What Happens If You Save JD Instead of Del in Gears 5?
Choosing to save JD Fenix over Delmont Walker in Gears 5 results in significant emotional and narrative shifts, even though the main plot progression remains largely consistent. When you opt to save JD, you witness Del succumb to the Swarm Queen’s grasp, and he ultimately dies. The most immediate impact is the emotional reaction of the characters present. Marcus Fenix, JD’s father, is deeply affected but also relieved that his son lives. In this scenario, Marcus finally fulfills the supportive father role, a relationship arc that had been brewing since Gears of War 4. He puts his hand on JD’s shoulder, a subtle yet powerful gesture that demonstrates his paternal connection and support.
The narrative then focuses on the grieving Kait, who, along with a wounded JD, must come to terms with the loss of Del. Instead of receiving JD’s tags, Marcus and JD are given Del’s tags by Kait – a poignant moment that serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifice made. This shift alters character motivations and the dynamic within the group. While the major plot points concerning the swarm’s next actions or the location of key objectives are largely unaffected, the core character interactions and the overall emotional tone are fundamentally different. The dialogue is altered to reflect the absence of Del and his impact on the surviving members.
The Immediate Aftermath of Saving JD
Emotional Impact
Saving JD creates a powerful scene that focuses on Marcus’s paternal relationship with his son. This father-son subplot, which had been in development since Gears 4, reaches its emotional peak. Marcus’s protective instincts are clear as he physically supports JD. Del’s death, while significant, fuels the group’s determination, with characters vowing to honor his sacrifice.
Narrative Adjustments
While the main storyline moves forward regardless of which character you choose, the absence of Del influences dialogue and the way the group approaches subsequent challenges. Certain lines of dialogue, interactions, and character motivations are altered to take into account his absence. Del’s death serves as a driving force for the characters to fight harder.
The Fate of Del
Saving JD inevitably leads to Del’s demise at the hands of the Swarm Queen. This event can be seen as a major catalyst in shaping the future of the Gears universe, leading to the memorialization of Del in future games as a character whose death pushed the COG to fight back harder against the Swarm.
Long-Term Implications
Future Story Arcs
Saving JD leaves the potential for his character to develop further. Having survived the events of Gears 5, JD can continue his redemption arc. After being a troubled character during the early stages of Gears 5, the chance to see him make up for his past mistakes offers more creative possibilities for the future. In this scenario, the character’s arc of redemption is not cut short.
Character Dynamics
The relationships within the core team – namely Kait, Marcus, and JD – shift after the loss of Del. These altered relationships provide a different lens through which future storylines and conflicts can be explored. The loss of Del greatly affects Kait, adding to her already complicated emotional journey. It also alters JD’s relationship with Kait.
Canon Considerations
Both endings in Gears 5 present a strong case for being canon. The decision to save JD, however, arguably allows the storyline to delve deeper into the evolving dynamic between Marcus and JD while the loss of Del adds a different, yet critical, emotional note.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it definitively canon to save JD or Del in Gears 5?
No, there isn’t an officially declared canon choice between saving JD or Del in Gears 5. The developers have left it ambiguous, allowing either ending to potentially shape the future. However, the impact of either decision is important as it shapes future storytelling.
2. How does saving JD affect Marcus’s character arc?
Saving JD provides Marcus with a chance to truly embody the supportive father he hadn’t been able to be in earlier parts of the saga. The physical support he provides to JD illustrates his connection and paternal instincts.
3. Does saving JD change the overall plot of Gears 5?
No, saving JD doesn’t alter the overarching narrative. The objectives, locations, and ultimate goal of stopping the Swarm remain the same. The choice only affects dialogue and character motivations after that event.
4. What happens to Del if you save JD?
If you save JD, Del dies at the hands of the Swarm Queen, becoming another casualty of the war. This event marks a significant loss, impacting the remaining characters emotionally and shaping their motivations going forward.
5. Why does JD have a different appearance in Gears 5?
The developers at The Coalition changed JD’s appearance, including his bald look and new scar, to distinguish him visually from his previous design. Some fans speculate this was done to avoid modeling his hair, which was often criticized in Gears 4.
6. How does saving JD impact the dialogue?
The dialogue is significantly altered when you save JD. References to Del are replaced with grief for his loss, shaping the tone of conversations. The characters’ reactions to subsequent events are modified to reflect Del’s absence.
7. What role does Kait play in the ‘Save JD’ ending?
Kait’s role remains largely consistent. She is the player character, and she leads both the rescued JD and Marcus away from the fallen structure. She also provides the tags of Del to Marcus, signifying the loss of a friend.
8. Is JD a playable character after this choice in Gears 5?
No, regardless of whether you save JD or Del, JD remains a non-playable character for the remainder of the game. He is promoted to captain but remains an NPC for the remainder of the game while Kait is the player character.
9. Does saving JD change any gameplay elements?
No, the player experience remains the same. The choice impacts dialogue and cutscenes but has no effect on gameplay, mechanics, or player abilities.
10. Does JD’s death serve as an emotional catalyst?
Yes, Del’s death serves as an emotional catalyst, making the group even more determined to stop the Swarm. It adds another layer of motivation for the protagonists as they seek to avenge his loss.
11. Is the ‘Save JD’ ending considered the more emotional choice?
The ‘Save Del’ ending is often seen as more emotionally impactful due to Marcus receiving his dead son’s tags, as it directly confronts the tragic loss of Marcus’s son. However, saving JD also provides a different but equally emotional scene, focusing on paternal support and Del’s sacrifice.
12. Can the “Save JD” choice be rectified in a future game?
Whether either choice will be explicitly canonized or rectified in future installments is unclear. The developers have intentionally left this open for narrative flexibility. The choice to save JD allows his character to continue his redemption arc.
13. What are the long-term implications of saving JD in the Gears universe?
Saving JD means that he continues his storyline as a character. There is also a shift in the group dynamic of the main characters and a different emotional tone that can be explored in future stories.
14. Why does Gears 5 have multiple endings?
Gears 5 utilizes the player’s choice to create multiple endings to add depth and player agency to the game. This allows different emotional beats to be explored and future storylines to be potentially built in different directions.
15. How does the “Save JD” ending affect future Gears storylines?
The “Save JD” ending allows JD’s character to continue his redemption arc and the relationship between Marcus and JD is a focus. The loss of Del and his impact can also be explored in future titles. This provides a fertile ground for new storylines within the Gears universe.