Games That Let You Write Your Own Ending

12 October 2025

Ever reached the end of a game and thought, “Wait, that’s it? That’s how this ends?!” Congratulations, you’ve just been slapped by the cold, unyielding hand of linear storytelling. But fear not, fellow gamer. You're not alone in your desire for a little narrative chaos. Some games actually get it. They throw out the idea of a single, tidy conclusion and boldly say, “You’re the storyteller now.”

Welcome to the wonderful world of games that let you write your own ending — where the finale isn’t decided by some faceless developer but by your own beautiful (or gloriously questionable) decisions. From moral dilemmas to casual god-tier destruction, these games toss the “one-size-fits-all” ending script and hand you the pen.

Why Do We Crave Custom Endings?

I mean, let’s be honest — we all want to feel like the main character. The actual main character, not just some glorified errand-runner who's watching the story unfold from the passenger seat. When a game hands you the keys and says, “Hey, you decide how this all wraps up,” that’s some next-level immersion.

Also, if we’re going to sink 40+ hours into a game, we’d like the ending to reflect our choices — not someone else's artistic vision, thank you very much.

Let’s Get to It: Games That Let You Play Puppet Master With the Ending

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Consequences, Glorious Consequences

Alright, remember that one time you told some noble to shove it and rode off into the sunset? Yeah, well, in The Witcher 3, that choice actually matters. This game boasts over 30 different ending variations depending on your morals, your loyalties, and even how good you were at playing surrogate dad to Ciri.

This isn’t some "choose ending A, B, or C" situation. Your actions ripple through the storyline like you just cannonballed into the plot pool. It’s messy, unpredictable, and absolutely glorious.

And yes, you can screw it all up. Fantastically.

2. Detroit: Become Human – Robots with More Feelings Than You

Who knew androids could be so moody? Detroit: Become Human is basically a futuristic soap opera where every decision feels like defusing a bomb — with your moral compass.

Each character’s storyline can go in wildly different directions, and you can easily turn your peaceful protest into a full-blown terminator uprising. Want all your characters alive and happy? Good luck. Want to watch it all burn? You're in charge. Multiple endings? Oh yeah — try dozens.

It’s like Black Mirror, but with less screaming at your TV… maybe.

3. Undertale – Pacifist or Psycho?

Undertale is the kingpin of “your choices actually matter.” From the moment you enter the Underground, you’re faced with a dilemma: hug or annihilate?

Every action you take — down to whether you spare a monster or send them crying to the afterlife — determines which of the wildly different endings you’ll get. Genocide Run? Prepare for some deep-rooted guilt and an ending that makes your soul ache. Pacifist Run? Cute tears incoming.

No pressure, right?

4. Mass Effect Series – The Butterfly Effect in Space

Can we really talk about choice-based endings without summoning the ghost of Mass Effect? (Cue dramatic alien synth music.)

Okay, yes — the third game did catch some serious flak for its ending options feeling a little... color-coded. But getting there? That’s where the magic happened. Every decision, from whom you romance to which planet you let explode, shapes your path. And with the Legendary Edition now out, you have the perfect excuse to obsessively save and reload like it’s 2012.

Also, Garrus. Always Garrus.

5. Disco Elysium – Existential Crisis Simulator 3000

Want a game where your brain is your worst enemy, best friend, and occasional drunk uncle? Say hello to Disco Elysium.

Playing this game is like choosing your own poison, with every line of dialogue affecting your “ending.” Will your disgraced detective stumble his way toward redemption or spiral into blissful oblivion? That’s up to you. Even the game’s logic systems argue with each other. It's like therapy, but with more corpses.

Quirky, complex, and unapologetically weird — just like you.

6. Heavy Rain – Press X to Cry (Or Murder Someone)

This one’s an emotional rollercoaster powered by quick-time events and guilt. Heavy Rain lets you control several characters, each of whom could live or die based on your choices and reflexes.

Want to save the kid? Better make smart decisions. Slip up too many times and… well, hope you like tragic endings. There are over 20 different outcomes, all tailored to how well (or terribly) you handle things.

And let's not forget awkwardly yelling "JASON!" in public for the full immersive experience.

7. Cyberpunk 2077 – Neon, Chrome, and Deep Existential Dread

Despite a rocky launch (we all love a redemption arc), Cyberpunk 2077 finally grew into its potential. By the time you reach the end, you’ve probably made a dozen irreversible decisions — some noble, some sketchy, and some just plain “what the hell, V?”

Multiple endings await depending on your relationships, side quests, and whether you’re Team Johnny Silverhand or just tolerating him. Want to go out in a blaze of glory? Betray your allies? Maybe just walk away? All on the table.

And hey, at least you didn’t wake up in a bathtub full of ice, right?

8. Life is Strange Series – Emotions, Meet Superpowers

Let’s be honest — Life is Strange is one drama bomb away from turning into an angsty YA novel. And we love it for that.

Each decision you make in these games — whether it’s saving a friend or altering time to undo your mistakes — leads to different endings. Some beautiful, some gut-wrenching, all deeply personal. And the choices? They aren't black and white. They're fifty shades of morally confusing.

Also, your choices always come back to haunt you. Just like that one text you shouldn’t have sent in 2015.

9. Fallout: New Vegas – Mojave Mayhem, Your Way

Throw “Todd Howard didn’t direct this one” into a conversation, and watch Fallout: New Vegas fans emerge from the shadows with passion in their eyes.

This is one of those rare RPGs where you’re not just in the story — you're the centrifugal force pulling everyone into chaos or calm. You can side with one of several factions, forge your own mini-empire, or just nuke everyone and call it a day.

The endings? Wildly different, depending on how many bridges (and people) you’ve burned.

10. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – You Want Choices? You Got ‘Em

RPG fans, this one’s for you. Divinity: Original Sin 2 is like a tabletop campaign that went completely off the rails but in the best way imaginable.

You can kill anyone, befriend anyone, or become a literal god. Each companion has their own potential ending, and the choices you make ripple through the world like magical gossip. By the final act, you’re juggling so many morally grey decisions that even your alignment chart gives up.

Plus, you can talk to animals. 10/10, would negotiate kingdom politics with a squirrel again.

What Makes These Games So Dang Good?

Here’s the thing — games that let you write your own ending tap into something primal. We want control. We want our decisions to matter. We want bragging rights when it all goes well, and something to sob over when it all goes sideways.

These aren’t just games. They’re interactive stories, playable “choose your own adventure” novels where every player walks away with a different tale. You could play the same game as your best friend and end up in polar opposite realities. And isn’t that kind of magical?

Tips for Getting the Ending You Want (Or Deserve)

Alright, so how do you actually get that sweet, sweet perfect ending?

- Save often. Seriously. Treat your F5 key like your best friend.
- Don’t skip side quests. That random NPC might hold the key to the good ending.
- Google responsibly. Spoilers are lurking in every forum comment.
- Play again! Most of these games want you to hit replay and try a different path.

Let’s be honest — chances are, your first playthrough will end in fiery disappointment or heartbreaking success. And that’s okay! That’s the point.

Final Thoughts: Who Needs Linear Narratives Anyway?

We’re in the golden age of interactive storytelling. Gone are the days of watching a pre-packaged ending unfold like a sad fireworks show. Now, the ending is yours. Literally. Want to ride into the sunset with your allies? Done. Want to rule alone from a throne of broken dreams? You do you.

In the end (ha, see what I did there?), the beauty of games that let you write your own finale lies in their freedom. Every decision, every dialogue choice, every morally questionable action — it all adds up to a story that’s uniquely yours.

And if that’s not the ultimate power fantasy, I don’t know what is.