Heavy Rain: The 11 Best Endings In the Game (And How To Get Them)
Heavy Rain isn't your mom's murder mystery. This cinematic adventure game is the second release by Quantic Dream. The game takes players on a psychologically thrilling ride as they investigate the identity of the ruthless Origami Killer. Players work through the game as four separate characters, each with unique motivations. Each character has a set of possible endings based on player choices making the game unique. Not all endings found their place with fans. These ten endings hit the mark. Here's how to get each one.
10 Unpunished
For some, the best endings are the most brutal. There is a certain dark satisfaction in watching the bad guy win. If a villain is charismatic enough, they can even win over their supporters. The Origami Killer doesn't exactly have a fan club, but that doesn't stop lovers of a genuinely hopeless story from enjoying this ending for Scott. We watch helplessly as he walks through a crowded street. We know he'll never face retribution for his atrocities. For this ending to be unlocked, Lauren must die. The killer must also escape.
9 A Mother's Revenge
Vengeance is a popular end to any murder mystery. The more emotionally charged the murder, the more satisfying justice is. In this epilogue, Lauren approaches Shelby with her evidence against him. She knows none of the victim's families ever hired him to investigate. She fulfills her promise to her son and shoots Shelby in the head. A Mother's Revenge feels good because we watch the victim empower herself and get closure. This ending can only be reached if Shaun is not rescued, but both Lauren and Scott must survive.
8 Innocent
Wrongfully accused Ethan is exonerated when his innocence is proven. He's immediately released from prison. Shaun survives to greet his father whom he is happy to reunite with. Grace offers Ethan a sincere apology. She leaves Shaun and Ethan alone to talk. To unlock this ending, Ethan must reject Madison, and she must survive. You must make it to the final warehouse and Shaun must survive. Kill Shelby and let Ethan get arrested.
7 Heroine
This is one of Madison's best endings. She not only survives, but she also thrives. After rescuing Shaun, Madison captures her experiences in a book titled Heavy Rain. She's praised as a hero and makes an appearance on a talk show. At a book signing for Heavy Rain, Madison signs a copy for a man named Vincent. He tells her what she needs is a more ferocious adversary. He vanishes before she can look back up at him. This ending provides closure for those who want nothing but the best but teases at a future thriller too. Ethan must reject Madison's kiss, Madison must live and Shaun must be rescued to unlock this ending.
6 A New Start
Ethan and Shaun are the focus of this emotional and optimistic ending. The pair are looking for their next home and planning their future as a family. Ethan tells him he'll never let anything come between them again, they'll be together forever. In the end, Shaun mischievously teases his dad. Ethan chases after him playfully. The hope and love in this ending make it a feel-good conclusion that neatly wraps up the story. There are no loose ends; a family is closer than ever before and the future looks bright. Ethan must be free, Shaun must be rescued and Madison must be dead or rejected to see this epilogue.
5 Resignation
For Norman, this is one of the best endings. Shawn is saved and both Norman and Ethan survive the ordeal. He's unable to deal with not solving the murders. He feels like he broke his code and got too close to the investigation. Norman decides to leave behind his career in the FBI for a normal life. Norman leaves behind his ARI stating it won't help him in the real world and It's implied he kicks his drug habit too making this a very happy ending. Unlocking this ending involves Shawn surviving and Jayden either giving up on the last puzzle or accusing the wrong person. If you can pull this off you will unlock this ending.
4 Origami's Grave
Heavy Rain is a dark game with very little joy or happiness. In a scenario as dark as the main plot, closure is as close to happiness as some characters can ever get. If Shaun is not rescued Lauren has an ending that brings little solace but feels so good. Scott will have to be killed for this ending to be possible. Lauren survives and visits Scott's grave. She curses his name for his evil deeds and spits on his grave. This final act of dishonor against Scott provides closure.
3 Case Closed
Norman has a couple of happy endings. This version sees him remain in the FBI where he's revered as a hero. He's recognized for his contributions and finds peace. To experience this ending, players must keep Norman alive. Beyond mere survival, he must also solve the puzzle and reach the final warehouse in time. Shawn must survive the game as well. Make it to the final warehouse and ensure Shawn is unharmed to unlock this feel-good ending for Norman.
2 A New Life
This is arguably one of the best endings in the game. Each character walks away from this ending alive and well. Ethan, Shawn, and Madison move into a new apartment together at peace. They sleep well at night knowing the origami killer is dead. Shawn is thriving and happy, and the plot is nicely tied up. To reach this perfect scenario, Ethan, Shawn, and Madison must survive. He must also avoid being arrested. Madison must forgive Ethan and the pair must kiss in "On The Loose". The puzzle must be solved and the final warehouse reached. Meet all of those conditions and you'll be rewarded with a fairytale ending.
1 Uploaded
Not all great endings are happy. In this epilogue, Norman does not survive. Carter Blake is invited to his funeral by Captain Perry. Blake declines. Perry seems to understand and he offers to let Blake keep Norman's ARI glasses. Once inside the virtual environment, Blake finds a likeness of Norman. He immediately realizes that his consciousness must have somehow been uploaded to the virtual world. This twist adds a science-fiction flare to a classic mystery game. To see this ending Norman must die.
