How Many Endings Does Dark Souls 2 Really Have? A Deep Dive

Dark Souls II, a game notorious for its punishing difficulty and intricate lore, offers players a choice at its culmination. Unlike some other entries in the series, the number of endings might seem straightforward at first, but a closer look reveals nuances worth exploring. So, to answer directly: Dark Souls 2 has two primary endings: “Proceed to Throne” and “Leave Throne.” However, the path to unlocking the second ending and understanding its implications involves a little more than just beating the final boss. Let’s delve into the specifics of these endings, their origins, and some frequently asked questions to provide a complete picture.

The Two Paths: Proceed to Throne vs. Leave Throne

Proceed to Throne: The Default Fate

Originally, the “Proceed to Throne” ending was the sole conclusion available in the base version of Dark Souls 2. Upon defeating Nashandra, the final boss, players were given no alternative other than to sit on the throne and embrace the cycle once more. This ending was a direct parallel to the conclusion of the first Dark Souls, perpetuating the notion of the inevitable cycle of fire and darkness. The player character assumes their role as monarch, but the implications of this decision are left ambiguous.

Leave Throne: The Scholar’s Intervention

The “Leave Throne” ending was introduced in the “Scholar of the First Sin” update, effectively adding a second ending to the game. To unlock this alternative, players must follow a specific path. This involves traveling to the Dragon Shrine, where a new dialogue option with the character Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin, becomes available. Upon choosing this option, Aldia appears in the Throne of Want after the fight with Nashandra. Now, the player must defeat Aldia before choosing their fate. Killing Aldia enables the “Leave Throne” option, allowing the player to walk away from the throne and seemingly break the cycle. This ending is often interpreted as more of an ambiguous escape, not necessarily a good or bad ending, but one where the player rejects the established pattern.

The Significance of the Scholar of the First Sin

Aldia, the Scholar of the First Sin, is pivotal to unlocking the second ending. His appearance and subsequent fight are critical additions to the lore, highlighting themes of knowledge, experimentation, and the limitations of destiny. Aldia’s presence is less about introducing a classic “true ending” and more about expanding the narrative, adding further layers of philosophical consideration to the choices offered to the player. This reflects the general theme of Dark Souls II: challenging the idea that simply choosing one path over the other can truly “solve” the problem.

The Canon Debate and Player Interpretation

While the game presents these two options, the question of which ending is “canon” is complex, and the community has varied interpretations. Many lean towards the “Proceed to Throne” ending as the more canonically aligned outcome, given that Dark Souls 2 revolves heavily around the cyclical nature of the world and the futility of escaping it. However, the game’s lore also allows for other interpretations, giving each player the freedom to decide what feels most consistent within their own understanding of the world. Ultimately, Dark Souls games generally shy away from definitive canon and lean towards ambiguous storytelling, leaving room for player interpretation and personal investment in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dark Souls 2 Endings

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the endings of Dark Souls 2, designed to provide clarity and address common points of confusion:

1. How many endings does the original Dark Souls 2 have? The original version of Dark Souls 2 only had the “Proceed to Throne” ending. The second ending, “Leave Throne,” was introduced in the “Scholar of the First Sin” version.

2. Is the “Leave Throne” ending considered the true ending? Not necessarily. Dark Souls games typically avoid having a single “true ending.” The “Leave Throne” ending provides an alternative conclusion, but whether it’s “true” is up to interpretation.

3. What do I need to do to unlock the “Leave Throne” ending? You must first speak to Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin, at the Dragon Shrine after defeating the final boss Nashandra. Then, defeat him when he appears at the Throne of Want. This will unlock the option to leave the throne instead of sitting on it.

4. Who is Aldia, Scholar of the First Sin? Aldia is a mysterious and powerful character who has conducted forbidden experiments. He is central to the “Scholar of the First Sin” narrative and serves as a boss fight needed for the “Leave Throne” ending.

5. Is the “Proceed to Throne” ending considered the bad ending? No, it’s not necessarily considered “bad.” Both endings have ambiguous implications, and the player must make their own judgment on the meaning of each.

6. What is the significance of the cycle in Dark Souls 2? Dark Souls 2 heavily emphasizes the concept of a never-ending cycle of light and dark, where kingdoms rise and fall. The endings reflect this cycle and the player’s place within it.

7. Is either ending influenced by player choices other than the final choice itself? No, there are no major choices throughout the game that alter which ending is available. The ability to access the “Leave Throne” ending is dependent on a specific side quest and dialogue option.

8. Is the “Scholar of the First Sin” version better than the original Dark Souls 2? Many consider the “Scholar of the First Sin” version superior due to its improved graphics, enemy placement, added NPC interactions, and the inclusion of the “Leave Throne” ending.

9. Why is the lore of Dark Souls 2 so ambiguous? The ambiguity of Dark Souls lore is intentional, allowing players to piece together the story for themselves and draw their own conclusions.

10. Does Dark Souls 2 connect to Dark Souls 1 and 3 with regard to the endings? The games are connected by themes and lore, but each game has its own unique story, with the endings reflecting that game’s specific narrative.

11. How does the “Leave Throne” ending differ from the “Linking the Flame” and “Dark Lord” endings from Dark Souls 1? While they have some thematic similarities, the “Leave Throne” ending specifically involves rejecting the cycle of the Throne of Want rather than the Flame.

12. What happens after the ending? After either ending, the game ends. You will then have the option to start a New Game Plus to experience the game again with your character’s levels and items.

13. Can you undo the choice of the “Leave Throne” option once made? No, once you have selected an ending, there is no way to alter that choice without starting a new game.

14. Is Dark Souls 2 considered the black sheep of the Dark Souls series? While some players have preferences for other games in the series, Dark Souls 2 is a well-regarded game by many, particularly for its lore and unique systems.

15. How long does it take to experience both endings? You will need to complete two separate playthroughs or start a New Game Plus to witness both endings. On average, a playthrough can take anywhere from 40 to 120 hours depending on your play style and completion objectives.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while Dark Souls 2 technically has two endings, understanding them requires navigating through the game’s complex lore and the narrative changes introduced in the “Scholar of the First Sin” edition. The game deliberately avoids a clear “good” or “bad” ending, pushing the player to contemplate the implications of their choices within the context of the game’s cyclical nature. Whether you choose to “Proceed to Throne” or “Leave Throne,” the ending of Dark Souls 2 serves as a powerful conclusion to a challenging and immersive experience.