8 Video Games With the Saddest Endings

Video games can hit you hard with their stories. Some endings stick with you long after the credits roll, leaving a heavy feeling in your chest.

I’ve played plenty of games that made me emotional, and these eight stand out for their heartbreaking conclusions. From sacrifices to impossible choices, they deliver unforgettable moments.

The Walking Dead: Season One (2012)

This game follows Lee Everett, a man protecting a young girl named Clementine in a zombie apocalypse. The story builds a deep bond between them as they face danger together.

The ending is a gut punch. Lee’s fate forces Clementine to confront loss in a way that feels raw and real, especially for an eight-year-old. I still think about that final scene.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

You play as Arthur Morgan, a rugged outlaw in a crumbling gang. The game’s open world lets you live his life, making his journey deeply personal.

By the end, Arthur’s struggle with illness and betrayal hits hard. No matter your choices, his story closes with a sacrifice that left me staring at the screen in silence.

BioShock Infinite (2013)

In this first-person shooter, you control Booker DeWitt in the floating city of Columbia. The story twists through time and reality, keeping you hooked.

The final revelation about Booker’s identity and his daughter Elizabeth is devastating. The choice to break a cycle of pain felt like a weight on my shoulders.

Ghost of Tsushima (2020)

You guide Jin Sakai, a samurai defending his island from invaders. The game blends intense combat with a story of honor and family.

The ending forces Jin to face his mentor and father figure, Lord Shimura, in a duel. The emotional clash, paired with haunting music, made me feel every swing of the sword.

Before Your Eyes (2021)

This unique game uses your webcam to track blinks, guiding you through Benny’s life after death. It’s a short but powerful journey.

The ending, where Benny reaches the afterlife, mixes beauty with sorrow. I found myself tearing up as the game turned his life into a touching farewell.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

As Geralt of Rivia, you hunt monsters while searching for your adopted daughter, Ciri. The game’s choices shape a sprawling fantasy tale.

One ending, where Ciri faces the White Frost, is crushing. Watching Geralt deal with her loss left me feeling hollow, even after hours of adventure.

Detroit: Become Human (2018)

This interactive story follows androids fighting for freedom. Your choices as Markus, Connor, and others shape the outcome.

One dark ending sees Markus and Connor’s sacrifices during a violent protest. The despair of their failure hit me hard, showing the cost of rebellion.

Lisa: The Painful (2014)

In a grim, post-apocalyptic world, you play Brad, a father figure protecting a girl named Buddy. The humor hides a brutal story.

The ending, where Brad faces betrayal and loss, is unrelenting. It’s a raw look at a broken world, and I couldn’t shake the emptiness it left.

What’s the saddest game ending you’ve experienced, or did I miss one that broke your heart? Share your thoughts in the comments!