The Most Tragic Backstories in Video Game Lore

6 November 2025

Video games have an uncanny ability to transport us to fantastical worlds, immerse us in epic adventures, and introduce us to characters we can’t help but root for. But some of those characters come with stories so heartbreaking, so gut-wrenching, that they stick with us long after we’ve put the controller down. Tragic backstories are the foundation for many iconic characters—they give depth, motivation, and, sometimes, an edge that makes them unforgettable.

In this blog post, we’re diving deep into the world of video game lore to uncover some of the most heart-wrenching backstories to ever grace our screens. So grab some tissues—this one might get emotional.

Why Do Tragic Backstories Resonate So Deeply?

Before we dive into the characters, let’s take a moment to unpack why tragic backstories hit so hard. It’s because they’re relatable. Sure, we might not all be space bounty hunters or demon hunters (shoutout to Samus Aran and Dante), but loss, betrayal, and struggles with identity? That’s universal.

Tragic backstories also serve a purpose in storytelling. They explain why a character is the way they are—why they fight, why they push forward, and sometimes, why they break. It’s like peeling an onion: layers of pain, hurt, and resilience that reveal the core of the character.

1. Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy VII)

Ah, Aerith. Even decades after Final Fantasy VII came out, her story still devastates fans. Let’s not even get started on her shocking death—let’s backpedal to her origins, shall we?

Aerith is an Ancient, the last of the Cetra, a mystical race with a deep connection to the planet. Her life has been riddled with tragedy from the start. Her mother, Ifalna, was hunted and killed by the Shinra Corporation, leaving Aerith orphaned at a young age. She never got a chance at a normal life because Shinra constantly loomed over her like a dark shadow, seeking to exploit her powers.

What makes Aerith’s backstory so tragic is how she maintained her kindness despite the pain. She’s a beacon of hope in a dark, grim world, and when she’s ripped away from us, it feels like the planet itself loses its light.

2. Kratos (God of War)

Kratos isn’t just an angry dude with a penchant for yelling “BOY!” at his kid. His rage comes from a place of deep trauma.

The Ghost of Sparta was once a devoted servant of the gods, but his life took a horrifying turn when Ares, the god of war, tricked him into murdering his own wife and daughter. Let that sink in for a second—he literally carried out the most unthinkable act, and the guilt shredded his soul. The ashes of his family became bonded to his skin, which is why he’s covered in that haunting pale hue.

But it doesn’t stop there. As the series unfolds, Kratos keeps losing anyone he allows himself to care for. It’s like he’s cursed to be alone, battling his own demons while fighting literal gods. Talk about emotional baggage.

3. Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)

If you played Red Dead Redemption 2 and didn’t feel your heart break for Arthur Morgan, did you even play the game?

Arthur grew up in a world of violence and crime. He was essentially raised by Dutch van der Linde and became fiercely loyal to him. But as the game progresses, we see Arthur questioning his morals, grappling with betrayal, and ultimately facing his own mortality.

What truly makes Arthur’s story so tragic is his redemption arc. He knows the life he’s led is filled with mistakes, and he tries to make amends. Watching this rough outlaw transform into someone so selfless—often at the expense of his own health—hits you right in the gut. His death? Absolutely soul-crushing.

4. Ellie (The Last of Us Series)

Ellie is one of the most beloved characters in gaming, but her life has been anything but easy. Both her parents are absent, leaving her to navigate a post-apocalyptic world alone. As a teenager, she finds comfort in her best friend, Riley… only for both of them to get attacked by infected.

Now, here’s where it gets messy: Ellie survives because she’s immune. Riley doesn’t.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout The Last of Us and its sequel, Ellie is repeatedly haunted by loss. But what makes her story so devastating is how you see her morph from a hopeful, determined girl into someone battling bitterness, vengeance, and despair. It’s a slow spiral, and it’s almost impossible not to feel her pain every step of the way.

5. Max Payne (Max Payne Series)

No list of tragic backstories would be complete without Max Payne, the poster boy for sorrow and grief. Max starts off as a New York City cop with a picture-perfect life—a loving wife and a baby daughter. But all of that comes crashing down when he comes home to find his wife and child murdered by junkies on a designer drug called Valkyr.

From that point on, Max’s life is pretty much a cocktail of pain and revenge, with a heavy dose of noir aesthetic. He falls deeper into a world of crime and corruption, drowning his sorrows in booze and painkillers.

What makes Max’s story so haunting is how relatable his grief feels. It’s raw, messy, and unrelenting. You can’t help but feel like he’s a man constantly running from ghosts he’ll never outrun.

6. Hollow Knight (Hollow Knight)

Now, let’s get a little abstract. Hollow Knight is a game that thrives on mystery, but as you unravel its lore, you begin to realize just how tragic the game’s world really is.

The Knight themselves is a creation designed for a singular purpose: to contain a plague that threatens Hallownest. But here’s the kicker—they’re not the first. The Pale King (the ruler of Hallownest) tried this before with other vessels, each one doomed to fail. The player character is one of these many failed attempts, discarded and forgotten.

The entire game is steeped in melancholy. You’re exploring the ruins of a once-thriving kingdom, encountering characters who are holding on to hope by a thread. It’s a quiet, understated tragedy, but it’s there, and it lingers long after you’ve crossed the final threshold.

7. John Marston (Red Dead Redemption)

We couldn’t write this list without mentioning John Marston. Like Arthur Morgan, John has a deeply complex and tragic story, but his tragedy comes more from his attempts to escape a violent past.

John grew up in an abusive environment, joining Dutch’s gang at a young age. While he commits his share of crimes, he eventually seeks redemption, trying to carve out a better life for his family. But as we know, the past doesn’t let go easily. Despite all of his efforts, John can’t escape the sins of his former life.

The end of Red Dead Redemption is one of the most heartbreaking moments in gaming history. Watching John go down in a hail of bullets after trying so hard to set things right? Devastating.

Final Thoughts

Tragic backstories are more than just tear-jerking plot devices—they’re an essential part of what makes characters feel real. They remind us that even in fantastical worlds filled with dragons, spaceships, and supernatural powers, there’s a humanity that connects us all. We’ve all faced loss, hardship, and those soul-crushing moments where the world seems to be against us. And just like our favorite characters, we keep going.

So next time you’re playing a game and a character’s backstory makes your heart clench, take a moment to appreciate the depth that tragedy brings. It’s what makes their triumphs feel so much sweeter.