Joke endings in video games have been a popular feature for many years, providing players with an unexpected and often humorous conclusion to their gaming experience. While they are not meant to be taken seriously, these endings have become a staple of video game culture and have earned a place in the hearts of fans.
Whether it is a playful nod to a specific character or storyline or a clever way to subvert the player's expectations, joke endings serve as a fun and memorable way to cap off a game. From the many endings of Nier: Automata to Silent Hill's UFOs endings, some are more memorable than others, and their presence in video games leaves a more lasting impact on fans.
8 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - "Time Paradox"
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is an action-adventure game set in the 1960s and follows the story of Naked Snake, tasked with rescuing a Russian scientist who is defecting to the United States. One of the most popular and memorable joke endings in the game is the "Time Paradox" ending, which is achieved by killing Revolver Ocelot during a specific encounter.
When the player kills Ocelot, a message appears on the screen, informing them that they have created a time paradox by killing him before he could set into motion future key events in the franchise. The game ends abruptly, as the player receives a "Game Over" screen and the "Time Paradox" message appears. The ending has become a fan favorite due to its unexpected nature and is often cited as one of the best examples of a joke ending in video games.
7 The Stanley Parable - Multiple Endings
The Stanley Parable is a unique game that offers players an array of different endings to discover, some of which are intentionally absurd and humorous. The first-person game explores themes of free will, control, and decision-making. The player takes on the role of Stanley, an office worker who suddenly finds himself alone in an abandoned workplace.
As the game progresses, the player is given choices that determine the direction of the story. The joke endings are accessed by taking unconventional paths or making unexpected choices and often involve breaking the game's rules or finding clever ways to outsmart the narrator. Some of the more memorable joke endings include the bucket endings or the “Broom Closet Ending.” These endings challenge players to think creatively and question their assumptions about gaming narratives.
6 Nier: Automata - Multiple Endings
Nier: Automata is a critically acclaimed action RPG that features multiple joke endings. One of the most well-known joke endings is the "Ending K: aji wo [K]utta" in which the protagonist, 2B, eats a mackerel and dies in the Desert Camp. Another memorable ending is "Ending T: fa[T]al error" in which 2B removes her own operating system, leading to her death.
There are 26 endings in Nier: Automata, and while some are part of the actual playthrough, many are just for fun. These endings are the game's way to allow players to explore its world and find out what would happen in different situations.
5 Mortal Kombat Armageddon - "Meat Ending"
Mortal Kombat Armageddon features a joke ending called the "Meat" ending. In this ending, the player must unlock a hidden character named Meat and defeat the final boss. Meat defeats Blaze and gains a massive amount of power and the ability to shape-shift. Sadly, he loses his sense of identity and his personality fades away.
The Meat character is actually a glitched version of other Mortal Kombat characters, and the joke ending is a nod to this glitch. The ending is not considered canon and is purely a humorous easter egg for fans.
4 Undertale - "Dog Ending"
In Undertale, players can achieve the "Dog Ending" by defeating Toriel, Papyrus, Undyne, and Mettaton. After fighting Asgore, Sans will call the player to inform them of how things are in the Underworld. Turns out that the small, white dog is now the president, even though all he does is sleep on the throne. Everybody is, however, happy with how things are going.
While not as elaborate as some of the other joke endings, the "Dog Ending" has become a beloved part of Undertale's humor and charm. It's a nod to the game's playful and self-aware sense of humor and a fun way for players to mix things up on their subsequent playthrough.
3 Silent Hill 2 - "Dog Ending"
In Silent Hill 2, players can unlock a secret ending called the "Dog Ending," which is a humorous twist on the game's horror genre. To achieve this ending, players must complete the game once and then start a new playthrough, during which they must find and collect a special item. Once obtained, players must then head to the Lakeview Hotel and take the elevator to the second floor.
Instead of encountering the usual events, players will find a Shiba Inu named Mira in a control room, who is revealed to be in charge of creating all the horrors in the town. The "Dog Ending" is a memorable joke ending of the series, as it offers a lighthearted and unexpected twist to the game's typically dark and unsettling atmosphere.
2 Silent Hill - “UFO Endings”
The "UFO Ending" is a recurring joke ending found in various games in the Silent Hill series. The ending usually involves the game's protagonist being shot by an alien and then abducted, leading to a sci-fi twist that contrasts with the horror theme. The "UFO Ending" first appeared in Silent Hill 1 and has since been included in several other titles in the series, such as Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill 3, and Silent Hill: Homecoming.
While the ending doesn't contribute to the game's overall story, it's a fun and cool way to add some levity to the series' eerie atmosphere. To achieve the "UFO Ending," players typically have to fulfill specific requirements or complete the game in a particular way, such as collecting all UFO-related items or achieving certain endings before unlocking the "UFO Ending."
1 Far Cry 4 - "Pagan Min's Dinner Party"
Far Cry 4 follows the story of Ajay Ghale, a young man who returns to Kyrat to bring his mother's ashes back to her country but gets caught up in a civil war between the Royal Army and the Golden Path rebellion. Pagan Min, the country's tyrant leader, invites Ajay to his dinner party at the beginning of the game. If the player chooses to stay at the table and not attempt to escape, Pagan Min returns and takes him to complete his mother's wish in a touching moment, revealing that the game could have ended without any violence or conflict.
This ending can be achieved by simply waiting at the table for 13 minutes at the beginning of the game instead of leaving. The "Pagan Min's Dinner Party" ending is a memorable and unexpected twist that challenges players to rethink the usual violent nature of the game and serves as a commentary on the illusion of choice in video games.