A new poll has revealed gamers’ picks for the saddest RPGs of all time, and unsurprisingly, the Final Fantasy franchise is leading the way when it comes to heart-wrenching storytelling. While the RPG genre has always been known for its deep narratives and emotional stakes, these results show just how much tragic storytelling resonates with players. The poll, conducted by Japanese website Dengeki Famico Gamer, received more than 4,700 responses and included at least 40 different RPGs. The overwhelming trend? Final Fantasy remains the king of emotional storytelling, with multiple entries across the top 40.
🎮 The Top 10 Saddest RPGs of All Time (Voted by Players)
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Final Fantasy X – 498 votes
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Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII – 289 votes
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Persona 3 – 245 votes
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Okami – 211 votes
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Mother 3 – 208 votes
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Tales of the Abyss – 207 votes
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Dragon Quest XI – 164 votes
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Final Fantasy IX – 161 votes
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Suikoden II – 158 votes
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Final Fantasy XV – 154 votes
💔 Why Final Fantasy Tops the List
It’s no surprise that Final Fantasy X claimed the crown. With more than 10% of the overall votes, the emotional journey of Tidus and Yuna continues to resonate even 24 years after its original release in 2001. The story balances romance, sacrifice, and the tragic relationship between Tidus and his father Jecht (who becomes the embodiment of Sin). For many gamers, Final Fantasy X remains the pinnacle of tragic RPG storytelling.
Other Final Fantasy entries that broke players’ hearts include:
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Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2nd place) – Zack Fair’s tragic fate remains one of gaming’s most unforgettable endings.
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Final Fantasy IX (8th place) – Its bittersweet themes of identity and mortality left fans emotional.
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Final Fantasy XV (10th place) – The Brotherhood’s journey, capped with a heartbreaking finale, hit fans especially hard.
Beyond the top 10, Final Fantasy XIV, Type-0, Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy XVI, and Final Fantasy V all appeared in the top 40, proving the franchise’s unmatched reputation for emotional storytelling.
🌟 Beyond Final Fantasy: Other Heartbreaking RPGs
While Square Enix’s juggernaut franchise dominated the poll, other RPGs also left deep emotional scars on players:
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Persona 3 (3rd) – A story about life, death, and sacrifice, cementing its place as one of the most emotional Persona titles.
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Okami (4th) – A mix of beauty and tragedy wrapped in Japanese folklore.
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Mother 3 (5th) – Famous for its gut-wrenching story of family, loss, and survival.
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Suikoden II (9th) – A political and emotional epic that remains beloved decades later.
🎭 Why Sad RPGs Leave a Lasting Impact
Sad stories in RPGs resonate because of their ability to create deep player attachment. Unlike movies, RPGs give players dozens—sometimes hundreds—of hours with their characters, making their losses and sacrifices even more devastating. These emotional connections are what elevate RPGs from simple games to unforgettable storytelling experiences.
The saddest RPGs of all time prove that video games can move us just as deeply as books and films. With Final Fantasy dominating the charts, it’s clear that gamers value stories that make them cry just as much as ones that make them cheer. Whether it’s Tidus and Yuna’s heartbreaking romance or Zack Fair’s tragic last stand, these moments stay with players long after the credits roll.
If you’re ready to dive into these emotional masterpieces, just remember—keep a box of tissues close.