting it further, the Darkling gets eaten by a Cy-Bug, fusing them together then flies off as the pair chase after it and finally catching up to it, they manage to destroy it. Later, in Sugar Rush, after King Candy and the Cy-bugs are defeated, Player and Chirithy sensed that the Darkling is still around and sees that it has gotten much stronger since their last encounter. Finally, Chirithy asks the Darkling why it keeps following them if they are not the ones it wants but the creature doesn't answer and is destroyed once again. Remembering the Cy-Bugs behavior in Hero's Duty Chirithy wonders if the Darkling was drawn to the light of the Keyblade and was really after a Keyblade wielder.

During the confrontation with Darkness and the Union leaders, Darklings appear, around a comatose Ventus, seeing him as their target. He wakes up and uses the light within his heart to destroy them.{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts Union χ|Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross]}}

Keyblade wielders fight both Pureblood and Emblem Heartless as they journey across the worlds to collect Lux. However, these are merely projections from the [[Book of Prophecies]], which contains records of future events, as true Emblem Heartless did not yet exist.{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts Dark Road}}
{{sec-stub}}

===Between ''Kingdom Hearts Dark Road'' and ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''===
In an attempt to draw out the darkness in the heart of his pupil, [[Ventus]], [[Master Xehanort]] summoned several [[Neoshadow]]s to fight him, but Ventus was overwhelmed and nearly destroyed by the Heartless instead.

===''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''===
[[File:Versus Dark Hide KHBBSFM.png|thumb|200px|left|Heartless living in the Realm of Darkness.]]
As [[Aqua]] wanders the [[Realm of Darkness]] following her battle with [[Terra-Xehanort]], she encounters a group of [[Darkside]]s. Although she initially summons [[Master's Defender]], she decides to let the Darksides come at her without resisting. However, Terra's and Ventus's Keyblades come to her rescue, a last symbol of hope from her old friends. Her spirit returning, and in hopes of returning to her home, Aqua presses on through the Realm of Darkness, along the way encountering many [[Pureblood Heartless]], including [[Shadow]]s, Neoshadows and [[Darkball]]s. During this time, she is stalked and attacked by the massive [[Dark Hide]], engaging it in combat and emerging victorious after a strenuous battle.
{{-}}

===''Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-''===
[[File:The Giant 01 KH0.2.png|thumb|200px|Darksides create a giant red "sun" that disappears when they are destroyed.]]
Aqua fights off numerous Purebloods in the Realm of Darkness, which included Darksides, Neoshadows, Shadows, and a huge swarm of Shadows called [[Demon Tower]]. Extremely rare elemental Heartless, such as [[Water Core]], [[Flame Core]], [[Earth Core]], and [[Fluttering]] attack Aqua as she journeys through the realm. While in the remains of [[Enchanted Dominion]], Aqua [[Flowmotion|railslides]] through a forest of thorns, evading the punches and energy blasts of numerous [[Darkside]]s. A swarm of Shadows called the [[Demon Tide]] attempts to attack [[Riku]] when he tries reaching the [[Door to Darkness]], but Aqua holds it off and ultimately destroys it as she renews her convictions to defeat the darkness.
{{-}}

===Between ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' and ''Kingdom Hearts''===
[[File:Heart Research KHII.png|thumb|left|The research Ansem and his apprentices produced.]]<!--what is the exact source of this?-->
Building on [[Ansem the Wise]]'s research into the nature of the heart, two of his apprentices, Xehanort and Master Xehanort's co-conspirator, [[Braig]], experimented on people's hearts without his knowledge, convincing Ansem's other apprentices, [[Dilan]], [[Even]], [[Aeleus]], and [[Ienzo]], to assist them.

During the experiments, Xehanort discovered the Heartless and named them.{{storylink|Ansem's Report 3}} One of them leads him to the heart of [[Radiant Garden]]. After further study, he built the Heartless Manufactory inside Ansem's castle and created the first artificial [[Emblem Heartless]].{{storylink|Ansem's Report 8}}

After discovering his apprentices' experiments and realizing his error in trying to interfere with the nature of the heart, Ansem the Wise ordered his apprentices to cease their research. However, they overthrew Ansem, banishing him to the Realm of Darkness while Xehanort took his name. Their continued experiments eventually led the group to lose their hearts, turning them into Heartless and [[Nobodies]], and Xehanort's Heartless, [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]], began planning to find and take the power of [[Kingdom Hearts]].

In the meantime, the Heartless consumed most of the world, leaving only [[Hollow Bastion]], and they began spreading to other worlds. Ansem began manipulating [[Maleficent]] and her allies to use the Heartless in their bid to conquer all worlds and take Kingdom Hearts. In this conquest, [[Enchanted Dominion]], [[Castle of Dreams]], [[Dwarf Woodlands]], [[The Land of Dragons]], [[Pride Lands]], [[Beast's Castle]], [[La Cité des Cloches]], [[Prankster's Paradise]], [[The Grid]], [[Country of the Musketeers]] and [[Symphony of Sorcery]] were destroyed by the Heartless, along with the homes of [[Bambi]], [[Dumbo]], [[Pongo and Perdita]], and the [[99 Puppies]].

===''Kingdom Hearts''===
[[File:Leon 01 KH.png|thumb|200px|A Heartless steals a man's heart.]]
Maleficent sends the Heartless to invade many worlds, to consume their hearts and search for the seven [[Princesses of Heart]]. Many of her allies use the Heartless to advance their own plans, in many cases to conquer their own worlds.

[[Sora]] encounters Heartless within his [[Dive to the Heart]], including a Darkside. A few days later, when [[Riku]] opens the door to the heart of the world, the Heartless invade en masse, and they succeed in devouring the [[Destiny Islands|islands]], despite Sora obtaining the [[Keyblade]] and attempting to stop them.

After he escapes to [[Traverse Town]], Sora meets [[Leon]] and [[Yuffie]], who explain to him the nature of the Heartless and tell him his Keyblade both draws them to him and is the best weapon against them. This leads Sora to fight the Heartless alongside [[Donald Duck]] and [[Goofy]], in an effort to save the worlds. 

Sora eventually learns that the Heartless are being used by Maleficent to capture the seven Princesses of Heart and open the door to Kingdom Hearts, so that she and her allies can rule over all worlds. However, Ansem, possessing Riku's body, uses the [[Keyblade of heart]] to drown Maleficent in her own darkness and transform her into her dragon form. After she is destroyed by Sora, Ansem reveals that, like the other villains, she was being used by the Heartless.

[[File:Sealing the Keyhole Hollow Bastion 01 KH.png|thumb|200px|left|Sora seals the last Keyhole.]]
Ansem challenges Sora in order to claim [[Kairi]]'s heart and complete the [[Final Keyhole]], but Sora defeats him. Sora then uses Ansem's Keyblade on himself, in order to free Kairi's heart and complete the Keyhole so it can be sealed. Although he succeeds, he loses his own heart and becomes a Shadow Heartless in the process. Kairi's [[light]] restores Sora to his human form, and he soon travels to the [[End of the World]] to stop Ansem from reaching Kingdom Hearts.

Ansem uses a great many Heartless in an effort to defeat Sora, but he is finally beaten in front of the [[Door to Darkness]]. Ansem reaches out to Kingdom Hearts to try and control the darkness he expects within, but he is destroyed by the light of Kingdom Hearts.

In order to stop an immeasurable wave of Heartless from emerging through the Door to Darkness, Sora closes and locks the door with the help of Riku and [[Mickey Mouse|Mickey]], who are stuck in the Realm of Darkness.
{{-}}

===''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories''===
[[File:Darkness Released 01 KHRECOM.png|200px|thumb|Xehanort's Heartless, Ansem, is one of the only ones to have a mind.]]
The Heartless appear inside [[Castle Oblivion]], variously formed either from Sora's memories or Riku's darkness as they seek to indoctrinate the two boys.

In the memory-copy of [[Agrabah]], the Heartless caused enough mayhem for [[Jafar]] to take control of the city, and attempt to force [[Aladdin]] to waste his wishes stopping them.

In the memory-copy of [[Halloween Town]], the Heartless appeared as a result of [[Dr. Finkelstein]] creating a potion to retrieve true memories.

