Unlocking a secret ending is the ultimate reward for dedicated gamers. These hidden conclusions offer unique insights, alternative storylines, or even just a fun Easter egg. While some secret endings are relatively easy to find, others require Herculean effort. This article explores some of the most challenging secret endings in video games, those so difficult to achieve that you might be better off watching them on YouTube.
Final Fantasy X-2
Final Fantasy X-2’s Perfect Ending
Final Fantasy X-2, the first direct sequel in the main Final Fantasy series, expanded upon the beloved Final Fantasy X. However, its multiple endings, especially the “perfect” ending, are notoriously difficult to unlock. Achieving this ending requires a 100% completion rate, which extends beyond simply finishing the main story and side quests. Players must meticulously interact with every NPC at every opportunity, choose specific dialogue options, achieve perfect outcomes in side quests, and even watch every cutscene without skipping. Missing even a single requirement in any chapter necessitates a restart or a meticulous playthrough in New Game +.
The House of the Dead: Remake’s Counterintuitive Challenge
The House of the Dead: Remake, a lightgun arcade shooter, surprisingly features multiple endings. While the standard ending is straightforward, the “good” ending requires completing the game without continues and scoring over 62,000 points. However, the true challenge lies in unlocking the “worst” ending. This requires a no-continue run with a score under 62,000, ending in a 0. This demands a near-perfect run, strategically killing only specific enemies while avoiding death. The reward for this painstaking effort? The least desirable ending.
The House of the Dead: Remake
Chrono Trigger’s Dream Project
Chrono Trigger, a timeless JRPG classic, is renowned for its multiple endings, a consequence of its time-traveling narrative. The most elusive ending, the “Dream Project,” is a hidden gem for highly skilled players. To unlock it, players must defeat the final boss, Lavos, incredibly early in the game, either during the first visit to the Ocean Palace or at the very beginning. While designed as unwinnable encounters at these points, victory is possible with a perfect strategy and a highly leveled-up character in New Game +. This ending unlocks a unique area populated by NPCs representing the game’s developers.
Chrono Trigger
Cyberpunk 2077’s Hidden Path
Cyberpunk 2077 offers a complex, player-driven narrative where choices shape V’s destiny. While several endings depend on decisions made before the final mission, a secret ending, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” requires specific conditions. Players must complete a series of side jobs related to Johnny Silverhand, raising their relationship level to at least 70%. At the point of no return, after choosing to let Johnny go with Rogue, players must refrain from selecting any further options and wait for Johnny to propose a hidden path. This path is a one-shot deal; failure means restarting the entire game.
Cyberpunk 2077
Inside’s Collaborative Discovery
Inside, a puzzle-platformer adventure, has a secret ending so well-hidden that it required a collaborative community effort to uncover. While clues hint at its existence, the process is intricate. Players must locate and deactivate all hidden glowing orbs before the game’s climax. A hidden area then becomes accessible, leading to a complex puzzle involving musical notes and levers. Solving this puzzle reveals additional lore and unlocks the secret ending.
Inside
Undertale’s Genocide Route
Undertale’s unique approach to combat allows players to spare or kill enemies. The “pacifist” ending is achieved by sparing everyone, while the “genocide” ending requires the opposite. This route demands killing every enemy in every area, culminating in a grueling battle against Sans, requiring pattern memorization and precise dodging. The emotional and mechanical difficulty of this route, coupled with its devastating consequences, makes it the hardest ending to achieve.
Undertale
These are just a few examples of the most challenging secret endings in video games. While the effort required to unlock them can be daunting, the unique rewards often make the journey worthwhile for dedicated players.