How Many Endings Does Scarlet Nexus Have?
Scarlet Nexus has two distinct endings, one for each protagonist: Yuito Sumeragi and Kasane Randall. While both storylines intertwine and ultimately converge, completing each character’s story provides a unique perspective and a different final scene, solidifying them as two separate, canonical endings.
Understanding the Dual Protagonist System
Scarlet Nexus smartly utilizes a dual-protagonist system, allowing players to experience the narrative through the eyes of either Yuito or Kasane. This isn’t just a cosmetic choice; it drastically affects the gameplay experience, the perspectives on key events, and ultimately, the ending you witness. Choosing one character initially doesn’t lock you out of the other’s story. In fact, the game strongly encourages playing through both routes to fully understand the intricate plot and character motivations. Understanding the individual journeys is critical to understanding the totality of the narrative.
Yuito’s Ending: A Story of Leadership and Sacrifice
Yuito’s storyline focuses heavily on his determination to protect his comrades and build a better future for New Himuka. His ending emphasizes themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the burden of responsibility. The challenges he faces throughout his journey culminate in a final confrontation that tests his resolve and forces him to make difficult choices for the greater good. Expect a more hopeful and optimistic ending, with Yuito rallying his team and solidifying his role as a leader. The visual cues and dialogue reflect this sense of hope and the beginning of a new era.
Kasane’s Ending: A Story of Truth and Redemption
Kasane’s journey is more introspective and deals with themes of truth, redemption, and the unraveling of a complex past. Her ending is often perceived as more bittersweet, focusing on the sacrifices made and the weight of the secrets she uncovers. While ultimately leading to a positive resolution, Kasane’s ending acknowledges the losses and hardships faced throughout the game. Expect a more emotionally charged final scene, reflecting the internal struggles Kasane has endured. Her interactions with other characters are more reserved, reflecting her guarded personality.
The Importance of Playing Both Campaigns
While you can technically “complete” Scarlet Nexus by finishing either Yuito’s or Kasane’s campaign, you are strongly encouraged to play both. Doing so is not merely about seeing “both endings,” but about understanding the complete narrative. Each character’s perspective fills in the gaps left by the other, revealing the full scope of the conspiracy and the motivations behind the actions of various characters. Playing both allows you to appreciate the complexity of the story and gain a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants. Without experiencing both sides, you’re only getting half the story.
Post-Game Content and New Game Plus
Scarlet Nexus features a robust New Game Plus system, encouraging replayability and allowing you to carry over progress from your previous playthroughs. This is particularly useful for experiencing the other protagonist’s story with upgraded abilities and equipment. You can also unlock additional content, such as new weapons, costumes, and challenges, extending the lifespan of the game beyond the initial completion of either ending. The post-game content includes challenging battles and opportunities to further develop your characters. This gives you a new sense of agency and allows for continuous progression in the game.
Factors That Do NOT Influence the Endings
It’s important to note that certain in-game choices and actions do NOT affect the fundamental outcome of Yuito’s or Kasane’s respective endings. For example:
- Relationship levels with teammates: While building strong bonds with your teammates unlocks new SAS abilities and strengthens their support in combat, it doesn’t alter the core narrative of either ending.
- Side quests: Completing or ignoring side quests does not impact the main story’s conclusion.
- Dialogue choices: Although dialogue choices may provide different insights into the characters and the world, they do not change the overall outcome of the story.
The key is to understand that the endings are determined by the protagonist you choose to play as, and the narrative arc associated with that character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the endings of Scarlet Nexus, designed to provide further clarity and information:
Question 1: Do Yuito and Kasane ever meet during their respective campaigns?
Yes, Yuito and Kasane meet multiple times throughout their separate campaigns. Their paths often cross, and they occasionally team up to face common threats. These interactions are crucial for understanding the overall narrative and the connection between the two protagonists.
Question 2: Is one ending considered the “true” ending?
No, neither ending is considered the “true” ending. Both Yuito’s and Kasane’s storylines are canonical and equally important to understanding the full picture. The game encourages players to experience both to gain a complete understanding of the events.
Question 3: Can I see both endings in one playthrough?
No, you cannot see both endings in a single playthrough. You must complete the game once as either Yuito or Kasane, and then start a new game (or New Game Plus) to experience the other protagonist’s story and ending.
Question 4: What happens after I beat the game with one character?
After completing the game with either Yuito or Kasane, you unlock New Game Plus. This allows you to start a new game with the other protagonist, carrying over your levels, equipment, and other progress.
Question 5: Does New Game Plus affect the endings?
No, New Game Plus does not change the fundamental endings. It simply allows you to experience the other protagonist’s story with a significant advantage, making the playthrough easier and faster.
Question 6: Are there any secret or hidden endings in Scarlet Nexus?
No, there are no secret or hidden endings beyond the two main endings associated with Yuito and Kasane.
Question 7: Are the endings drastically different?
While both endings share the same overarching resolution to the main conflict, they differ in their focus and emotional impact. Yuito’s ending emphasizes hope and leadership, while Kasane’s ending is more introspective and deals with themes of sacrifice and redemption.
Question 8: How long does it take to see both endings?
The average playthrough of Scarlet Nexus takes around 25-30 hours per character. Therefore, seeing both endings will likely require around 50-60 hours of gameplay. The second playthrough is generally shorter due to increased levels and upgraded equipment.
Question 9: Does the difficulty level affect the endings?
No, the difficulty level does not impact the endings. You can experience both endings regardless of whether you play on Easy, Normal, or Hard difficulty.
Question 10: Are the final boss fights different for Yuito and Kasane?
Yes, while the ultimate goal is the same, the final boss fights and the events leading up to them can differ slightly depending on whether you are playing as Yuito or Kasane. These differences reflect their individual journeys and the challenges they face.
Question 11: Should I play Yuito or Kasane first?
The choice of which character to play first is entirely up to you. There is no “correct” order. Some players prefer to start with Yuito due to his more straightforward personality, while others prefer Kasane for her more complex backstory.
Question 12: Does completing all side quests unlock anything related to the endings?
No, completing all side quests does not unlock anything specifically related to the endings themselves. However, it does provide valuable experience, resources, and insights into the world and its inhabitants.
Question 13: Do relationship levels with party members affect the final cutscenes?
While high relationship levels unlock special SAS abilities, they do not significantly alter the final cutscenes or the core narrative of the endings.
Question 14: Can I skip cutscenes to speed up my second playthrough?
Yes, Scarlet Nexus allows you to skip cutscenes, which can significantly reduce the time required for your second playthrough.
Question 15: Is it worth playing Scarlet Nexus twice to see both endings?
Absolutely! Experiencing both Yuito’s and Kasane’s storylines is essential for fully understanding and appreciating the narrative complexity of Scarlet Nexus. It’s highly recommended to play through both campaigns to get the complete picture.