[[Axel]], due to his friendship with Sora's Nobody, [[Roxas]], is fascinated by [[Sora's Heartless]], as Sora was able to hold onto his mind and feelings when a Heartless should be mindless and instinctual, something that only one other Heartless, [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|Ansem]], was able to accomplish.
{{-}}

===''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''===
[[File:Heartless 01 KHD.png|thumb|left|Marluxia teaches Roxas about the Heartless.]]
After Maleficent and Ansem's defeat, the Heartless run wild without a guiding will behind them, although villains like [[Pete]] are able to summon and control small groups of them. As a Keyblade-wielding member of [[Organization XIII]], [[Roxas]] is often sent on missions to defeat them and collect hearts. During one of his early missions, [[Marluxia]] introduces Roxas to fighting Heartless, explaining to him the difference between Pureblood Heartless, which contain no hearts, and Emblem Heartless, which release hearts upon defeat. He tells Roxas that the hearts he collects will gather to form Kingdom Hearts, the ultimate goal of the Organization. Marluxia and [[Zexion]] emphasize the importance of Roxas's role in collecting hearts for the Organization's purposes. [[Xemnas]] creates [[Xion]] to duplicate Roxas's abilities, as a failsafe should Roxas have proved inadequate for the purpose of collecting hearts.

After Xion's death, Roxas attempts to reach the Organization's Kingdom Hearts in the hopes of bringing her back. However, he is stopped by numerous [[Neoshadow]]s, which he slays with the help of Riku.
{{-}}

===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
[[File:Ansem's Apprentice 02 KHII.png|200px|thumb|Sora charges into battle against the Heartless.]]
After Sora awakens in [[Twilight Town]], he travels to the [[Mysterious Tower]], where he meets Pete, Maleficent's second in command, who is working to make an army of Heartless for Maleficent's use. After defeating his squad of Heartless, Sora realizes that the worlds are still in danger. He meets with the Tower's master, [[Yen Sid]], who explains Sora's new mission, telling him that although Sora and company prevented a catastrophic invasion of the [[Realm of Light]] by Heartless, there are still many Heartless throughout the worlds. Maleficent and Pete continue to use the Heartless in their attempts to conquer worlds, and as [[Axel]] reveals during the [[Battle of the 1000 Heartless]], Organization XIII is using Sora to release the hearts of every Heartless he destroys to create their own Kingdom Hearts.

In [[Halloween Town]], [[Dr. Finkelstein]] creates an "artificial" Heartless called [[The Experiment]]. When it comes to life, it chases presents, hoping that the joy of the presents would be enough to give it a heart.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Sora:''' "Santa Claus thinks maybe it left because it was trying to find a heart." / '''Dr. Finkelstein:''' "That's quite possible. Unlike my Sally, it wasn't equipped with a heart." / '''Sora:''' "But if it wanted a heart, why was it going around stealing all those Christmas presents?" / '''Sally:''' Maybe because...presents are a way to give your heart to someone special.</ref> The Experiment is eventually defeated by Sora, Donald, and Goofy when they arrive in Halloween Town the second time.

With this knowledge, Sora heads for the Organization's base world, [[The World That Never Was]], to stop their plans for Kingdom Hearts. Inside the [[Castle That Never Was]], [[Saïx]] shows off the Organization's Kingdom Hearts to Sora's group, and he summons a great many Shadows to attack.

Kingdom Hearts is damaged when Ansem the Wise fails to encode it as data, causing hearts to rain down over the Dark City, spawning a great swarm of Shadows that attack the castle. Maleficent and Pete take on the swarm, sending Sora and company to defeat [[Xemnas]], atop the castle.

===''Kingdom Hearts coded''===
Digital representations of the Heartless appear within the  [[datascape]] of [[Jiminy Cricket|Jiminy]]'s [[Jiminy's Journal|Journal]], just as they had appeared in the real worlds. The bugs infecting the Journal also appear as various species of Heartless. The source of the bugs, the digital representation of [[Sora's Heartless]], absorbs the defeated Heartless in order to increase in power, but it is defeated by [[Data-Sora]] and King Mickey, and the journal is repaired.

===''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''===
Before beginning Sora and Riku's [[Mark of Mastery exam]], Yen Sid explains that the [[Dream Eater]]s are manifestations of darkness that serve as the [[Sleeping Worlds]]' counterpart to the Heartless.

Ienzo reveals to [[Lea]] that when a Heartless and Nobody are destroyed and their hearts find their vessels, they are returned to the place they became a Heartless and Nobody. However, if that world is destroyed or otherwise unavailable, they would appear in Traverse Town.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]''''', '''Ienzo''': "When someone who's lost their heart is recompleted, they should return to the place where it happened. And if that world is unavailable for whatever reason, a refuge is made for them in the realm between—a world called "Traverse Town". They would be sent there."</ref>

<!--Incorporate into synopsis
==Origin==
According to legend, the people of the universe once lived in harmony on one world, with their hearts full of light. Unfortunately, they began to selfishly fight over the light, and darkness grew within their hearts, covering everything and destroying the world. The light survived in the hearts of children, who were able to rebuild the broken fragments of the one world into many, smaller [[world]]s. However, the true light was still hidden in the darkness, so the worlds remained separate.<ref>'''''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}''''', '''Kairi's Grandmother''': "Long ago, people lived in peace, bathed in the warmth of light. Everyone loved the light. Then people began to fight over it. They wanted to keep it for themselves. And darkness was born in their hearts. The darkness spread, swallowing the light and many people's hearts. It covered everything, and the world disappeared. But small fragments of light survived...in the hearts of children. With these fragments of light, children rebuilt the lost world. It's the world we live in now. But the true light sleeps, deep within the darkness. That's why the worlds are still scattered, divided from each other. But someday, a door to the innermost darkness will open. And the true light will return. So, listen, child. Even in the deepest darkness, there will always be a light to guide you. Believe in the light, and the darkness will never defeat you. Your heart will shine with its power and push the darkness away. Do you understand, Kairi?"</ref> As manifestations of that Darkness, natural Heartless have existed within the Realm of Darkness ever since. However, due to the walls between the worlds, they could initially only enter the Realm of Light when summoned.

About a decade before the events of ''Kingdom Hearts'', [[Ansem the Wise]], king of [[Radiant Garden]], took it upon himself to study the darkness within human hearts, so he and his apprentices, [[Xehanort]], [[Braig]], [[Dilan]], [[Even]], [[Aeleus]], and [[Ienzo]], conducted experiments on the heart beneath his castle.{{storylink|Ansem Reports#Ansem Report 1|Ansem Report 1}} While these tests began with simple psychological tests on willing subjects like Xehanort{{storylink|Ansem Reports#Secret Ansem Report 1|Secret Ansem Report 1}}, they quickly snowballed and eventually caused their subjects' hearts to collapse, producing a Heartless.{{storylink|Ansem Reports#Ansem Report 2|Ansem Report 2}} Unable at first to determine what they were, Xehanort named them "Heartless" due to their apparent lack of emotion.{{storylink|Ansem Reports#Ansem Report 3|Ansem Report 3}} After finding that the Heartless were naturally drawn to the worlds' [[Keyhole]]s{{storylink|Ansem Reports#Ansem Report 5|Ansem Report 5}}, he invented a machine within the [[Heartless Manufactory]] that recreated the conditions which naturally spawned Heartless in order to create artificial Heartless. In order to differentiate the natural and artificial Heartless, Xehanort set the machine to mark its creations with the castle's emblem, and named the two types "Pureblood" and "Emblem", respectively.{{storylink|Ansem Reports#Ansem Report 8|Ansem Report 8}}

After a visit from [[King Mickey Mouse]] of [[Disney Castle]], Ansem officially ceased his experiments{{storylink|Ansem Reports#Secret Ansem Report 2|Secret Ansem Report 2}}, but they continued to be performed by his apprentices, while he was exiled by them to the [[Realm of Nothingness]].{{storylink|Secret Ansem Report 3}}

To further their research into Heartless, as well as the [[Keyblade]] and the [[Princesses of Heart]], the apprentices cast off their bodies and surrendered their hearts to darkness, giving birth to their Heartless and Nobodies. Against expectations, [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]] retained his human form{{storylink|Ansem Report 12}}, as did the apprentices' [[Organization XIII|Nobodies]]. Eventually, the witch [[Maleficent]] learned of the Heartless and began using them in her quest for power, and gave the power to lead the Heartless to those who joined her in her quest. 

