Top 10 most memorable Game Endings

Unforgettable conclusions: The top 10 most memorable video game endings

Alright, gamers. So you’ve spent hours, maybe even days or weeks, immersed in your favorite titles, building up your character’s stats, solving countless quests, and crushing bad guys left and right. And then you finally reach the end—where either everything falls into place beautifully or you’re left shocked, mouth agape, possibly with tears in your eyes, asking yourself, what just happened? In a world filled with endless sequels and drab final cutscenes, there are a few games that truly nailed their grand finales. Today, I’m rounding up the top 10 most memorable game endings that absolutely stick with you long after you shut down your PC.

Why memorable endings matter in video games

Before we jump into the list, let’s chat about why game endings are so important. These aren’t just ‘the credits’; they are the climax of your entire journey, the last stamp of your emotional investment. A memorable ending can turn a good game into a great game, and in some cases, a life-changing one. Whether they’re mind-bending, nostalgic, heart-wrenching, or just straight-up epic, these moments stay with players for years to come.

Now, let’s dive into the legendary game endings that hold a permanent spot in the gaming hall of fame.

The list of the top 10 unforgettable game endings

The Last of Us (2013)

Why It’s Memorable: No discussion about game endings is complete without mentioning The Last of Us. This game hits you in the feels during every chapter, but the ending—oof. Joel’s morally ambiguous decision to save Ellie by lying about what really happened in the hospital is probably one of the most controversial, heartbreaking, and talked-about conclusions in gaming. You’re left questioning his actions, empathizing, and maybe even hating him, all at once. Joel’s final words, ‘I swear,’ coupled with Ellie’s uncertain ‘Okay,’ left players mentally shattered and craving more. That emotional whiplash still stings, and it makes you rethink the entire game.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

Why It’s Memorable: RDR2 wasn’t just another cowboy open-world experience; it was an emotional rollercoaster with deeply complex characters. Arthur Morgan’s journey is already gut-wrenching, but the ending? That’s a game-changer. Whether you got the high or low honor ending, Arthur’s inevitable fate feels heavy. Watching him reflect on his choices, face mortality, and try to ride out into his last sunset with that beautiful, haunting score in the background made it one of the all-time best. Then there’s the epilogue with John Marston that beautifully bridges the gap between RDR1 and 2. The ending delivers in all aspects: tragedy, hope, and closure.

Bioshock Infinite (2013)

Why It’s Memorable: Let me guess: you were confused after finishing this one, right? You weren’t alone. Bioshock Infinite delivered an ending that felt almost like an Inception-like experience in the gaming world. The idea of various parallel realities and Booker’s ultimate realization that he is also Comstock blew everyone’s minds. The drowning scene at the baptism, followed by Booker’s extinguished existence in all universes, left players reeling and rethinking everything they’d experienced throughout the game. It’s an incredible exploration of time loops and alternate realities, which is what makes it eternally memorable.

Portal 2 (2011)

Why It’s Memorable: Comedy games don’t always nail emotional finales, but Portal 2 does both so well. After spending the game solving insanely creative puzzles to outsmart GLaDOS, the protagonist Chell is finally rewarded with a peculiar yet satisfying ending. The part where you’re essentially launched into space, only to reunite with dear old Wheatley in a hilarious post-credit scene was sheer genius. Plus, that serene, unexpected tune ‘Want You Gone’ hits just right as GLaDOS coldly decides to let Chell go.

Mass Effect 2 (2010)

Why It’s Memorable: Mass Effect 2’s suicide mission… enough said! This final mission brings together everything you’ve worked for throughout the game. The choices you made—who lived, who died, how every little thing panned out—it all depends on your leadership as Commander Shepard. You spend the whole game building your crew and upgrading your ship for this very moment, and it’s one of those finales where your unique gaming path creates a truly personal touch. Few games ever made me feel the weight of my decisions like Mass Effect 2, and that’s why this edges into the list of memorable endings.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

Why It’s Memorable: The Witcher 3 is probably one of the greatest RPGs ever, with an ocean of branching storylines and complex relationships. But the ending? Absolute chills. Depending on your key choices, the game offers multiple conclusions, but the gripping part revolves around Geralt’s closure with Ciri, his foster daughter. If you got the ‘best ending,’ where Ciri becomes Empress, you’re treated to a heartwarming send-off. However, even the more tragic endings feel deeply earned and bittersweet based on your decisions. This is peak storytelling in the gaming world.

Undertale (2015)

Why It’s Memorable: Undertale flips the whole RPG genre on its head with its emphasis on sparing rather than killing enemies. The final ‘Pacifist Route’ ending offers not just happiness but real emotional resolution. Players who chose to make friends and avoid violence with each character are rewarded with an ending that’s heartwarming and genuinely uplifting. The idea that everyone can change, even in a challenging world, resonates deeply. Additionally, the game breaks the fourth wall multiple times, which adds to its charm and cleverness. Just pure brilliance.

Silent Hill 2 (2001)

Why It’s Memorable: Silent Hill 2 was disturbing enough with its psychological horror, but the ending took it to surreal levels that no one fully expected. Discovering the true reason behind James Sunderland’s journey—and the crushing revelation that he may have caused his wife’s death—hits like a truck. The multiple endings, including the infamous ‘dog ending,’ are all significant, but it’s the primary one that really messes with your head and leaves you questioning morality and reality.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)

Why It’s Memorable: I got to say, few endings feel as cinematic and powerful as the finale of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. The final standoff between Snake and The Boss under the cherry blossoms is intense, perfectly encapsulating the game’s theme of duty and loyalty. The fact that you, the player, are forced to pull the trigger (no automatic cutscenes here!) against the character you’ve come to sympathize with just adds to the gravitas. It firmly cements MGS3 as one of the best stealth-action games with a fitting, tragic conclusion.

Halo 3 (2007)

Why It’s Memorable: Finish the fight was the tagline, and Master Chief sure did. Halo 3 brought the epic, universe-spanning sci-fi story to a close—well, sort of. The game’s ending leaves a bittersweet note as Master Chief essentially sacrifices his own future, placing himself into cryo-sleep aboard a ship, floating in space – only to be awakened once humanity truly needed him again. That single post-credits line “Wake me when you need me” became iconic, adding to one of the coolest sci-fi cliffhangers ever. It was iconic then and still iconic now.

Honorable mentions

• God of War (2018): The revelation surrounding Kratos and Atreus is a double-edged sword of excitement and mystery.
• Shadow of the Colossus (2005): Truly haunting revelations that twist the entire narrative.
• Spec Ops: The Line (2012): One of those endings that makes you look inward and question your moral compass.

What makes a game ending unforgettable?

So, after walking through some of these wild game finales, what really makes an ending stand out? It’s a mix of factors:

• Emotional resonance: Does the ending hit you on a deeper, emotional level?
• Player agency: Were your decisions leading up to the ending meaningful?
• Satisfying closure or twists: Did the game tie the narrative together in a satisfying way or surprise you with a mind-bending twist?

When these elements combine, you get an endgame experience that stays with you for years. And let’s face it, we all want that perfect blend of shock, awe, and emotional satisfaction for the time we invest in our favorite titles.

Conclusion: What’s your most memorable game ending?

There you have it, the top 10 most unforgettable game endings that have defined the gaming landscape for so many players. At the end of the day, a game’s final sequence is a critical moment—it’s where everything pays off. So, what about you? Which video game endings linger in your mind like a sweet or bittersweet aftertaste? Whether it makes you cry, clap, or contemplate life’s meaning, share your thoughts in the comments below! Until then, gamers, keep grinding, and may your endings always be epic.