The Most Heartbreaking Main Quests in Video Games

Introduction

Video games have evolved into a powerful storytelling medium, capable of evoking deep emotions through compelling narratives. Some main quests leave players emotionally shattered, forcing them to confront loss, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas. These heartbreaking quests linger in our minds long after the credits roll. Below, we explore some of the most emotionally devastating main quests in gaming history.

1. The Last of Us – "Losing Sarah"

Game: The Last of Us (2013)
Developer: Naughty Dog

Few games hit players with emotional devastation as quickly as The Last of Us. Within the first 20 minutes, Joel loses his daughter, Sarah, in a heart-wrenching scene. The raw emotion in Joel’s voice as he pleads for her life—only for a soldier to shoot her—is unforgettable. This moment shapes Joel’s entire character, making his bond with Ellie later in the game even more poignant.

Why It Hurts: The suddenness of Sarah’s death, combined with the helplessness Joel feels, makes this one of gaming’s most tragic openings.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2 – "Arthur’s Final Ride"

Game: Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Developer: Rockstar Games

Arthur Morgan’s story is one of redemption and inevitable tragedy. As he succumbs to tuberculosis, players guide him on his final ride back to camp while "That’s the Way It Is" plays softly in the background. The weight of his choices, his fading strength, and his last words—whether he helps John escape or confronts Micah—leave players emotionally drained.

Why It Hurts: Arthur’s journey from ruthless outlaw to a man seeking redemption makes his death one of the most heartbreaking in gaming.

3. Final Fantasy VII – "Aerith’s Death"

Game: Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Developer: Square Enix

Aerith Gainsborough’s death remains one of the most shocking moments in RPG history. Just as players grow attached to her kindness and hope, Sephiroth impales her with his sword. The haunting music ("Aerith’s Theme") and Cloud’s grief-stricken reaction make this scene unforgettable.

Why It Hurts: The sudden loss of a beloved party member—with no chance of revival—forever changes the game’s tone.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – "The Bloody Baron’s Tragedy"

Game: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
Developer: CD Projekt Red

The Baron’s questline is a masterclass in tragic storytelling. His abusive past leads to his wife’s suicide and his daughter’s hatred. No matter what Geralt does, the Baron’s fate is heartbreaking—either he hangs himself, or his wife dies in agony.

Why It Hurts: There’s no "good" ending—only varying degrees of sorrow, making it one of gaming’s most morally complex quests.

5. Mass Effect 3 – "The Genophage Cure"

Game: Mass Effect 3 (2012)
Developer: BioWare

The fate of the Krogan hinges on whether Shepard cures the genophage. Mordin Solus, a fan-favorite character, may sacrifice himself to undo his past mistakes. His final words—"Had to be me. Someone else might have gotten it wrong."—are devastating, especially if players convinced him to betray his principles earlier.

Why It Hurts: Mordin’s sacrifice highlights the cost of war and redemption.

6. Shadow of the Colossus – "The Final Colossus"

Game: Shadow of the Colossus (2005)
Developer: Team Ico

Wander’s quest to revive Mono comes at a terrible price. Each slain colossus corrupts him further, and by the final battle, he is barely human. The realization that he was manipulated—and that Mono awakens only after his death—makes the ending crushingly bittersweet.

Why It Hurts: The game’s minimalistic storytelling makes the emotional impact even stronger.

7. Telltale’s The Walking Dead – "Lee’s Death"

Game: The Walking Dead: Season One (2012)
Developer: Telltale Games

Lee Everett’s relationship with Clementine is the heart of The Walking Dead. His final moments—whether he asks Clem to leave him or shoot him—are gut-wrenching. Her tearful "I’ll miss you" as he turns into a walker is one of gaming’s most emotional goodbyes.

Why It Hurts: Players spend the entire game protecting Clem, only to have Lee taken away in the end.

8. BioShock Infinite – "Elizabeth’s Fate"

Game: BioShock Infinite (2013)
Developer: Irrational Games

The revelation that Booker DeWitt is Comstock—and that Elizabeth must drown him to break the cycle—is a tragic twist. The final scene, where all versions of Elizabeth disappear, leaves players questioning fate and sacrifice.

Why It Hurts: The game’s complex narrative makes the ending both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.

Conclusion

These main quests prove that video games can deliver emotional storytelling on par with films and literature. Whether through sudden loss, unavoidable sacrifice, or moral dilemmas, these moments stay with players forever. What other heartbreaking quests have left you in tears?

Tags: #Gaming #EmotionalStories #HeartbreakingQuests #VideoGameNarratives #TragicEndings