Nine years before the events of ''Kingdom Hearts'', she sent a swarm of Heartless to conquer the Radiant Garden, causing it to be lost to darkness so completely that only the castle that became known as Hollow Bastion remained, even in the survivor's memories.<ref>'''''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}''''', '''Leon''': "[Maleficent's] the reason this town is full of Heartless. Don't take her lightly." / '''Aerith''': "She's been using the Heartless for years." / '''Leon''': "We lost our world, thanks to her." / '''Cid''': "One day, a swarm of Heartless took over our world!" / '''Leon''': "That was nine years ago."</ref><!--KH2 Radiant Garden reveal
During this time, whether from the machinations of Ansem's apprentices or Maleficent herself, the Heartless became able to invade the Realm of Light at their own choosing, and whole worlds began disappearing to the darkness.
-->

===''Kingdom Hearts III''===
[[File:The Xehanorts Gather 01 KHIII.png|thumb|left|200px|The guardians of light prepare to face an army of Heartless, backed by Unversed and Nobodies.]]
During their closing research into the [[New Seven Hearts]] and [[Replica]]s, the [[real Organization XIII]] regularly employs Heartless, alongside [[Nobodies]] and [[Unversed]], to both further their experiments and rebuff [[Sora]]'s attempts to stop them.

When the [[Seven Guardians of Light]] arrive at the [[Keyblade Graveyard]], the Organization sends the remaining reserves of their armies to quash the heroes. Sora and his friends are able to repel the first assault, but after [[Terra-Xehanort]] confronts them and leaves them in disarray, the swarm attacks again and is able to extinguish the guardians. However, before the [[Lich]] can consume their deaths, Sora exploits the [[power of waking]] to bring them back, and in the process generates a singularity that returns them to before the battle. This time, the [[Lingering Will]] drives off Terra-Xehanort, allowing the spirits of the fallen [[Keyblade wielders]] to rise up and help Sora finish off the massive swarm. In one last attempt, [[Dark Riku]] summons a final swarm of Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed to overwhelm the guardians, but [[Yen Sid]] arrives and uses his powers to clear a path to the waiting organization.
{{-}}

==Design==
[[File:Symbol Character - Riku.png|thumb|100px|A Heartless emblem variation.]]
In general, Heartless are beastly creatures with beady yellow eyes.

As naturally occurring Heartless, Pureblood Heartless look more primitive and tend to use more chaotic fighting styles. When they are not possessing objects or using them as armor, Pureblood Heartless are predominantly dark-toned with eerily-colored veins, antennae, and tendrils on their bodies. In addition, they generally do not cast shadows onto the world. Some Pureblood Heartless have chains hanging off their bodies. Particularly strong Pureblood Heartless look somewhat humanoid and possess a heart-shaped hole in the center of their torso.

Emblem Heartless have more varied shapes and colors than their Pureblood cousins. They are branded with an emblem, which resembles a heart with a ''fleur-de-lis'' at the bottom and a spiky "X" crossing through the center. The physical appearance of Emblem Heartless is influenced by the world they appear in. Unlike Purebloods, these Heartless generally do have shadows.
{{-}}

==Nature==
{{Q|Pitiful Heartless. Mindlessly collecting hearts.|Saïx}}
[[File:Up Until Now and From Here On Out 01 KHII.png|200px|thumb|left|A Shadow, a Pureblood Heartless.]]
Pureblood Heartless are natural Heartless, born from the darkness in people's hearts. They are native to the [[Realm of Darkness]], and they are more common in other places that are close to or saturated in darkness, such as [[End of the World]] and [[The World That Never Was]]. Upon their destruction, they simply disappear in puffs of darkness, without a heart leaving its body.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''''', '''Marluxia:''' "The ones you just defeated are known as Purebloods. Purebloods don't release any hearts when you defeat them. In other words, don't bother with them."</ref> While Purebloods have less variety, they are far more numerous in quantity and often attack in swarms.

Emblem Heartless, on the other hand, are artificially created. They were first created from a machine designed to reproduce the process of a heart being consumed by darkness.<ref>'''''[[Secret Ansem Report 5]]''''': "The six traitors were operating a laboratory that churned out those cursed shadows. Not only did they generate "pureblood" Heartless from living hearts, but they then used those Heartless to synthesize artificial versions of the creatures as well. These synthetic Heartless bore insignias and were called "Emblems." Pureblood or Emblem, these Heartless act only to fulfill their instinctive needs. They single-mindedly detect hearts and swarm around them."</ref> They are more common in the worlds within the Realm of Light, and they can adapt their appearance to fit the world they are in, often mimicking the shape of creatures or objects within that world. Powerful Emblem Heartless can also be created directly from the influence of darkness on a creature or individual.<!--Storm Rider, Skoll, Grim Guardianess-->

Heartless – Emblem or Pureblood – are dark creatures that act on instinct alone. They will attack others to consume more hearts, and will target wielders of the Keyblade.<ref>'''''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}''''', '''Leon:''' "The Heartless have great fear of the Keyblade. That's why they'll keep coming after you no matter what."</ref> However, a powerful user of darkness can summon or control Heartless.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania]]''''' "As Yen Sid says in ''Kingdom Hearts II'', the Heartless cannot be separated from the darkness in people's hearts, and have been around for a long time. Beings of darkness can draw out the darkness in the heart, so Master Xehanort could summon the Neoshadows with his own hands. In the same way, when Xehanort and Ansem the Wise's students begin to perform the first experiments on the darkness of the heart, artificial Heartless were created in large numbers."</ref> The Heartless will obey a powerful enough force, but they are only loyal as long as the leader remains strong-willed. <ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Saïx:''' "The Heartless ally with whoever's the strongest."</ref><ref>'''''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}''''', '''Maleficent:''' "Don't steep yourself in darkness too long. The Heartless consume the careless."</ref> Additionally, some Heartless are able to command fellow Heartless.

[[File:Sora, Donald, and Goofy 01 KH.png|thumb|200px|A Soldier, an Emblem Heartless.]]
Heartless possess the ability to travel between worlds using [[Corridors of Darkness]]. They naturally seek out the heart of the world to corrupt it with their darkness. A Keyblade can lock the heart of a world away from the Heartless; while this prevents the Heartless from destroying the world's heart, it does not keep Heartless out of the world itself.

If a Heartless is slain by a Keyblade, the heart will be freed and reunite with the body and soul it left behind (provided there is no corresponding Nobody). Magic and certain weapons can also destroy Heartless, but only temporarily.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''''', '''Xion:''' "But if I don't defeat Heartless with the Keyblade... the hearts they release just find their way into other Heartless instead. I swat them in one place and they just pop up in another."</ref> No method of eliminating Heartless is capable of stopping them forever, for as long as darkness lingers in the hearts of individuals, Heartless will continue to form.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Yen Sid:''' Your past endeavors did prevent an immense effusion of Heartless from the great darkness; make no mistake about that. However, the Heartless are darkness made real---and darkness lingers yet in every heart. The Heartless are fewer. But while darkness exists in a single heart, it will be difficult to eliminate them."</ref>

The strength of a Heartless is proportional to the depth of the darkness from which it was born: the darker the heart forming a Heartless, the more powerful and more monstrous the resulting being will be.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''''', '''Pete:''' "I'll give that pirate somethin' he can reeeally be greedy about. Then I'll summon a great big whopper of a Heartless!"</ref> For those with no darkness within their hearts, such as the [[Princesses of Heart]], they cannot create Heartless. The process of creating Heartless occasionally also forms [[Nobodies]], which are born from the [[body]] and [[soul]] left behind when the heart is lost.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Yen Sid:''' "At times, if someone with a strong heart and will---be they evil or good---becomes a Heartless, the empty shell they leave behind begins to act with a will of its own."</ref>
{{-}}

