Gamers Vote for the Saddest RPGs of All Time: Final Fantasy Dominates the List

Role-playing games are more than just a form of entertainment; they are a medium for powerful, emotional storytelling. Gamers invest countless hours in their characters and the worlds they inhabit, making the most tragic moments hit with a profound impact. A new survey conducted by the Japanese website Dengeki Faminico Gamer has asked over 4,700 readers to identify the RPGs that made them cry the most. The results, while perhaps not surprising to long-time JRPG fans, offer a poignant look at which games have left the deepest emotional scars. The poll highlights a clear trend: the Final Fantasy franchise remains the undisputed king of tear-jerking narratives, but it’s not the only series capable of breaking hearts.

Final Fantasy X: The Top Tear-Jerker

Topping the list by a significant margin is the 2001 classic, Final Fantasy X. The heartbreaking tale of Tidus and Yuna, set against the backdrop of a world plagued by the malevolent entity Sin, has resonated with players for over two decades. The game’s narrative is a masterclass in building emotional connections, from the vibrant, optimistic world of Spira to the somber truth revealed in its final moments. The story’s central themes of sacrifice, fate, and the true cost of peace culminate in an ending that is universally regarded as one of the most emotional in gaming history. The famous “Laughing Scene” and Yuna’s final sending are moments that have been etched into the memories of a generation of gamers. It’s a testament to the game’s powerful storytelling that it continues to hold the top spot in polls like this, year after year.

Crisis Core – Final Fantasy VII – and the Legacy of a Legend

Coming in at a close second is the prequel to the legendary Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-. The game’s narrative follows Zack Fair, a charismatic and optimistic SOLDIER, on his journey to become a hero. While the original game’s tragic moments are unforgettable, Crisis Core builds upon them with a focused and deeply personal story. The ending, in particular, is a gut-wrenching sequence that provides crucial context for the events of Final Fantasy VII. Players who have become attached to Zack throughout his journey are forced to witness his inevitable fate, a moment that is both heroic and incredibly sad. The game’s ability to elicit such strong emotions, even for a story with a predetermined, tragic end, speaks volumes about its effectiveness.

Persona 3: The Unrelenting Weight of Mortality

Securing the third spot is Persona 3, a title that stands out for its mature themes and grim narrative. Unlike many RPGs that focus on defeating a singular evil, Persona 3’s story is a constant meditation on mortality, loss, and the nature of life itself. The game introduces the concept of facing a new boss every month, with the team forced to confront the harsh reality of their mission and the sacrifices required. The ending of Persona 3 is perhaps one of the most poignant and bittersweet in all of gaming. It’s not a tale of a hero riding into the sunset, but one of a character fulfilling their ultimate purpose, leaving a legacy behind while making the ultimate sacrifice. This profound and emotional conclusion ensures its place on any list of the saddest RPGs.

Other Noteworthy Mentions

The poll’s list of the top 40 saddest RPGs features several other titles that have left a lasting impact on players.

• Nier: Automata: The game’s multiple endings, each revealing a new layer of tragedy and existential despair, have made it a modern classic. The stories of 2B, 9S, and A2 are filled with loss and sacrifice, leaving players with a sense of profound sadness.
• Mother 3: While not officially released in the West, this GBA title has a cult following. Its whimsical art style hides a deeply emotional and dark story, with an ending that is famously heartbreaking.
• Dragon Quest XI: While generally a more lighthearted series, the 11th main entry has a surprising emotional depth. The story’s unexpected twists and the sacrifices of its beloved characters have made it a tear-jerker for many fans.
• Final Fantasy IX: The ninth installment is often praised for its classic, high-fantasy tone, but it’s also a game with a surprising amount of tragedy. The final moments of certain characters, particularly the aether-based farewell, have brought many players to tears.

The poll’s results highlight a common thread: the saddest RPGs are often those that force players to confront uncomfortable truths about life, loss, and the nature of sacrifice. While the Final Fantasy series clearly holds a special place in the hearts of gamers for its tragic storytelling, the presence of titles like Persona 3 and Nier: Automata proves that the genre’s ability to evoke powerful emotions is not limited to a single franchise. These games, and many others, show that the true power of an RPG often lies not in its epic battles, but in its ability to tell a story that will stick with you long after the credits have rolled.