Can You Save Mason in Black Ops 2? A Definitive Guide
Yes, Alex Mason can survive in Call of Duty: Black Ops II, but his fate is heavily dependent on player choices during the game, particularly in the crucial mission “Suffer With Me.” Unlike some games where survival is guaranteed, Mason’s life hangs in the balance, adding a layer of consequence to your actions. Understanding the specific triggers for his survival or death is essential for players aiming for the “best” ending, a key element for many fans of the series. This guide will break down the mechanics of Mason’s survival and provide answers to common questions surrounding his fate.
The Crucial Choice: “Suffer With Me”
The turning point for Mason’s fate occurs during the mission “Suffer With Me.” In this level, Frank Woods, believing he’s targeting Raul Menendez, shoots a man who is, in reality, Alex Mason. The game uses a clever visual trick here, making it unclear who Woods is shooting until the post-mission cutscene. This sets the stage for multiple outcomes:
How Mason’s Fate is Determined
- Headshot: If you shoot Mason in the head, he is definitively killed, resulting in a very different, and generally considered worse, ending for the game.
- Chest Shot: Shooting Mason in the chest allows him to survive. The “best” ending, where he is reunited with his son, David Mason, and Frank Woods depends on this crucial choice.
- Leg Shot (Mentioned in older source): While some older information suggests a leg shot would allow Mason to live, this is not a valid trigger within the game. It’s either headshot (death) or chest shot (survival).
Choosing to shoot him in the chest will not immediately reveal his survival. The confirmation comes much later, in the game’s conclusion.
The Best Ending & Mason’s Survival
The survival of Mason is heavily tied to achieving what is considered the “best” ending in Black Ops 2. This ending is characterized by two key factors:
- Menendez is Captured: Rather than killing Menendez at the end of the game, you must choose to capture him. Killing him leads to his ideology being spread, causing global insurrection.
- Mason Survives “Suffer With Me”: As discussed, this hinges on not killing him in the chest.
If you have met both of these conditions, you’ll see a scene where an elderly Mason, now 93 years old, visits Woods. This heart-warming moment is made even more poignant as he is reunited with David Mason, who he has not seen for nearly 40 years, creating a truly fulfilling conclusion to the game.
Beyond Survival: Factors Affecting Mason
While surviving “Suffer With Me” is critical, other factors throughout the game will influence the overall storyline. These, however, do not directly affect Mason’s survival but rather the overall tone and other character’s fates. These include:
- Karma’s Survival: Whether or not Karma survives plays a significant role in the narrative. If she lives, she ultimately helps prevent the destruction of the USS Obama.
- Farid’s Fate: If you fail to save Farid, he’ll be killed. While he isn’t critical to Mason’s survival, his death will impact some parts of the storyline.
- DeFalco’s Fate: What happens to DeFalco influences specific mission outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Mason’s survival guaranteed?
No, Mason’s survival is not guaranteed. It depends entirely on the player’s actions during the “Suffer With Me” mission.
2. What happens if you shoot Mason in the head?
If you shoot Mason in the head during the “Suffer With Me” mission, he will die. This leads to a darker ending for the game, with Menendez’s ideology spreading globally.
3. What happens if you capture Menendez instead of killing him?
Capturing Menendez, instead of killing him, is crucial for achieving the best ending where Mason survives. If you kill Menendez, a video will be released to his followers, sparking a global insurrection. When captured, Menendez fails to destroy the west.
4. How old is Mason when he appears in the “best ending”?
In the “best ending” where he survives, Mason is 93 years old.
5. When does Mason get reunited with David?
Mason gets reunited with his son, David, during the “best ending” when he visits Woods as an elderly man. He has been absent from his son’s life for about 40 years.
6. How is Mason captured before “Suffer With Me”?
Mason is captured by the Cuban military during an escape attempt and is subsequently handed over to Soviet General Nikita Dragovich. This occurs before the main events of Black Ops II.
7. How many endings does Black Ops 2 have?
Black Ops 2 is known for its multiple endings. While there are 3 main endings, there are several variations, bringing the total to 8 endings which depend on player decisions.
8. What is considered the best ending in Black Ops 2?
The “best ending” is where Mason survives the chest shot, Menendez is captured, and Mason reunites with his son and Woods.
9. Can you stop DeFalco from escaping?
Yes, you can stop DeFalco from escaping. A quick snipe shot will prevent his escape. You can also stop him later with a shootout.
10. Why does Woods shoot Mason?
Woods is tricked by Raul Menendez, who coerces Hudson into setting a trap. Woods is made to believe he is shooting Menendez.
11. Who is the traitor in Black Ops 2?
The main traitor in Black Ops II is Javier Salazar, who betrays his fellow soldiers.
12. What happens if Farid dies?
If Farid dies, Salazar kills him. This will not directly impact whether Mason lives or dies, but it is another important choice.
13. What happens to Mason if Reznov was just a hallucination?
Reznov is revealed to be a hallucination caused by the brainwashing Mason suffered earlier. He is dead by the time of Black Ops II.
14. What does it mean if Mason was “saved from the beast”?
This is referring to Mason being saved by Lydia’s banshee scream in “Wizards Unleashed” in a non-canon Call of Duty story. He was transformed into a half-werewolf.
15. What is the significance of Karma in Black Ops 2?
Karma’s survival is important because if she survives, she helps to save the USS Obama from destruction. Her role does not, however, affect whether Mason lives or dies.
Conclusion
Saving Mason in Call of Duty: Black Ops II is not a given, but it’s certainly achievable with the right decisions. By carefully choosing your actions during “Suffer With Me” and ensuring that Menendez is captured rather than killed, you can unlock the heartwarming ending where Mason survives and reunites with his family. The depth of choice and its consequences are a significant reason why Black Ops II is a favorite amongst Call of Duty fans. Remember that every decision counts in shaping the narrative, making each playthrough a unique experience.