==List of Heartless==
*Heartless listed in ''italics'' are exclusive to ''[[Kingdom Hearts Final Mix]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix]]'', or ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix]]''.
*Heartless listed in '''bold''' serve as bosses.
===Pureblood Heartless===
<gallery>
File:Shadow KHIII.png|[[Shadow]]
File:Shadow KHII.png|'''{{ns|Game|Sora's Heartless}}'''
File:Gigas Shadow KHFM.png|[[Gigas Shadow]]
File:Mega-Shadow KHD.png|[[Mega-Shadow]]
File:Gift Shadow KHX.png|[[Gift Shadow]]
File:Lion Dancer KHX.png|[[Lion Dancer]]
File:Candy Apple KHX.png|[[Candy Apple]]
File:Poison Apple KHX.png|[[Poison Apple]]
File:Flower Rider KHX.png|[[Flower Rider]]
File:Rodeo Rider KHX.png|[[Rodeo Rider]]
File:Branchees KHX.png|[[Wayward Wardrobe]]'s branchees Heartless
File:High-heeled Boot KHX.png|[[Wayward Wardrobe]]'s high-heeled boot Heartless
File:Skirt KHX.png|[[Wayward Wardrobe]]'s skirt Heartless
File:Neoshadow KHIII.png|[[Neoshadow]]
File:Novashadow KHD.png|[[Novashadow]]
File:Darkball KH.png|[[Darkball]]
File:Invisible KH.png|[[Invisible]]
File:Orcus KHD.png|[[Orcus]]
File:Dark Inferno KHIII.png|'''[[Dark Inferno]]'''
File:Dark Inferno χ KHIIIRM.png|'''[[Dark Inferno χ]]'''
File:Shadow Sora KH.png|[[Shadow Sora]]
File:AntiSora KH.png|'''[[AntiSora]]'''
File:Sora's Heartless - True Form KHREC.png|'''{{ns|Game|Sora's Heartless}}'''
File:Darkside KH.png|'''[[Darkside]]'''
File:Dark Follower KHD.png|'''[[Dark Follower]]'''
File:Darkside Ω KHX.png|'''[[Darkside Ω]]'''
File:Sora's Heartless - Neo Darkside KHREC.png|'''{{ns|Game|Sora's Heartless}}'''
File:Bit Sniper KH.png|[[Bit Sniper]]
File:Possessor KHII.png|'''[[Possessor]]'''
File:Massive Possessor KHD.png|[[Massive Possessor]]
File:Cloudy Sunrise KHX.png|[[Cloudy Sunrise]]
File:Possessors KHX.png|'''[[Possessors]]'''
File:Pink Possessor KHX.png|[[Pink Possessor]]
File:Shadow Stalker KHII.png|'''[[Shadow Stalker]]'''
File:Dark Thorn KHII.png|'''[[Dark Thorn]]'''
File:Shadow Glob KHD.png|[[Shadow Glob]]
File:Blox Bug KHREC.png|[[Blox Bug]]
File:Danger Bug KHREC.png|[[Danger Bug]]
File:Metal Bug KHREC.png|[[Metal Bug]]
File:Prize Bug KHREC.png|[[Prize Bug]]
File:Dark Hide KHBBSFM.png|'''''[[Dark Hide]]'''''
File:Darkling KHX.png|'''[[Darkling]]'''
File:Flappy Bug KHUX.png|[[Flappy Bug]]
File:Flappy Bug Swarm KHUX.png|[[Flappy Bug Swarm]]
File:Fluttering KHIII.png|[[Fluttering]]
File:Flutterings KHUX.png|'''[[Flutterings]]'''
File:Paralysis Platoon KHUX.png|'''[[Paralysis Platoon]]'''
File:Flame Core KHIII.png|[[Flame Core]]
File:Earth Core KHIII.png|[[Earth Core]]
File:Water Core KHIII.png|[[Water Core]]
File:Demon Tower KHIII.png|'''[[Demon Tower]]'''
File:Demon Tide KHIII.png|'''[[Demon Tide]]'''
File:Lich KHIII.png|'''[[Lich]]'''
</gallery>
<!--File:Thresholder KHIIFM.png|'''[[Thresholder]]'''-->

