The Devastating Consequences of Killing Menendez in Black Ops 2

Choosing to eliminate Raul Menendez in the “Judgement Day” mission of Call of Duty: Black Ops II has significant and far-reaching implications, leading to one of the game’s darker and more chaotic endings. If you opt to kill Menendez instead of capturing him, Alex Mason will shoot him in the head. This seemingly decisive act, however, triggers a catastrophic chain of events. Immediately after the kill, Mason will either assist an injured Harper, if he is still alive, or simply exit the facility. The real repercussions of this choice manifest later in the narrative through a prerecorded message released by Menendez.

This message, uploaded posthumously, is a rallying cry to the Cordis Die followers, instructing them to unleash a massive global insurrection. The result is widespread anarchy, the burning of the White House, and a world thrown into chaos. This outcome highlights the game’s exploration of the impact of individual choices, demonstrating that an act of seemingly decisive justice can, in fact, lead to widespread devastation. It’s a pivotal moment that contrasts sharply with the “best ending”, where Menendez is captured and ultimately rendered powerless due to Chloe’s destruction of the Celerium worm. Killing Menendez, therefore, not only closes one narrative path but opens the floodgates for a far grimmer scenario, effectively making it the canon ending which is what the next game Black Ops 3 is based off of.

The Domino Effect: Why Killing Menendez is a Bad Choice

The consequences of killing Menendez are not just about a tragic ending; it’s also about the missed opportunities to achieve a more positive resolution. Here’s a breakdown of what happens when you choose to eliminate him:

• Cordis Die Uprising: Menendez’s pre-recorded video incites his followers to action. This coordinated global assault plunges the world into a state of chaos. This is a key difference compared to a Menendez alive ending as with him alive his plan falls apart.
• Widespread Anarchy: The orderly world is replaced with rioting, destruction, and a complete breakdown of social structures. The iconic image of a burning White House underscores the gravity of the situation.
• Loss of a More Positive Outcome: By capturing Menendez, you have the potential to avert the global chaos. The best ending allows for a more stable future, albeit still with scars from the events that transpired.
• Sets up Black Ops III: The chaos initiated by the Menendez death ending is the foundation for the events of Call of Duty: Black Ops III. It establishes a world that has been drastically altered and is still suffering from the repercussions of the Cordis Die uprising.

The Contrasting Choice: Capturing Menendez

The game explicitly encourages players to capture Menendez, not kill him, to obtain the best ending. In this outcome, Menendez is brought to justice, and his influence is significantly curtailed. This choice leads to a future where, although the world is not completely healed, it does not suffer the total collapse brought on by the global insurrection. The capture outcome highlights the game’s emphasis on strategic decision-making and its consequences. The destruction of the Celerium worm by Chloe, a key part of the capture path, renders Menendez powerless in prison.

The Moral Dilemma of Player Choice

The choice to kill or capture Menendez in Black Ops 2 is not just a binary decision within the game mechanics; it also poses a moral dilemma to the player. Do you choose a path of seemingly immediate justice by ending the life of a terrorist, or do you prioritize the stability of the global order by bringing him to justice? The canon path where he is killed shows how immediate violence can lead to larger problems. The narrative structure forces players to weigh the consequences of their actions and consider the potential long-term ramifications of their choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the consequences of killing Menendez and other related key decisions in Black Ops 2:

1. What is the “best ending” in Black Ops 2? The best ending is achieved by capturing Menendez in the “Judgement Day” mission. This prevents the widespread uprising caused by his posthumous message.
2. What happens if you kill Harper? If you kill Harper instead of Farid, Farid survives to take a bullet for Karma later in the game. If you kill Farid instead, then he does not take a bullet for Karma on the USS Barack Obama and either Salazar or Defalco will attack Karma instead.
3. Can you save both Farid and Harper? No, you cannot save both Farid and Harper. Choosing to let Harper live leads to Farid’s death, and choosing to save Farid leads to Harper’s death in the mission Achilles’ Veil.
4. What happens if Farid dies? If Farid dies, he will not be present on the USS Obama when Menendez attacks it. This has the consequence of Karma being threatened by Salazar or Defalco instead.
5. How do you avoid burning Harper’s face? To prevent Harper from being burned, stick to the right side of the map when approaching the burning pipe at the end of the level.
6. How many endings does Black Ops 2 have? While there are multiple variations, there are 8 primary endings based on the cumulative player decisions. These can vary from killing Menendez, to capturing him, and a variety of choices throughout the game.
7. Do you have to kill Harper for the good ending? No, killing Harper is not required for the best ending. It is however important for saving Farid which leads to better outcomes for Karma.
8. What happens to Salazar if you kill Harper? If Harper is killed in “Achilles’ Veil,” Salazar will be taken into custody and never seen again if all the strike force missions are complete.
9. Is killing Menendez the canon ending? Yes, killing Menendez is the canon ending, as it sets the stage for the events of Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
10. Did Menendez know Farid was a traitor? Yes, it’s strongly implied that Menendez knew Farid was a mole, possibly through Salazar’s information or by deduction.
11. What is the worst ending in Black Ops 2? The worst ending occurs with numerous bad choices such as Harper’s face burn, not recovering the Celerium, failing to search areas completely and more. The consequences of these choices lead to a negative outcome.
12. What happens if you capture Menendez? If you capture Menendez, he is imprisoned and his influence is curtailed. Chloe destroys the Celerium worm, rendering him powerless and breaking his plan to escape.
13. Can you stop DeFalco from escaping? Yes, you can snipe Defalco as he escapes the mall, ending the mission early, or you can chase him down and engage in a shootout.
14. Is it possible to stop DeFalco for the best ending? No it is not required, if you let him live you can still get the best ending. If you do capture him you still get the same ending and its just an alternate way to finish the mission.
15. Can you save Mason in Black Ops 2? Yes, Alex Mason can survive if you do not shoot him in the head at the end of the “Suffer With Me” mission. Instead, shooting him in the leg will allow him to survive and later appear in the ending.

In conclusion, the decision to kill Raul Menendez in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 results in a bleak outcome, highlighting the game’s exploration of consequences and the devastating impact of violence. The choice is a stark contrast to the more hopeful path offered by capturing him. Understanding the ramifications of this choice adds depth to the player experience and underscores the game’s thematic richness.