One way could be that a scientist discovers a cure and manages to spread it through the air, turning all the zombies back to normal humans. It's a positive and unexpected end that gives hope.
Perhaps the main character sacrifices themselves to destroy the source of the zombie outbreak. For example, they find the place where the virus was created and blow it up, taking out all the zombies in the process. This is a heroic and somewhat tragic end. Well, in this case, the main character becomes a martyr to save the rest of the world. It shows great courage and self - lessness, and it also gives a sense of finality to the story as the root of the problem is eliminated.
The zombies could suddenly evolve into a more intelligent form but then decide to leave the humans alone and migrate to a different area. This would be an interesting twist as it goes against the typical 'humans must fight and destroy zombies' trope. It could also leave room for a possible sequel or just be a very thought - provoking ending.
A group of survivors could find a hidden, fortified place that is completely zombie - proof. They then start to rebuild society inside it, and the story ends with the implication that they will be okay. It's a simple but effective ending that gives a sense of safety and a new beginning.
Another good conclusion could be that the world is reset in a way. The zombies and humans both disappear, and a new species emerges. It could be a more evolved form of life that has learned from the mistakes of the past. This would be a very thought - provoking end to a zombie story.
A sad way to end a story is through separation. Like in a story about a family being torn apart by war or some other external force. The family members are scattered, and they may never see each other again. Another sad ending can be the loss of hope. When the protagonist, who has been fighting against all odds, finally gives up and succumbs to the despair. For instance, a character who has been trying to find a cure for a disease but realizes there is no hope left and just waits for death. And then there is the betrayal ending. Where a character who is trusted deeply by the protagonist turns out to be the one causing all the harm, and the protagonist is left alone and broken.
A bittersweet ending can be quite satisfying too. Maybe the hero has to sacrifice something important, like a relationship or a dream, in order to save the world or do the right thing. It adds depth to the story and makes it more memorable. It's not just a simple happy or sad ending, but a complex mix of emotions that can really resonate with the reader.
One way is with a twist. For example, the character who seemed to be the hero turns out to be the villain all along. This surprises the reader and makes them rethink the whole story.
You can end a story with a cliffhanger if you plan on writing a sequel. It keeps the readers interested and eager for more. However, this should be done carefully as it can also frustrate some readers if not handled well.
Another way is a cliffhanger ending. This leaves the reader in suspense and eager for more. For example, a detective is about to open a door where the mystery might be solved, but the story ends right there.
One funny way to end a story is with a sudden and unexpected role reversal. For example, if the story is about a detective chasing a criminal, at the end, the criminal could turn out to be the detective's long - lost twin who was just playing a prank all along. Another way is to have a completely absurd event occur. Say the story is about a group of friends on a camping trip, and at the end, a giant purple elephant flies down from the sky and offers them a ride home. Or you could end the story with a really bad pun. If the story involves a baker, the last line could be 'The baker kneaded a new start, and that's the end of our tart!'
One way is to end with a resolution. For example, if it's a mystery story, the detective finally solves the case and all the loose ends are tied up. This gives the reader a sense of closure.
Another way is an open - ended conclusion. This leaves the story unresolved to some extent. It can make the reader wonder about what might happen next. It gives the reader the freedom to imagine different scenarios for the characters. It's a great way for an author to engage the reader's creativity and keep them thinking about the story long after they've finished reading.