===Emblem Heartless===
<gallery>
File:Shadow Witch KHUX.png|[[Shadow Witch]]
File:Shadow Magician KHUX.png|[[Shadow Magician]]
File:Flappy Rider KHUX.png|[[Flappy Rider]]
File:Soldier KHIII.png|[[Soldier]]
File:KHFM Stealth Soldier.png|''[[Stealth Soldier]]''
File:Deserter KHD.png|[[Deserter]]
File:Sergeant KHD.png|[[Sergeant]]
File:Commander KHD.png|[[Commander]]
File:Pumpkin Soldier KHX.png|[[Pumpkin Soldier]]
File:Diver KHUX.png|[[Diver]]
File:High Soldier KHIII.png|[[High Soldier]]
File:Air Soldier KH.png|[[Air Soldier]]
File:Large Body KHIII.png|[[Large Body]]
File:Fat Bandit KHII.png|[[Fat Bandit]]
File:Large Armor KHD.png|[[Large Armor]]
File:Clay Armor KHD.png|[[Clay Armor]]
File:Solid Armor KHD.png|[[Solid Armor]]
File:Land Armor KHD.png|[[Land Armor]]
File:Large Snowman KHX.png|[[Large Snowman]]
File:Ringmaster KHX.png|[[Ringmaster]]
File:Huge Snowman KHUX.png|'''[[Huge Snowman]]'''
File:Ferocious Fins KHUX.png|'''[[Ferocious Fins]]'''
File:Shipwreck Shark KHUX.png|'''[[Shipwreck Shark]]'''
File:Icy Beast KHUX.png|'''[[Icy Beast]]'''
File:Helmed Body KHIII.png|[[Helmed Body]]
File:Red Nocturne KH.png|[[Red Nocturne]]
File:Blue Rhapsody KH.png|[[Blue Rhapsody]]
File:Yellow Opera KH.png|[[Yellow Opera]]
File:Green Requiem KH.png|[[Green Requiem]]
File:KHFM Black Ballade.png|''[[Black Ballade]]''
File:Silver Rock KHII.png|[[Silver Rock]]
File:Emerald Blues KHII.png|[[Emerald Blues]]
File:Crimson Jazz KHII.png|[[Crimson Jazz]]
File:Spring Metal KHIIFM.png|''[[Spring Metal]]''
File:Scarlet Tango KHD.png|[[Scarlet Tango]]
File:Grey Caprice KHD.png|[[Grey Caprice]]
File:Striped Aria KHD.png|[[Striped Aria]]
File:Sapphire Elegy KHD.png|[[Sapphire Elegy]]
File:Pink Concerto KHD.png|[[Pink Concerto]]
File:Turquoise March KHD.png|[[Turquoise March]]
File:Emerald Serenade KHD.png|[[Emerald Serenade]]
File:Violet Waltz KHX.png|[[Violet Waltz]]
File:Wicked Watermelon KHX.png|[[Wicked Watermelon]]
File:Large Watermelon KHX.png|[[Large Watermelon]]
File:Huge Watermelon KHX.png|[[Huge Watermelon]]
File:Festive Fireworks KHX.png|[[Festive Fireworks]]
File:Large Fireworks KHX.png|[[Large Fireworks]]
File:Huge Fireworks KHX.png|[[Huge Fireworks]]
File:Jack O' Lantern KHX.png|[[Jack O' Lantern]]
File:Round Rice Cake KHX.png|[[Round Rice Cake]]
File:Large Rice Cake KHX.png|[[Large Rice Cake]]
File:Bitter Macaron KHX.png|[[Bitter Macaron]]
File:Mighty Macaron KHX.png|[[Mighty Macaron]]
File:Swaying Spook KHX.png|[[Swaying Spook]]
File:Wandering Spook KHX.png|[[Wandering Spook]]
File:Emerald Sonata KHUX.png|[[Emerald Sonata]]
File:Amber Opera KHUX.png|[[Amber Opera]]
File:Vermilion Samba KHIII.png|[[Vermilion Samba]]
File:Marine Rumba KHIII.png|[[Marine Rumba]]
File:Gold Beat KHIII.png|[[Gold Beat]]
File:Malachite Bolero KHIII.png|[[Malachite Bolero]]
File:Powerwild KH.png|[[Powerwild]]
File:Bouncywild KH.png|[[Bouncywild]]
File:Sniperwild KHFM.png|''[[Sniperwild]]''
File:Cheery Ape KHX.png|[[Cheery Ape]]
File:Wild Shaman KHUX.png|[[Wild Shaman]]
File:Bandit KH.png|[[Bandit]]
File:Red Bandit KHX.png|[[Red Bandit]]
File:Swordsman KHX.png|[[Swordsman]]
File:Wily Bandit KHX.png|'''[[Wily Bandit]]'''
File:Pot Spider KH.png|[[Pot Spider]]
File:Barrel Spider KH.png|[[Barrel Spider]]
File:Pot Centipede KH.png|'''[[Pot Centipede]]'''
File:Pot Scorpion KHFM.png|''[[Pot Scorpion]]''
File:Search Ghost KH.png|[[Search Ghost]]
File:Grand Ghost KHFM.png|''[[Grand Ghost]]''
File:Hover Ghost KHD.png|[[Hover Ghost]]
File:Carrier Ghost KHD.png|[[Carrier Ghost]]
File:Living Pod KHD.png|[[Living Pod]]
File:Rush Ghost KHUX.png|[[Rush Ghost]]
File:Shred Ghost KHUX.png|[[Shred Ghost]]
File:Trick Ghost KHUX.png|{{c|Trick Ghost|ucx}}
File:Sheltering Zone KH.png|[[Sheltering Zone]]
File:Sea Neon KH.png|[[Sea Neon]]
File:Screwdiver KH.png|[[Screwdiver]]
File:Missile Diver KHFM.png|''[[Missile Diver]]''
File:Aquatank KH.png|[[Aquatank]]
File:Jet Balloon KHFM.png|''[[Jet Balloon]]''
File:Wight Knight KHII.png|[[Wight Knight]]
File:Gargoyle KH.png|[[Gargoyle]]
File:Margoyle KHUX.png|[[Margoyle]]
File:Pirate KH.png|[[Pirate]]
File:Air Pirate KHII.png|[[Air Pirate]]
File:Aerial Viking KHIIFM.png|''[[Aerial Viking]]''
File:Battleship KH.png|[[Battleship]]
File:Circus Balloon KHX.png|[[Circus Balloon]]
File:Defender KH.png|[[Defender]]
File:Eliminator KHREC.png|[[Eliminator]]
File:Armed Warrior KHX.png|[[Armed Warrior]]
File:Pleasure Dog KHUX.png|[[Pleasure Dog]]
File:Reversed Defender KHUX.png|[[Reversed Defender]]
File:Upright Defender KHUX.png|[[Upright Defender]]
File:Wyvern KH.png|[[Wyvern]]
File:Tailbunker KHD.png|[[Tailbunker]]
File:Avalanche KHD.png|[[Avalanche]]
File:Wavecrest KHD.png|[[Wavecrest]]
File:Phantomtail KHD.png|[[Phantomtail]]
File:Windstorm KHD.png|[[Windstorm]]
File:Dustflier KHD.png|[[Dustflier]]
File:Wizard KH.png|[[Wizard]]
File:High Wizard KHX.png|[[High Wizard]]
File:Savage Wizard KHUX.png|[[Savage Wizard]]
File:Noble Wizard KHUX.png|[[Noble Wizard]]
File:Trick Wizard KHUX.png|[[Trick Wizard]]
File:White Mushroom KH.png|[[White Mushroom]]
File:Black Fungus KH.png|[[Black Fungus]]
File:Rare Truffle KH.png|[[Rare Truffle]]
File:Pink Agaricus KHFM.png|''[[Pink Agaricus]]''
File:Gold Tricholoma KHREC.png|[[Gold Tricholoma]]
File:Angel Star KH.png|[[Angel Star]]
File:Chimera KHFM.png|''[[Chimera]]''
File:Creeper Plant KHII.png|[[Creeper Plant]]
File:Dire Plant KHD.png|[[Dire Plant]]
File:Fire Plant KHD.png|[[Fire Plant]]
File:Blizzard Plant KHD.png|[[Ice Plant]]
File:Poison Plant KHD.png|[[Poison Plant]]
File:Dark Plant KHX.png|[[Dark Plant]]
File:Red Rose KHX.png|[[Red Rose]]
File:White Rose KHX.png|[[White Rose]]
File:Creeper Bouquet KHX.png|[[Creeper Bouquet]]
File:Prank Bouquet KHX.png|[[Prank Bouquet]]
File:Crescendo KHII.png|[[Loudmouth]]
File:Flare Note KHD.png|[[Flare Note]]
File:Bubble Beat KHD.png|[[Bubble Beat]]
File:Rainy Loudmouth KHX.png|[[Rainy Loudmouth]]
File:Tornado Step KHII.png|[[Tornado Step]]
File:Terrible Tomte KHX.png|[[Terrible Tomte]]
File:Eggster Bunny KHX.png|[[Eggster Bunny]]
File:Warlock Step KHUX.png|[[Warlock Step]]
File:Upright Warlock KHUX.png|[[Upright Warlock]]
File:Reversed Warlock KHUX.png|[[Reversed Warlock]]
File:Trick Ghost KHII.png|{{c|Trick Ghost|KHII}}
File:Magic Phantom KHIIFM.png|''[[Magic Phantom]]''
File:Rabid Dog KHII.png|[[Bad Dog]]
File:Snapper Dog KHD.png|[[Snapper Dog]]
File:Bully Dog KHD.png|[[Bully Dog]]
File:Raging Reindeer KHX.png|[[Raging Reindeer]]
File:Rush Sheep KHX.png|[[Rush Sheep]]
File:Hook Bat KHII.png|[[Hook Bat]]
File:Beffudler KHIIFM.png|''[[Beffudler]]''
File:Golden Hook Bat KHUX.png|[[Golden Hook Bat]]
File:Bookmaster KHII.png|[[Bookmaster]]
File:Runemaster KHIIFM.png|''[[Runemaster]]''
File:Barrier Master KHD.png|[[Barrier Master]]
File:False Master KHUX.png|[[False Master]]
File:Minute Bomb KHII.png|[[Minute Bomb]]
File:Skater Bomb KHD.png|[[Skater Bomb]]
File:Storm Bomb KHD.png|[[Storm Bomb]]
File:Detonator KHD.png|[[Detonator]]
File:Eggcognito KHX.png|[[Eggcognito]]
File:Shenaneggan KHX.png|[[Shenaneggan]]
File:Shenaneggan KHX.png|[[Huge Shenaneggan]]
File:Eggscapade KHX.png|[[Eggscapade]]
File:Growth Egg KHX.png|[[Growth Egg]]
File:Prize Egg KHX.png|[[Prize Egg]]
File:Munny Egg KHUX.png|[[Munny Egg]]
File:Sparkler KHUX.png|[[Sparkler]]
File:Cherry Kaboom KHUX.png|[[Cherry Kaboom]]
File:Hammer Frame KHII.png|[[Hammer Frame]]
File:Iron Hammer KHIIFM.png|''[[Iron Hammer]]''
File:Silver Hammer Frame KHUX.png|[[Silver Hammer Frame]]
File:Gold Hammer Frame KHUX.png|[[Gold Hammer Frame]]
File:Brick Hammer Frame KHUX.png|[[Brick Hammer Frame]]
File:Bulky Vendor KHII.png|[[Bulky Vendor]]
File:Rare Vendor KHD.png|[[Rare Vendor]]
File:Fortuneteller KHII.png|[[Fortuneteller]]
File:Cannon Gun KHII.png|[[Cannon Gun]]
File:Camo Cannon KHIIFM.png|''[[Camo Cannon]]''
File:Ice Cannon KHD.png|[[Ice Cannon]]
File:Switch Launcher KHD.png|[[Switch Launcher]]
File:Jumbo Cannon KHD.png|[[Jumbo Cannon]]
File:Rapid Thruster KHII.png|[[Rapid Thruster]]
File:Red Gummi Copter KHX.png|[[Gummi Copter]]
File:Red Copter Fleet KHX.png|[[Copter Fleet]]
File:Driller Mole KHII.png|[[Driller Mole]]
File:Lance Soldier KHII.png|[[Lance Soldier]]
File:Lance Warrior KHIIFM.png|''[[Lance Warrior]]''
FILE:Noble Soldier KHUX.png|'''[[Noble Soldier]]'''
File:Morning Star KHII.png|[[Morning Star]]
File:Spiked Crawler KHD.png|[[Spiked Crawler]]
File:Scorching Sphere KHD.png|[[Scorching Sphere]]
File:Gummi Hammer KHX.png|[[Gummi Hammer]]
File:Fiery Globe KHII.png|[[Fiery Globe]]
File:Icy Cube KHII.png|[[Icy Cube]]
File:Snowy Crystal KHD.png|[[Snowy Crystal]]
File:Luna Bandit KHII.png|[[Luna Bandit]]
File:Graveyard KHII.png|[[Graveyard]]
File:Toy Soldier KHII.png|[[Toy Soldier]]
File:Aeroplane KHII.png|[[Aeroplane]]
File:Gilled Glider KHX.png|[[Gilled Glider]]
File:Hot Rod KHII.png|[[Hot Rod]]
File:Mad Ride KHIIFM.png|''[[Mad Ride]]''
File:Assault Rider KHII.png|[[Assault Rider]]
File:Nightwalker KHII.png|[[Nightwalker]]
File:Bolt Tower KHII.png|[[Bolt Tower]] 
File:Magnum Loader (Red) KHII.png|[[Magnum Loader]]
File:Strafer KHII.png|[[Strafer]]
File:Devastator KHII.png|[[Devastator]]
File:Reckless KHIIFM.png|''[[Reckless]]''
File:Living Bone KHII.png|[[Living Bone]]
File:Shaman KHII.png|[[Shaman]]
File:Necromancer KHIIFM.png|''[[Necromancer]]''
File:Aerial Knocker KHII.png|[[Aerial Knocker]]
File:Aerial Champ KHIIFM.png|''[[Aerial Champ]]''
File:Armored Knight KHII.png|[[Armored Knight]]
File:Surveillance Robot KHII.png|[[Surveillance Robot]]
File:Guardian KHD.png|[[Guardian]]
File:Destroyer KHD.png|[[Destroyer]]
File:Cymbal Monkey KHD.png|[[Cymbal Monkey]]
File:Tricky Monkey KHD.png|[[Tricky Monkey]]
File:Air Battler KHD.png|[[Air Battler]]
File:Aerial Master KHD.png|[[Aerial Master]]
File:Artful Flyer KHD.png|[[Artful Flyer]]
File:Sky Grappler KHD.png|[[Sky Grappler]]
File:Creepworm KHD.png|[[Creepworm]]
File:Zip Slasher KHD.png|[[Zip Slasher]]
File:Dual Blade KHD.png|[[Dual Blade]]
File:Heat Saber KHD.png|[[Heat Saber]]
File:Chill Ripper KHD.png|[[Chill Ripper]]
File:Blitz Spear KHD.png|[[Blitz Spear]]
File:Stalwart Blade KHD.png|[[Stalwart Blade]]
File:Dual Durandal KHX.png|[[Dual Durandal]]
File:Bag O' Jewels KHX.png|[[Bag O' Jewels]]
File:Bag O' Coins KHX.png|[[Bag O' Coins]]
File:Bag O' Coal KHX.png|[[Bag O' Coal]]
File:Bag O' Gifts KHX.png|[[Bag O' Gifts]]
File:Bag O' Points KHX.png|[[Bag O' Points]]
File:Nosy Mole KHX.png|[[Nosy Mole]]
File:Pester Jester KHX.png|[[Pester Jester]]
File:Wibble Wobble KHX.png|[[Wibble Wobble]]
