10 Best Video Game Fan Theories, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these theories are nothing short of intriguing! The one that resonates most with me is the Indoctrination Theory from Mass Effect 3.

Everyone tends to believe they have a knack for understanding TV shows, films, and particularly video games. It’s intriguing to imagine that we’ve got the inside scoop, even when the creators explicitly contradict us through their narratives and visual cues.

We’ve all been victim to it, as creating theories of our own can make mundane stories seem grandiose and allow our imagination to run wild.

Occasionally, some of these outlandish theories seem surprisingly convincing, leading us to accept them as truths instead.

These are the best of the bunch in the long line of video game fan theories.

10 Majora’s Mask is a Hallucination

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

The concept surrounding “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask” centers on the notion that all events within the game are illusory, stemming from a delusion that Link experiences as he gradually succumbs to death in the forest.

It’s pretty dark, to say the least, but it’s supported by a healthy heaping of evidence, including the areas of the game reflecting the stages of grief and the fact that the Hero’s Shade, who trains you, looks remarkably like Link but is clearly dead. And cruelly, you are also forced to witness the end of the world over and over again.

In contrast to the usual tone of Zelda games, Majora’s Mask carries an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that supports such intriguing theories.

The most damning evidence is definitely the Hero’s Shade, as the fate of Link is theorized that he becomes a Stalfos in the forest without his Fairy to protect him.

Intriguingly, the character known as The Hero’s Shade shares a distinctive trait with Link – they are both left-handed. Moreover, there’s an uncanny resemblance between this enigmatic figure and a Stalfos. Consequently, this hypothesis about their shared identity might be more valid than initially thought.

9 Don’t Check the Trunk

Silent Hill 2

The remake of Silent Hill 2 serves as a thrilling surprise during this eerie season, with its persistent atmosphere of dread and enigma concealing one of the darkest plot twists found in video games.

On a mission to find his missing wife, the player takes control of James Sunderland.

As you travel along, you’ll encounter a variety of fearsome beasts and breathtaking secrets, yet the most profound secret remains unsaid.

Upon reaching the eerie town of Silent Hill, I abandon my vehicle in pursuit of my missing wife, Mary. The chilling suspicions that have now solidified, hint ominously that she might be hidden in the trunk of my car.

After completing the game, this theory seems highly likely and gives a chilling feel to the initial scenes when looked back upon.

8 Shinra’s Origin Story

Final Fantasy X-2

There are many intriguing hypotheses about Final Fantasy, but one that seems more grounded in reality than speculation is… (the statement you want to make)

In the game titled “Final Fantasy X-2“, there’s an intriguing character called Shinra who appears to have a strong drive for innovation, particularly in the fields of energy and space exploration. This might ring a bell for fans who are familiar with the world of “Final Fantasy VII“.

The action is required, given that Shinra is the corporation infamous for gradually depleting the planet’s energy resources, in addition to numerous other heinous acts.

According to the game’s scenario designer, Kazushige Nojima, the theory is backed up by him deliberately naming the character as an homage to the global conglomerate that would be central in the world of Final Fantasy VII.

It turns out that Shinra’s casual discussions about journeying to different dimensions and controlling energy in the Farplane foreshadowed his transformation into the founder of one of the most perilous corporations in gaming lore, a development that he didn’t foresee fans would interpret so seriously.

It’s evident that the developers have a deep understanding of their work, given they’ve incorporated an image of the Shinra founders from Final Fantasy VII: Remake, with one character donning a mask strikingly reminiscent of the one worn by Shinra.

7 The End of the World

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

In the expansive universe of Skyrim, there are countless mysteries yet to be uncovered, which have been captivating us for more than ten years. However, most of these hidden truths can ultimately be unraveled with the right approach.

Instead, this theory focuses on the insect-like containers within the game. Scattered across the game, you’ll encounter numerous such containers, and enigmatic symbols adorn their interiors.

The significance here lies in the translation of the runes, as they shape a pentagram on the map. However, the unknown entity at its center is what causes the greatest unease.

At the heart of it lies the Sanctuary of Talos, sparking speculation among many that this might be a clue pointing towards a ritual with potentially catastrophic consequences, such as bringing about the apocalypse or conjuring evil spirits like the devil.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been puzzling over this enigma hidden within the game for years now. Countless hours have been invested by fellow gamers and me, trying to unravel the reasons behind its presence. The developers claim it’s leftover from a scrapped mission, but that explanation doesn’t quite satisfy, especially when you consider the Shrine of Talos sitting smack dab in the middle.

