This list contains spoilers!
Valve is about to extend its reach even further when it launches its Steam-based console in 2026 called the Steam Machine. With the Steam Machine, the Steam Deck, and the Steam client available on several PC operating systems, Valve will have woven its web into gaming culture completely. The open platform has made it possible to easily play games from generations ago, and this includes some of the best RPGs of all time that originated on the NES.
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This means that there are a lot of great RPGs for all types of fans out there, whether they are into tactical experiences or action epics. How many of them end well because conclusions can be hard to muster? These examples are only a handful of the best RPG endings out there that provide satisfying conclusions, though they stand out enough to earn a spot on this list.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Unhappy Little Trees
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
- April 24, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is bittersweet no matter which of the two endings players choose, but the good ending falls on Verso, vanquishing Maelle and disbanding the painted reality. Maelle returns home and gathers with her family to say goodbye to the real Verso at his childhood grave. There are plenty of unanswered questions left on the table, like whether the painted world really is doomed and how this version of Paris operates. Still, it is a satisfying conclusion that wraps up a good chapter in what hopefully turns into a series.
Undertale
Breaking Through Dirt
Undertale
- Released
- September 15, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Tobacco
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Undertale has several endings, two of which are the major ones that fans debate over, with one being considered the best. Players can choose to kill everything, like a normal RPG, to get a very dark ending, or they can spare all monsters and bosses to get the true ending. The pacifist ending will shed light on Flowey, a seemingly ordinary flower, who breaks the fourth wall in the finale, unlike any fave before. Afterward, the monster citizens of the underground will be liberated and gather on the surface to look toward the sunset. It’s a happy and forward-thinking ending that doesn’t challenge its players but is still satisfying.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Father And Daughter Reunite
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has several endings, some dark and some mysterious, but the good ending is a nice way to end this trilogy by reuniting Geralt and Ciri. The series began with Geralt mostly looking for his beloved Yennifer, which gets solved in the beginning of this game, almost unceremoniously, subverting expectations. The plot then refocuses on the party trying to find Ciri, who goes on her own Witcher adventure. The good ending reunites surrogate father and daughter, without any of them dying or being cursed, and there’s not much in the way of loose ends beyond Geralt passing the torch in a way.
South Park: The Stick Of Truth
Zombie Junk
South Park: The Stick of Truth
- Released
- March 4, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
South Park: The Stick of Truth is easily the best South Park game ever made, which isn’t a high bar to leap over. Players create their character - the new kid - and follow a make-believe quest involving the kids warring over a seemingly ordinary stick that is supposedly magical.
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This attracts adults into trying to get the stick as well, all leading up to a secret government organization using a serum to create Nazi zombies for one wild climactic battle. Also, Kenny turns into a zombie, and the lead unnamed villain fights with his junk fully displayed, so it’s hard to forget a final battle and finale like that.
Mass Effect 2
A Dark Middle Chapter
Mass Effect 2
- Released
- January 26, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Third-Person Shooter
Dark middle chapters are often a favorite among fans, and Mass Effect 2 does not disappoint. It’s a “getting the band back together” setup wherein protagonist Commander Shepard has to get a new crew to convince a galactic council that the Reapers are a real threat even though they seem like make-believe. Fantasy becomes reality by the end when a Reaper appears as a gigantic human-like Terminator, which is beyond horrifying. After defeating it, players can get a good ending if they rescue everyone in the exit mission from the Reaper, resulting in a congratulatory celebration, while also looking ahead at the next game to conclude the original Mass Effect trilogy.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
A Sad Sendoff
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
- Released
- December 13, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen due to Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Fans who played Final Fantasy 7 knew what was in store for the prequel, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion, starring Cloud’s friend Zack Fair. The story follows Zack’s rise through the ranks within Shinra as he faces his comrades turning on him and the company. It all ends with a climactic showdown wherein players have to face dozens of Shinra troops as they gun Zack down, who progressively gets weaker. It’s a sad but powerful ending, updating Zack’s legacy and perhaps having him surpass even Cloud as the go-to hero for a Final Fantasy game.
Kingdom Hearts
Conquering Evil Hearts
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX
- Released
- March 9, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
As weird as the story is, the first Kingdom Hearts, accessible through Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, has the most well-rounded cast and story without getting convoluted. Sora fights alongside Disney characters to help seal up Disney worlds from being invaded by Heartless. By the end, he accomplishes his goal of saving Riku and Kairi, even though they drift apart, which is sad, but at least they are no longer kidnapped. Also, it sets things up for another adventure without it feeling like a cliffhanger or several like the sequels. With a memorable boss fight and a happy ending, Kingdom Hearts will leave players feeling heroic.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
I Just Can’t Wait To Be King
Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Released
- October 11, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Metaphor: ReFantazio is like a long political campaign for several candidates to assume the throne after the king has died. Noble blood, knights, and commoners alike can run, and it’s up to players to help rouse support and become the people’s choice. Like Atlus’s other giant franchise, Persona, there are guided segments in each day as players linearly progress through challenges, all tied to who will be crowned.
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The end is a doozy involving the hero, Will, actually turning out to be a Prince and victoriously getting crowned with everyone around supporting his pledge to open up borders for all people and races. Evil is vanquished, mysteries are settled, and everything looks peachy for those involved.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
New Hero, New Rules
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
- Released
- November 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the seventh main Yakuza game, which resets the overarching narrative to focus on a new character, Ichiban Kasuga, making it a good place for newbies to start. Also, gameplay was switched from action to turn-based. As Ichiban, players will go through several arcs, trying to figure out a connection to Yakuza deaths, drugs, the homeless epidemic, and more, all leading up to a huge brawl within the disenfranchised Yakuza families who want the past to remain golden. Old heroes return to help Ichiban settle things, like Goro Majima and Kazuma Kiryu, which was a good torch passing moment for fans.
Chrono Trigger
A High Quality Anime Ending
Chrono Trigger
- Released
- March 11, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Chrono Trigger was ahead of the game in several ways when it was released for the SNES in 1995. Having multiple endings accessible via time travel was one innovative feature, and new editions tweaked and added endings too. Everyone will have their favorite ending in the game, but the one that stands out the most is the anime ending, which was added in the PS1 port, which is also available through the Steam version. Crono and Marle get married, Frog turns back into a human, Lucca is back to building machines, Ayla has resumed her chief duties, and it’s all very storybook for an RPG finale.
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