Top 10 Titles You Wish You Never Finished

Some games pull you in so deeply that finishing them feels like saying goodbye to a close friend. They set a bar so high that other games struggle to match the experience, leaving you chasing that same magic. This ranked list explores ten games that left such a strong mark that nothing else quite compares. From sprawling epics to emotional journeys, these titles linger long after the credits roll.

Each game here has a unique pull, whether it’s a gripping story, unforgettable characters, or mechanics that feel one-of-a-kind. I’ll dive into why these games stand out and why their endings left players longing for more, based on their lasting impact and my own reflections on what makes them special.

10. ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

This open-world RPG drops you into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a war-torn world. Its blend of rich storytelling, tough moral choices, and a massive world filled with meaningful side quests makes every moment feel alive. From hunting mythical beasts to shaping the fate of kingdoms, the game’s depth is staggering. CD Projekt Red crafted a world so immersive that finishing it feels like leaving a real place behind.

The game’s emotional weight hits hard, especially in moments like the Battle of Kaer Morhen, where your choices shape who lives or dies. After spending dozens of hours exploring every corner of its map, from Velen’s swamps to Skellige’s cliffs, other RPGs can feel shallow. The freedom to shape Geralt’s story leaves you craving another adventure that matches its intensity, but few games deliver that same spark.

9. ‘Mass Effect 2’ (2010)

This sci-fi epic puts you in Commander Shepard’s shoes, building a team to face a galaxy-threatening enemy. The game’s strength lies in its character-driven story, where every squad member has a personal arc that ties into the suicide mission finale. BioWare nailed the balance of action, dialogue, and choice, making every decision feel like it matters. The relationships you forge, whether friendships or romances, stick with you long after the game ends.

Finishing ‘Mass Effect 2’ leaves a void because no other game matches its mix of emotional stakes and tactical combat. The final mission, where your choices decide who survives, is so intense that other games’ climaxes feel flat. I keep hoping for another title that captures that same sense of camaraderie and consequence, but it’s a tough act to follow.

8. ‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

This indie gem throws you into the hauntingly beautiful world of Hallownest, a sprawling underground kingdom. Its tight platforming, challenging combat, and cryptic lore create a Metroidvania experience that’s hard to shake. Team Cherry built a world where every corner hides secrets, from hidden bosses to heartbreaking NPC stories. The art and music wrap you in a melancholic atmosphere that lingers.

Once you’ve beaten the final boss and uncovered Hallownest’s mysteries, other 2D platformers feel less alive. The game’s balance of exploration and difficulty sets a standard that’s tough to match. I still think about the White Palace’s brutal platforming gauntlet and wish more games could replicate that eerie, rewarding vibe.

7. ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Rockstar’s western masterpiece follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw grappling with loyalty and redemption in a fading world. The open world feels like a living, breathing place, with random encounters and jaw-dropping detail in every mountain and town. The story’s slow burn builds to an emotional gut-punch, making Arthur’s journey unforgettable. Every choice, from small acts of kindness to major heists, feels personal.

After the credits, the game’s world feels so real that others seem lifeless by comparison. The way NPCs react to Arthur’s actions, like remembering past encounters, sets a high bar for immersion. I’ve yet to find another game that makes me care about its characters and world as deeply as this one did.

6. ‘Persona 5’ (2017)

This stylish JRPG follows a group of high schoolers who become phantom thieves to change corrupt hearts. Its mix of social sim, turn-based combat, and a story about rebellion is addictive. Atlus created a vibrant Tokyo where balancing school, friendships, and secret missions feels seamless. The game’s jazzy soundtrack and bold visuals make every moment pop.

Finishing ‘Persona 5’ leaves you missing its blend of everyday life and epic battles. The way you bond with characters like Ryuji or Ann makes other games’ relationships feel shallow. I keep searching for another RPG that nails that same mix of heart and style, but it’s a rare find.

5. ‘Shadow of the Colossus’ (2005)

This minimalist masterpiece has you play as Wander, a lone warrior taking down massive colossi to save a loved one. Each fight is a puzzle, a spectacle, and a tragedy, with the game’s sparse story and haunting world leaving a lasting mark. Team Ico’s focus on atmosphere over dialogue creates a unique emotional weight. The colossi’s designs and the bittersweet ending stick with you.

Once you’ve toppled the final colossus, other action-adventure games feel less impactful. The sense of scale and moral ambiguity in each battle is unmatched. I still think about the music swelling as I climbed those giants, wishing more games could capture that quiet intensity.

4. ‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)

This narrative-driven RPG casts you as a washed-up detective in a gritty, politically charged city. Its dialogue-heavy gameplay and deep role-playing let you shape your character’s personality through choices. ZA/UM built a world where every conversation feels like it could change everything, from solving a murder to unraveling your own past. The writing is sharp and human, making every moment gripping.

After finishing ‘Disco Elysium’, other story-driven games feel less engaging. The way it lets you fail, succeed, or stumble through as a flawed character is unique. I keep chasing games that offer that same freedom to define who you are, but none hit quite as hard.

3. ‘Dark Souls’ (2011)

This brutal action RPG drops you into a decaying world where every step feels earned. FromSoftware’s masterpiece thrives on its unforgiving combat, cryptic storytelling, and interconnected world design. Every victory, from slaying a boss to finding a shortcut, feels monumental. The game’s atmosphere, paired with its learn-by-dying approach, makes exploration unforgettable.

Once you link the fire, other action games feel too forgiving or simplistic. The way ‘Dark Souls’ rewards patience and observation sets it apart. I still dream of finding another game that matches its blend of challenge and mystery, but it’s a tough standard to meet.

2. ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ (2017)

Nintendo redefined open-world games with this adventure, letting you explore Hyrule as Link with unmatched freedom. From climbing mountains to solving physics-based puzzles, every moment encourages creativity. The game’s minimalist story and vibrant world make every discovery feel personal. Its shrine challenges and dynamic weather keep you hooked for hours.

After defeating Ganon, other open-world games feel restrictive or bloated. The way ‘Breath of the Wild’ trusts you to carve your own path is rare. I keep searching for another game that feels as free and alive, but it’s hard to top this masterpiece.

1. ‘Nier: Automata’ (2017)

This action RPG from PlatinumGames follows androids 2B and 9S in a post-apocalyptic world, blending hack-and-slash combat with a profound story. Its multiple endings and shifting perspectives reveal new layers each time, tackling themes of existence and humanity. The game’s seamless mix of genres, from bullet-hell to open-world exploration, keeps you glued. Yoko Taro’s storytelling and the haunting soundtrack make every moment unforgettable.

Finishing ‘Nier: Automata’ feels like losing a piece of yourself, especially after its true ending. Other games struggle to match its emotional depth and innovative structure. I’m still chasing that same mix of heart-wrenching narrative and fluid gameplay, but nothing else feels quite as complete.

Which game left you longing for more, or is there a title I missed that stole your heart? Drop your thoughts in the comments!