WARNING: This list includes spoilers for various video game endings, read at your own riskSecret endings always tend to make a game transform into even more of a masterpiece than it was before. These alternate endings convey more in-depth lore about the game’s world and give us a different outlook on the game as a whole. Overall, getting the chance to witness these secret endings can make the game an all-around better experience.
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Unlocking these endings isn’t exactly a walk in the park, however. In fact, they’re missed by players because of how secretive it is to get them. Requiring you to play the game a specific way or tounlock a certain achievement, going through these obstacles is well worth the effort. But what secret endings in video games truly caught our attention the most?
10Puzzle Ending (Hotline Miami)
For a game that’s all about fast-paced action and having a surreal atmosphere,Hotline Miami’s secret ending unveils a dark mystery that had been haunting us throughout the game. But, of course, getting to the bottom of this mystery won’t be swift.
To get this grim ending, you must piece together the password with puzzle pieces to unlock an underground area. After they’re all found, you’ll uncover the phrase and soon find two janitors that reveal to you that all the events in the game were controlled by their hand. While it’s a fun secret ending that gives a better understanding of the game’s overall mystery, it does feel a tad abrupt at the same time.
9Your Father’s Killer (Shenmue)
While it might feel a bit zany at times,Shenmueis a video game series that showcases a lot of substance with its storyline and quick gameplay. Quite a bit of the original game’s events all lead up to its sequel, giving fans a satisfying farewell. If you desire another ending to such a unique game, though, then the secret ending could be right up your alley.
On April 15th, 1987, you must let yourself die at the hands of Lan Di. In an attempt to avenge your father’s death, you attempt to kill Lan Di yourself. But Lan Di doesn’t go down so easily, swiftly murdering you with the same attack move that he used on your father.
8Pagan Min’s Dinner Party (Far Cry 4)
Pagan Min is one of the most interesting villains in theFar Cryseries. Serving as the antagonist ofFar Cry 4, Pagan is the main focus of all the game’s endings. Although, the secret ending is certainly one that shows Pagan’s softer side.
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Getting this hidden conclusion is far from complex, but is also easy to miss. During the beginning when Pagan takes you to the dinner table, you must sit there and wait for him to return. After around 15 minutes, he’ll come back and help spread your mother’s ashes. Even though this ending is simple to get, the implication that violence was never needed in this game makes this scene a compelling experience.
7Evil Ending (The Suffering)
The Suffering is a ruthless adventure full of insanity, monsters, and captivity. You play as Torque, a man who’s been sent to jail after being convicted of killing his ex-wife and two children. However, Torque claims that he doesn’t remember murdering them in the first place.
As we walk through the dark halls of the prison, we also get the chance to witness Torque’s morality. Depending on our choices, his morals change and form him into the person we see toward the end. The secret ending is the most brutal one. In this ending, it’s revealed that Torque killed his family in cold blood. Because of how gruesome you’d have to make Torque to get this ending, it’s no wonder it’s a secret.
6The True Ending (Returnal)
Hidden behind an entire third act, gettingReturnal’s true ending is a thrilling secret. Throughout Returnal, we’re put in strange environments deep under the sea. Featuringa roguelike combatstructure, the adrenaline you’ll get truly makes this game stand out.
The secret ending for Returnal feels philosophically complex. Selene teleports to a strange void and makes contact with an alien. This celestial figure soon becomes the catalyst for us to enter Selene’s mind and see everything from her perspective. From this ending sequence, it’s unclear what it all meant. However, that’s also the odd beauty in this secret ending.
5The Dream Project (Chrono Trigger)
Coming across The Dream Project ending is a light-hearted and entertaining way to finish yourChrono Triggerplaythrough. After beating the game the first time, you’ll go to the right telepod at the Millenial Fair. Afterward, Chrono and Marle go to the end of time and must defeat Lavos together. Once you’ve won this extremely tough battle, you’ll be granted access to the developer’s room.
Instead of there being monsters in the room, you’ll be greeted by sprites of developers fromother iconic JRPGs. Each of these quirky figures can be spoken to, revealing tidbits of fun dialogue as you take a walk to see what this eccentric programming team has to say.
4Epilogue (Hades)
Much like the game itself, unlocking the secret ending forHadesis going to be a difficult time. Revealing the true final chapter of the game, achieving this ending feels like a nice farewell to a story that we engrossed ourselves in so deeply. It’s a fulfilling experience, conveying the results of Zagreus' multiple escape attempts and tying up any loose ends.
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You must defeat Hades and escape ten times. On top of this, you also have to raise your heart levels with key characters to eventually trigger a new dialogue with Persephone. She’ll invite the Olympians to a “family reunion” to mend any broken bonds. And, from that point forward, you’ve successfully unlocked the game’s fantastic epilogue.
3Mind Control (Inside)
Interpreting the meaning of the secret ending toInsideis not exactly straightforward. Yet, that’s what makes it such a fitting alternate ending for a mysterious game like Inside to have. Once you know what you’re doing, unlocking this ending isn’t impossible. However, it’s definitely for those looking for a challenge.
You’re required to find (and break) every collectible and bring them to a giant orb residing in a large room. After disabling this final orb, every light around you goes off. Except for one found in a bunker below the cornfield. After some exploration and replaying a series of notes, you’ll be gifted with one of the oddest video game endings of all time.
2The [E]nd Of YoRHa (NieR: Automata)
Above all else, this secret ending is beautifully selfless. Regarded as being the ultimate sacrifice,NieR: Automata’s The [E]nd of YoRHa ending is gifted to those who are willing to sacrifice their save file.
Doing this won’t be in vain, however. Once the pod gives us an offer that entails someone else’s survival, we must decide whether to sacrifice our game’s save to aid others in a bizarre final boss. Accepting this offer is worth it, as it gives us one of the most moving video game endings. Overall, NieR: Automata gives us an ending that should be more than just a secret.
1Dog Ending (Silent Hill 2)
If you’re ever looking for a secret ending that plays with your emotions the most, it’s the Dog Ending fromSilent Hill 2. Once we’ve gone through the emotional turmoil of making it through a world littered with our darkest fears, we get the chance to be greeted by an adorable dog.
This fan-favorite ending is wonderfully comedic, showing that a cute shiba was behind everything. Unlocking the wacky ending is reserved for devoted fans of the game. Requiring you to go through all three original endings (or complete the Rebirth ending) beforehand. Although it seems like a lot of work, achieving this ending is a sense of accomplishment.
