Stray, often referred to as the “Annapurna cat game,” offers a rich tab of lore and worldbuilding. The story immerses players in a science-fiction setting, depicting a dystopian city inhabited by robots. After completing the game, players might find themselves seeking clarification on the somewhat abrupt ending of Stray.
As you go through the game, various questions arise, but since your character is a cat that communicates solely through meows, the delivery of exposition becomes challenging, particularly toward the conclusion.
Momo guides the way as the cat pursues its quest for freedom (Photo: Stray/Annapurna Animation)When the ending finally arrives, it leaves several questions unanswered. To assist with this, our guide to explaining the Stray ending explores all the events leading up to and including the final cutscene. Be warned that major spoilers lie ahead, so turn back if you haven’t finished playing.
The Control Room Revelation
Upon reaching the control room in Stray and activating the computers, players gain access to the outside world once more. However, this moment comes at a cost, as your drone companion B-12 sacrifices itself to help you open the escape route. With B-12 gone, the only character that could communicate with you directly is lost.
In the concluding cutscene, after exiting through the subway door, the protagonist cat steps into a bright light surrounded by greenery, pausing to glance back at the camera. This moment suggests that the stray cat has finally found its way outside and may reunite with the feline friends it lost at the beginning of the game.
The Path to Freedom
Supporting this interpretation is Momo from the Slums, who directs you toward a group known as The Outsiders. This trio of robots aims to break free from the confines of the walled city and return to the outside world.
While the game’s ending may feel abrupt and lacking in details, it is reasonable to infer that the cat successfully accomplished its mission of escaping and is now safely back with its friends. Perhaps further insights will emerge in a potential sequel to Stray.
