The 20 Most Heartbreaking Video Game Deaths That Left Us in Tears, Ranked

Video games pull me into their worlds with gripping stories and characters I grow to love, only to break my heart with losses that hit hard. The most emotional deaths aren’t just sad—they’re moments that leave you stunned, controller in hand, feeling the weight of the story.

I’ve played through countless games to list the 20 most gut-wrenching deaths. These sacrifices, betrayals, and farewells are the ones that made us cry. Here’s the list.

Mordin Solus

In ‘Mass Effect 3’, Mordin died curing the genophage in the mission ‘Tuchanka: Bomb’. He sacrificed himself to spread the cure, singing softly as the tower exploded.

His quirky brilliance and redemption made this sting. Mordin’s death was a noble but painful loss for the galaxy.

Eli Vance

Eli died in ‘Half-Life 2: Episode Two’, killed by Advisors in the final scene. He was protecting Alyx, his daughter, when they tore him away.

His fatherly warmth made this brutal. Eli’s sudden loss left me dreading the unresolved cliffhanger.

Sarah

In ‘The Last of Us’, Sarah, Joel’s daughter, was shot by a soldier during the outbreak’s chaos in the opening chapter. She died in Joel’s arms, gasping.

Her innocence and quick death crushed me. Sarah’s loss set the tone for Joel’s broken heart.

Roman Bellic

Roman was killed in ‘Grand Theft Auto IV’ in the ‘Deal’ ending during his wedding. A stray bullet from Dimitri’s men ended his dreams of a new life.

His goofy optimism made this hurt. Roman’s death was a grim cost of Niko’s choices.

Dom Santiago

Dom died in ‘Gears of War 3’, driving a truck into a fuel tank to save his squad. His sacrifice came after losing his wife, Maria, years earlier.

His weary loyalty made this heavy. Dom’s death was a gut punch to the Delta Squad’s spirit.

Augustus Cole

In ‘Fallout 3’, Augustus, the Brotherhood of Steel leader, died if you chose to sacrifice him in the ‘Take it Back!’ mission. He activated the purifier, saving the Wasteland.

His stern duty made this sad. Augustus’ death was a heroic but somber victory.

Zack Fair

Zack died in ‘Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII’, gunned down by Shinra soldiers to protect Cloud. His final stand came after a grueling battle.

His bold spirit and mentorship broke me. Zack’s death was a tragic torch-pass to Cloud.

John Marston

John was betrayed and shot by the army in ‘Red Dead Redemption’ in the mission ‘The Last Enemy That Shall Be Destroyed’. He died to save his family.

His rugged honor made this unbearable. John’s death was a raw, inevitable end to his redemption.

Lee Everett

Lee died in ‘The Walking Dead: Season One’, bitten by a walker in Episode 5, ‘No Time Left’. He guided Clementine to safety before succumbing.

His fatherly bond with Clem crushed me. Lee’s quiet fade was a tear-soaked goodbye.

Aerith Gainsborough

Aerith was stabbed by Sephiroth in ‘Final Fantasy VII’ in the Forgotten City. Her sudden death cut short her role as the planet’s hope.

Her gentle spirit made this iconic. Aerith’s loss was a shock that redefined RPG grief.

Cortana

Cortana sacrificed herself in ‘Halo 4’ in the mission ‘Midnight’ to stop the Didact. She saved Master Chief, fading in a digital goodbye.

Her witty loyalty made this painful. Cortana’s death was a heart-wrenching loss for Chief.

The Boss

The Boss was killed by Naked Snake in ‘Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater’ in the mission ‘The End’. Her death was a staged betrayal for her country.

Her quiet strength made this brutal. The Boss’ sacrifice was a soul-crushing twist.

Ellie’s Girlfriend, Riley

Riley died in ‘The Last of Us: Left Behind’, bitten alongside Ellie during their mall adventure. They vowed to face their fate together, but only Ellie survived.

Her youthful spark made this sting. Riley’s death was a tragic glimpse of Ellie’s pain.

Arthur Morgan

Arthur died of tuberculosis in ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ in the mission ‘Red Dead Redemption’. He faced his end helping John escape, finding peace.

His flawed honor broke me completely. Arthur’s slow fade was a raw, redemptive loss.

The Illusive Man

The Illusive Man shot himself in ‘Mass Effect 3’ in the ‘Citadel’ mission if Shepard convinced him of his indoctrination. His death ended his Reaper obsession.

His complex ambition made this heavy. The Illusive Man’s fall was a grim, tragic end.

Roach

Roach was betrayed and burned by Shepherd in ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’ in the mission ‘Loose Ends’. His death came after a brutal fight.

His silent loyalty made this shocking. Roach’s betrayal was a gut punch to the squad.

Lunafreya Nox Fleuret

Lunafreya died in ‘Final Fantasy XV’ in Altissia, stabbed by Ardyn after summoning Leviathan. Her sacrifice pushed Noctis toward his destiny.

Her gentle resolve made this unbearable. Lunafreya’s death was a heart-shattering loss.

Piers Nivans

Piers died in ‘Resident Evil 6’ in the final chapter, injecting himself with a virus to save Chris. He stayed behind, crushed by debris.

His quiet duty made this painful. Piers’ sacrifice was a tearful end to his loyalty.

Ethan Winters

Ethan died in ‘Resident Evil Village’, sacrificing himself to destroy the Megamycete in the final chapter. His heart, calcified, gave out to save Rose.

His fatherly love crushed me. Ethan’s death was a devastating cost for his daughter’s life.

Joel Miller

Joel was killed by Abby in ‘The Last of Us Part II’ in the Jackson chapter, beaten with a golf club for his past actions. Ellie witnessed his brutal end.

His gruff warmth made this soul-crushing. Joel’s death was a shocking, raw wound to the story.

Which video game death still makes you choke up, or did I miss one that broke you? Share your thoughts in the comments!