Unraveling the Endings of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided presents players with four main endings, each determined by two key decisions made during the game’s final sequence: whether the delegates at the ARC summit are saved, and whether Viktor Marchenko detonates the bombs he has planted. These choices create distinct narrative conclusions that reflect the player’s actions and moral compass throughout the game.

Achieving Closure: A Deep Dive into Mankind Divided’s Endings

Mankind Divided, a critical darling in the cyberpunk genre, allows players to shape the narrative through meaningful choices. The game’s ending is no exception, offering varied outcomes based on your decisions during the final confrontation. Let’s break down the possibilities:

• Ending 1: Delegates Saved, Bombs Defused. This is arguably the “best” ending. You successfully infiltrate the Palisade Bank, stop Marchenko, and save the delegates from the bombing. This outcome showcases Adam Jensen’s heroic capabilities and prevents mass casualties. This requires completing Mission 12 and securing the Orchid cure from VersaLife.

• Ending 2: Delegates Saved, Bombs Detonated. You manage to save the delegates from harm but fail to prevent Marchenko from detonating the bombs. While lives are saved at the summit, the city suffers catastrophic damage, leading to widespread chaos and loss.

• Ending 3: Delegates Not Saved, Bombs Defused. You’re unable to prevent the attack on the delegates but manage to stop Marchenko from detonating the city-wide bombs. The ARC summit is a disaster, resulting in significant loss of life, but the overall damage is contained.

• Ending 4: Delegates Not Saved, Bombs Detonated. This is generally considered the “worst” ending. Both the delegates are killed, and Marchenko’s bombs destroy a significant portion of Prague. This results in maximum casualties and paints a grim picture of the future.

Shaping Your Destiny: How to Get the Best Ending

While each ending carries narrative weight, many players strive for the “best” outcome. Here’s how to maximize your chances:

1. Complete Side Missions: Don’t ignore the side content! Many quests offer valuable resources, experience, and intel that can aid you in the main story, particularly in preparing for the final confrontation.

2. Prioritize Stealth and Non-Lethal Approaches: While the game allows for lethal combat, a stealthy, non-lethal approach often provides more options and avoids unnecessary casualties, contributing to a more positive overall outcome.

3. Secure the Orchid Cure: Crucially, you must obtain the Orchid cure from the VersaLife vault during Mission 12. This allows you to potentially cure Viktor Marchenko, adding another layer of moral complexity to the ending.

4. Choose Carefully at the Palisade Bank: Your choices within the bank directly influence your ability to stop Marchenko and save the delegates. Prioritize objectives that contribute to defusing the bomb threat.

5. Upgrade Augmentations Wisely: Invest in augmentations that enhance your stealth, hacking, and combat abilities. These will be invaluable during the infiltration and confrontation with Marchenko.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the canon ending of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, like its predecessor Invisible War, doesn’t establish a single canon ending. Instead, the overarching narrative incorporates elements from multiple potential outcomes of Human Revolution. Key events like Hugh Darrow’s confession and the destruction of Panchaea are acknowledged, regardless of player choices in the previous game.

2. Does Deus Ex: Human Revolution have multiple endings?

Yes, Deus Ex: Human Revolution presents players with four distinct ending choices, each tied to a different faction or ideology. Your decision at the very end determines which ending you receive, influencing the future direction of the Deus Ex world.

3. How long does it take to beat Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?

The length of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided varies depending on playstyle. Focusing solely on the main story can take around 16 hours. Completing side missions and exploring the game world can extend playtime to 30-40 hours, while aiming for 100% completion can require over 50 hours.

4. Is Deus Ex: Mankind Divided better than Cyberpunk 2077?

This is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is generally praised for its tightly designed levels, immersive stealth gameplay, and strong enemy AI. Cyberpunk 2077, on the other hand, offers a vast open world, a more complex character customization system, and a broader range of vehicles.

5. Do I need to play anything before Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?

While not strictly necessary, it is highly recommended to play Deus Ex: Human Revolution before Mankind Divided. This will provide crucial context for the story, characters, and world, enhancing your overall experience.

6. Will there be a sequel to Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?

The future of the Deus Ex franchise is currently uncertain. While Mankind Divided was critically acclaimed, its sales didn’t meet expectations, putting a potential sequel on hold. However, the franchise was acquired by Embracer Group AB, which might revive it in the future. Recent leaks suggest that a new Deus Ex is in development.

7. Is Deus Ex: Mankind Divided after Human Revolution?

Yes, Mankind Divided is set in 2029, two years after the events of Human Revolution. The game continues Adam Jensen’s story as he navigates a world increasingly divided between augmented and non-augmented humans.

8. Can you save Malik in Deus Ex: Human Revolution?

Yes, it is possible to save Malik in Deus Ex: Human Revolution during the attack on the Hengsha Apartments. This requires a combination of quick reflexes, strategic use of augmentations, and prioritizing her safety.

9. Does killing affect the ending of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?

No, killing or not killing enemies in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided does not directly affect the core ending choices. The ending is primarily determined by your actions during the final mission and the decisions you make regarding the delegates and Marchenko.

10. What is Jim Miller’s safe code in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?

Jim Miller’s safe code is 1363. You can find this information on a pocket secretary located inside the safe. To access the safe, you must first find the secret room behind the punching bag in Miller’s bedroom.

11. Is the bank or Allison Stanek best choice in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?

Either choice can lead to the “best” ending. Both offer potential benefits for the final chapters. The bank mission provides an opportunity for an additional trophy. So, if given the option, going with the bank is generally recommended.

12. Is Mankind Divided a good game?

Yes, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is widely considered a strong entry in the Deus Ex series. It features excellent gameplay, a compelling story, and a richly detailed cyberpunk world. Many praise its focus on player choice and its emphasis on stealth and exploration.

13. Is Deus Ex in the cyberpunk universe?

Yes, the Deus Ex series is firmly rooted in the cyberpunk genre. It explores themes of corporate power, technological advancement, social inequality, and the impact of cybernetics on humanity, all set within a dystopian near-future world.

14. In what order should you play the Deus Ex games?

The recommended order to play the Deus Ex games is:

1. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
2. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
3. Deus Ex
4. Deus Ex: Invisible War

Deus Ex: The Fall is generally considered less essential and can be played at any point after Human Revolution.

15. What is the best Deus Ex game to start with?

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is generally considered the best starting point for newcomers to the series. It serves as a prequel to the original Deus Ex, providing an accessible entry point to the world and lore.

Understanding these endings and how to influence them adds significant replay value to Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. The game’s depth encourages multiple playthroughs, allowing you to explore different choices and experience the varied consequences of your actions. The Games Learning Society recognizes the importance of interactive storytelling in modern games, and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided offers a compelling example of how player agency can shape a narrative’s conclusion, as seen on GamesLearningSociety.org.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided demonstrates how meaningful choices shape the narrative. Be sure to explore all options in the game.