Editing Heartless

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[[File:Heartless Emblem.png|200px|right|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 every game.

==Story==
===''Kingdom Hearts χ''===
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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}}

===Before ''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:A fragmentary passage 08 BBSFM.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, [[Earthshaker|Terra's Keyblade]] and [[Wayward Wind|Ventus's Keyblade]] come to her rescue, a last symbol of hope from her old friends Terra and Ventus, and destroy the Darksides. 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.
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===''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 Shadow 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.
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===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 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.
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===''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''===
[[File:Mission 02 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.
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==Design==
[[File:Symbol Character - Riku.png|thumb|100px|right|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. 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 also branded with Xehanort's emblem to differentiate them from the Pureblood ones. The Heartless emblem resembles a heart with a ''fleur-de-lis'' at the bottom and a spiky "X" crossing through the center.

They possess unique abilities, for example, the Leechgrave uses its tentacles to eat other Heartless. When the [[Marionette]] possesses toys, the Heartless emblem appears on them.
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==Nature==
[[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 more common in places that are close to or saturated in darkness. 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, were originally created from a machine designed to reproduce the process of a heart being consumed by darkness.<ref>'''''[[Secret Ansem's 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> Once that machine was activated, most stolen hearts become Emblems, provided they contain darkness. They are more common on the worlds within the Realm of Light, and usually mimic the shape of creatures or objects within that world. The machine fell into disuse after ''[[Kingdom Hearts (game)|Kingdom Hearts]]'', due to the [[Villains]] losing the control of Hollow Bastion. However, powerful Emblem Heartless have also been shown to be created directly from [[Storm Rider|a dragon from the Land of Dragons]], [[Skoll|Prince Hans]] and [[Grim Guardianess|Mother Gothel]].

Heartless – Emblem or Pureblood – possess several key characteristics that define them as Heartless. Pureblood Heartless are generated naturally from the darkness within people's hearts. Heartless are born when a heart is consumed by the darkness within it, or when a Heartless steals the heart. They can also be drawn out by a dark being like [[Maleficent]] or a source of dark power like the [[Keyblade of heart]].<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> This process will occasionally also form [[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> Being born from darkness, they are mindless and act on instinct; because of such, their only goal is stealing more hearts to turn into Heartless. But what they desire above all are the hearts of worlds, and thus they enter worlds in search of the way into the hearts of the worlds. When they consume these colossal hearts, the remains of the world form new worlds, such as [[Traverse Town]] and [[End of the World]].

[[File:Sora, Donald, and Goofy 01 KH.png|thumb|right|200px|A Soldier, an Emblem Heartless.]]
At the same time, Heartless seek out the users of the Keyblade, since the Keyblade holds the power to lock and unlock hearts.<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> If a Heartless is slain by a Keyblade, it will reunite with the body and soul it left behind, if it isn't currently a Nobody. In order to stop the users of the Keyblades, the Heartless use the Keyblade itself as a homing beacon, but ultimately desire to take the heart that commands it. Because of this, Keyblade wielders are under constant attack. Magic 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>

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, Emblem or Pureblood, 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> An exception to this is Xehanort's Heartless, who retained his human appearance for unknown reasons. This is a contrast to Nobodies, which determine rank according to the strength of the heart, and whose appearances become more human as they increase in power. Furthermore, as beings of elemental darkness, some Heartless are able to take possession of other beings or even inanimate objects, granting them immense dark power and often reshaping their very forms to suit their purpose.

The Heartless, being mindless, usually have no master to direct their actions and instead act on the instinct to consume more hearts. However, there are some higher beings who can command them. Heartless will obey those with an affinity for darkness and a strong will. If many people attempt to control them, the Heartless will side with whomever is most powerful.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Saïx:''' "The Heartless ally with whoever's the strongest."</ref> However, those with hearts, such as Maleficent, endanger themselves, as the Heartless are attracted to their hearts and if they show weakness, the Heartless will not hesitate to consume their hearts.<ref>'''''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}''''', '''Maleficent:''' "Don't steep yourself in darkness too long. The Heartless consume the careless."</ref>

On the other hand, higher ranking Heartless, like Xehanort's Heartless, can fully command other Heartless without endangering themselves. Also, Organization XIII is able to command them as well with their strong wills, but are not endangered of being consumed by them for their lack of a heart.

Heartless make use of the "[[Corridors of Darkness]]", inter-dimensional pathways that connect the many worlds. These pathways are located in the Realm of Darkness, and thus are very dangerous to use if one is not accustomed to the darkness.
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==The Heartless invasion==
{{Q|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.|Yen Sid}}
[[File:Xemnas' Thoughts 04 KH.png|thumb|200px|left|The Heartless being controlled by Saïx, a user of darkness.]]
While the Heartless were not researched with the intent of creating a fighting force, their very nature as manifestations of the destructive force of darkness made them naturally suited for conquering and destroying the various worlds. Their natural ability to travel to various worlds through the use of Corridors of Darkness makes it virtually impossible to fully defend a world from Heartless, and the method in which they are created and exist makes it practically impossible to cut them off at the source. Even fighting them once they appear is made difficult due to their immunity to standard weaponry. 

