7 Games Where Saving Everyone Comes At A Cost

Key Takeaways

Life Is Strange forces players to choose between Chloe and Arcadia Bay
The Last Of Us presents a tough choice where Joel saves Ellie over humanity
Mass Effect puts players in a scenario where saving the Council might result in more lives lost

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that the trio of games I’ve just described – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Life is Strange – have left an indelible mark on me. Each one offers a unique narrative experience, with characters that feel real, stories that resonate, and choices that matter.

Top-tier video games offer immersive experiences and challenging dilemmas that players may ponder long after gameplay. Often, these games put players in tough situations where they must decide between their character’s loved ones or the greater good, a scenario that can feel distressing, even though it is fictional.

Frequently, others will make the decision for them. Yet, there are situations where the decision lies with them: whether they believe the world is worth their loved ones’ sacrifice, or if they’re willing to bear the burden of selflessness over the years ahead. Here are some games that require a heavy toll to save everyone.

This article contains major spoilers about the games covered, so please proceed with caution.

7. Life Is Strange

Is Arcadia Bay Really Worth It?

Players must choose between Chloe and Arcadia Bay
A wonderful storytelling approach

As a gamer, I’d say that Life is Strange stands out among other games for its intricate multiple-choice mechanics and immersive episodic narrative structure. In this game, I step into the shoes of Max, an 18-year-old photographer who unexpectedly discovers she can manipulate time to alter certain events. When I’m reunited with my old friend Chloe, we embark on a thrilling journey to unravel the enigmatic secrets hidden within Arcadia Bay.

In this narrative, the characters will encounter a difficult predicament: choosing between saving Chloe or the entire town of Arcadia Bay. On first thought, this choice may appear straightforward – after all, choosing to save many over one seems logical. But don’t be deceived; there’s far more depth to this decision than meets the surface. Players will need to ponder this dilemma deeply before making their choice.

, so players will have plenty of options as they try the different titles available.

6. The Last Of Us Part 1

Saving Ellie Costs Millions Of Lives

Joel makes a choice that many consider to be selfish
Players aren’t given a choice, but many moral questions are raised

Following the debut of the TV series adaptation of “The Last of Us“, numerous individuals who hadn’t played either video game installment were offered an opportunity to delve into the story. As the conclusion of “The Last of Us Part 1” unfolds, Joel is confronted with a heart-wrenching decision: Either let Ellie perish at the hands of the Fireflies for potential human survival, or sacrifice the species out of affection for his newly adopted daughter.

Granted, players are not really given a choice when it comes to this situation, and Joel will always save Ellie from the Fireflies. However, even when this is the case, the story presents a very interesting moral conundrum. If given the chance, would players make the same choice as Joel, or would they have sacrificed a loved one for the benefit of the entire human species?

Several online gamers speculate whether Ellie could have been examined without being harmed, a point open to discussion, yet it certainly sparks some intriguing queries.

5. Mass Effect

Save The Council Or Let Them Die?

Saving the Council arguably results in a worse scenario, as more lives are lost
Players’ choices will impact events in the sequels

Mass Effect is widely regarded as one of the top role-playing games set in space from the past two decades. Not only does this game offer players a distinctive and captivating story with numerous possibilities for branching paths and dialogue, but it also demands difficult decisions throughout the journey.

At the conclusion of the game, players must make a crucial choice: either save the Citadel Council by offering aid or disregard their call for assistance and instead concentrate on obliterating the powerful Sovereign vessel.

In either decision made, there will be losses, making both situations less than ideal, as no one can truly save everyone. However, allowing the Council to perish could be seen as a more detrimental choice, as it may result in the loss of more lives overall. The outcome at the end of Mass Effect and its sequels varies based on what players decide.