File:Strange Tree KHX.png|[[Strange Tree]]
File:Swaying Cactus KHUX.png|[[Swaying Cactus]]
File:Circus Clown KHX.png|[[Circus Clown]]
File:Armored Archer KHX.png|[[Armored Archer]]
File:Sleep Archer KHUX.png|[[Sleep Archer]]
File:Paralysis Archer KHUX.png|[[Paralysis Archer]]
File:Poison Archer KHUX.png|[[Poison Archer]]
File:Chomper Egg KHX.png|[[Chomper Egg]]
File:Wind-Up Leaf Cake KHX.png|[[Wind-Up Leaf Cake]]
File:Pretender KHX.png|[[Pretender]]
File:Great Pretender KHX.png|[[Great Pretender]]
File:King Pretender KHX.png|[[King Pretender]]
File:Nimble Bee KHX.png|[[Nimble Bee]]
File:Stinging Bee KHX.png|[[Stinging Bee]]
File:Cannoned Camel KHX.png|[[Cannoned Camel]]
File:Bunch O' Balloons KHUX.png|[[Bunch O' Balloons]]
File:Wicked Wick KHUX.png|[[Wicked Wick]]
File:Poison Pot KHUX.png|[[Poison Pot]]
File:Ratty Rat KHUX.png|[[Ratty Rat]]
File:Ratty Rat Trio KHUX.png|'''[[Ratty Rat Trio]]'''
File:Ring-A-Ding KHUX.png|[[Ring-A-Ding]]
File:Piercing Knight KHUX.png|[[Piercing Knight]]
File:Chipper Chef KHUX.png|[[Chipper Chef]]
File:Burrfish KHUX.png|[[Burrfish]]
File:Gearbit KHUX.png|[[Gearbit]]
File:Red Gearbit KHUX.png|[[Red Gearbit]]
File:Green Gearbit KHUX.png|[[Green Gearbit]]
File:Blue Gearbit KHUX.png|[[Blue Gearbit]]
File:Red Gummi Saucer KHUX.png|[[Red Gummi Saucer]]
File:Green Gummi Saucer KHUX.png|[[Green Gummi Saucer]]
File:Blue Gummi Saucer KHUX.png|[[Blue Gummi Saucer]]
File:Sleepy Snoozer KHUX.png|[[Sleepy Snoozer]]
File:Dark Wisp KHUX.png|[[Dark Wisp]]
File:Polliwog KHUX.png|[[Polliwog]]
File:Sly Cat KHUX.png|[[Sly Cat]]
File:Wily Cat KHUX.png|[[Wily Cat]]
File:Candy Plant KHUX.png|[[Candy Plant]]
File:Sweets Squad KHUX.png|[[Sweets Squad]]
File:Raccoon Dog Soldier KHUX.png|[[Raccoon Dog Soldier]]
File:Unnamed Raccoon Heartless KHUX.png|[[Raccoon Dog Soldier]]'s rookie
File:Popcat KHIII.png|[[Popcat]]
File:Vitality Popcat KHIII.png|[[Vitality Popcat]]
File:Munny Popcat KHIII.png|[[Munny Popcat]]
File:Magic Popcat KHIII.png|[[Magic Popcat]]
File:Focus Popcat KHIII.png|[[Focus Popcat]]
File:Bizarre Archer KHIII.png|[[Bizarre Archer]]
File:Rock Troll KHIII.png|[[Rock Troll]]
File:Metal Troll KHIII.png|[[Metal Troll]]
File:Satyr KHIII.png|[[Satyr]]
File:Mechanitaur KHIII.png|[[Mechanitaur]]
File:Toy Trooper KHIII.png|[[Toy Trooper]]
File:Pole Cannon KHIII.png|[[Pole Cannon]]
File:Marionette KHIII.png|[[Marionette]]
File:Pogo Shovel KHIII.png|[[Pogo Shovel]]
File:Parasol Beauty KHIII.png|[[Parasol Beauty]]
File:Chief Puff KHIII.png|[[Chief Puff]]
File:Puffball KHIII.png|[[Puffball]]
File:Chaos Carriage KHIII.png|[[Chaos Carriage]]
File:Winterhorn KHIII.png|[[Winterhorn]]
File:Frost Serpent KHIII.png|[[Frost Serpent]]
File:Vaporfly KHIII.png|[[Vaporfly]]
File:Sea Sprite KHIII.png|[[Sea Sprite]]
File:Spear Lizard KHIII.png|[[Spear Lizard]]
File:Anchor Raider KHIII.png|[[Anchor Raider]]
File:Tireblade KHIII.png|[[Tireblade]]
File:Guard Armor KH.png|'''[[Guard Armor]]'''
File:Opposite Armor KH.png|'''[[Opposite Armor]]'''
File:Red Armor KH.png|'''[[Red Armor]]'''
File:Powered Armor KHD.png|'''[[Powered Armor]]'''
File:Guard Armor Ω KHX.png|'''[[Guard Armor Ω]]'''
File:Sinister Sweets KHX.png|'''[[Sinister Sweets]]'''
File:Spiteful Sweets KHX.png|'''[[Spiteful Sweets]]'''
File:Trickmaster KH.png|'''[[Trickmaster]]'''
File:Crimson Prankster KHD.png|'''[[Crimson Prankster]]'''
File:Trickmaster Ω KHX.png|'''[[Trickmaster Ω]]'''
File:Jack in the Box KHX.png|'''[[Jack in the Box]]'''
File:Egg Master KHX.png|'''[[Egg Master]]'''
File:Stealth Sneak KH.png|'''[[Stealth Sneak]]'''
File:Sneak Army KH.png|'''[[Sneak Army]]'''
File:Veil Lizard KHD.png|'''[[Veil Lizard]]'''
File:Lurk Lizard KHD.png|'''[[Lurk Lizard]]'''
File:Parasite Cage KH.png|'''[[Parasite Cage]]'''
File:Behemoth KH.png|'''[[Behemoth]]'''
File:Destroyed Behemoth KHFM.png|'''''[[Destroyed Behemoth]]'''''
File:Arch Behemoth KHFM.png|'''''[[Arch Behemoth]]'''''
File:Hocus Pocus KHX.png|'''[[Hocus Pocus]]'''
File:Phantom KH.png|'''[[Phantom]]'''
File:Kurt Zisa KH.png|'''[[Kurt Zisa]]'''
File:Savage Vanguard KHUX.png|'''[[Savage Vanguard]]'''
File:Savage Vanguard Ω KHUX.png|'''[[Savage Vanguard Ω]]'''
File:Illuminator KHII.png|'''[[Illuminator]]''' 
File:Prison Keeper KHII.png|'''[[Prison Keeper]]'''
File:Volcanic Lord KHII.png|'''[[Volcanic Lord]]'''
File:Blizzard Lord KHII.png|'''[[Blizzard Lord]]'''
File:Storm Rider KHII.png |'''[[Storm Rider]]'''
File:Grim Reaper KHII.png|'''[[Grim Reaper]]'''
File:Groundshaker KHII.png|'''[[Groundshaker]]'''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 1 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 1]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 2 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 2]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 3 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 3]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 4 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 4]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 5 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 5]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 6 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 6]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 7 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 7]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 8 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 8]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 9 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 9]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 10 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 10]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 11 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 11]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 12 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 12]]'''''
File:Mushroom XIII No. 13 KHIIFM.png|'''''[[Mushroom XIII|Mushroom XIII No. 13]]'''''
File:Antlion KHD.png|'''[[Antlion]]'''
File:Infernal Engine KHD.png|'''[[Infernal Engine]]'''
File:Infernal Engine (Archer) (Art).png|[[Infernal Engine]]'s archer
File:Leechgrave KHD.png|'''[[Leechgrave]]'''
File:Ruler of the Sky KHD.png|'''[[Ruler of the Sky]]'''
File:Lion Headliner KHX.png|'''[[Lion Headliner]]'''
File:Trident Tail KHX.png|'''[[Trident Tail]]'''
File:Trident Tail Ω KHX.png|'''''[[Trident Tail Ω]]'''''
File:Red Trident Tail KHX.png|'''''[[Red Trident Tail]]'''''
File:Green Trident Tail KHX.png|'''''[[Green Trident Tail]]'''''
File:Blue Trident Tail KHX.png|'''''[[Blue Trident Tail]]'''''
File:Submarine Carp KHX.png|'''[[Submarine Carp]]'''
File:Savage Spider KHX.png|'''[[Savage Spider]]'''
File:Venomous Spider KHX.png|'''[[Venomous Spider]]'''
File:Enraged Arachnid KHUX.png|'''[[Enraged Arachnid]]'''
File:Scourge Spider KHUX.png|'''[[Scourge Spider]]'''
File:Wicked Spider KHUX.png|'''[[Wicked Spider]]'''
File:Malicious Spider KHUX.png|'''[[Malicious Spider]]'''
File:Wretched Witch KHX.png|'''[[Wretched Witch]]'''
File:Gummi Hound KHX.png|'''[[Gummi Hound]]'''
File:Assault Dragon KHUX.png|'''[[Assault Dragon]]'''
File:Holiday Sleigh KHUX.png|'''[[Holiday Sleigh]]'''
File:Gummi Dragon KHUX.png|[[Gummi Dragon]]
File:Fortress Crab KHX.png|'''[[Fortress Crab]]'''
File:Fortress Crab Ω KHX.png|'''[[Fortress Crab Ω]]'''
File:Circus Crab KHX.png|'''[[Circus Crab]]'''
File:Crabby Cake KHX.png|'''[[Crabby Cake]]'''
File:Cranky Cake KHUX.png|'''[[Cranky Cake]]'''
File:Queen Bee KHX.png|'''[[Queen Bee]]'''
File:Queen Bee Ω KHX.png|'''[[Queen Bee Ω]]'''
File:Wayward Wardrobe KHX.png|'''[[Wayward Wardrobe]]'''
File:Enraged Elk KHX.png|'''[[Enraged Elk]]'''
File:Closehanded Captain KHX.png|'''[[Closehanded Captain]]'''
File:Jewel Sorceress KHUX.png|'''[[Jewel Sorceress]]'''
File:Jewel Princess KHUX.png|'''[[Jewel Princess]]'''
File:Adventurer KHUX.png|'''[[Adventurer]]'''
File:Greedy Grouch KHUX.png|'''[[Greedy Grouch]]'''
File:Gummi Adventurer KHUX.png|'''[[Gummi Adventurer]]'''
File:Werewolf KHUX.png|'''{{c|Werewolf|Heartless}}'''
File:Mean Maiden KHUX.png|'''[[Mean Maiden]]'''
File:Heartless Tsum KHUX.png|'''[[Heartless Tsum]]'''
File:Iron Giant KHUX.png|'''[[Iron Giant]]'''
File:Metal Giant KHUX.png|'''[[Metal Giant]]'''
File:Gear Golem KHUX.png|'''[[Gear Golem]]'''
File:Gummi Golem KHUX.png|'''[[Gummi Golem]]'''
File:Thorned Snake KHUX.png|'''[[Thorned Snake]]'''
File:Martial Monkey KHUX.png|'''[[Martial Monkey]]'''<!--boss-style Heartless but only in event quests?-->
File:Royal Pretender KHUX.png|'''[[Royal Pretender]]'''
File:Poisonous Pretender KHUX.png|'''[[Poisonous Pretender]]'''
File:Paralysis Pretender KHUX.png|'''[[Paralysis Pretender]]'''
File:Ferry Reaper KHUX.png|'''[[Ferry Reaper]]'''
File:Vile Reaper KHUX.png|'''[[Vile Reaper]]'''
File:Nimble Reaper KHUX.png|'''[[Nimble Reaper]]'''<!--boss-style Heartless but only in event quests?-->
File:Sorcerous Reaper KHUX.png|'''[[Sorcerous Reaper]]'''
File:Furious Reaper KHDR.png|'''[[Furious Reaper]]'''
File:Loudmouth Parade KHUX.png|'''[[Loudmouth Parade]]'''
File:Weapon Master KHUX.png|'''[[Weapon Master]]'''
File:Mysterious Sir KHUX.png|'''[[Mysterious Sir]]'''
File:Apricot Opera KHUX.png|'''[[Apricot Opera]]'''
File:Brilliant Opera KHUX.png|'''[[Brilliant Opera]]'''
File:Ribbitoad KHUX.png|'''[[Ribbitoad]]'''
File:Merry-Go-Rowdy KHUX.png|'''[[Merry-Go-Rowdy]]'''
File:Titan KHUX.png|'''[[Titan]]'''
File:Shiva KHUX.png|'''[[Shiva]]'''
File:Ramuh KHUX.png|'''[[Ramuh]]'''
File:Ifrit KHUX.png|'''{{c|Ifrit|Heartless}}'''
File:Leviathan KHUX.png|'''{{c|Leviathan|Heartless}}'''
File:Soda Specter KHUX.png|'''[[Soda Specter]]'''
File:Mischief Bouquet KHUX.png|'''[[Mischief Bouquet]]'''
File:Red-Nosed Chariot KHUX.png|'''[[Red-Nosed Chariot]]'''
File:King of Toys KHIII.png|'''[[King of Toys]]'''
File:Grim Guardianess KHIII.png|'''[[Grim Guardianess]]'''
File:Sköll KHIII.png|'''[[Sköll]]'''
File:Raging Vulture KHIII.png|'''[[Raging Vulture]]'''
File:Lightning Angler KHIII.png|'''[[Lightning Angler]]'''
File:Darkubes KHIII.png|'''[[Darkubes]]'''
File:Catastrochorus KHIII.png|'''[[Catastrochorus]]'''
File:Cherry Flan KHIII.png|'''[[Cherry Flan]]'''
File:Strawberry Flan KHIII.png|'''[[Strawberry Flan]]'''
File:Orange Flan KHIII.png|'''[[Orange Flan]]'''
File:Banana Flan KHIII.png|'''[[Banana Flan]]'''
File:Grape Flan KHIII.png|'''[[Grape Flan]]'''
File:Honeydew Flan KHIII.png|'''[[Honeydew Flan]]'''
File:Watermelon Flan KHIII.png|'''[[Watermelon Flan]]'''
File:Hringhorn KHDR.png|'''[[Hringhorn]]'''
</gallery>

