JRPGs with Multiple Endings: Are You Missing Out?

14 February 2025

When it comes to gaming, few genres capture the imagination quite like Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). With their deep stories, colorful characters, and wildly creative worlds, it's no wonder fans sink dozens—if not hundreds—of hours into their adventures. But there's a unique feature of some JRPGs that often goes underappreciated: multiple endings. And honestly, if you're not diving into these, you're leaving some of the best experiences on the table.

So, let’s talk. What’s the deal with JRPGs offering multiple endings, and why do they even matter? Grab your favorite sword, staff, or time-bending artifact, because we’re jumping headfirst into this topic.

What Are Multiple Endings (And Why Do They Matter)?

First thing’s first—what are multiple endings? Simply put, these are games where your actions, decisions, or even the order in which you do things can lead to completely different outcomes. You might get a "good" ending, a "bad" ending, or even a secret "true" ending that demands you jump through hoops you didn’t even know existed.

But why does it matter? Because multiple endings crank up the replayability and let you own your story. Unlike linear games where everyone ends up with the same conclusion, games with multiple endings give you the feeling that your choices genuinely shape the world. It's like when you're watching a movie and wishing the protagonist had chosen the other love interest or taken the darker path. In JRPGs, you can actually live out those choices.

Let’s be real, how many games have you played where the ending left you feeling underwhelmed or wondering, "What if…?" Multiple endings answer that "what if" and then some.

Why JRPGs Are Perfect for Multiple Endings

Look, JRPGs and multiple endings go together like chocobos and greens. Why? Because JRPGs thrive on complex storytelling and player-invested characters. You're not just playing a game; you're being sucked into a full-fledged world with politics, mysteries, and emotional stakes.

These games often pride themselves on giving you a massive cast of characters with personal arcs and intricate relationships. Naturally, the outcome of the story should depend on how you interact with these characters. Did you bond enough with that quiet loner in the party to unlock their ultimate ability and change their fate? Did you promise the wrong NPC you’d help them, only to find out later they were tied to the Big Bad? These kinds of choices scream for multiple endings.

And let’s not forget—JRPG fans love digging into the details. Finding secret bosses, hidden collectibles, and lore breadcrumbs is part of the experience. Adding multiple endings to the mix gives players even more incentive to pay attention, experiment, and replay the game.

Iconic JRPGs with Multiple Endings You Shouldn't Miss

Now, if you’re still on the fence about whether diving into a JRPG with multiple endings is worth it, let me hit you with some examples. These are the masterpieces that nail the concept so well, they’ve become legends in the gaming world.

1. Chrono Trigger

If we’re talking about multiple endings in JRPGs, we have to start with Chrono Trigger. This classic SNES title didn’t just pioneer the idea—it perfected it. Depending on when and how you confront the game’s big baddie, Lavos, the ending can take wildly different directions. We're talking about 13 unique endings, ranging from heartwarming to straight-up bizarre.

But here's why it's genius: the game actively encourages you to replay it through its "New Game+" feature, where you keep your gear and levels from your previous playthrough. It’s like the developers knew you’d be itching to see what other surprises the game had up its sleeve.

2. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is another heavy hitter in the multiple endings department. While the base game had a few outcomes, Royal raised the stakes with an additional semester of gameplay, new characters, and a true ending that requires you to make very specific choices.

Here's the kicker—getting the "bad" ending can really sting. One wrong move, and you could be handing the world over to its doom because you trusted the wrong person or failed to embrace your friendships. Talk about pressure, right?

But when you do manage to unlock the true ending? Oh, it feels like you've conquered the world. Few games balance emotional payoffs this well.

3. NieR: Automata

There’s no way we can skip NieR: Automata. This game doesn’t just have multiple endings—it has 26 of them. That’s right, one for every letter of the alphabet. While some are joke endings (like accidentally self-destructing halfway through the story), others completely transform your understanding of the game’s narrative.

The brilliance of NieR: Automata is that the "real" ending isn’t even accessible until you’ve played through multiple perspectives. It’s not just about reaching the conclusion—it’s about experiencing the entire journey in different ways. The game truly challenges what you think an “ending” even means.

4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

In Fire Emblem: Three Houses, your decisions about which house to align with drastically change the narrative. Each house has its own story arc, unique characters, and endings. And depending on how you build relationships with your students, you might unlock deeper character moments—or miss them entirely.

The beauty here is in the moral gray areas. Not every ending feels "clean," and you’ll be left questioning whether you made the right call. But that’s the point—not every hero's journey needs a fairytale conclusion.

Are You Missing Out?

If you’ve been sticking to linear RPGs and shying away from games with multiple endings, you’re absolutely missing out. Let’s break it down.

1. Replay Value: Games with multiple endings aren’t just a one-and-done deal. They beg to be replayed, rewarding you with fresh perspectives and unexpected twists every time.

2. Story Depth: There’s something magical about knowing that your choices carry weight. It’s like being handed the script to your favorite movie and getting to rewrite the final scenes.

3. Challenge: Be honest—you love a good challenge, don’t you? Getting the "true" ending in some JRPGs can feel like solving a puzzle. It pushes you to explore every nook and cranny and think critically about your choices.

4. Emotional Investment: Multiple endings connect you deeper to the characters and the story. When you’re the one calling the shots, the journey becomes personal. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you might even rage-quit (before booting it up again five minutes later).

The Risks of Avoiding Multiple Endings

Now, I get it—diving into a game with multiple endings can feel overwhelming. Who has time to replay a 60+ hour game just to see what happens if you pick a different dialogue option? But here’s the thing: skipping multiple endings is like ordering a tasting menu and only eating the appetizer. Sure, it’s fine, but why settle for “fine” when you could have a full-course experience?

The real risk here isn’t “wasting time”—it’s missing out on the magic of discovering how differently a story can unfold. And honestly, if you’ve already invested hours into leveling up and mastering combat, what’s a few more hours to see the full payoff?

How to Start Your Journey

If you’re ready to dive into JRPGs with multiple endings, the best advice I can give is to start small. Go for a game like Chrono Trigger—it’s not as time-consuming as modern JRPGs, and it’s a masterclass in how to handle branching endings. From there, work your way toward the more ambitious titles, like NieR: Automata or Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Also, don’t be afraid to save-scum. Many JRPGs with multiple endings rely on specific choices, so keeping a save file handy before big decisions is your best bet for avoiding frustration. And remember: it’s not about "beating" the game—it’s about immersing yourself in its possibilities.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, multiple endings in JRPGs aren’t just a gimmick—they’re an invitation. They invite you to dig deeper, to question your decisions, and to forge your own path. Whether it's saving the world, destroying it, or something in between, the choice is yours. So, are you missing out? If you haven’t given these games a shot, then yeah, you are. But hey, the good news is you can change that right now.