Five open-world games that won’t give you a traditional happy ending
Story-driven open-world titles often pull the rug out from under players with endings that linger long after the credits roll. A recent roundup highlights five big-name games where the “happily ever after” isn’t in the cards, no matter how you play.
5. Far Cry 5
The game’s finale frames Joseph Seed as being right about his worldview, and the world ends in a nuclear apocalypse you can’t avert. The endgame leaves the player powerless to stop the catastrophe, turning months of chaos into a gut-punch finale.
4. Cyberpunk 2077
There isn’t a truly carefree ending here. Whatever path you take—whether you ally with Arasaka, join the Aldecaldos, or ride with Rogue—someone pays the ultimate price. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds a sense of freedom at the cost of others thinking you’re already dead, underscoring the high personal cost of every choice.
3. Ghost of Tsushima
Jin Sakai’s heroic arc ends in tragedy. Breaking with tradition to defeat the invaders leads to a bittersweet ending, with two possible routes: either kill Lord Shimura or spare him. The choice marks Jin as both legend and outlaw in the eyes of the world he’s saved.
2. Grand Theft Auto IV
In the “revenge” vs. “deal” climax, Niko Bellic loses someone dear regardless of the path chosen—his cousin Roman or his love interest Kate. The ending is devastating, offering a stark look at how pursuit of justice or personal gain can erode what you hold most dear in Liberty City.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur Morgan’s story is a slow-burning tragedy. Tuberculosis tightens its grip, and his fate is sealed no matter how you play—whether you lean toward high or low honor. The epilogue with John Marston extends the sense of loss, underscoring the price of the life Arthur leads and the sacrifices he makes.
Why these endings resonate
– These conclusions emphasize costs over triumph, reinforcing that open-world freedom often comes with moral and personal consequences.
– They reward players who invest in character and choice, offering conversations about loyalty, duty, and mortality long after the final mission.
A hopeful note
Even in bleak finales, these games can offer meaningful closure through character growth, echoes of sacrifice, and the reflection they prompt about one’s own values. If you’re seeking a more uplifting arc, you can still explore alternative endings or delve into expansions that widen the narrative scope, but the core message remains: in these worlds, endings are earned through hard choices and personal cost.
Summary
Five major open-world titles—Far Cry 5, Cyberpunk 2077, Ghost of Tsushima, Grand Theft Auto IV, and Red Dead Redemption 2—end in ways that challenge the idea of a perfect victory, favoring thought-provoking, sometimes tragic resolutions over simple happiness.