===Special Heartless===
<gallery>
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness (Cloaked) KH.png|[[Robed Figure]]
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness 02 KHIII.png|'''{{ns|Game|Ansem, Seeker of Darkness}}'''<ref>Ansem, Seeker of Darkness appears to have characteristics of both Emblem and Pureblood Heartless, in both his human and world forms. In both forms, he bears the Heartless emblem on his chest, though in human form it could possibly be an article of clothing. Notably, though, the otherwise identical outfit worn by [[Master Xehanort]] does not possess the emblem. Furthermore, the [[Dark Figure]] attached to him in both forms possesses the "hollow heart" shared by many other Pureblood Heartless. Though it is uncertain what Ansem's situation is, it is possible that this makes him both an Emblem and Pureblood Heartless.</ref>
File:World of Chaos KH.png|'''[[World of Chaos]]'''
File:Scar KHII.png|'''{{ns|Game|Scar}}'''<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Pete''': "Anger and jealousy turned the king of Pride Rock into a Heartless!"</ref>
</gallery>

===Gummi Heartless===
:'''Note''': ''The [[:Category:Gummi enemies|Gummi enemies]] that appear in ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}'' are merely [[Gummi Ship]]s piloted by Heartless. Those that appear in ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'' are Heartless themselves.''
<!--The Gummi Heartless are separate because they only appear in the Gummi Ship mini-game. Please do not add them to the Emblem Heartless section.-->
<gallery>
File:Crawler KHII.png|[[Crawler]]
File:Dragonfly KHII.png|[[Dragonfly]]
File:Driller KHII.png|[[Driller]]
File:Hunter KHII.png|[[Hunter]]
File:Hunter Bomb KHII.png|[[Hunter Bomb]]
File:Hunter-X KHII.png|[[Hunter-X]]
File:Hunter-X Bomb KHII.png|[[Hunter-X Bomb]]
File:Ghost KHII.png|[[Ghost]]
File:Ghoul KHII.png|[[Ghoul]]
File:Reaper's Wheel KHII.png|[[Reaper's Wheel]]
File:Submarine KHII.png|[[Submarine]]
File:Pirate Ship KHII.png|'''[[Pirate Ship]]'''
File:Flare Gunner KHIII.png|[[Flare Gunner]]
File:Teeny Tower KHIII.png|[[Teeny Tower]]
File:Strike Shuttle KHIII.png|[[Strike Shuttle]]
File:Butterfly KHIII.png|[[Butterfly]]
File:Dazzler KHIII.png|[[Dazzler]]
File:Stardust KHIII.png|{{c|Stardust|Heartless}}
File:Wingspinner KHIII.png|[[Wingspinner]]
File:Rocket Manta KHIII.png|[[Rocket Manta]]
File:Blaze Cluster KHIII.png|[[Blaze Cluster]]
File:Heavy Laser KHIII.png|[[Heavy Laser]]
File:Prize Box KHIII.png|[[Prize Box]]
File:Space Lantern KHIII.png|[[Space Lantern]]
File:Octoship KHIII.png|[[Octoship]]
File:Frost Penguin KHIII.png|[[Frost Penguin]]
File:Sonic Diver KHIII.png|[[Sonic Diver]]
File:Microsix KHIII.png|[[Microsix]]
File:Rocket Runner KHIII.png|[[Rocket Runner]]
File:Flower Guardian KHIII.png|'''[[Flower Guardian]]'''
File:Astrowarrior KHIII.png|'''[[Astrowarrior]]'''
File:Supreme Warrior KHIII.png|'''[[Supreme Warrior]]'''
File:Space Worm KHIII.png|'''[[Space Worm]]'''
File:Comet Crawler KHIII.png|'''[[Comet Crawler]]'''
File:Dreadshark KHIII.png|'''[[Dreadshark]]'''
File:Scarlet Shark KHIII.png|'''[[Scarlet Shark]]'''
File:Glacial Fortress KHIII.png|'''[[Glacial Fortress]]'''
File:Schwarzgeist KHIII.png|'''[[Schwarzgeist]]'''
File:Colossus Pyramid KHIII.png|'''[[Colossus Pyramid]]'''
File:Omega Machina KHIII.png|'''[[Omega Machina]]'''
</gallery>

