The 10 Most Heart-Wrenching Deaths in Video Game History

Video games are more than just pixels on a screen; they are narratives that weave complex stories, often making us form deep emotional connections with their characters. Throughout the history of gaming, there have been moments that have left players in shock, sadness, or even in tears. The most emotional video game deaths are those that not only surprise us but also leave a lasting impact, forever changing the way we view the game's world and its inhabitants. From noble sacrifices to shocking betrayals, here are the ten most emotional video game deaths, ranked.

10. Ezio's Family in Assassin's Creed II

Assassin's Creed II is more than a story about vengeance; it's a journey of transformation for Ezio Auditore. The brutal execution of his father and brothers serves as the catalyst for his quest against the Templars. This moment is not just heartbreaking because of the loss itself but because of its profound impact on Ezio, shaping him into the legendary Assassin he becomes. Players witness the birth of a hero, but at the cost of an innocent family, making it a devastatingly emotional start to an epic saga.

9. Naia in Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons offers a unique gaming experience, with its innovative control scheme and poignant storytelling. The death of Naia, the elder brother, is a harrowing moment that challenges the younger brother, Naiee, and the player, to push forward despite the overwhelming grief. This moment is a testament to the game's ability to convey raw emotion through gameplay and narrative, leaving a lasting impact on all who journey through it.

8. Vesemir in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Vesemir's death in The Witcher 3 is a gut-wrenching moment that resonates deeply with players. As Geralt's mentor and father figure, his loss is felt not just by the characters within the game but by the players themselves. The act of Vesemir giving up his life to safeguard Ciri highlights the deep-seated notions of kinship and self-sacrifice prevalent throughout The Witcher series. This makes his death one of the most heartrending episodes in the annals of video game lore.

7. Ghost & Roach in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

The Call of Duty series might be best known for its action-packed gameplay, but it also has its share of emotional moments. The betrayal and subsequent death of Ghost and Roach in Modern Warfare 2 stands out as a shocking and heartbreaking moment. The sense of betrayal from General Shepherd, combined with the helplessness of the situation, creates a powerful emotional response that remains one of the series' most memorable moments.

6. Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur Morgan's journey in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a deeply emotional rollercoaster. Learning of his terminal illness and watching him come to terms with his fate adds layers of depth to his character. His ultimate sacrifice, ensuring John Marston's escape, is a poignant conclusion to his story. Arthur's death is not just the end of a character but a powerful narrative about redemption, sacrifice, and the inevitability of change.

5. Dominic Santiago in Gears of War 3

The Gears of War series is known for its intense action, but it's the emotional depth of its characters that truly stands out. Dom's sacrifice in Gears of War 3 is a heartbreaking moment that highlights the themes of brotherhood and sacrifice. The choice he made to sacrifice his own life for the sake of his comrades, accompanied by the poignant strains of "Mad World," is a scene that will remain indelibly imprinted in the memories of those who experienced it.

4. Aunt May in Marvel's Spider-Man

The death of Aunt May in Marvel's Spider-Man is a gut-wrenching moment that tests Peter Parker's resolve. Faced with the impossible choice between saving his beloved aunt and saving countless others, Peter's decision is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that come with being a hero. Aunt May's proud acknowledgment of Peter's heroism, even in her final moments, adds an emotional depth to their relationship, making her death one of the most touching moments in the game.

3. Joel Miller in The Last Of Us Part II

Joel Miller's death in The Last of Us Part II is a moment that shocked and divided the gaming community. As a character that players had grown to love in the first game, his sudden and brutal demise at the hands of Abby sets the tone for a story of revenge and redemption. The emotional weight of this moment is not just in the loss of Joel but in its impact on Ellie and the divisive path it sets her on, making it a defining moment in the series.

2. Aerith Gainsborough in Final Fantasy VII

The passing of Aerith Gainsborough continues to be one of the most memorable events in the history of video games. Her unexpected demise at the hands of Sephiroth is a turning point in Final Fantasy VII, propelling the narrative forward and leaving players in shock. Aerith's kind nature and tragic end have made her death a moment that transcends gaming, symbolizing the emotional potential of the medium.

1. Lee Everett in The Walking Dead

At the top of our list is Lee Everett's death in The Walking Dead. Throughout the game, players build a profound connection with Lee and Clementine, making the final choice Lee faces all the more heart-wrenching. Whether choosing to leave Lee behind or asking Clementine to end his suffering, the moment is a powerful testament to the emotional depth video games can achieve. Lee's death is not just the end of a character; it's a moment that shapes Clementine and the player, highlighting the emotional power of choice and consequence.

In conclusion, video games have the unique ability to tell stories in ways that deeply resonate with players, creating emotional connections that can be as real as those we form with real people. The deaths of these characters are not just moments in a game; they are poignant reminders of the power of storytelling within the medium. These emotional departures not only mark the end of beloved characters but also the profound impact they've had on players, leaving lasting memories that redefine what video games are capable of.