Top 10 Greatest Fake Video Game Endings

“Hitman: Blood Money” (2006) This installment in the assassin simulation series has a pretty great finale. It seems as if our anti-hero has been killed off by Diana, making for a dour ending. However, she actually uses a fake-death serum, for which she gives him the antidote at his own funeral. He rises again post-credits and takes vengeance on those hunting him. Or, he can simply not. Because whether Agent 47 gets up depends on if the player chooses to interact. If you don’t input any controls, he’ll be cremated. A fake out within a fake out is pretty clever. Some players may not have even realized they were meant to input anything, making this a bit of a troll.

“Baldur’s Gate III” (2023) Gale the Wizard is one of several companions you can take on your journey in “Baldur’s Gate III.” His nature means he must absorb magical artifacts during Act I, leading to him absorbing the ultra-powerful Netherese Orb in Act II. This essentially makes him a bomb, able to detonate himself at any time. That would mean death for him and anyone near him, but grants you an early ending. At the end of Act 2, Gale can go out with a pun and a bang to destroy the villains. However, it’s not a noble sacrifice and the narrator tells you off for it. All those infected like you go on to transform into Illithids, basically enslaving, killing, and infecting everyone else.

“Shadow Complex” (2009) This Metroidvania follows Jason as he attempts to rescue his girlfriend, Claire, after she’s kidnapped by mysterious soldiers with impressive tech. But in its alternate ending, you can simply choose not to deal with it. The game opens on the couple going hiking by some caverns, with Claire being taken when she stumbles on a secret facility. Obviously, you’re meant to heroically go after her, defeating all who stand in your way. But if players choose to backtrack to their car, Jason will leave Claire to fend for herself, quipping about how there are plenty of fish in the sea. Cold, but it’s definitely funny the developers thought to put that in there.

#7: Ending U

Also in:

Worst Video Game Ending EVER: Mass Effect 3

“Nier: Automata” (2017) Another game in which you can blow yourself up and basically doom everyone is “Nier Automata.” Although you must complete a series of playthroughs to reach the true ending, there are a total of 26; one for each letter of the alphabet. Most of them are negative or silly, though Ending U gets the biggest chuckle from us. The game’s characters have an ability to self-destruct, which is a huge AOE blast for fighting enemies but leaves you with little health. However, if you choose to self-destruct on the android base, you destroy it. Imagining the Commander floating through space looking stern is the cherry on top.

“Persona 4 Arena” (2012) This “Persona 4” spin-off is a fighting game rather than an RPG. Although playing through each character’s story results in their ending, there are a handful of alternate ones. During Scene 7 of Yukiko’s story, you get a gag ending if you choose to check on her boxed lunch. Whatever she has in there is surely poison; she feeds it to several allies, all of which fall ill. What makes this ending great is that she never realizes her food is the cause. She thinks it has healing properties, believing Yu is cursed as she forces it down his throat. After everyone else gets sick, she thinks they must’ve gotten Swine Flu.

#5: Out of Here

Also in:

Top 20 Greatest Video Game Endings of All Time

“The Bard’s Tale” (2004) This parody action RPG pokes plenty of fun at the fantasy genre. It follows a selfish bard only adventuring in order to find fame and fortune. But eventually, he’s caught in the middle of a conflict between a demon and some druids. Players can choose their final boss, fighting the Druid leader or the demon for a different ending. However, the fake ending is actually in line with the character. By choosing ‘Out of Here,’ armies of the Undead take over the world. But the Bard is actually pretty okay with it, seeing as how they make excellent drinking companions. Honestly, the developers really understand what Bards are all about.

#4: The Dog Ending

Also in:

Top 10 Greatest Video Game Endings

“Undertale” (2015) Even outside of the three main plotlines of “Undertale,” there are several fake endings players can uncover. But by far the silliest is the Dog Ending. On any given playthrough, players will come across a silly white dog that usually just messes with other characters. By killing only the bosses Toriel, Papyrus, Undyne, and Mettaton, and no other monsters whatsoever, your character will escape the Underground. After the credits, Sans will call you to say the annoying dog became President. It’s actually a good outcome despite the dog’s laziness. Flowey will also appear, trying to get you to come back so you can take over everything together. But it’s the dog rising to power over monsters that makes this ending great.

“Batman: Arkham City” (2011) “Arkham City” expanded on “Batman” by letting us play as other characters. Catwoman received her own story missions that occurred alongside the main story, connecting at a point where Bruce was in need of serious help. Having successfully completed her heist, players can choose for Selena to rescue Batman or let him fend for himself. We already knew she would save him. But if you choose to leave with your loot, you get VO from Oracle over the end credits explaining that both Batman and Jim Gordon are dead, and that Joker’s forces have taken the city. The game then rewinds to let you make the right decision.

#2: Following Instructions

Also in:

Top 20 HARDEST Video Game Endings To Get

“Far Cry 4” (2014) “Far Cry 4” follows a man returning to his native home to spread his mother’s ashes. However, he immediately has a run-in with Pagan Min, the country’s King. Everything from this encounter makes it clear how violent and untrustworthy you should find him. So after he kidnaps you and tells you to sit tight while he deals with your tour guide, it seems clear you should flee. If you don’t, and wait around 15 minutes, you get a surprisingly positive fake ending. Pagan Min returns to let you spread the ashes, and you learn of the daughter your mother had with him. It’s a nice reward for being patient, and actually a happier outcome than what the rest of the game offers.

#1: An Even Better Dog Ending

Also in:

Greatest Video Game Ending of All Time - Red Dead Redemption

“Silent Hill 2” (2001) There is honestly no fake ending in video games more iconic than this one. “Silent Hill 2” is clearly a very serious game, what with its disturbing themes and twisted monsters. In stark contrast, the Dog Ending takes everything players experience and makes it one big joke. You must first have unlocked the game’s three main endings before you can find a key inside a doghouse that opens up an Observation Room. Inside, the protagonist finds a shiba inu pulling levers and watching monitors. He then breaks down at the thought of a dog being behind all his suffering. In Japanese no matter your language settings, it’s completely unexpected and entirely hilarious, as are the following end credits. What’s your favorite fake ending in video games? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to subscribe for more great gaming videos!