[[File:Leon 02 KH.png|right|thumb|200px|Heartless drawn to a Keyblade wielder.]]
According to the [[Ansem's Reports]], a Keyblade can lock the heart of a world away from the Heartless forever. However, this does not keep the Heartless out of the world; it simply prevents them from destroying it. The citizens of the worlds remain fair game to the Heartless. Although the [[Door to Darkness]] was sealed, the Heartless continue to exist naturally in fewer numbers due to the darkness still existing in people's hearts. However, evil beings such as Pete and Organization XIII seek to create abnormally strong Heartless by forcing beings with strong hearts to succumb to darkness. Thus increasing the threat the Heartless pose.

The primary weapon for destroying the Heartless is the Keyblade, as it is both specially suited for manipulating the bonds between heart, body, and soul which create Heartless, and it is the only object able to thwart the Heartless in their goal of devouring a world's heart. However, in the absence of the Keyblade there are several other options. Magic is effective against the Heartless, as are magical weapons. In either situation, invading Heartless can be made disorganized by defeating the major Heartless which leads them, or the dark heart which attracted them to that world. While this does not by any means purge the world of its Heartless, it gives no small respite from their threat. Emblem Heartless that are destroyed by a Keyblade release the heart within them, sending it to a [[Kingdom Hearts]] where it waits for its body and soul to be freed, so that the person it once was can be woken once again.
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==End of the World and Kingdom Hearts==
The Heartless reside wherever darkness is abundant, especially the Realm of Darkness. However, they also reside in places such as the End of the World, a collection of the remnants of worlds that is located near the darkness. Another area that the Heartless live in is The World That Never Was, the world of the Nobodies that rests dangerously close to the darkness upon which the Heartless thrive.

[[File:Xemnas' Thoughts 02 KHII.png|thumb|left|Heartless returning to Kingdom Hearts.]]
Heartless, as they seek and consume hearts, also desire to return to the greatest heart, the heart of all worlds, Kingdom Hearts, that resides deep within the Realm of Darkness. And because of this, Heartless seek immense darkness, enough to completely consume the Realm of Light. The entryway into this place of great power is the Door to Darkness, the door that separates the realm of light and the realm of darkness. However, with the efforts of Sora and the King, the door is closed, which causes the worlds lost to the darkness to be restored, and prevents a massive army of Heartless from pouring into the realm of light.

