Unraveling the Endings of Call of Duty: Black Ops II: A Deep Dive

The conclusion of Call of Duty: Black Ops II is anything but straightforward. Unlike many linear shooters, the game boasts a dynamic, branching narrative that culminates in multiple different endings based on player choices made throughout the campaign. These choices impact the fates of key characters, the geopolitical landscape, and ultimately, the final moments of the game. In essence, the endings of Black Ops II revolve around several core elements: the survival of Alex Mason, the capture or death of Raul Menendez, and the alliance between the United States and China. The “best” ending sees Menendez captured, Alex Mason alive, and an alliance established, while the “worst” is the complete opposite. Let’s delve into the specific scenarios.

Core Determinants of the Endings

The core determinates stem from several pivotal decisions made in the game:

• Alex Mason’s Fate: A critical juncture involves the confrontation between Alex Mason and Woods. If Mason survives being shot by Woods (accomplished by shooting him in the leg), he will reunite with him and Section. Otherwise, if he is killed, David “Section” Mason retires from the military after visiting his father’s grave.
• Menendez’s Fate: Players have the option to either capture or kill Raul Menendez at the end. Capturing Menendez usually leads to a more optimistic outcome, while killing him often results in a more chaotic end.
• The Strike Force Missions: Successfully completing all Strike Force missions plays a significant role in determining the global political outcome. If all are successful, it opens the path to the US and China allying and ending the Second Cold War. Failures lead to a much more bleak outlook.
• Character Relationships: Certain character-specific choices also affect the outcomes, most notably whether to let Harper live, which in turn changes if Farid is present on the USS Obama when Menendez attacks.
• Karma’s Survival: Ensuring that Karma lives will also aid in stopping Menendez’s plans.

Specific Ending Scenarios

Considering the above variables, the endings vary significantly. Here’s a breakdown of common outcomes:

• The “Best” Ending: This ending sees Alex Mason alive, having survived the shot from Woods, leading to a reunion with his son. Menendez is successfully captured and taken into custody. Furthermore, if all Strike Force missions were completed, China and the United States ally, effectively ending the Second Cold War. Karma is alive and well. This is considered the canonical “good” ending.
• The “Bad” Ending: In this scenario, Alex Mason dies, possibly from a headshot from Woods, leading to Section’s retirement and a somber visit to his father’s grave. Even with Mason’s death, the rest of the game can be determined from Menendez’s Fate and Strike Force Missions. If Menendez is captured and the Strike Force missions are completed the geopolitical outcome may be positive, but the personal cost is extremely high with the loss of Mason.
• Menendez Killed Ending: If players opt to kill Menendez, rather than capture him, even if all other conditions are met, the conclusion will be considerably darker. There’s a sense of unfulfilled justice, as Menendez’s vision of chaos still lingers. The alliance between China and US may still occur if all strike force missions were successful.
• Worst Possible Ending: If Menendez is killed, Alex Mason has died, and Strike Force Missions have failed, chaos erupts in the world. No alliance occurs, and there is a dark and bleak end to the campaign.
• Variations and Nuances: Other minor variations are possible depending on character survival such as Harper’s fate, or others. It makes the game’s ending a very personal and engaging conclusion that reflects player choices throughout.

The Significance of Choice

The multiple endings in Black Ops II were revolutionary for the Call of Duty series. It placed emphasis on player agency, highlighting that choices made during gameplay had profound effects on the narrative’s conclusion. This departure from the typically linear nature of previous Call of Duty games allowed for a more immersive and memorable experience. It demonstrated that player actions matter, creating a replayability factor that still holds relevance today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many different endings are in Black Ops 2?

There are technically multiple combinations of endings due to the branching narrative. However, most players categorize them into 4-8 distinct scenarios based on key choices like Mason’s fate, Menendez’s fate, and Strike Force Mission success.

What happens if I kill Menendez in Black Ops 2?

Killing Menendez generally leads to a darker, more melancholic ending. While it may feel like a satisfying act of revenge, it doesn’t provide as much closure as capturing him. Furthermore, certain events that could lead to a brighter outcome become unavailable.

How do I save Alex Mason in Black Ops 2?

To save Alex Mason, you must shoot him in the leg during the scene where Woods is ordered to shoot him. A shot to the head will kill him, leading to a significantly different ending.

Do all Strike Force missions have to be completed for the best ending?

Yes. Successfully completing all Strike Force missions is essential for achieving the “best” ending where the United States and China form an alliance.

What is the canon ending of Black Ops 2?

The generally accepted canonical ending is the “best” ending, where Alex Mason survives, Menendez is captured, and the US and China ally. This ending provides the most optimistic and resolved conclusion to the storyline.

What is the significance of the Second Cold War in Black Ops 2?

The Second Cold War, which occurs in 2025 in the game, is a major plot point. The conflict between the US and China, as well as their potential alliance, is a key aspect of the different endings.

Is there a worst ending in Black Ops 2?

Yes. A “worst” ending can occur when Alex Mason is killed, Menendez is killed, and no Strike Force missions are completed, leading to a dark, depressing finale with no hope of reconciliation between the US and China.

What happens if I let Harper die in Black Ops 2?

Letting Harper die means that Farid won’t be present on the USS Obama during Menendez’s attack, impacting that particular sequence of the game.

Is Black Ops 2 campaign still considered canon?

Yes, Black Ops 2 remains a part of the canon within the Black Ops universe, even with later games like Black Ops Cold War expanding the lore.

What year does Black Ops 2 take place in?

The primary setting of Black Ops 2 is the year 2025, although it features flashbacks to the Cold War era.

What is the longest Call of Duty campaign?

Call of Duty: Black Ops III is generally considered the longest campaign, taking roughly nine hours to complete on average. Black Ops 2 is much shorter coming in at around 7 hours.

What makes Black Ops 2’s campaign so well regarded?

Black Ops 2 is praised for its branching narrative, meaningful choices, multiple endings, and engaging story that explores themes of technological warfare and geopolitical conflict.

Why is Raul Menendez the main antagonist in Black Ops 2?

Raul Menendez is a complex villain motivated by personal tragedy and a desire to bring down the global power structure. His actions drive the entire plot.

What is the purpose of the Strike Force missions?

The Strike Force missions provide a unique gameplay element and impact the global political landscape at the end of the game. Successfully completing them is crucial to achieving the “best” ending.

Can you prevent Defalco from escaping with Chloe?

Yes, you can prevent Defalco from escaping by sniping him during the mall sequence, immediately ending the mission and saving Chloe. Otherwise you can catch up to him in a shoot out.

By understanding the complexities of Black Ops 2’s narrative, players can appreciate the depth of the game’s storytelling and the lasting impact of their choices. The various endings provide a personal and engaging conclusion that makes replayability a rewarding experience.