10 Best Video Game Endings of All Time 

Video game endings help wrap up the story by tying the main plots and subplots together. While some present an emotional ending, others offer a dramatic conflict resolution. But ultimately, they play a major role in making or breaking the game. For those who love to test a few great endings, here are the 10 best video game endings of all time. 

10. Red Dead Redemption 

Red Dead Redemption has one of the most satisfying yet heartbreaking endings in gaming. After spending all his energy to defeat the game’s antagonist, John Marston returns home to rebuild his family and life. However, in a tragic turn of events, a group of lawmen traitors betrays John. He is outnumbered and is desperately trying to protect his family. He tries shooting as many as possible before they kill him. Luckily, players take the role of John’s son and seek revenge against the villain who ordered his father’s death. 

9. The Last of Us 

The Last of Us perfectly captures the sense of tension and despair in the survival-horror genre. In a post-apocalypse event, the main character, Joel, must escort a girl named Ellie across the country to stop the virus. Ellie is immune to this virus. Unfortunately, Ellie must ultimately sacrifice her life to create the cure. She is abducted and taken to a secure facility to develop the cure. Joel attacks that facility to save Ellie. However, he has to choose between saving Ellie or saving humanity. Joel chooses Ellie and lies to her that her death was unnecessary. This ending internally conflicts players because they are forced to watch Joel prioritize Ellie over the future of humanity. 

8. Silent Hill 2 

Silent Hill 2 gives players five possible endings. However, the most commonly accepted is the “In Water” ending, where the main character, James Sunderland, supposedly drowns himself to rejoin his wife. As you progress through this game, you’ll discover that James killed his wife, Mary, contrary to what was previously supposed. Initially, Mary is believed to have died of an illness. What remains contentious is whether James killed Mary to ease her suffering or to free himself from the burden of caring for her. These two possible endings present you with more personal experiences. They invite you to explore different outcomes and motivations. 

7. The Walking Dead 

The first season of Tellitale’s The Walking Dead offers one of the best experiences in this franchise. It allows players to make impactful choices, giving them a more personalized gaming experience. In The Walking Dead, you assume the role of Lee, who is on a mission to protect a young woman named Clementine. As you progress, Lee develops a strong bond with Clementine. Unfortunately, Lee is later bitten by a zombie, meaning he will transform into one. So, players choose between letting Lee become a zombie or having Clementine kill him before he transforms. It’s one of the most emotional decisions you’ll have to make as a gamer. 

6. Batman: Arkham City 

The long-standing and iconic conflict between Batman and the Joker is an excellent example of good versus evil. This rivalry has significantly influenced shows, parodies, songs, movies, and video games. In a dramatic turn of events, the rivalry between the two ends in Batman: Arkham City. The dramatic death of the Joker comes when he destroys his cure, trying to kill Batman. Despite his evil, murderous habits, his tragic end evokes a sense of sympathy. 

5. God of War 

God of War is among the highly acclaimed games of its generation. While the 2018 reboot of this franchise took a huge risk when it tried changing the game’s formula, it finally paid off, probably due to Game of War‘s exceptional narrative. Instead of Kratos going on his typical god-killing spree, he travels with his son, Atreus, to fulfil his wife’s last wish. After Kratos and his son defeat Baldur, they travel to Jotunheim’s highest peak, where they scatter his wife’s ashes. Many believe this is among the most fitting and impactful ways to end the most powerful narrative in the God of War franchise. 

4. Portal 2 

Portal and Portal 2 offer one of the most immersive and impressive gaming experiences. Their exceptional storyline revolves around navigating the dilapidated Aperture Science Environment Centre when Supercomputer GLaDOS was reconstructing it. If you played the first Portal, you will be surprised that GLaDOS became an ally in Portal 2. However, her motives and trustworthiness remain uncertain. Ultimately, Chellaston escapes from the Aperture Science and enters the real world. 

3. Bioshock Infinite

The Bioshock franchise is famous for exploring the darker side of humanity’s nature. The 2013 instalment takes you on a complex journey through different timelines, where, in the end, you must choose who you want to be. The main character, Booker DeWitt, encounters multiple versions of himself in those timelines. Some of the timelines can turn him into the villainous Comstock. In the end, Booker chooses to remain a good man. He lets himself get drowned by different incarnations of Elizabeth to ensure that Elizabeth’s future is protected. 

2. The Witcher 3

The Witcher 3‘s base version has about 36 possible endings. However, the most famous one is the one where Ciri becomes the Empress. She is that reluctant yet capable ruler. In the end, Chris and Geralt travel together as witchers. They wander the woods and enjoy their last meaningful moments together. Many gamers feel that The Witcher 3’s multiple endings are meant to provide players with a range of conclusions to ensure they get satisfactory endings. 

1. The Fallout 

Fallout has one of the best video game endings making you eager for its sequels. In Fallout, your decision will determine the ending. However, the most memorable and heartbreaking ending will happen when you defeat The Master, secure the Water Chip, and return home to Vault 13. The Vault Overseer will be grateful for everything you’ve done but won’t let you re-enter the vault. He’s afraid your return could encourage others to leave the vault because he had put you on a suicide mission.

So, what’s your take on our picks for the 10 best video game endings of all time? Let us know your thoughts here on our socials or down in the comments.