A great video game ending isn’t just about wrapping up a story—it’s about leaving a lasting impact. The best endings make you sit there in silence, controller in hand, just processing what you just experienced. Whether it's an emotional gut punch, a shocking twist, or a perfectly executed conclusion, these moments stay with us long after the credits roll. Here are six of the most unforgettable video game endings ever.
1. The Last of Us – A Lie That Changed Everything
No game ending has sparked more debate than The Last of Us. After journeying across a brutal, post-apocalyptic world, Joel finds out that saving Ellie would mean sacrificing her for a potential cure. Instead of letting that happen, he massacres an entire hospital full of Fireflies to save her, then lies about it. The final scene, where Ellie asks Joel if he’s telling the truth, and he simply responds, “I swear”, is haunting. It’s not just an ending; it’s a question: Was Joel a hero, or a selfish man who doomed humanity? That ambiguity is what makes The Last of Us’s ending unforgettable.
2. Red Dead Redemption – The Fall of a Legend
Red Dead Redemption tells a tragic tale of redemption and the inevitable fate of outlaws in a changing world. After hunting down his former gang members, John Marston finally settles into a peaceful life with his family—only to be betrayed by the government. In a gut-wrenching final scene, John steps out of his barn, guns blazing, knowing he won’t survive. The moment his body hits the dirt, it cements Red Dead Redemption as one of the greatest and most emotional finales in gaming. And just when you think it's over, you take control of his son, Jack, setting out for revenge—turning the cycle of violence into an endless loop.
3. Grand Theft Auto V – Three Paths, One Choice
Few games give players as much freedom as GTA V, and that extends to its multiple endings. The choice between killing Trevor, killing Michael, or teaming up for one last mission (the “Deathwish” ending) lets players shape the final moments of the game. Choosing Deathwish delivers one of the most satisfying endings, where Franklin, Michael, and Trevor take down their enemies and drive off into the sunset. It’s rare for a game as chaotic and open-ended as GTA to pull off a satisfying conclusion, but Rockstar nailed it.
4. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – The Truth Hurts
Metal Gear Solid 3 is packed with espionage, betrayals, and political intrigue, but its ending is what truly cements it as a masterpiece. After defeating his mentor and mother figure, The Boss, Snake learns the heartbreaking truth—she wasn’t a traitor. She willingly sacrificed herself as part of a mission to protect her country. Snake’s final salute at her grave, followed by his transformation into Big Boss, is one of the most powerful moments in gaming. The ending doesn’t just conclude a story; it redefines an entire franchise.
5. God of War (2018) – A Father’s Secret
God of War reinvented Kratos, transforming him from a rage-fueled warrior into a deeply complex father figure. The journey with Atreus is one of growth, loss, and revelation. But the biggest twist? Atreus’ real name is Loki, tying the story directly into Norse mythology in a way no one saw coming. And just when you think it’s over, there’s a chilling post-credit sequence where Thor himself shows up at Kratos’ doorstep. This wasn’t just an ending—it was the beginning of something even bigger.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – A Dream Shattered
At first glance, Link’s Awakening seems like another classic Zelda adventure—explore, defeat dungeons, and save the world. But as you progress, the unsettling truth slowly emerges: Koholint Island, its inhabitants, and even the legendary Wind Fish are all part of a dream. When Link finally wakes the Wind Fish, the entire world vanishes, leaving him alone at sea. The bittersweet realisation that none of it was real makes this one of the most emotionally impactful endings in gaming history. It was Zelda’s first major foray into storytelling with deeper themes, and it still resonates decades later.
These six games prove that a strong ending can elevate an already amazing experience into something legendary. Whether they left us speechless, heartbroken, or questioning everything, these finales are burned into gaming history. What’s your most unforgettable video game ending? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
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