Video games, like other artistic mediums, can stir emotional responses in even the most stoic player. While gaming is often a high-octane, adrenaline-pumping endeavor, some stories pack a tragic punch. But what’s sunshine without a little rain?

These 10 characters met untimely ends that, while devastating, made their stories even more impactful. Whether with us for our entire in-game journey or for only a short while, these notable video game deaths shook us all the same.

Warning: This list contains spoilers for new and classic releases. Proceed with caution (and tissues). You’ve been warned.

Mass Effect 3 — Mordin Solus

Studious salarian Mordin Solus is one of many heartstring-tugging losses throughout the Mass Effect franchise (depending on how you play, of course). If you allow Solus to cure the Krogan genophage, a devastating experiment he assumes responsibility for, he ultimately pays the price with his own life.

Solus really drives it home, too, with the saddest callback ever: “Had to be me. Someone else might have gotten it wrong.”

Red Dead Redemption 2 — Arthur Morgan

As if thanking your horse one final time isn’t the biggest gut punch you could’ve imagined, fans lose anti-hero outlaw Arthur Morgan not too long after.

At the end of Red Dead Redemption II, just ahead of the epilogue that sends us seven years into John Marston’s future, Morgan ultimately succumbs to tuberculosis, a diagnosis given to him by a well-meaning physician in Saint Denis.

Cyberpunk 2077 — Jackie Welles

Not my boy Jackie! After an early-game heist goes off the rails, our BFF succumbs to blood loss inside a getaway Delamain cab. You’re then responsible for deciding where to send Welles’ remains. Oh, and you’ll hear from the heartbroken Mama Welles, too. Ouch.

Claire, gimme a “Jackie Welles,” please. Make it a double.

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — Gustave

After spending aaaaaall of Act I forging an attachment to Gustave, you close the first portion of your already-daunting expedition by burying the game’s protagonist — well, what’s left of him, anyway.

Thankfully, Verso comes in clutch with Gustave’s prosthetic arm, or that would’ve been lost, too.

Paper Mario: The Origami King — Bobby

I never would’ve expected one of the most noble sacrifices in gaming history to come from Bobby the Bob-omb, of all places. After Olivia is trapped beneath a big boulder, our dear friend Bombert quickly steps in to save the day. How? By doing what a bob-omb does best, unfortunately.

I’ll be totally transparent and say that, when I realized what happened, I shut my Switch off. Thanks for everything, Bhomas.

Final Fantasy VII — Aerith

While Aerith’s death is necessary to move the plot forward in Final Fantasy VII, that doesn’t make it any less tragic.

The strength of the fabled JRPG lies within its characters, and Aerith is undoubtedly one of the strongest. Her cheery, bright-eyed attitude contrasts well with the rest of the cast, keeping your head up as you grind your way through the game.

I’m glad that they didn’t tempt fate by keeping her alive in Rebirth; the final battle with Cloud and Aerith against Sephiroth was a touching, emotional tribute despite knowing the plot twist was coming the entire time.

The Last of Us — Joel

Undoubtedly, the most controversial plot decision in The Last of Us Part II, and one that fans of the live-action adaptation experienced earlier this year, Joel’s death serves as a reminder of how cruel the post-apocalyptic world can be.

Like with Aerith’s death, it’s a necessary catalyst to move the plot forward. This isn’t a story about Joel; It’s Ellie’s tale, and Joel’s demise is one that not just helps keep the game moving, but also allows Ellie to grow as a character.

Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead  — Lee Everett

Speaking of post-apocalyptic worlds, we all kinda knew that Lee Everett was going to die by the end of The Walking Dead, right?

For most of the game, Lee acts as the father figure not just for Clementine, but for the player, as we navigate the zombie-infested world, doing what we can to survive. In the end, though, we end up taking care of Lee as he succumbs to his wounds. In typical Telltale fashion, we’re left with a difficult choice: take Lee out, or allow him to become a walker. That doesn’t make it any less painful, though.

Gears of War 3 — Dom Santiago

“Never thought it would end like this, huh? Huh, Maria?”

One of the best decisions the OG Gears of War trilogy made was expanding on emotional storytelling elements. After all, the game takes place in a grim, dark reality, and allowing the narrative to grow helped make these games as special as they are.

That doesn’t happen without Dom Santiago’s character arc. Watching him find and euthanize his wife in Gears of War 2, only to see him make the ultimate sacrifice in Gears 3, proves these games have as much heart as they do action.

Baldur’s Gate 3 — Karlach

Rough n’ tumble Tiefling Karlach meets her end after players finally take down the Netherbrain in Act III. We learn early on that her life-sustaining infernal engine is compromised, but it doesn’t really curb the sting.

Karlach is emotionally distraught throughout all three acts, too, her hardened exterior slowly crumbling as she comes to terms with her mortality and inevitable demise. I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying!

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