This intriguing concept might serve as a foundation for Bethesda to explore further, should they decide to develop the next installment of The Elder Scrolls franchise at some point.

6 The Naughty Dog Multiverse

The Last of Us/ Uncharted

This theory suggests that the thrilling exploits of Nathan Drake, set in contemporary times, serve as a precursor to the events depicted in “The Last of Us”.

There appears to be significant backing for this hypothesis, as it’s clear that the creators anticipated and incorporated elements that could strengthen the theory across each new installment of the game series.

For a moment, set aside the fact that Troy Baker and Nolan North voice distinct characters in different games, and let’s focus on the evidence. In the game “Uncharted 3,” there’s a newspaper mentioning a deadly fungus, which is intriguing because “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception” was released in 2011, while “The Last of Us” didn’t come out until 2013.

This implies that Naughty Dog had planned to interconnect these two universes and left a hidden clue for fans to discover later on. Delving deeper, there’s a Firefly talisman in Uncharted 4 and a pharmacy named Weston that appears in The Last of Us series as well.

Is it possible that Nathan Drake could still be alive within The Last of Us universe? Contemplating such a crossover scenario might stretch the bounds of reality, yet it could potentially work if players are willing to set aside certain assumptions.

5 Squall Is Dead

Final Fantasy VIII

Among numerous intriguing theories that surround the Final Fantasy series, none arguably stands out more than the widely debated theory suggesting the demise of the iconic character, Squall.

The storyline centers on the notion that following Edea’s failed assassination attempt and her impaling Squall with icicles, what transpires afterward is a series of events occurring solely within Squall’s mind, suggesting he may have already died or been in a state between life and death.

It’s a troubling theory, but one that has some evidence to support it. The second half of the game features many bizarre happenings, with everything from strange creatures to actual aliens appearing.

In simpler terms, some parts of the story seem unconvincing or surreal. The narrative veers unexpectedly into a high-tech metropolis in the future, features space exploration, and ends with an element so outlandish it reinforces the notion that these events might be purely fictional.

In the final stages of the game, an exceptionally strange series of events unfolds once you defeat Ultimecia. Essentially, Squall undergoes a loss of self, but this is not figurative; it’s a literal transformation.

On a desolate planet that appears lifeless, he finds himself aimlessly roaming, and his recollections blur together as one. Then, an image so chilling it’s etched in the annals of Final Fantasy history, emerges before him.

In place of Squall’s face, there’s an expansive void where it ought to be. This haunting image conveys the notion that Squall is gone, serving as a depiction of his imagined last moments, where he emerged victorious as the hero. His swan song in Final Fantasy.

4 Mr. Blue Eyes

Cyberpunk 2077

Exploring Cyberpunk 2077, you might often find yourself pondering over the hidden secrets that could be unfolding within the shadows of this grim locale, keeping your imagination captivated.

One unsolved enigma surrounds the true identity of the elusive Mr. Blue-Eyed Individual. Can anyone shed light on who he might be? There are numerous theories surrounding this mystery.

In some interpretations, it is suggested that he could be akin to the Gaunter O’Dimm character from the Cyberpunk universe, serving as an enigmatic figure often referred to as the ‘devil’, orchestrating different plots in V’s life for obscure purposes.

It’s also proposed that he might be Morgan Blackhand, an old associate of Johnny’s, who was once human before being transformed into a Cyberghost according to legend.

His appearances throughout the game are as follows.

Initially, he makes his appearance during the “Dream On” storyline after an enigmatic phone call from an unknown individual hinting that they possess knowledge about the real aspirations of the character (V).

He is situated on a balcony opposite your current location at this moment, keeping an eye on you. Later, you encounter him in Phantom Liberty, specifically at the NCX Spaceport, while you are making an attempt to take Songbird to the moon.

Songbird mentions an unknown proxy has funded her pricey trip and then Mr. Blue Eyes appears.

Eventually, he extends an unparalleled opportunity to you following the climax of the Path of Glory, where you launch an attack on Arasaka Tower. This leads you into a thrilling space-bound casino heist, yet the end result remains elusive to us.

Throughout the narrative, it appears he shows up at crucial moments, yet maintains a subtle presence to avoid excessive focus until the final stages of the game. His objectives seem to surpass mere monetary gain.

Is he evil, indifferent, or has a deeper, enigmatic purpose? Could it be that we’ll learn more about this intriguing figure in the next installment of Cyberpunk 2077?

3 It’s That Time Of The Month

Bloodborne

In a different perspective, Bloodborne could be seen as a unique interpretation of the ovulation process in a darker context. While it might seem unusual at first glance, let’s examine the supporting facts.