The forces of the Heartless were extremely weakened after the door to Kingdom Hearts was sealed off, though there were still many left. It should be noted though that Yen Sid has mentioned that the only true way to destroy all Heartless is to have all people have light filled in their hearts and no darkness, leaving nothing to create a Heartless or something for them to thrive for.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Goofy:''' "But if people have light in their hearts, the Heartless would go away!"</ref>
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==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|'''[[Game:Sora's Heartless|Sora's Heartless: Shadow]]'''
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:Anti-Sora KH.png|'''[[AntiSora]]'''
File:Sora's Heartless - True Form KHREC.png|'''[[Game:Sora's Heartless|Sora's Heartless: Offshoots]]'''
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|'''[[Game:Sora's Heartless|Sora's Heartless: Neo Darkside]]'''
File:Bit Sniper KH.png|[[Bit Sniper]]
File:Possessor KHII.png|'''[[Possessor]]'''
File:Thresholder KHII.png|'''[[Thresholder]]'''
File:Shadow Stalker KHII.png|'''[[Shadow Stalker]]'''
File:Dark Thorn KHII.png|'''[[Dark Thorn]]'''
File:Gargoyle Knight KHII.png|[[Gargoyle Knight]]
File:Gargoyle Warrior KHII.png|[[Gargoyle Warrior]]
File:Gargoyle Wizard KHUX.png|[[Gargoyle Wizard]]
File:Chocolate Gargoyle KHX.png|[[Chocolate Gargoyle]]
File:White Chocolate Statue KHX.png|[[White Chocolate Statue]]
File:Massive Possessor KHD.png|[[Massive Possessor]]
File:Cloudy Sunrise KHX.png|[[Cloudy Sunrise]]
File:Pink Possessor KHX.png|[[Pink Possessor]]
File:Possessors KHX.png|'''[[Possessors]]'''
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: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:Dark Hide KHBBSFM.png|'''''[[Dark Hide]]'''''
File:Darkling KHX.png|'''[[Darkling]]'''
File:Demon Tower KHIII.png|'''[[Demon Tower]]'''
File:Demon Tide KHIII.png|'''[[Demon Tide]]'''
File:Lich KHIII.png|'''[[Lich]]'''
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness (Cloaked) KH.png|[[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|Ansem: Robed Figure]]
</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:Stealth Soldier KHFM.png|''[[Stealth Soldier]]''
File:Deserter KHD.png|[[Deserter]]
File:Sergeant KHD.png|[[Sergeant]]
File:Commander KHD.png|[[Commander]]
File:High Soldier KHIII.png|[[High Soldier]]
File:Pumpkin Soldier KHX.png|[[Pumpkin Soldier]]
File:Air Soldier KH.png|[[Air Soldier]]
File:Toy Trooper KHIII.png|[[Toy Trooper]]
File:Diver KHUX.png|[[Diver]]
File:Large Body KHIII.png|[[Large Body]]
File:Helmed Body KHIII.png|[[Helmed Body]]
File:Fat Bandit KHII.png|[[Fat Bandit]]
File:Large Snowman KHX.png|[[Large Snowman]]
File:Ringmaster KHX.png|[[Ringmaster]]
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:Black Ballade KHFM.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: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:Emerald Sonata KHUX.png|[[Emerald Sonata]]
File:Amber Opera KHUX.png|[[Amber Opera]]
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: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:Powerwild KH.png|[[Powerwild]]
File:Bouncywild KH.png|[[Bouncywild]]
File:Sniperwild KHFM.png|''[[Sniperwild]]''
File:Wild Shaman KHUX.png|[[Wild Shaman]]
File:Cheery Ape KHX.png|[[Cheery Ape]]
File:Bandit KH.png|[[Bandit]]
File:Red Bandit KHX.png|[[Red Bandit]]
File:Swordsman KHX.png|[[Swordsman]]
File:Pot Spider KH.png|[[Pot Spider]]
File:Barrel Spider KH.png|[[Barrel Spider]]
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|[[Trick Ghost]]
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:Gargoyle KH.png|[[Gargoyle]]
File:Margoyle KHUX.png|[[Margoyle]]
File:Wight Knight KHII.png|[[Wight Knight]]
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: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:Defender KH.png|[[Defender]]
File:Eliminator KHREC.png|[[Eliminator]]
File:Armed Warrior KHX.png|[[Armed Warrior]]
File:Pleasure Dog KHUX.png|[[Pleasure Dog]]
File:Upright Defender KHUX.png|[[Upright Defender]]
File:Reversed Defender KHUX.png|[[Reversed Defender]]
File:Wizard KH.png|[[Wizard]]
File:High Wizard KHX.png|[[High 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|[[Blizzard Plant]]
File:Poison Plant KHD.png|[[Poison Plant]]
File:Dark Plant KHX.png|[[Dark Plant]]
File:Creeper Bouquet KHX.png|[[Creeper Bouquet]]
File:Prank Bouquet KHX.png|[[Prank Bouquet]]
File:Red Rose KHX.png|[[Red Rose]]
File:White Rose KHX.png|[[White Rose]]
File:Crescendo KHII.png|[[Crescendo]]
File:Rainy Loudmouth KHX.png|[[Rainy Loudmouth]]
File:Flare Note KHD.png|[[Flare Note]]
File:Bubble Beat KHD.png|[[Bubble Beat]]
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:Trick Ghost KHII.png|{{c|Trick Ghost|KHII}}
File:Magic Phantom KHIIFM.png|''[[Magic Phantom]]''
File:Rabid Dog KHII.png|[[Rabid 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:Cherry Kaboom KHUX.png|[[Cherry Kaboom]]
File:Sparkler KHUX.png|[[Sparkler]]
File:Eggcognito KHX.png|[[Eggcognito]]
File:Eggscapade KHX.png|[[Eggscapade]]
