Unforgettable Finales: The Top 10 Video Game Endings That Stick With You

Video game endings can hit hard, leaving you thinking about them long after the credits roll. Whether they’re emotional, shocking, or beautifully crafted, the best ones tie up a game’s story in a way that feels earned and impactful.

I’ve played countless games, and some finales stand out for their ability to surprise, move, or challenge me. Here’s my take on the top 10 games with endings that stay with you, ranked from tenth to first.

10. ‘Fallout’ (1997)

The original ‘Fallout’ drops you into a post-apocalyptic world where your choices shape the story. After defeating The Master and securing the Water Chip, you return to Vault 13, expecting a hero’s welcome. Instead, the Overseer banishes you, fearing your influence will disrupt the vault’s order. It’s a gut-punch that highlights the cost of heroism.

This ending’s bittersweet tone sets it apart. You save your people but lose your home, forcing you to question what sacrifice really means. The stark choice lingers, making it a classic in RPG storytelling.

9. ‘Hades’ (2020)

In ‘Hades’, you play as Zagreus, battling through the Underworld to reach your mother, Persephone. The first ending feels triumphant as you reunite, but it’s cut short when you’re pulled back to the Underworld, bound by its rules. Only after multiple runs does the true ending unfold, with Persephone returning home.

The game’s loop makes every attempt meaningful, and the final resolution ties up the family drama beautifully. It’s a rare ending that rewards persistence while delivering emotional depth.

8. ‘The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening’ (1993)

‘Link’s Awakening’ starts as a simple adventure but ends with a haunting twist. Link discovers Koholint Island exists in a dream, and waking the Wind Fish means erasing it. The final scene, with Link adrift in the ocean, leaves you questioning reality and loss.

This Game Boy classic punches above its weight. Its ambiguous ending asks big questions about existence and memory, making it unforgettable for its emotional weight and simplicity.

7. ‘Spec Ops: The Line’ (2012)

‘Spec Ops: The Line’ looks like a standard military shooter but flips the script with its ending. Captain Walker’s journey through Dubai unravels his psyche, and the ‘Surrender’ ending, where he drops his weapon and faces his actions, hits hard. His line, ‘Who said I survived?’ is chilling.

The game forces you to confront the horrors of war and your role in them. It’s a dark, introspective finale that challenges what you expect from a shooter.

6. ‘Undertale’ (2015)

‘Undertale’ rewards your choices with wildly different endings. The Pacifist ending, earned by sparing every enemy, delivers a heartfelt conclusion where you befriend the monsters and find peace. It’s a celebration of compassion in a world that tempts you to fight.

This indie gem’s focus on player agency makes its ending feel personal. The way it ties up every character’s arc with hope and humor is pure magic.

5. ‘Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater’ (2004)

The ending of ‘Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater’ is a masterclass in storytelling. After defeating The Boss, Naked Snake learns her sacrifice was part of a larger conspiracy. The graveyard scene, where he salutes her grave, is raw and emotional, cementing his transformation into Big Boss.

This finale blends action, betrayal, and loss in a way few games manage. It’s a heavy, unforgettable moment that redefines the series’ themes of loyalty and duty.

4. ‘The Last of Us’ (2013)

‘The Last of Us’ builds to a morally complex ending. Joel saves Ellie from a fatal operation that could cure the world, choosing her life over humanity’s hope. The final scene, where Ellie questions his lie, leaves their bond fragile yet profound.

This ending’s strength lies in its ambiguity. It forces you to wrestle with Joel’s choice, making it one of gaming’s most debated and memorable conclusions.

3. ‘Red Dead Redemption’ (2010)

‘Red Dead Redemption’ delivers a gut-wrenching finale. John Marston, after hunting down his former gang, faces a final stand against impossible odds. His sacrifice for his family’s future is both tragic and heroic, followed by a quiet epilogue as his son, Jack.

The ending’s emotional weight comes from its inevitability. It’s a perfect blend of closure and heartbreak, cementing the game as a Western masterpiece.

2. ‘Shadow of the Colossus’ (2005)

In ‘Shadow of the Colossus’, Wander’s quest to revive Mono leads to a devastating revelation. Each colossus he kills strengthens Dormin, who possesses him in the end. Mono awakens, but Wander is transformed into a horned baby, hinting at a tragic cycle.

The minimalist story amplifies the ending’s impact. Its mix of hope and loss creates a haunting, poetic close that lingers long after the screen fades.

1. ‘Batman: Arkham City’ (2011)

‘Batman: Arkham City’ tops the list with its jaw-dropping finale. Batman’s battle with the Joker ends with the villain’s death, a shocking moment that redefines their twisted relationship. Batman carries his enemy’s body out of the city, a silent, powerful image.

This ending works because it dares to break the status quo. The emotional complexity of Batman mourning his greatest foe makes it one of gaming’s most iconic conclusions.

Which game ending hit you the hardest, or is there another finale I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!