Navigating the Multiple Endings of Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Call of Duty: Black Ops II is renowned for its gripping narrative and, crucially, its non-linear gameplay featuring multiple endings. But just how many conclusions can you reach in this iconic title? The answer is complex and depends on how you define an “ending.” Officially, there are six core ending sequences, each dramatically altered by the player’s choices throughout the campaign. However, these endings can be further nuanced by subtle variations, giving a sense of a much wider scope of possible conclusions. Therefore, depending on what criteria you use to define an ending, you could argue for either 6, or 8, or even more, endings given all the possible outcomes.
The Six Core Endings
These six endings branch based on crucial choices made by the player, primarily revolving around the fate of Raul Menendez, the game’s main antagonist, and the survival of key characters such as Alex Mason, David “Section” Mason, Chloe “Karma” Lynch, and Farid.
Here’s a breakdown of the core endings:
- Menendez Captured, Chloe Survives: This is often considered the “best” ending, where the player successfully captures Menendez during the “Judgement Day” mission. The most common way to get this ending is to avoid killing Menendez, ensure Karma survives and is rescued on the USS Obama, and avoid having Farid die.
- Menendez Captured, Chloe Dies: A less favorable outcome of the previous ending. Menendez is still captured, but Chloe is killed either on the USS Obama or in a prior mission. This can happen if you fail to save Karma during the “Second Chance” mission, for instance.
- Menendez Killed, Cordis Die Martyr, Chloe Survives: In this ending, Section shoots Menendez, leading to him becoming a martyr for the Cordis Die movement, which could potentially stir up global chaos. Chloe’s survival provides a small comfort.
- Menendez Killed, Cordis Die Martyr, Chloe Dies: This ending is similar to the previous one in that Menendez is killed and becomes a martyr, but Chloe dies during the course of the game.
- Menendez Captured, Menendez Video Broadcast, Chloe Survives: In this ending, Menendez is captured, but Menendez’s video is still broadcast, further instigating chaos and unrest. This ending is obtained by having Chloe survive but failing to capture Menendez before the broadcast is aired.
- Menendez Captured, Menendez Video Broadcast, Chloe Dies: In this ending, Menendez is captured, and the video is broadcast, while Chloe dies during the course of the game.
These core endings demonstrate the impact of player choices on the narrative’s outcome, emphasizing the game’s branching storyline.
Nuances within the Endings
While the six scenarios provide a general picture, the actual experience is far more granular. The fates of characters like Harper and DeFalco and choices regarding whether to kill Kravchenko or search the compound all contribute to the overall experience, changing the tone and specifics of each ending. For example:
- Harper’s Fate: Allowing Harper to get burned in the “Fallen Angel” mission results in dialogue changes, and his disfigurement is mentioned in future scenes.
- DeFalco’s Fate: If DeFalco is killed during the “Colossus” mission, he won’t appear again later, influencing the “Achilles Veil” mission.
- Farid’s Fate: If the player allows Farid to die by shooting Harper, Farid will not be present during the attack on the USS Obama, significantly impacting the sequence of events.
- Kravchenko’s Fate: Killing Kravchenko affects the mission’s flow and slightly changes later dialogues.
These choices act as tiny levers that change how the overall narrative unfolds, adding weight and consequence to the player’s decisions.
The Canonical Ending
The canonical ending, which is the one considered the true ending within the Black Ops storyline, is that David shoots Menendez, making him a martyr for Cordis Die. This ending is referenced in subsequent Call of Duty games and narratives. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t negate the validity or impact of the other endings players can experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Black Ops 2 different in terms of endings?
Black Ops 2 is known for its branching narrative and the significant impact of player choices. Unlike many other Call of Duty titles, your decisions truly change how the story unfolds and the ultimate fate of key characters.
2. Does the “best” ending truly exist?
While the ending where Menendez is captured and Chloe survives is often considered the most positive, it is subjective. Each ending has a different impact, reflecting the complex nature of war and its consequences. The “best” ending is ultimately what you prefer.
3. How do I ensure Chloe (Karma) survives?
To ensure Chloe’s survival, you must save her in the “Second Chance” mission and ensure DeFalco is killed or neutralized before the attack on the USS Obama.
4. What happens if I kill Menendez?
Killing Menendez results in him becoming a martyr for the Cordis Die movement. This can have significant negative implications for the world and trigger further conflicts and civil unrest.
5. Can I stop DeFalco from escaping?
Yes, you can stop DeFalco from escaping. Sniping him on the walkway during “Colossus” will immediately end the mission. You can also catch up to him and engage in a shootout before he boards his plane.
6. How does Harper’s fate impact the game?
Harper’s fate affects some dialogue and cinematic sequences but doesn’t change the core ending. Saving his face just adds a more positive tone for the rest of the game.
7. Who is the bad guy in Black Ops 2?
The primary antagonist in Black Ops 2 is Raul Menendez. He’s portrayed as a charismatic but ruthless leader with a vendetta against the United States and capitalist systems.
8. What is the “canon” ending in Black Ops 2?
The canon ending is that David (Section) shoots Menendez, which makes him a martyr for Cordis Die. This ending is referenced in subsequent titles and stories.
9. Is it better to capture or kill Menendez?
From a “best ending” point of view, capturing Menendez is usually better. Killing him makes him a martyr, which has negative consequences. However, the canonical ending sees Menendez killed. The “better” option is ultimately the one you prefer based on your understanding of the game.
10. Are Black Ops 2 and 3 connected?
Yes, Black Ops III takes place 40 years after the events of Black Ops II. The game is set in 2065 and addresses the consequences of technological advancements and global conflicts depicted in Black Ops II.
11. What happens if Farid dies?
If Farid dies, he won’t be present during the attack on the USS Obama, making the mission more challenging and impacting how the finale plays out. He is a key ally that protects Chloe from harm and helps her protect the ship.
12. What choices affect the ending the most?
The key choices that affect the ending are the decisions regarding Menendez’s fate, Chloe’s survival, and if Harper’s face is burned. The combination of these decisions leads to the major variations in the ending sequences.
13. Can you get the worst ending easily?
Yes, it is easy to get a “bad” ending. By making the wrong decisions, letting characters die, or failing to act in critical moments, you can easily get the “worst” endings that could potentially see major negative impacts for the world in-game.
14. Should I disobey Adler in Cold War?
Disobeying Adler in Cold War leads you to an alternate path with more enemies and, ultimately, forces you to take a zipline across a canyon. It’s an optional path with no direct effect on the game’s ending itself.
15. Why does my choice between Harper and Farid matter?
The choice between shooting Harper or letting Farid die significantly impacts the game’s ending. **If you kill Harper, Farid lives and is present during the attack on the USS Obama, potentially saving Chloe and the ship. If you spare Harper, then Farid dies, and Chloe will have to protect the ship alone.
Conclusion
Call of Duty: Black Ops II stands out for its narrative depth and branching storylines. While there are six core ending sequences, the numerous variables and decisions players make throughout the campaign create an almost limitless amount of variation, making for a highly replayable experience. Understanding the different possible outcomes and how to achieve them can dramatically enhance your overall appreciation for this iconic title.