File:Shenaneggan KHX.png|[[Shenaneggan]]
File:Shenaneggan KHX.png|[[Huge Shenaneggan]]
File:Growth Egg KHX.png|[[Growth Egg]]
File:Munny Egg KHUX.png|[[Munny Egg]]
File:Prize Egg KHX.png|[[Prize Egg]]
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: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: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:Poison Archer KHUX.png|[[Poison Archer]]
File:Paralysis Archer KHUX.png|[[Paralysis Archer]]
File:Sleep Archer KHUX.png|[[Sleep Archer]]
File:Bizarre Archer KHIII.png|[[Bizarre 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:Circus Balloon KHX.png|[[Circus Balloon]]
File:Bunch O' Balloons KHUX.png|[[Bunch O' Balloons]]
File:Cannoned Camel KHX.png|[[Cannoned Camel]]
File:Wicked Wick KHUX.png|[[Wicked Wick]]
File:Poison Pot KHUX.png|[[Poison Pot]]
File:Ratty Rat KHUX.png|[[Ratty Rat]]
File:Ring-A-Ding KHUX.png|[[Ring-A-Ding]]
File:Piercing Knight KHUX.png|[[Piercing Knight]]
File:Sly Cat KHUX.png|[[Sly Cat]]
File:Wily Cat KHUX.png|[[Wily Cat]]
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:Chipper Chef KHUX.png|[[Chipper Chef]]
File:Burrfish KHUX.png|[[Burrfish]]
File:Sleepy Snoozer KHUX.png|[[Sleepy Snoozer]]
File:Dark Wisp KHUX.png|[[Dark Wisp]]
File:Polliwog KHUX.png|[[Polliwog]]
File:Candy Plant KHUX.png|[[Candy Plant]]
File:Sweets Squad KHUX.png|[[Sweets Squad]]
File:Unnamed Raccoon Heartless KHUX.png|[[Unnamed Raccoon Heartless]]
File:Raccoon Dog Soldier KHUX.png|[[Raccoon Dog Soldier]]
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: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:Pot Centipede KH.png|'''[[Pot Centipede]]'''
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: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|[[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:Gummi Dragon KHUX.png|[[Gummi Dragon]]
File:Assault Dragon KHUX.png|'''[[Assault Dragon]]'''
File:Holiday Sleigh KHUX.png|'''[[Holiday Sleigh]]'''
File:Red-Nosed Chariot KHUX.png|'''[[Red-Nosed Chariot]]'''
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:Nimble Bee KHX.png|[[Nimble Bee]]
File:Stinging Bee KHX.png|[[Stinging Bee]]
File:Jewel Sorceress KHUX.png|'''[[Jewel Sorceress]]'''
File:Jewel Princess KHUX.png|'''[[Jewel Princess]]'''
File:Wayward Wardrobe KHX.png|'''[[Wayward Wardrobe]]'''
File:Enraged Elk KHX.png|'''[[Enraged Elk]]'''
File:Wily Bandit KHX.png|'''[[Wily Bandit]]'''
File:Closehanded Captain KHX.png|'''[[Closehanded Captain]]'''
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:Royal Pretender KHUX.png|'''[[Royal Pretender]]'''
File:Poisonous Pretender KHUX.png|'''[[Poisonous Pretender]]'''
File:Ratty Rat Trio KHUX.png|'''[[Ratty Rat Trio]]'''
File:Adventurer KHUX.png|'''[[Adventurer]]'''
File:Greedy Grouch KHUX.png|'''[[Greedy Grouch]]'''
File:Werewolf KHUX.png|'''{{c|Werewolf|Heartless}}'''
File:Mean Maiden KHUX.png|'''[[Mean Maiden]]'''
File:Martial Monkey KHUX.png|'''[[Martial Monkey]]'''<!--boss-style Heartless but only in event quests?-->
File:Iron Giant KHUX.png|'''[[Iron Giant]]'''
File:Metal Giant KHUX.png|'''[[Metal Giant]]'''
File:Heartless Tsum KHUX.png|'''[[Heartless Tsum]]'''
File:Gear Golem KHUX.png|'''[[Gear Golem]]'''
File:Gummi Golem KHUX.png|'''[[Gummi Golem]]'''
File:Thorned Snake KHUX.png|'''[[Thorned Snake]]'''
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:Titan KHUX.png|'''[[Titan]]'''
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:Shiva KHUX.png|'''[[Shiva]]'''
File:Ramuh KHUX.png|'''[[Ramuh]]'''
File:Ifrit KHUX.png|'''[[Ifrit (Heartless)|Ifrit]]'''
File:Leviathan KHUX.png|'''[[Leviathan (Heartless)|Leviathan]]'''
File:Mischief Bouquet KHUX.png|'''[[Mischief Bouquet]]'''
File:Soda Specter KHUX.png|'''[[Soda Specter]]'''
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]]'''
</gallery>

===Special Heartless===
<gallery>
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness 02 KHIII.png|'''[[Game:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|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 carries 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 shadowy symbiote attached to him in both forms possesses the "hollow heart" shared by many other Pureblood Heartless. Though it is uncertain what the situation of this Heartless 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|'''[[Game:Scar|Scar]]'''<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''''', '''Pete''': "Anger and jealousy turned the king of Pride Rock into a Heartless!"</ref>
File:The Experiment KHII.png|'''[[The Experiment]]'''
File:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness's Recreated Data KHIIIRM.png|'''{{ns|Game|Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|Ansem's Recreated Data}}'''<br>
</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|[[Pirate Ship|Ghost]]
File:Ghoul KHII.png|[[Pirate Ship|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:Riku (Dark) KH.png|'''[[Game:Riku|Riku (Keyblade)]]'''
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:Cy-Bug (Darkling) 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]]