Summary
RPGs offer an immersive narrative experience,often defined by players' choicesthroughout the journey. The ability to influence the story, whether through moral decisions, dialogues, or actions, adds a unique emotional weight. These elements make the genre ideal for exploring different perspectives and narrative paths in a single adventure.
Many of thebest RPGs feature multiple endings, further enhancing this immersion by directly reflecting the decisions made during the story’s progression. This dynamic not only increases replayability but also challenges players to consider the consequences of their actions. When a game’s outcome is shaped by the choices made, the experience becomes even more rewarding and meaningful.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republicis an iconic RPG that allows players to explore theStar Warsuniverse with great freedom. Throughout the journey, the choices made, whether aligning with the light ordark side of the Force, directly influence the unfolding of the story and lead to multiple distinct endings.
Despite the different possible conclusions, one of the endings is considered canonical within the expandedStar Warsuniverse. In this outcome, the protagonist Revan embraces the light side of the Force, defeats Darth Malak, and saves the galaxy. Thus, although it allows for various ways to conclude the story, one had to be chosen to continue the universe.
Pillars of Eternitystands out as a classic RPG, offering a deep narrative with multiple endings that directly reflect the decisions made by the Watcher, the protagonist. Choices made throughout the journey, such as political alliances, interactions with the gods, or the fate of the Hollowborn souls, affect both the main outcome and the consequences for entire regions of Dyrwood.
Additionally,the fate of companions is shaped by actions taken, such as the future of Eder, Aloth, Pallegina, and other characters, who face varied destinies depending on interactions and choices within the game. This system of choices and consequences reinforces replayability, makingPillars of Eternitya landmark for RPG fans seeking a rich and engaging narrative experience.
Presentinga more classic gameplay rooted in CRPG origins,Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteousplaces players against a demonic crisis in The Worldwound, which can change according to the Mythic Path chosen. This leads the main character on a journey where choices, especially in build, impact the ending.
Moreover,Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, like otherRPGs with multiple endings, also presents new content based on the fate of each companion, making choices, dialogues, or even how much these characters liked the protagonist impact each one’s destiny. Thus, for those who enjoy a classic experience, this RPG offers plenty of content.
Despite sometimes leaning more towards FPS and adventure game mechanics,Cyberpunk 2077remains a faithful adaptation of the TTRPG of the same name, taking players on a complex journey through Night City. As a result, the story of V, an edgerunner seeking to become a legend, can have different endings based on whom they choose to help.
Withthe arrival of thePhantom LibertyDLC, which has some variations of endings for the expansion’s own story, new ways for V’s journey to conclude were also added. However, it is worth mentioning that the vast majority of these endings are bittersweet, reinforcing the maxim that there are no happy endings in Night City.
There are different ways that Geralt of Rivia’s trilogy can end inThe Witcher 3, all of them related to how Ciri also concludes her own arc within the story. However, CD Projekt Red further complemented the story’s conclusion by incorporating the many other smaller choices that players make throughout the narrative.
Therefore, one of thebest RPGs with multiple endingsever produced allows for considerable freedom to make choices that profoundly impact the ending or make small alterations in the course of the story, wrapping up the entire plot. In this way,The Witcher 3offers an interesting experience where decisions contribute to a memorable narrative in the universe.
Disco Elysiumoffers a unique experience where the protagonist’s internal choices directly influence the narrative outcomes. Decisions not only determine the course of police investigations but alsoaffect the detective’s mental state, paving the way for different endings that reflect internal struggles and alliances formed throughout the game.
Beyond the main endings,Disco Elysiumpresents multiple game overs that capture the complexity of interactions and the protagonist’s fragility. From emotional crises to fatal confrontations, each alternative ending enriches the narrative, encouraging exploration of various approaches and consequences of actions, making each new adventure a singular and introspective journey.
The first entry in theDragon Agefranchise is extremelyoriented towards the isometric RPG genreand, therefore, shares many common elements, especially in the narrative. So,Dragon Age: Originshas a well-crafted story, and some choices made throughout the game directly impact how everything ends.
Besides the choices near the end that change the final cutscenes of the story, such as who is the character responsible for defeating the Archdemon, many other smaller decisions also impact the slideshow shown during the epilogue. Thus, players will feel greater immersion in the story, as these changes in the script, even if more superficial, adapt to what was played.
When it comes to games with multiple endings,Chrono Triggeris a major reference for this mechanic, largely due to the quality the game possesses. Here, the choices made throughout the story do not impact how the story ends but rather the moment players decide to defeat Lavos, which leads to new cutscenes.
So, players will most likely receive the standard ending of the story after completing their first playthrough, but upon starting New Game+, the characters will be strong enough to face him at other times. In this way, it is possible to find endings where the Dinosaurs dominated the world or even find the game’s creators in a secret room.
Being one of the games responsible for refining the mechanics of choices and consequences,Fallout 2manages to fit the multiple endings throughout the narration presented after the final combat against the Enclave. Basically, various locations where the Chosen One passes are impacted by actions or decisions taken, altering the entire game scenario.
Decisions made throughout the journey, such as alliances formed, missions completed or ignored, and actions in different locations,directly influence the multiple endings presented.Fallout 2stands out by creating a dynamic world where even smaller choices can alter the fate of entire communities, reinforcing its position as one of thebest RPGs with multiple endingsever made.
Baldur’s Gate 3is a games that manages to deliver an incredible experience in all aspects, as well as being one of thebest RPGs with multiple endings. Throughout the story, different characters join the group, and it is possible to give each of them a different fate when the journey ends.
As a result, allied with the choices the protagonist can make, which also influence the course of the story, access to multiple varied endings is provided,makingBaldur’s Gate 3a highly replayable game. Even endings focused on evil characters were added with the arrival of new patches, further increasing the possibilities regarding the game’s conclusion.
