In addition to sprawling maps for players to explore, open-world games also tend to give fans satisfying levels of freedom in how they approach their titles. Character morality typically plays a role of some sort in open-world games, particularly RPGs. Sometimes, choices even affect the ending of the main narrative.
Open-world titles that incorporate multiple endings offer yet another reason to reexperience the game from a new perspective. Not every game with multiple endings, however, manages to pull off this feature creatively. The following open-world titles are by no means the only examples that provide multiple endings, although they tend to stand out from the pack.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
6 Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is the ultimate open-world, gunslinger Western. Coming off the heels of its critically-acclaimed predecessor, RDR 2 boasts a gargantuan map filled to the brim with optional activities and side quests. Unlike the first game in the franchise, RDR 2 incorporates multiple endings depending on Arthur Morgan's morality.
There are four endings to Arthur's story that hinges on whether the player decides to go back for the money or help John Marston's family, in addition to how honorable/dishonorable Arthur has behaved up until that point. The "bad" endings are suitably brutal, while the "good" endings see Arthur achieve a peaceful, bittersweet death.
5 Mafia 3
Mafia 3 is the first game in the vaunted franchise that incorporates a fully immersive open world for players to explore. The game takes place in 1960s New Bordeaux, a setting heavily inspired by New Orleans. The protagonist, Lincoln Clay, ultimately achieves the revenge he seeks against the city's rival gangsters, though the game's final ending can play out in several variants.
Lincoln can decide to leave New Bordeaux altogether and abandon his life of crime. Alternatively, he can decide to rule the city alongside his surviving lieutenants or double-cross them to rule alone. Lincoln can be as ruthless or honorable as the player makes him, so each ending can potentially work within the wider narrative.
4 Grand Theft Auto 5
Grand Theft Auto 5 is still the most recent mainline entry in Rockstar's incredibly popular franchise. Departing from the series' usual convention, GTA 5 includes three playable protagonists, each possessing their own wildly different personalities. Although Grand Theft Auto 4 also had multiple endings, revolving around the choice to either get revenge or make a deal, the choices are a bit more compelling in GTA 5.
Toward the end of the game, Franklin is given three options regarding his erstwhile friends - he can either kill Michael or Trevor...or decide to embark on a death wish and team up with his criminal compatriots. The latter ending is invariably the happy one and no doubt represents the most popular choice when it comes time for players to decide.
3 Fallout New Vegas
Unlike Oblivion or Skyrim, the endings to the main narratives in the Fallout games can be very different depending on the player's decisions. When it comes to ending variety, it's hard to beat Fallout New Vegas. The protagonist, known simply as the Courier, plays a pivotal role in which faction ends up ruling the Mojave Wasteland.
Players can have the democratic New California Republic incorporate New Vegas and its environs under its burgeoning umbrella. If good morals don't bother the player, they can ensure Caesar's Legion emerges victorious. Supporting the enigmatic Mr. House in his quest to solidify his control over the territory is another option. Of course, the most self-serving ending involves players ruling New Vegas themselves!
2 The Witcher 3
When it comes to epic fantasy RPGs, players don't have to look much further than The Witcher 3. As monster hunter extraordinaire Geralt of Rivia, fans have the opportunity to explore a highly immersive landscape bursting with charm and intrigue. In addition, Geralt's interactions with other important characters can affect the ending of the main story.
Depending on how Geralt interacts with Ciri, the latter can either perish, ascend the throne as the new empress of Nilfgaard, or become a Witcher like her surrogate father. Furthermore, Geralt's choice of love interest hinges on who he decided to romance throughout the game, either Triss, Yennefer, or neither.
1 Elden Ring
Elden Ring is FromSoftware's latest entry, allowing players the chance to explore the deadly Lands Between in their quest to become the new Elden Lord. Of course, becoming the new Elden Lord is just the tip of the iceberg, as multiple finales are available. As always, each ending is affected by the decisions fans made along the way.
Through their actions, players can bring about six unique conclusions that have a marked impact on the Lands Between. Four of the endings involve becoming the new Elden Lord in an Age of Fracture, Order, Despair, or Duskborn. The Tarnished can also become the Lord of Frenzied Flame or bring about the Age of Stars. How's that for multiple endings?