In this game, blood plays a crucial role in all the events unfolding, and interestingly, it can only be obtained from the female characters within the game. The queen, for instance, is depicted with a bloodstained abdomen, seen weeping upon discovery.

Afterward, there’s Mergo’s Wet Nurse, who seems to have lost her sanity and is believed to have forcibly extracted Mergo from its mother’s womb. This theory gains credibility when the queen acknowledges you following the defeat of Mergo’s Wet Nurse.

Apart from what has already been mentioned, there are additional aspects to consider, such as collecting umbilical cords and delving into the enigmatic region known as “The Nightmare of Mensis.” Interestingly, this term shares a resemblance with the word “Menses” in Greek, which signifies menstruation, although it’s important to note that there is no connection between the two.

In simpler terms, we Hunters are attempting to merge with the Moon Presence, aiming to transform into… The Great One.

This theory is incredibly intriguing, backed by a substantial body of evidence, and it might be out-of-the-box thinking even for the creative minds at FromSoftware to pull off. The title of the game gives a strong hint that this theory could very well hold true.

2 The Merchants are Mad

Elden Ring

Elden Ring stands out as a mystery in terms of its narrative, thus providing fertile ground for numerous fan speculations.

As a dedicated gamer, one intriguing notion I’ve come across is the possibility that these merchants we interact with might secretly be adherents of the Frenzied Flame. This theory, which has gained traction among the community, seems almost undeniable for those who have delved deeply into the game’s lore.

Should you come across a location featuring the choice to engage the Frenzied Flame, you’ll notice numerous merchant corpses scattered haphazardly in heaps across the area, as if they were slain and collected there.

According to the merchant’s account, these armors were associated with a person who was falsely accused of heretical views, subsequently arrested, and interred alive. As a consequence, they called upon the Furious Firestorm.

As a gamer delving into this theory, I find myself questioning the enigmatic force guiding me throughout the game, often referred to as the Great Will. Interestingly enough, among all the characters in this virtual world, the merchants stand out as the most amicable. Despite their eerie, glowing eyes, it’s evident that they are the ones with the clearest thoughts and insights.

Given what we know, is the Frenzied Flame as fearsome as your companion suggests? It could well be that we’ve been on the correct path all along.

1 The Indoctrination Theory

Mass Effect 3

Among all theories, the most comprehensive and compelling one is the Indoctrination Theory. This idea posits that Commander Shepard undergoes indoctrination by The Reapers throughout the Mass Effect trilogy, causing the climactic test in the final game installment to unfold within his mind.

It’s quite likely because The Reapers have used the method of brainwashing or manipulation on numerous characters across the series, ranging from the Rachni Queen to The Collectors and even The Illusive Man.

In the initial match, The Rachni Queen describes indoctrination as if it were “Oil-tinted melodies echoing within their consciousness,” an exceptionally unique portrayal.

In Mass Effect 3, Shepard starts experiencing intense, increasingly disturbing dreams that culminate in a final vision. During this last dream, dark, creeping vines gradually cover the screen’s edges as a terrifying event unfolds.

Considering this hypothesis, the idea that the Star Child is actually a confrontable entity in the finale becomes more believable. Instead, it appears to be a mental illusion crafted for Shepard, designed to deceive him into accepting the universal merging of organic and synthetic life forms.

This idea is reinforced by the options provided, as well as the colors associated with them. For instance, green symbolizes the unification of all life across the galaxy, blue represents the dominion of the Reapers, and red signifies the destruction of the Reapers.

If you select red, the voice of the Star Child transforms into Harbinger’s, indicating that the illusion has been broken. Red, in this context, is the genuine option, while the other colors represent deceptive realities, which were implanted in Shepard’s mind to appear as valid choices.

As a devoted fan, I find this intriguing since the available choices mirror the paths chosen by the antagonists from the initial two games. For instance, Saren opted for the assimilation of all existence, while The Illusive Man took control as his preferred route.

In this scenario, you’re left as Shepard with a single, incomplete decision: Destroy. Opt for destruction and Sheppard finds himself buried beneath debris, undeniably on Earth, having failed to reach the Citadel.

In simpler terms, the Reapers’ attempt was unsuccessful. Their aim was to control the leader of humanity, but they were defeated instead. Consequently, any subsequent events became irrelevant since the Reapers would no longer be able to manipulate a race for their next act of destruction.

The developers have rejected this idea, instead standing firm behind the controversial ending of Mass Effect 3, which, although dissatisfying, hasn’t deterred players from fitting together the evidently intended narrative fragments.

2024-10-22 15:10