4. Undertale

Players Can Choose A Pacifist Approach, But It Won’t Be Easy

Players can opt against violence as they explore the Underground
Keeping monsters alive is noble, but it will also make the game much harder

In Undertale, players are not just offered an engaging narrative, but also given the freedom to decide their character’s actions and the course their journey will take. The story commences with players guiding a child character who accidentally falls into the Underground – a secretive and secluded area situated beneath the Earth’s surface. This hidden realm is cut off from the world above by a mystical boundary.

Throughout my gaming journey, I’ll come across various formidable creatures that seem menacing and harbor malevolent intentions. However, for those who are determined to save everyone, the Pacifist path is an option, enabling me to forego killing any monsters. Admittedly, this choice is noble, but it also means I’ll face tougher challenges than if I just opted to eliminate everything in my path. Surprisingly, though challenging, it might be the most straightforward route to completing the game.

3. The Witcher 3

Various Choices Affecting Multiple People

Players can choose between saving a Tree Spirit or killing it
The game features many choices that will put players on the spot

The Witcher 3 is often considered among the finest (and possibly the top) medieval role-playing games from the past decade. It offers an abundance of features to keep gamers engaged, such as outstanding voice acting, a compelling narrative, diverse combat options, and countless primary and secondary missions that promise players numerous hours of exceptional entertainment.

In this tale, one of the most challenging decisions players will encounter arises quite early. When Geralt encounters the Witches of Crookback Bog in Velen, he must decide whether to liberate a Tree Spirit or end its life. The path players take and the timing of their decision will shape the story’s resolution. If they opt to save the Tree Spirit, the imprisoned children will gain freedom, but the village and other characters could face danger. Conversely, if the Tree Spirit is slain, the village remains safe, yet the children’s fate becomes grim – a choice that many players see as tragic.

In either case, the Whispering Hillock quest is the perfect example that it’s impossible to save everyone.

2. Bioshock Infinite

A Mind-blowing Story That Ends With A Bang

The concept of a multiverse is explored in depth
Booker realizes that forfeiting his life can save thousands

As a devoted fan, I must say that very few games have left me as utterly bewildered as Bioshock Infinite. This franchise has always been renowned for its intricate plots, culminating in mind-blowing twists towards the end of each installment. Yet, Bioshock Infinite takes this to a whole new level by delving into the realms of multiverses and destiny, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

Instead of being confronted with a difficult moral dilemma about saving or condemning many people, this game discloses to players that they are the primary source of most suffering in the world. When Booker DeWitt discovers he is Father Comstock and Elizabeth unleashes her full powers, she reveals a grim fact: cities like Columbia, Rapture, and any other utopia in the universe originate from his mind, trapped in an endless loop of a man attempting to transform a flawed society and seeking justice.

In essence, both Booker and Elizabeth come to understand that the best way to prevent the pain these utopias cause is by stopping the person who dreams them up before they become a reality. A tragic event in Booker’s past, where he was drowned, alters all timelines and saves countless innocent lives. Though it may not bring happiness to Booker, his sacrifice serves a higher purpose.

In essence, “Bioshock Infinite” is a game that warrants multiple playthroughs to fully grasp its depth; and yet, even after repeated plays, there may still be hidden layers to uncover.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur Makes The Ultimate Selfless Sacrifice

Arthur Morgan has an amazing character arc
John Marston and his family get to live another day thanks to his sacrifice

Red Dead Redemption 2 is generally considered one of the greatest Western narratives in video game history. It boasts impressive mechanics, combat systems, exploration, and even lifelike NPC interactions. Additionally, its environments are meticulously designed, making cities feel bustling and vibrant, while rural landscapes evoke a unique sense of tranquility.

People who have completed the game or reached the last part of its narrative are aware that Arthur Morgan’s fate is inevitable because of tuberculosis. This realization changes his view on life and leads him to perform the greatest act of self-sacrifice, aiding John Marston and his family in evading imminent death. Despite being unable to save other companions like Lenny or Shaun who were killed earlier in the story, Arthur’s ultimate sacrifice ensures the survival of others and provides an incredibly moving conclusion to the game.

2024-12-04 06:37