Best Video Game Epilogues of All Time

The end of an exciting and immersive video game can be pretty depressing. However, what makes those last minutes worth living for are the oddly satisfying epilogues. Epilogues are the closure you need after committing hours and even days to a particular game. Some developers go the extra mile of filling in gaps that the storyline couldn't deliver using well-crafted epilogues. Whether you're battling enemies in medieval times or surviving through a vile and eerie timeline, no one wants or deserves a half-baked ending. Well, since the end justifies the means, here are the best video game epilogues of all time.

5. Batman: Arkham Knight

This Rocksteady Studios adventure game is the fourth installment of the Batman Arkham series. Batman takes his liberator role of eliminating criminals in Gotham city. The game is also the final chapter of the Arkham series, and as you would expect, certain characters don't make it to the end of the game.

In Batman: Arkham Knight,  the masked hero faces The Scarecrow, an adversary from his past. The Scarecrow makes a return with a new vengeance plan, as with all other Gotham terrorizes; however, this time, he has a newly found ally, Arkham Knight. As Batman sweeps the streets of Gotham, hunting the Scarecrow, he also has to hunt down Arkham Knight. After a series of fights, the Scarecrow overpowers Batman and unveils to the world his true identity as Bruce Wayne. The villain attempts to infect Batman with a fear toxin which turns him into the Joker. However, Batman overcomes it and ends up defeating him.

The end to the action-adventure game hints at a sequel that may feature a new batman. His identity reveal spews into action Bruce Wayne's “Knightfall Protocol.” After fulfilling his solemn duty to Gotham, Bruce makes a final call to Jim Gordon, saying the city is safe, and travels to his manor, where an expulsion is assumed to take his life. A deserving, heroic end to a historical legend. But is it really over?

4. Dragon Age: Origins

One of the l truly mesmerizing endings is seen in Dragon Age: Origin's 56-minute-long epilogue. The role-playing game's end matches its beginning with extreme brilliance and compelling narration. The archdemon is dead. The demons have retreated, marking the end of the fifth blight, and normalcy returns to the Kingdom.

The epilogue starts with a coronation ceremony where the Grand Cleric Elemena crowns either Anora or Alistair as the ruler of Ferelden. Alistair chooses to recognize the Grey Warden's efforts in liberating the Kingdom. Alistair offers to grant any favor that the Warden wishes and a series of options are displayed on your screen. The choices you make will dictate the future of Ferelden and the fate of the Warden's companions. Alternatively, you may wish to dispel any rumors in the Kingdom. 

The final curtain call serves as a heroic tribute to the Grey Warden's efforts in slaying the antagonist. He walks out of the Kingdom halls, and a series of scrolls appear on the screen detailing the future life of the Ferelden kingdom. An exquisite finish to an immersive RPG experience. 

3. The Witcher 3

The Witcher ending is genuinely something to savor. Dubbed: Something ends, Something Begins”, the conclusion varies with the decisions you make in the game while playing Geralt. The game marks the trilogy's end but surprisingly unveils a betrayal and a new villain. This delivers on most gamers' fears of fighting the wrong villain through the entire title. Moreover, Players can still make choices in the epilogue and ferociously engage in battle.

In one final quest, the monster slayer teams up with a werewolf in hunting for the Crone. Geralt seeks revenge for his daughter's pendant taken from her by the Crone. After vicious combat, the Crone is defeated, but Geralt doesn't find the pendant. 

The game ends with a narration attesting to Temerian's victory. Undoubtedly we do not expect another installment from CD Projekt, but there's no denying the worthwhile climatic end to the witcher trilogy.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2's epilogue can pass for a movie set in the Wild West owing to its long but detailed turn of events. The developers use the ending to explicitly detail John's position during the start of the action adventure's first installment, Read Ded Redemption. It also ties up loose ends in the storyline.

The epilogue takes place seven years after the disbandment of the gang. John takes up a new quest of being a better father and husband to his family, taking up his brother's advice. If life takes a new turn, players will no longer see him as an aggressive character but as a family man making up for lost time with his family. 

The final minutes also give closure to Charlie Smith and Sadie Alder's storyline. Both characters help John secure a ranch for his new farming livelihood. Moreover, John engages in a final gunfight with Dutch and Micah. The tailpiece also gives closure on the whereabouts of the gang members for an oddly satisfying finish. Undoubtedly one of the excellent video game epilogues of all time.

1. The Last of Us

Winding down the events of the post-apocalyptic world, The Last of Us' epilogue shows Joel carrying an unconscious Ellie out of a hospital. This is after the Fireflies plan to clear the infection from Ellie's brain and create a cure. Joel is convinced that the procedure will kill her, and he rescues her. 

Outside the hospital, they are confronted by Marlene, whom Joel kills in the last attempt to save Ellie's life. Joel reveals to Ellie that the fireflies have been unsuccessful in finding a cure for infected people.

As Joel leads Ellie home, you can't help but be in awe at the picturesque environment. Ellie confronts Joel on whether the Fireflies are true. Joel swears that it is true, which marks the end of a well-crafted epilogue.

So, what's your take on our picks for the best video game Epilogues of all time? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.