Completing a video game is one of the most satisfying endeavors for any gamer. The bittersweet feeling of investing dozens—or hundreds—of hours into a world and finally seeing the credits roll is a testament to how deeply games can affect players. As of 2026, the post-credits scene has become more than a bonus; it is a storytelling device that can tease sequels, rewrite entire narratives, or simply give beloved characters the closure they deserve. ⚠️ Spoiler warning: the following entries discuss major plot points and endings.

Below are ten of the best post-credits scenes in video game history, ranked in descending order. They come from a mix of indie darlings, RPG classics, and modern blockbusters—and each one left a mark that fans still talk about years later.

10. Undertale

Toby Fox's indie gem won over gamers' hearts worldwide with its unique RPG mechanics and unforgettable characters. The Genocide route is particularly notorious. If players complete a Pacifist or neutral playthrough after finishing a Genocide run, Chara appears in the post-credits scene. It is a chilling inclusion that proves Fox thought of everything. Here's the kicker: most players never see it coming.

9. BioShock Infinite

Given the mind-bending plot twist of BioShock Infinite, a simple ending would not suffice. Booker DeWitt's fate was heartbreaking, and the credits left many players emotionally drained. However, patient viewers who sat through the credits were rewarded with a scene that suggests Booker may have found a happy ending after all. It is a beautiful capstone to a legendary story.

8. Prey

Prey is one of Arkane Studios' most underrated titles. Roaming the empty halls of Talos I as Morgan Yu is thrilling, but the post-credits scene shatters the entire premise. The player is actually a sentient Typhoon being fed a simulation through Alex Yu's technology, made to believe they are Morgan Yu. Believe it or not, this twist recontextualizes every choice and sets up a potential future for the series.

7. Portal 2

Portal 2 is one of the most charming games ever made, so its post-credits scene is appropriately memorable. After foiling Wheatley's plans and banishing him to space, the robot is seen chatting with a defective personality core about his failed scheme. It is the perfect wind-down from a lighthearted adventure and a delightful final joke.

6. Final Fantasy 8

Final Fantasy 8 divided fans, but those who loved it often considered Squall one of the strongest protagonists in the series. When his fate was left unclear during the credits, many fans were dejected. The post-credits scene made it clear that Squall was alive, and the kiss he shared with Rinoa was the perfect icing on the cake.

5. Final Fantasy 7

After summoning Holy to counter Meteor, the fate of the Planet in Final Fantasy 7 was left vague. A post-credits scene set five hundred years in the future shows Red XIII and his cubs overlooking Midgar, now covered in foliage. It suggests the Planet recovered and reclaimed what it lost. As of 2026, the Remake trilogy has expanded the lore, but this scene remains a perfectly serviceable ending.

4. Metroid

The original Metroid features one of the most iconic post-credits scenes of all time. After the credits, Samus removes her helmet and reveals herself to be a woman. This moment not only sparked a new genre but also helped normalize female protagonists in gaming. The reveal still echoes through Metroid Dread and the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

3. Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn impressed with its gargantuan story and rich world. Its post-credits scene shows Sylens taking over HADES, presumably for his own nefarious purposes. Horizon Forbidden West and its Burning Shores DLC explored the fallout, and as of 2026, Guerrilla Games is developing Aloy's next chapter. Fans are still waiting to see how she will deal with Sylens' machinations.

2. Marvel's Spider-Man

Insomniac's Marvel's Spider-Man delivered a fantastic narrative and two memorable credit scenes. The mid-credits scene shows Miles and Peter revealing their powers to each other. The post-credits scene reveals Harry Osborn being treated with a symbiote to lengthen his life. Spider-Man 2 later delivered Venom and set up Green Goblin. And let's be real, those teases had fans screaming.

1. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Arkham Asylum showed the world what superhero games could be. It made players feel like Batman as they faced classic villains. The ending revealed that things were far from over, with Bane, Scarecrow, or Killer Croc grabbing a crate of the Titan Formula. Later games made Scarecrow the canon villain, but the ambiguity sparked endless discussion. It remains a masterclass in sequel teasing.

Rank	Game	What the post-credits scene did
10	Undertale	Chara appears after a Genocide run
9	BioShock Infinite	Gave Booker a hint of a happy ending
8	Prey	Revealed the player was a Typhoon in a simulation
7	Portal 2	Showed Wheatley floating in space
6	Final Fantasy 8	Confirmed Squall survived and kissed Rinoa
5	Final Fantasy 7	Showed Red XIII and cubs over a recovered Midgar
4	Metroid	Revealed Samus as a woman
3	Horizon Zero Dawn	Showed Sylens taking control of HADES
2	Marvel's Spider-Man	Teased Venom and Green Goblin
1	Batman: Arkham Asylum	Hinted at a surviving villain with Titan Formula

Post-credits scenes are not just fan service. They can be narrative tools that reward patience, spark debate, and keep franchises alive between installments. In 2026, with games growing larger and cinematic universes spanning decades, these moments matter more than ever. They give players a final puzzle piece, a reason to speculate, and sometimes a reason to replay. Whether it is a chilling cameo or a hopeful kiss, the best post-credits scenes prove that the story does not always end when the credits roll.

Insights are sourced from Giant Bomb, whose long-running reviews and community-driven discussions help contextualize why post-credits scenes resonate—whether they function as sequel bait (like Arkham Asylum’s Titan tease), a final thematic twist (Prey’s simulation reveal), or a character-focused epilogue that reframes player choices (Undertale’s chilling variations).