===Possessed by Heartless===
<gallery>
File:Cave of Wonders Guardian KH.png|'''[[Cave of Wonders Guardian]]'''
File:Oogie Boogie's Manor KH.png|'''{{ns|Game|Oogie's Manor}}'''
File:Riku (Dark) KH.png|'''{{ns|Game|Riku}}'''
File:Gargoyle Knight KHII.png|'''[[Gargoyle Knight]]'''
File:Gargoyle Warrior KHII.png|'''[[Gargoyle Warrior]]'''
File:Thresholder KHII.png|'''[[Thresholder]]'''
File:Beasts & Bugs KHIII.png|[[Beasts & Bugs]]
File:Patchwork Animals (Lion) KHIII.png|[[Patchwork Animals]]
File:Air Droids KHIII.png|[[Air Droids]]
File:Bouncy Pets (Dog) KHIII.png|[[Bouncy Pets]]
File:Supreme Smasher KHIII.png|[[Supreme Smasher]]
File:Angelic Amber KHIII.png|'''[[Angelic Amber]]'''
File:Buzz Lightyear KHIII.png|[[Buzz Lightyear]]
File:Dark Baymax KHIII.png|'''[[Dark Baymax]]'''
File:Chocolate Gargoyle KHX.png|[[Chocolate Gargoyle]]
File:White Chocolate Statue KHX.png|[[White Chocolate Statue]]
File:Gargoyle Wizard KHUX.png|[[Gargoyle Wizard]]
File:Earth Gargoyle KHDR.png|'''[[Earth Gargoyle]]'''
File:Cy-Bug (Darkling) KHUX.png|'''[[Cy-Bug]]'''
File:Cy-Bug (Darkling B) KHUX.png|'''[[Cy-Bug]]'''
</gallery>

==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}

==See also==
*[[End of the World]]
*[[Removed content]]
*[[Nobody]]
*[[Unversed]]
*[[Dream Eater]]
{{HeartlessDirectory}}
{{HeartlessBossDirectory}}
{{BBS}}
{{KH1}}
{{358}}
{{COM}}
{{KH2}}
{{Coded}}
{{KH3}}
{{MOM}}
{{KH series}}
[[fr:Sans-cœur]]
[[de:Herzlose]]
[[Category:Original characters]]
[[Category:Heartless| ]]
[[Category:Enemies]]