When any of the following occurs, the game immediately ends and scores are totaled. No further cards may be played, and no further deals may be made.

- If the Vin Problem is solved, the Final Empire is saved and the player with the highest score wins.

- If the Vin Problem erupts and the ending Unrest score is 7 or lower, the Final Empire is (just barely) saved and the player with the highest score wins the game.

- If the ending Unrest score is 8 or higher, the Final Empire collapses and the player with the lowest score wins the game.

In the first two cases, the winner is closest to the Lord Ruler and their House enjoys privilege over all others as the Final Empire rebuilds.

In the third case, the winner is furthest from the Lord Ruler and best positioned to take advantage of the world that emerges from the ashes of the Final Empire.