Unraveling Dragon’s Dogma’s Endings: Finding the “Best” Conclusion
The question of the “best” ending in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is a complex one, steeped in both narrative depth and player interpretation. While technically there is only one canon ending, the choice you make at the very end determines the quality of that ending. The best ending, the one most players consider fulfilling and narratively complete, is achieved by defeating the Seneschal and then using the Godsbane blade on yourself. This results in the cyclical nature of the world being broken, and a hopeful future for Gransys. It’s an ending filled with bittersweet resolution, as it requires sacrifice, but ultimately offers a sense of true freedom and allows the Arisen’s pawn to ascend.
Understanding the Endings Landscape
To understand why this ending reigns supreme, it’s crucial to know the other possibilities and their implications:
- The “Bad” Endings: These usually involve succumbing to the Dragon, sacrificing your Beloved, or failing to make crucial choices in the Everfall. These are generally considered undesirable, as they lead to negative consequences for the world and the Arisen.
- The “Standard” Ending: This is reached after defeating the Dragon Grigori, and continues into the post-game Everfall. This allows access to tons of high level end game content and monsters. However, reaching the Seneschal and choosing not to use the Godsbane on yourself leads to another, less desired outcome (becoming the new Seneschal, trapping you in an endless cycle).
- The “Great Hereafter” (Best) Ending: This ending, achieved by using the Godsbane after defeating the Seneschal, is considered the best as it breaks the cycle and offers the most complete and satisfying resolution to the Arisen’s journey. Your pawn inherits your will, and you finally end the Dragon’s control over the world.
The crucial distinction lies in the narrative impact. The “Great Hereafter” feels like a true conclusion, while the other endings leave the player with a sense of incompleteness, defeat, or perpetual entrapment.
Why the “Great Hereafter” Resonates
Several factors contribute to the widespread preference for the “Great Hereafter” ending:
- Narrative Closure: It ties up all the loose ends. The cycle of Arisen and Dragon is broken, offering hope for the future. The pawn finally gets their freedom from the Arisen and can live their own life.
- Sacrifice and Hope: The act of self-sacrifice, while poignant, is ultimately an act of empowerment. It demonstrates the Arisen’s agency and their determination to forge a new path for the world.
- Pawn’s Ascension: The ending recognizes the unique bond between the Arisen and their pawn, granting the pawn a significant role in shaping the future. Your pawn essentially becomes you in many ways.
- Thematic Resonance: The ending perfectly encapsulates the game’s themes of free will, destiny, and the consequences of choices.
While some players might find the sacrifice aspect unsettling, it’s important to remember that the entire game revolves around weighty choices with significant ramifications. The “Great Hereafter” embodies this concept in its most potent form, providing a sense of lasting impact that the other endings simply cannot match.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Dragon’s Dogma’s Endings
1. What is the Godsbane, and why is it important?
The Godsbane is a unique weapon obtained after defeating the Seneschal. It allows the Arisen to sever their own connection to the cycle, ending their existence and, crucially, preventing them from becoming the next Seneschal. It is the key to achieving the “Great Hereafter” ending.
2. How do I trigger the Seneschal fight?
After defeating Grigori, the Dragon, you must descend into the Everfall and complete a series of trials. These trials will eventually lead you to the Seneschal, the being who maintains the cycle of Arisen and Dragon.
3. Are there any missable quests that affect the ending?
While there are no specific quests that directly prevent you from reaching any ending, completing certain side quests enhances the narrative depth and emotional impact of the final choice. Building relationships with NPCs can also influence who your Beloved is, which plays a role in some of the “bad” endings.
4. What happens if I choose not to use the Godsbane?
If you choose not to use the Godsbane after defeating the Seneschal, you will become the new Seneschal, trapped in an endless cycle of observing and judging potential Arisen. This is generally considered an undesirable ending.
5. Can I play the game after getting the “Great Hereafter” ending?
No, the “Great Hereafter” ending concludes the game. You can, however, start a New Game Plus, carrying over much of your progress, and experience the story and choices with a new perspective.
6. How many times can I fight the Dragon?
You can fight the Dragon Grigori as many times as you want in New Game Plus cycles. However, after defeating him the first time, the post-game content in the Everfall becomes available.
7. Does my vocation affect the ending I receive?
No, your chosen vocation has no impact on which ending you receive. The ending is determined solely by your choices at the end of the game. The Games Learning Society may be interested in further exploring how player choice impacts narrative outcome in games like Dragon’s Dogma.
8. Is there a “true” canon ending?
Yes, the canon ending is considered to be the one where you defeat the Seneschal, and then kill yourself with the Godsbane, so your pawn can take over your body and live in a world without a Seneschal or Dragon.
9. What’s the significance of my pawn in the ending?
Your pawn plays a crucial role. In the “Great Hereafter” ending, the pawn essentially becomes your successor, carrying on your will and ideals in the world. This highlights the deep bond between the Arisen and their pawn.
10. What is the most useful element in Dragon’s Dogma?
Very few enemies in the game are actively resistant to Holy, making it the most useful all-purpose element. Holy-resistant enemies are Saurian Sages, Giant Saurian Sages, and the Dark Bishop.
11. What is the strongest Vocation in Dragon’s Dogma?
The Magick Archer vocation is considered the best choice for players, as its Magick Bows and powerful skills make it extremely effective in both the base game and DLC.
12. What if I sacrifice my beloved in Dragon’s Dogma?
If you choose to sacrifice your beloved you will get a trophy, then you are given the option to retry the fight against Grigori. However, nothing will be altered by your choice, and you will not get a new game + at the end of the sacrifice ending.
13. What is the max level in Dragon’s Dogma?
The character level starts at one, and can rise as high as 200.
14. Who should I give the golden idol to in Dragon’s Dogma?
Caxton is the better choice first play through. He has way more useful gear.
15. Are there romance options in Dragon’s Dogma?
Yes, you can romance any human in the game, with only a few exceptions. These include the Duke, the Dragonforged, the Elysion, Barroch, and a couple of NPCs that only appear in certain quests.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the “best” ending in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is subjective and depends on the player’s values and preferences. However, the “Great Hereafter” resonates with many due to its narrative closure, thematic depth, and the significant role it grants to the Arisen’s pawn. While the sacrifice involved may be bittersweet, it offers a sense of true liberation and hope for the future, making it the most satisfying conclusion to the epic journey. You can find more interesting discussions on the impact of games and narrative at GamesLearningSociety.org.