Do You Really Have to Shoot Mason in Black Ops 2?
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The burning question for many Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 players revolves around a pivotal moment: the rooftop confrontation where Alex Mason appears to be the “Nexus Target.” The chilling realization that you’re aiming at the man you’ve followed through the first game leaves many feeling conflicted and searching for an alternative. So, the direct answer is: no, you do not have to kill Mason. While the game pushes you towards believing you have no choice, there’s a crucial path that allows him to survive.
The Crucial Choice: Leg Shot vs. Headshot
The game presents a scenario where Woods, under the control of Raul Menendez, seemingly orders you to eliminate the “Nexus Target,” which turns out to be a hooded Alex Mason. Your natural instinct might be to go for a quick headshot to ensure mission success, just like a soldier would. However, the game subtly provides an alternative path. If you shoot Mason in the head or chest, he will die in the game’s narrative, and David Mason’s ending is affected. But, if you aim for his leg instead, specifically twice, he will survive and make an appearance later in the game’s conclusion. This seemingly minor choice drastically alters the course of the story and how the game ends. The game’s initial presentation makes it seem like this shooting scenario is a predetermined, unavoidable tragic event. The key to avoiding Mason’s death is to shoot him in the leg twice.
Conditions for Mason’s Survival
Successfully saving Mason is not solely about the leg shot, however. There are pre-existing choices you must make throughout the game. Here are the steps required to ensure he lives:
- Resisting Kravchenko: In the Afghanistan mission, you must fully resist the urge to shoot Kravchenko. Instead, allow Woods to take the shot.
- CIA Folder Discovery: You must find the CIA folder in the burning drug lab. This folder contains the information necessary to realize the true nature of the “Nexus Target.”
By meeting these two conditions, you unlock the ability to choose your response during the rooftop sniping scene. Even though the cutscenes will make it appear he’s died, his survival becomes possible.
Why Does Woods Shoot Mason?
The tragic manipulation leading to Woods shooting Mason is a direct consequence of Menendez’s desire for revenge. Menendez’s sister, Josefina, was accidentally killed by Woods during the past conflict. This loss fueled Menendez’s rage and spurred his plans for retribution. He believed he killed Menendez and then came back 3 years later to exact revenge. Here is a breakdown:
- Menendez orchestrated the deception, using Hudson (who he’d blackmailed) to give false intel to Woods and Mason, leading them to believe the “Nexus Target” was Menendez. He knew it was Alex, and then he used that knowledge to get Woods to shoot him.
- Woods, believing he was following orders, sniped the hooded figure, unaware it was Mason.
- This act is a cornerstone of Menendez’s vengeful plan to cripple those he believes wronged him.
- The result is the further suffering of both Mason and Woods, adding to the emotional impact of the story.
The Consequences of Your Choices
The impact of shooting Mason extends far beyond that single shot. The game features multiple endings influenced by these and other choices. If Mason is spared, he can have a reunion with his son in an older age. This offers a poignant conclusion to a character arc that spanned two games. The narrative branches based on the decisions you make throughout the story. Each decision has a consequence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about saving Alex Mason and other related aspects of Black Ops 2:
1. What happens if I do not shoot Harper?
If you decide to let Harper live, Farid will die during the USS Obama attack, and Chloe will also die at the hands of Salazar or DeFalco. This is tied to the various factors and their subsequent dominos within the storyline.
2. Do I have to kill Harper for the good ending?
Yes, in the narrative path that involves saving Karma, you must kill Harper as his continued survival reveals Farid’s identity as a mole and puts Karma in danger. While it sounds harsh, it is necessary for one particular “good” ending.
3. Can you avoid killing Mason?
Yes, as explained previously, by shooting him twice in the leg. It requires the player to have done a few specific things prior.
4. Did Menendez know Farid was a traitor?
Yes, Menendez knew that Farid was a mole, likely deduced or from Salazar’s confession. He uses this knowledge to further manipulate events.
5. What happens if Farid dies?
If Farid dies, either by your hand or as a result of your choices, the game’s storyline changes, especially during the attack on the USS Obama. His death also has ramifications for Karma.
6. Who is the traitor in Black Ops 2?
Javier Salazar is the primary traitor, revealed to be working with Menendez throughout the game.
7. Why did Hudson betray Mason and Woods?
Hudson was blackmailed by Menendez after he captured a 10 year old David Mason. He was forced into delivering false intel to Mason and Woods.
8. Who was the CIA mole in Black Ops 2?
Hudson was the CIA mole working under duress for Menendez, acting against his own team.
9. Was Mason brainwashed in Black Ops?
Yes, Mason was brainwashed in Vorkuta to become a sleeper agent and was meant to be used by Dragovich.
10. Who brainwashed Mason?
Friedrich Steiner and Lev Kravchenko brainwashed Mason under the orders of Dragovich.
11. What happens if you shoot Menendez in Black Ops 2?
If you shoot Menendez rather than capturing him, he will kill Farid but Harper will be spared. Ultimately it is not the “best” outcome for the narrative.
12. Should I shoot Menendez or Harper in Black Ops 2?
It is better to shoot Harper instead of Menendez. Shooting Harper leads to a better outcome regarding Farid and other character’s fate.
13. How do you keep Chloe alive in Black Ops 2?
To keep Chloe alive, Farid needs to survive. You also must complete the Strike Force missions to keep the ship from being overrun by Menendez’s attack.
14. How many endings does Black Ops 2 have?
Black Ops 2 has multiple endings based on various choices, which leads to several variations of the ending scenes. The game has 8 different endings.
15. How do you get the good ending in Black Ops 2?
The key to the best ending is to capture Menendez, not kill him. This has an affect on the game’s ending.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the complex web of choices in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 requires careful attention to the game’s subtle clues. Saving Alex Mason is a testament to this. Your actions throughout the game have tangible consequences, shaping the fates of the characters and the overall narrative. By understanding these nuanced choices, you can steer the game towards the outcome you desire. The ability to save Mason offers a sliver of hope and closure amidst the chaos and betrayal within the Black Ops 2 storyline. It’s a powerful reminder that even within a military shooter, player agency can dramatically alter the narrative.