10 Most Bittersweet Gaming Moments

As a gamer, I can tell you that triumphing isn’t always a joyful experience. In my pursuit of victory, what have I given up or lost along the way? In the end, success often requires sacrifices, and sometimes those sacrifices are as valuable or even more precious than the victory itself.

These games aren’t known for crafting heartwarming, relaxing narratives. Rather, they provide poignant instances that linger with a feeling of accomplishment mixed with an enduring sadness.

However, these seemingly triumphant instances frequently carry an underlying implication, and it’s for you to interpret the significance. We’ll be sharing instances that might leave you pondering, “I’ve triumphed, yet, how much did I pay for this victory?

Spoiler Warning: This list contains major story spoilers!!!

10. Life Is Strange

Ride Or Die

In the series, Life is Strange stands out as the most impactful game due to its thought-provoking finale. As dark clouds gather over the small town of Arcadia Bay, you’re faced with a challenging predicament and an ethical quandary: Decide between sacrificing Arcadia Bay by going back in time and allowing Chloe to perish, or choosing to save Chloe but watch as the storm devastates the town.

To put it frankly, the majority of us opted for Chloe instead of Arcadia Bay. This choice has sparked much debate and division, with opinions running high on both sides.

From Max Caulfield’s point of view, we’ve grown attached to Chloe, overlooking her flaws, and maybe even developed feelings for her. However, choosing to save Chloe becomes a challenging decision – except for the ethical dilemma of sacrificing an entire town for one person, of course.

Even so, if you decide to let Arcadia Bay perish, you can’t help but feel a peculiar sense of doubt: Was Chloe’s life worth the cost? Is the current situation an improvement over what it was before?

Well, we find out in Double Exposure that Chloe and Max unfortunately don’t last forever.

9. Ghost Of Tsushima

Forgive Me, Uncle

In the game “Ghost of Tsushima”, after Jin successfully repelled Khotun Khan and the Mongol Invaders from the island, Lord Shimura sadly informs Jin that the shogun has commanded his execution due to Jin’s unconventional methods as the Ghost.

In simpler terms, they’re composing their farewell poems because they know the upcoming confrontation will be fatal for both uncle and nephew. The game provides Jin time to process this tragic event and reflect on his bond with Shimura before their near-death duel, all while a stunning sunset serves as a picturesque backdrop.

Conquering Shimura leaves you with two difficult options: either end his life with honor or let him live dishonorably. Letting Lord Shimura go means breaking your family bond, and that “The Ghost will be relentlessly pursued for all time.” Jin dons his mask, wholeheartedly accepting his role as the Ghost and turning away from the samurai way of life.

Although bittersweet, this ending for Jin’s character seems fitting and could be seen as definitive. It encapsulates what he is prepared to give up to protect his loved ones. With Shimura being the only family he has left, it was likely the last thing Jin desired – sparing his own uncle, even if it meant creating an adversary out of him.

In the style of Shakespeare, the poignant ending of Ghost of Tsushima echoes a tale of a tragic protagonist and a bitter, costly triumph.

8. Final Fantasy XVI

“And Thus, Did Our Journey End.”

A significant motif found in Final Fantasy 16 revolves around liberty: the pursuit of self-determination and asserting one’s personal agency, often at great personal cost.

The primary villain, Ultima, desires to take control over Clive’s physical form and offer up the inhabitants of Valisthea as a sacrifice, with the ultimate goal of establishing a fresh utopia and resurrecting his own species.

Indeed, it feels unsettling to Clive. With the Blight draining vitality from the environment’s plants and animals, it appears as though magic might be the source of the world’s woes. Despite serving as an easy substitute for technological advancement.

In the climax of his struggle against Ultima, Clive engages in a tough battle that ends with the god’s defeat. Utilizing the power of Ifrit, Clive takes control of the god’s energy to eradicate magic forever, thereby halting the devastating Blight that threatens the world’s survival.

After successfully saving the world, Clive appears to be relaxing on a beach, apparently falling victim to the affliction that typically befalls magic users as a result of excessive magic use. Although it seems likely that he has passed away, there’s a hint of doubt because we hear his voice narrating the final scene, suggesting a world where Eikons and Dominants are barely more than stories and folklore.

7. Red Dead Redemption 2

You Can Rest Now, Arthur

Red Dead Redemption 2” is indeed one of the most stunningly beautiful games, boasting a deeply touching narrative that can leave grown men teary-eyed.

Midway through the narrative, it becomes apparent that Arthur’s health is deteriorating due to tuberculosis, a gradual process. If you’re playing on an honorable difficulty level, Arthur might choose to make amends for his past actions by assisting as many people as possible, with a particular focus on those close to him like Abigail and Tilly, who find themselves entangled in the strife between Arthur and Dutch.

