The 10 Most UNEXPECTED Deaths in Video Games

Lucy

“Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood” (2010)

Working as a double agent within Abstergo, Lucy was the only reason Desmond made it out of the facility alive. With the answers they’d been so desperately pursuing finally within their reach, Desmond, Lucy and the rest of the team are introduced to Juno, the unexpected antagonist of the early AC games. Believing the Apple of Eden might finally give them the answers they seek, Desmond and the rest of his companions are frozen, as Minerva continues to speak directly to Desmond. She uses the Apple to take control of Desmond and forces him to use the hidden blade to kill Lucy despite Desmond’s attempts to fight back. Just as credits roll, Desmond and Lucy collapse and players are left with even more questions and answers buried so deep, many fans never found out Lucy was a triple agent working with the Templars.

Eli Vance

“Half-Life 2: Episode 2” (2007)

One of the few scientists to make it out of Black Mesa, Eli was not only a familiar face but oftentimes the voice of reason throughout the events of Half-Life 2. Along with his daughter Alyx, Eli was the only constant in Gordon’s journey, guiding him from one objective to the next in their fight against the Combine. So naturally, right when things appear to be turning a corner, tragedy isn’t far behind. As Alyx and Gordon prepare to head north for the Borealis, two Combine Advisors break in and restrain them using their abilities. Alyx and Gordon are forced to watch in horror as one of the Advisors kills Eli in front of them, both helpless to do anything. Eli’s last words begging Alyx to look away haunted players for almost 20 years until the event was undone with the time bending conclusion of Half-Life Alyx.

Jesse

“The Last of Us Part II” (2020)

As if losing Joel wasn’t already devastating enough for those who managed to avoid having it spoiled for them, Jesse’s shocking and unexpected death was arguably more surprising due to the lack of buildup to the event. Longtime companion and friend, we’d learned more about Jesse and coupled with Dina’s pregnancy, the group had finally decided it was time to call it quits and head home. However, all of Ellie’s murdering and mayhem didn’t go unnoticed and when Abby came looking for revenge of her own, Jesse was the first through the door and walked right into a bullet, killing him instantly. This sudden and unexpected death shocked not only players, but Ellie as well who could only stare at Jesse’s lifeless body, completely helpless. Staring face to face with the consequences of her actions.

Cutie The Elephant

“It Takes Two” (2021)

After being turned into toys by their daughter’s tears over their impending divorce, main characters Cody and May will do anything to become human again. Even commit senseless murder. Believing that because their daughter’s tears turned them into dolls, naturally more tears would turn them back, they set their sights on killing their daughter's favorite toy, Cutie the Elephant. This plan is made all the worse by them openly discussing the elephant's impending murder directly in front of her, mercilessly chasing her as she runs away. You know, to avoid the murder? Through a series of particularly un-cute QTEs, Cutie is mercilessly pulled apart, all while pleading for her life. And it was all for nothing as instead of turning human again, the parents instead set their daughter up for years of counseling. Honestly, we can still hear her screams. Josef, you know this game is rated “T” for “Teen” right? Not “T” for “Trauma”?

Kat

“Halo: Reach” (2010)

Given the prequel nature of Halo Reach and just from the cursory knowledge players had about the planet’s fate, and through intense missions and bonding experiences designed expertly by Bungie to reinforce the horrors and unpredictability of conflict, each death hit like a ton of bricks as we lost one squadmate after another during the Covenant’s assault on the planet Reach. Yet most of these losses revolved around some kind of buildup, letting us know someone was about to make the ultimate sacrifice or be killed before mission’s end. It’s this complete lack of expectation that makes Kat’s death all the worse. By all accounts, Kat was an extremely capable Spartan and her death by a single Needler shot mid-sentence was so unexpected, we wouldn’t blame you if you audibly screamed when it happened. All she needed was another moment or two for her shields to recharge.

Dom

“Gears of War 3” (2011)

Not just your brother in arms, but brother through bond, Dom had been by Marcus’ side from the very beginning of the Locust invasion. Over time we learned about and experienced the tragic loss of his wife and kids, but through it all, Dom always had ours and Marcus’ back. During an ambush and with no clear way out, Dom made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life to save Marcus and the others, driving a tanker into the middle of the battle and killing the locusts and the Lambent to give his friends and family the chance to live. Calling out to Maria as he finally made his journey to see her again and the subsequent realization by Baird and Cole that something terrible had happened to Dom remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in the entire series. And we’re still just as torn up about it today as we were back in 2011.

Mordin Solus

“Mass Effect 3” (2012)

Mordin instantly became a fan favorite character upon his introduction in Mass Effect 2. The fast-talking Salarian was immediately charming with his no-nonsense scientific approach to the world, but over time through the player’s interactions with him, he began to soften and allow his emotions to drive his actions. The creator of the genophage, which crippled the Krogan’s population, Mordin deeply regretted his involvement and sought to undo his mistake. However, the rest of the Salarian scientific community attempts to sabotage these plans and Mordin is forced to sacrifice himself to ensure the cure's distribution. While it is technically possible to prevent Mordin’s death, most players unaware of his upcoming sacrifice were likely hoping for some kind of last-minute escape for their favorite Salarian scientist and his final communication is quintessential Mordin.

Brok

“God of War Ragnarok” (2022)

The gruff and foul-mouthed dwarf is one of the first companions Kratos and Atreus meet in God of War 2018 and along with his brother Sindri becomes part of an unconventional family for the father and son. Throughout the events of Ragnarok, Brok is immediately suspicious of Tyr’s presence in his home and isn’t shy about sharing his concerns. Finally, as his accusations and suspicions become increasingly more direct, Tyr reveals himself to be Odin in disguise and brutally stabs the blue dwarf in an attempt to silence him for good. Brok’s death wasn’t only unexpected, it marked a dramatic turning point in Kratos’ relationship with Sindri and even with their final farewell at Brok’s funeral, Sindri makes it clear things likely won’t ever be the same again. And just like Brok’s riddle, his loss left a hole in players that nothing can ever fill.

Sean

“Red Dead Redemption 2” (2018)

Fans already knew many of the Van Der Linde gang weren’t going to make it out alive if they’d played the original Red Dead Redemption, but through the game’s impeccable writing and world building, players couldn’t help but fall in love with the many distinct members of their party. In a game full of backstabbing and double crosses, eventually the gang’s luck would run out, more than it already had anyways. This all came to a head during a trip to Rhodes where two families that the gang are simultaneously working for turn on them. Tensions were already high upon entering the town, but it was the completely unexpected headshot that instantly killed Sean that is the most jaw dropping surprise out of the entire game. Sean isn’t the only one to lose their life unexpectedly, but his death is without a doubt the most shocking.

Aerith

“Final Fantasy VII” (1997)

While her death might be well known today, it’s difficult to explain just how traumatizing this was for first time players back in 1997. The little flower seller had endeared herself to players with her charming personality and upbeat demeanor. Learning that she was one of the last remaining Ancients was shocking enough, but finally finding her praying in a temple in the lost city of Cetra just as Sephiroth descended from above, driving his sword through her was beyond devastating. Watching her lifeless body cradled in Cloud’s arms as Sephiroth monologued was so traumatizing it’s likely most players didn’t even pay any attention to what Sephiroth was even saying during their first playthrough. Aerith’s death had such an effect on players that even decades later, fans have been desperately looking for ways to canonically resurrect her in the game.

Which character’s death sent you to therapy and have you ever gotten over it? Share your heartbreak down in the comments.