10 Games That Kill Off The Protagonist

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In certain games, despite becoming deeply attached to our characters, the creators sometimes choose to shatter our emotions by causing their demise at various stages of the gameplay.

Watching a character we’ve invested time into and grown attached to perish, despite the fact that certain sacrifices can be meaningful, is an emotionally draining experience.

If you’re simply intrigued about games incorporating this plot device or want suggestions to surprise your friends, I’ve compiled a list of top games I’ve played over the years that include protagonists who meet an untimely end.

It goes without saying that this list consists of some major spoilers.

10.
Murdered: Soul Suspect

Solve Your Own Murder

We might as well kick things off with a game where the lead character dies in the opening scene. Initially, our main character, Ronan O’Connor, feels somewhat comforted because he can finally be with his deceased spouse again.

As a gamer, I’m currently trapped in this digital world, seemingly unable to advance. It’s an intriguing concept rarely seen in video games – my character has perished, but his spirit remains, and now I’m navigating the game as a ghost, attempting to unravel the mystery of my own demise.

Despite Ronan passing away before a substantial relationship could be forged between us, an exceptionally powerful bond develops with his spirit as you work tirelessly to unravel a mystery surrounding his death, eventually assisting him in finding peace.

It is a very interesting concept, and this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Murdered.

9.
Assassin’s Creed 3

Forgot About Desmond?

In Assassin’s Creed 3, Desmond’s storyline came to an end, but the Assassin’s Creed series as a whole continued. Desmond, who we’ve followed since the first Assassin’s Creed game, had to make the ultimate sacrifice and give up his life to save the world.

Many individuals, including myself, feel that Desmond’s character was underutilized, as he was positioned as the key figure who would provide purpose to the ongoing struggle between the Templars and the Assassins, as hinted by Ezio in Assassin’s Creed Revelations.

Instead of carrying on the story, Ubisoft chose to end Desmond’s character arc prematurely, seemingly just to stretch out the series. It’s disappointing that Desmond didn’t get a chance to fully realize his destiny, leaving fans yearning for more.

8.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Hesitation Is Defeat

Without getting ahead of ourselves, let me clarify that I’m not talking about the numerous deaths you might encounter while playing the game. Rather, I’d like to highlight that Sekiro stands out as one of FromSoftware’s exceptional titles. If you’ve only played it once, there’s a chance you may have missed the ending where our hero, Sekiro, sacrifices his life to ensure his master, Kuro, can continue living.

If your task is to conclude the Dragon Lineage, playing the game solely focusing on the main storyline will lead you to a conclusion where you must slay Kuro and administer the Immortal Severance using the Sacred Dragon’s Tears.

If you gather the Aromatic Flower earlier in the game and defeat the final boss afterward, the ending will alter. This means your master survives, but those with the Dragon Heritage blessing must perish – in this instance, it’s just Sekiro who meets that fate.

Showing unwavering devotion and fulfilling his obligation, Sekiro places the Mortal Blade around his neck, choosing to end his own life, thus ensuring Kuro’s survival. This selfless act is one of the most impactful endings in video games.

7.
Halo Reach

“Tell ‘Em To Make It Count”

Halo Reach is a game that came before the Master Chief trilogy, featuring new characters and heroes instead of Spartan 117. Unlike other Halo games where you play as the iconic character, this one provides a pre-war perspective during the Covenant War, showcasing events that occurred while Master Chief was yet to wake up.

Amidst your valiant efforts alongside your Spartan squad to fend off the Covenant invaders on Planet Reach, you find yourself powerlessly observing as your comrades succumb to the relentless Covenant forces, one by one.

In their long and arduous odyssey, our hero, Noble 6, is compelled to remain on planet Reach while others flee aboard the Pillar of Autumn with Cortana. This selfless decision, in turn, significantly shifts the course of the conflict.

It’s clear that Master Chief managed to bring an end to the conflict between humans and the Covenant. However, it’s also evident that Noble 6’s selfless act was instrumental in making this victory possible.

6.
Shadow Of The Colossus

A Tragic Tale

The story of Wanda is a heart-wrenching one that frequently crosses my mind. Shadow of the Colossus starts by depicting him entering the Prohibited Lands, carrying the body of his cherished Mono. Sadly, she was doomed due to an accursed destiny and had to be sacrificed.

In the Forbidden Territories, Wanda encounters a divine being called Dormin. Dormin demands that she vanquish the sixteen colossal creatures roaming the Forbidden Territories if she hopes for her desire of resurrecting Mono to be fulfilled.

Wanda, unaware of the repercussions, consents and senses a corrupting influence with each Colossus she slays. Yet, her steadfast resolve to rescue her dear one persists, preventing her from halting her actions.

After defeating the last Colossus, Wanda is completely corrupted and Lord Emon commands his soldiers to execute her as retribution. However, Dormin (now liberated from the Colossi) takes control of Wanda to battle Emon. In response, Emon permanently locks away Dormin too.