With the Van der Linde gang falling apart, Arthur finds himself in a last stand against Dutch and Micah, yet as his tuberculosis deteriorates and Pinkertons are hot on their trail, Arthur can sustain this battle for a limited time so John can flee, begin anew, and establish a better life for himself and his kin.

As I lay there, battered and weakened by tuberculosis, I gaze up at the sun slowly rising over the horizon. With my last breath, I take solace in knowing that I gave everything I had to help. It’s a heart-wrenching and somewhat comforting end to my tale, and it brings me peace knowing that John manages to survive and strives to build a brighter future for his loved ones in the story’s conclusion.

6. Cyberpunk 2077

“Haven’t Forgotten A Thing. Never Will.”

In Cyberpunk 2077, multiple conclusions are possible. Based on your decisions and the faction you side with, your finale could range from joyful, slightly melancholic, or incredibly dismal.

In a world like Night City, a truly happy ending doesn’t exist. Instead, let’s aim for something that offers some level of contentment or satisfaction – in other words, something that is somewhat happy or hopeful.

It’s not overly challenging to decide which ending is the most bittersweet among them. “The Devil” (Arasaka) presents an ominous and sinister turn of events; “The Path of Least Resistance” (The easy way out) offers a gloomy at best resolution; while “The Star” (Panam), though it may be the superior ending, seems overly optimistic for a cyberpunk narrative.

Although the conclusion of “The Tower” by Phantom Liberty is tinged with a mix of sweetness and sadness, the waning of V’s relationships over a two-year period gives it a predominantly bittersweet flavor, skewing more towards bitterness due to the fading connections.

Instead, “Temperance” offers a somewhat melancholic conclusion, as it provides both a satisfying resolution (V giving their body to Johnny, who continues V’s legacy and departs Night City) while also leaving V’s companions puzzled about their sudden absence without a heartfelt farewell. Engaging with Judy or Panam results in poignant voicemails during the end credits.

5. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

No Promises Await At Journey’s End

Ever since the release of the original Final Fantasy 7 in 1997, Aerith’s death has gained a reputation for being one of the saddest moments in video game history.

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Aeris’s demise in Final Fantasy 7, which occurred in 1997, is widely considered one of the most poignant and emotional deaths in gaming.

Fans eagerly anticipate experiencing the heart-wrenching moment when she meets her fate at Sephiroth’s hands, as depicted in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which is said to revisit the storyline of the second act from the original game, all rendered in stunning 4K resolution.

Following an intense conclusion where the game delves into a journey across multiple universes, it becomes clear that various realities/timelines have merged. In Cloud’s timeline, as anticipated, Aerith loses her life. However, uniquely, he is able to sense her presence while the rest of the group grieves for her. The specifics of this phenomenon are open to interpretation, but we won’t delve into that for now.

As they embarked on their mission to locate Sephiroth and eliminate this menacing multiverse danger permanently, it’s evident that Aerith, while in the Lifestream, was resolute about aiding them in any way possible.

If you share my affection, then it’s likely that Aerith has captured your heart just as she did mine following the Remake. Even though we’ve been aware of her tragic fate for nearly three decades, losing her still hurts profoundly. Yet, there is a certain comfort in knowing that her legacy will endure.

4. Destiny 2: The Final Shape

Guardians Make Their Own Fate

Admittedly, as a devoted player of Destiny for over a decade, I can confidently say that Cayde-6 holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. In fact, if you ask any Destiny enthusiast, they would likely concur with my assessment of his popularity.

Numerous admirers, including myself, found themselves swiftly captivated by his charming and mischievous demeanor during “The Taken King,” only to be devastated by his demise in “Forsaken.” The disappointment was compounded when Nathan Fillion failed to return for this expansion.

Six years later, it was during Destiny 2’s finest expansion, The Final Shape, that we were reconnected with Cayde. However, he wasn’t literally resurrected; instead, a mix of Ahamkara wish magic and the Traveler’s paracausal power brought him back in the Pale Heart.

Following a tough battle where we emerged victorious against the Witness during the Salvation’s Edge raid, we pursued and annihilated the Witness in the Excision mission. However, this brief moment of celebration was cut short as unleashing such immense power to eliminate the Witness proved lethal to our Ghost.

In this emotional scene, when our protagonist, for the first time, beseeches the Traveler to reanimate a Ghost, Cayde miraculously breathes life back into our Ghost using all of his power, fully aware that he was already living on extended time himself.

This farewell to Cayde was simply perfect, and although we may never again have a Hunter Vanguard or a cherished character like him, Destiny 2 still has a promising future ahead, even amidst Bungie’s complex relationship with the player community. His final words will remain etched in our memories forever: “You’re my favorite. Never forget that.

3. Outer Wilds

A Symphony To Herald A New Cosmos

If you haven’t experienced the thrill of playing Outer Wilds yet, it might be better for you to pass on this entry. The game is most enjoyable when you discover its secrets without any prior knowledge.

