Some video games have a knack for surprising players by revealing their true potential long after the main storyline is completed. There’s something inherently thrilling about investing countless hours into a campaign, only to realize you’ve only scratched the surface. This exhilarating sentiment is a hallmark of many titles that embrace the concept of ‘endgame’ content.
Within the endgame phase, gamers encounter a series of additional challenges including secret bosses, intricate side plots, tougher difficulties, exclusive challenge modes, and expansive new territories. These features not only enhance the gameplay experience but also provide a deeper dive into the game’s universe, often transforming casual players into dedicated enthusiasts.
The increase in difficulty, coupled with enticing rewards, compounds the feeling of achievement and encourages players to push their limits. For those who relish overcoming formidable foes and uncovering every game mechanic, we present a curated list of phenomenal games that reveal their true essence after the main story concludes.
10 Borderlands 2
Become a True Vault Hunter
Borderlands 2 offers an engaging campaign, but it’s the Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode that truly elevates the experience. Here, players face increasingly tough enemies, unlock superior loot, and engage with daunting raid bosses. At this stage, players typically reach level 50, having mastered the gameplay dynamics, allowing for deeper customization of their Vault Hunter’s skills and a more strategic selection of weapons.
One of the standout features of this mode is the ability to reset and replay story missions at any time, granting total flexibility over gaming experiences. Particularly thrilling are the encounters with raid bosses, notoriously labeled as “invincible”due to their extreme difficulty, especially when tackled in collaboration with friends.
9 Path of Exile 2
Tip of the Iceberg
Though still in early access, Path of Exile 2 captivates players with its compelling post-campaign content, following in the footsteps of its predecessor. Upon reaching the endgame, players awaken in the Ziggurat Refuge and are presented with increasingly challenging missions against formidable bosses, restocking on powerful equipment, and maximizing their characters’ potential.
The stakes drastically rise, imposing a permanent death system where falling in battle results in the loss of 10% of your experience points. This innovative mechanic injects a fresh wave of excitement and urgency into gameplay. Best of all, the endgame holds even more possibilities, with ongoing updates from the developers enriching the experience.
8 Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
Dividing a Lot of Loot
Upon completing Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, players step into a world brimming with looter shooter opportunities that greatly enhance gameplay. The game offers an extensive range of activities from daily and weekly tasks to replaying dungeons and engaging in raids against more challenging bosses. This multitude of options allows players to delve deeper into crafting powerful builds.
One of the features that stands out is the exhilarating experience of the Dark Zone, a PvP area where players must navigate the risks of looting while contending with others who may steal hard-earned gear. This dynamic adds a thrilling layer of strategy and competition.
7 Terraria
Surviving Some Pixelated Threats
Your initial playthrough in Terraria can be quite challenging, often surprising newcomers with its depth, hidden behind charming pixel art. Yet, it’s in the endgame where the game truly expands. After defeating the Moon Lord, players enter a phase of item grinding, powerful armor crafting, and battling various optional bosses, granting them a god-like sense of empowerment in their sandbox world.
Replaying in Expert Mode provides a significantly tougher challenge, requiring an in-depth understanding of game mechanics to enhance survival chances. Defeating the Moon Lord again under these conditions brings an exhilarating sense of accomplishment.
6 Diablo 3
Give Me More Devilish Gear
The Diablo series is synonymous with engaging endgame content, and Diablo 3 exemplifies this concept. While its successor, Diablo 4, offers competitive features, the former maintains a potent addictiveness through its rewarding loot system, progressive skill enhancements, and rapid power scaling. It cleverly enhances the gaming loop by rewarding players with constant engagement and motivation to grind.
The advancement is smooth, complemented by the presence of competitive leaderboards, transforming gear grinding into a more meaningful endeavor.
5 Final Fantasy XIV
Hold My Chocobo
Final Fantasy XIV distinctly showcases a main campaign that primarily serves as an introduction to the game’s vast offerings. While early missions establish vital mechanics and narratives, the real thrill is found in endgame activities like Savage Raids, Extreme Trials, and the pursuit of collectibles or racing Chocobos. The game thrives on allowing players to sculpt their own experiences, driven by the diversity of content available beyond the story.
This adaptability is a cornerstone of its enduring popularity, nurturing a passionate and loyal community.
4 Pokémon Gold & Silver
We Will Always Have Kanto
Nostalgia drives my assertion that Pokémon Gold & Silver marked my initial leap into “endgame territory” long before the term was widespread. After conquering the Johto region and the Elite Four, players might believe their journey has concluded. However, it surprises them with the unlocking of the Kanto region, presenting an additional eight gyms and the chance to face off against the iconic character Red high atop Mt. Silver.
This enchanting twist gives players one of the most memorable experiences in gaming history.
3 No Man’s Sky
Safe Travels, Traveler
No Man’s Sky offers a vast playground of exploration, where players can indulge their curiosity without fear of boredom. With endless possibilities like building bases, upgrading starships, engaging in bustling intergalactic commerce, and learning every language, the endgame content is designed for freedom and fun. The game continues to evolve thanks to its dedicated community and the consistent updates provided by Hello Games, ensuring that players remain engaged.
2 Monster Hunter World
Saving People, Hunting Things
In the Monster Hunter series, the main story often serves as a tutorial for what lies ahead, with Monster Hunter World notably bridging the franchise to a more mainstream audience. The endgame presents intricate challenges where players can collaborate with friends, crafting diverse strategies that enhance gameplay dynamics and promote a sense of camaraderie.
1 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Here We Go Again
Why limit yourself to merely finishing the main storyline in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim when the world offers so much more? The game equips players with immense freedom to explore Nordic crypts, battle undead foes, delve into the lore of dragon cults, and even engage in relationships with characters like Aela. Once players surpass level 40, they attain powerful abilities that enhance exploration and creativity, allowing for imaginative play and role-playing opportunities.
In essence, Skyrim exemplifies how a game can genuinely flourish in its endgame, reinforcing the idea that the most memorable experiences stem from the player’s own creativity and decisions. This makes it the clear frontrunner in showcasing unparalleled endgame possibilities.
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