The tale concludes with Wanda’s demise, followed by her rebirth as an infant, whom Mono discovers. This suggests that Wanda was able to resurrect her cherished one.

5.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Shepard’s Sacrifice

Among all space-themed role-playing games in gaming, The Mass Effect Trilogy holds significant influence. Commanding the Normandy crew on a perilous voyage is none other than Commander Shepard, a character cherished by many gamers.

The initial pursuit of Saren in Mass Effect 1 transforms into a struggle for the galaxy’s survival, culminating in one of the most poignant protagonist sacrifices seen in Mass Effect 3. In the end, our valued Commander Shepard chooses to make the ultimate sacrifice, destroying the Reapers forever and ensuring a heroic demise.

As a gamer, I may not have the most polished gameplay moments, but man, the emotional impact of the storyline and bonding with the characters really hits home at the end.

4.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion

“My Honor, My Dreams, They’re Yours Now”

Individuals who recall playing Final Fantasy 7 Remake might be reminded of the quiet recollections that Cloud shares about a fellow elite solider, Zack Fair. The game Crysis Core Reunion delves deeper into Zack’s heroic odyssey.

The unfortunate end for our main character unfolds when Cloud, Zack, and Sephiroth embark on a journey to Nibelheim. As the narrative unfolds, Sephiroth uncovers his past, leading him to betray his companions. Despite being severely wounded, Zack fails to overcome him. In an unexpected turn of events, Cloud manages to defeat Sephiroth, but not without collapsing himself.

In this scenario, Zack seizes his injured comrade, Cloud, and rushes them out of Hojo’s Lab to get back to Midgar. When they arrive, they are suddenly attacked by Shinra soldiers. Here, Zack bravely holds off the attackers, managing to fend them off while ensuring Cloud’s safety, but at the expense of his own life.

Among gaming enthusiasts, Zack Fair is widely cherished as a top-tier character from the Final Fantasy series, and his selfless act is often cited as one of the saddest moments experienced within video games.

3.
The Walking Dead

“I’ll Miss You”

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the narrative of Lee unfolds as he encounters a young girl named Clementine amidst the chaos of a zombie outbreak.

Lee assumes responsibility for both safeguarding and nurturing her, which gradually transforms their bond into something resembling a father-daughter relationship. He imparts essential self-care skills to Clementine and prioritizes her wellbeing over his own.

As Clementine gets abducted toward the game’s finale, and with Lee contracting the infection, he bravely battles his way through hordes of undead, intending to rescue Clementine from her captor.

As they were working to get her out of danger, he suddenly understands that his time is running short, and he’s on the verge of transforming into a zombie himself. Amid Lee’s pleas for Clementine to remain strong, knowing he’ll miss her dearly as his life ebbs away, this moment remains one of the saddest and most emotionally charged in video game history.

2.
Persona 3 Reload

“My Eyes Feel Heavy…”

Day after day, I often ponder on this conclusion. In the beginning of Persona 3 Reload, we encounter a character named Makoto Yuki, initially quite reserved. However, as time passes, he forges new friendships, deepens existing connections, and learns to cherish life more deeply.

In the face of impending doom from Nyx, Makoto decides to sacrifice himself by sealing away Nyx, thereby giving up his own life for the survival of others. However, even in death, Makoto keeps his promise and returns because he had pledged to reunite with his friends on their graduation day.

As the veil of the Dark Hour lifts, so too does the grip of its memories fade away. With each passing moment, I find myself growing more feeble, clinging desperately to my existence – that’s Makoto for you.

On graduation day, Makoto’s companions recall the incident of the Dark Hour and their pledge. They sprint toward the school’s uppermost floor as Aigis is already there with Makoto, informing him that she will shield him and remain at his side forever.

Eventually, when everyone gathers on the rooftop for a heartfelt reunion with their cherished companion, Makoto breathes his last with a contented smile, comforted by the knowledge that the vow he had made was honored.

1.
Red Dead Redemption 2

“I Guess… I… I’m Afraid”

Arthur Morgan is frequently admired within the gaming community for his constantly evolving charisma and personality, which keeps players captivated during the narrative of Red Dead Redemption 2.

As I neared the end of my gaming journey with Arthur, learning about his diagnosis with tuberculosis felt like a game-changing event. It was as if the cataclysmic events in my virtual world made me stop and realize that Arthur’s days were numbered and time was running out for him in this game (or life).

As you progress through the game, it becomes evident that Arthur’s health declines with every mission, prompting him to reflect on his past and strive to atone by performing acts of kindness. The game makes clear that a grim ending is approaching.

The tale of Arthur Morgan’s transformation journey, once a ruthless outlaw indifferent towards others, into a savior and ally for many, remains etched as an exceptional narrative in the annals of video game storytelling.

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2025-06-04 17:11