As a devoted admirer, I’d say that Outer Wilds is an extraordinary game, offering a unique philosophical journey. It’s all about uncovering the Eye of the Universe within the endless time cycles of this cosmos in its last 22 minutes.

As you delve into the enigma of quantum entities, uncover the tragic fate of the Nomai, and unearth secrets of the Ash Twin Project, you, the courageous Hearthian adventurer, will ultimately unravel that Dark Bramble is the missing piece in the puzzle that solves this temporal conundrum, linking everything coherently together.

To utilize the remaining 22 minutes, you’d be venturing to retrieve the power source of the Ash Twin Project (knowing it could mean a permanent end), and then navigate into an enclosed pod lodged within the vast, misleading Dark Bramble. Once the core is set up in the pod, it will propel you to your destination: The Center of the Cosmos.

In the labyrinthine expanse of cosmic passages, teeming with enigma, I find myself preparing for a poignant moment. As the stars wearily fade away, I am not left to face this solitude. Instead, my fellow Hearthians, the Nomai’s wandering spirit Solanum, and the mysterious Stranger join me in an unprecedented collaboration. We stand united, each of us contributing a note, a rhythm, a melody that echoes through time and space, creating a grand final symphony. This harmonious composition will reshape the fabric of the next cosmos, replacing the one we are about to lose.

2. The Last Of Us 2

The Cycle Of Violence Never Ends

Despite The Last of Us Part 2 being named Game of the Year in 2020, there were numerous critics who dismissed it, and I was among them initially. However, playing the game myself transformed my perspective. Indeed, it is a cinematic masterpiece with a potent message that has left an indelible impact on me.

In a different interpretation, one could say that while some view The Last of Us as exploring both the destructive and potentially redeeming qualities of love (some might even see it as obsession), The Last of Us Part 2 clearly revolves around the devastating effects of vengeance and hatred.

In pursuit of vengeance for Joel’s heartbreaking demise, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey, tracking down and eliminating Abby’s companions, all with the ultimate goal of confronting Abby. This quest takes her through a haunting post-apocalyptic America, leaving a trail of violence in her wake.

Some might find the final battle underwhelming due to Ellie choosing mercy over vengeance against Abby, but it’s a potent scene that vividly illustrates the futility of Ellie’s vengeful pursuit and the significant sacrifices she has made, only to realize that true resolution remains elusive.

Ellie gave up the peaceful life she shared with Dina and their son, JJ, due to her inability to recover from Joel’s demise and the relentless pursuit of vengeance by Tommy. Upon her return to the farm, it is revealed that Dina had followed through on her warning that she would depart if Ellie persisted in her quest for retribution.

At the conclusion of the game, Ellie stumbles upon their once familiar home, now deserted. Upon retrieving her guitar, she sadly recognizes that due to her wounds, she is unable to strum its strings anymore.

Speaking about The Last of Us 2, it’s hard not to acknowledge that the game masterfully crafts compelling narratives that elicit emotions we often shy away from experiencing. After finishing the game, I found myself in a somber state, lost in thought for several minutes when the screen transitioned to a peaceful beach scene, accompanied only by the soothing sound of waves and an abandoned boat.

1. NieR Automata

It’s Like I’m Carrying The W[E]ight Of The World

Perhaps the most outstanding creation by Yoko Taro is NieR: Automata, a masterpiece that boasts an impressive soundtrack, stunning graphics, and memorable characters such as 2B and 9S.

Beyond ranking among top hack-and-slash games, it also offers a thought-provoking narrative that compels you to ponder the significance of life in a world devoid of inherent meaning. Officially, there are five endings labeled A through E, each becoming increasingly tragic and emotionally resonant as you progress.

Following the conclusion of Event D, both characters 9S and A2 succumb to mortal injuries. As the movie concludes, their pods engage in a conversation about erasing all the data you’ve painstakingly accumulated. Breaking the fourth wall, they ask you, the player, a poignant question: “Is it your desire for them to live on?

In this scenario, when E ends, you find yourself immersed in a fast-paced shooter game akin to 9S’s hacking mini-game. Here, you must keep shooting credits and navigating through increasingly challenging sequences. Eventually, other players intervene, giving up their data to aid you in continuing the game.

This instant turns into a heart-wrenching scene as you comprehend that the choir and the backup vocalists are harmonizing in the trio of languages used in the past conclusions: English, Japanese, and the made-up Chaos dialect.

It’s nearly unbearable not to well up at this point. The game fosters a profound feeling of unity and camaraderie by prompting you to consider erasing your game progress to aid a fellow player in distress, while simultaneously offering comforting messages.

Giving up all you’ve painstakingly achieved, merely to aid a stranger you’ll likely never encounter, epitomizes a profound mix of sweet and bitter feelings. In fact, I still recall shedding tears upon completing the Ending E, an experience I’ll forever cherish.

2025-04-22 19:41