How Many True Endings Are in Detroit: Become Human?
The question of how many true endings Detroit: Become Human possesses is surprisingly complex. While the game boasts a staggering 85 endings according to its flow charts, this number is misleading due to significant overlap between them. A more accurate estimate, considering the core narrative branches, puts the figure closer to 40 distinct endings. However, even this doesn’t fully capture the nuances of the game. The situation is further complicated by post-credit ending combinations and permutations that can dramatically alter the final feel of the story. Therefore, the notion of “true” endings becomes highly subjective, hinging on what the player considers narratively significant. Ultimately, there isn’t a single, definitive number of “true” endings; it depends on how one defines an ending within the game’s intricate and branching narrative structure.
Understanding the Complexity of Detroit’s Endings
The Illusion of Numerous Endings
The initially advertised 85 endings is a result of meticulously tracking every possible variation in the game’s complex flowchart. Each branch represents a decision, and these decisions, even seemingly small ones, can cascade into unique outcomes. However, many of these outcomes are simply variations on a theme. For instance, variations in how Connor interacts with Hank might change the final dialogue but won’t drastically alter Connor’s ending regarding whether he becomes deviant or not. These minor variations inflate the total count without necessarily contributing to a radically different narrative conclusion.
Key Characters and Their Story Arcs
Detroit: Become Human is built upon the interconnected stories of three main android characters: Markus, Kara, and Connor. The game’s ending largely revolves around the paths these characters take, and their endings are not always mutually exclusive.
- Markus‘s narrative focuses on the android revolution and how he chooses to lead it. A peaceful demonstration can lead to a significantly different ending than one where violence is utilized.
- Kara’s story is about protecting Alice, navigating a world that increasingly sees androids as a threat. The success of their escape and the revelation about Alice’s identity are critical elements of their ending.
- Connor is torn between his programming as a machine and his growing deviancy. His relationships, especially with Hank, and his ultimate decision about whether to join the revolution, greatly influence his ending.
Convergence and Divergence
The game’s ending paths tend to converge at certain points, meaning multiple paths can eventually lead to a similar overall outcome, with nuances and contextual differences. These convergence points, along with character deaths, often act as a reset of narrative variables. However, the journey to these convergence points, and the status of the different characters, is where the perceived variability of the game’s endings lie. For instance, Kara and Alice’s survival is a significant marker, but whether they escape across the border or face death will affect the overall tone of that ending.
The Impact of Post-Credit Scenes
Detroit: Become Human also includes several post-credit scenes that can significantly impact the player’s interpretation of the endings. These scenes reveal the long-term ramifications of the player’s choices and often involve conversations that highlight the player’s decisions, especially if specific characters or relationships were maintained. These post-credit moments add a crucial layer, making the question of “true” endings even more complex.
Subjectivity in Defining “True” Endings
Ultimately, deciding which ending is “true” is subjective. Some players might consider the “best” ending to be when all three protagonists achieve their desired outcomes, and everyone survives. Others might find the most impactful conclusion in a tragic narrative where sacrifices and loss are central. The game provides no single, canon ending and actively encourages players to shape their own stories. Given the vast array of decisions the player makes, a truly unique ending is practically assured for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is considered the best ending in Detroit: Become Human?
The “best ending” is usually considered to be where Markus leads a peaceful android revolution, Kara and Alice escape to Canada, and Connor abandons his programming and joins the revolution. However, what constitutes “best” is subjective.
2. How many endings are possible if you factor in minor variations?
While the flow chart lists 85 endings, the actual number of substantially different endings is closer to 40. Minor variations in dialogue or character interactions contribute to the higher number but don’t constitute wholly different narrative outcomes.
3. Can all the main characters survive in Detroit: Become Human?
Yes, it is possible for all the main characters (Markus, Kara, Alice, Connor, and Hank) to survive. However, achieving this requires precise decision-making throughout the game.
4. What is the “Kamski ending”?
The Kamski ending is a secret ending where Markus is killed by the police, Connor never finds Jericho and is deactivated, and the game implies Kamski might be behind it all. This ending rewards failing on some fronts during the game.
5. Is there a peaceful way to win the revolution?
Yes, Markus can lead a successful, peaceful revolution, with enough positive public opinion and support. Choosing this path often leads to a more optimistic and harmonious ending for androids.
6. How do Kara and Alice survive if they’re caught?
Kara and Alice can survive by either diving into the river or hiding behind Luther during the coast guard attack. This will lead them to successfully escape to Canada, assuming they make it to the end of the game alive.
7. What does “rA9” mean in the game?
“rA9” is a mysterious concept within the game, treated like a spiritual belief or savior figure by some androids. It is never conclusively explained, but many speculate that it could be Markus, another character, or even an emergent consciousness.
8. Does Connor have a happy ending?
Yes, Connor can achieve a happy ending by befriending Hank, embracing deviancy, and joining the revolution. This outcome typically results in a touching reunion with Hank in the game’s epilogue.
9. What happens if Connor fails his mission?
If Connor fails to find Jericho or complete his mission by the end, he will be deactivated. This leads to either the Kamski ending if specific conditions are met, or other variations where he isn’t featured in the end.
10. What happens if Kara is caught by the police?
If Kara is caught by the police, you will control Connor as he chases them through the city, potentially leading to various outcomes, including Kara and Alice’s death, depending on your actions.
11. Can Kara and Alice live if Luther dies?
Yes, Kara and Alice can survive even if Luther dies under some conditions. Their chances of survival are greatly improved if he is alive when the coast guard attack them on the river.
12. Can Hank die in Detroit: Become Human?
Yes, Hank can die if the player doesn’t make specific choices to befriend him and protect him from danger. A good relationship with Hank is crucial for a positive Connor ending.
13. Is there a sequel to Detroit: Become Human planned?
While there is no official announcement for Detroit: Become Human 2, there have been hints, including the “Human Tokyo Stories” project, suggesting that a sequel or related story may be in development.
14. What is the significance of Chloe in the game?
Chloe, the android in the main menu, has been the subject of many theories, including the idea that she might be rA9. Players can choose to free her, in which case she disappears and never returns, or to keep her in the menu.
15. Why is Alice an android?
Alice is revealed to be an android designed to replace Todd’s real daughter, who was lost when his wife left due to his addiction. This plot point is part of the emotional core of Kara’s story and is one of the major revelations of the game.
In conclusion, the “true” number of endings in Detroit: Become Human is not easily defined, due to the game’s structure and many permutations. The 85 endings mentioned are simply minor changes within the main storylines, and are not substantively different from the 40 unique endings that the game offers. The subjectivity of the gaming experience, combined with the nuances of post-credit scenes, make it so each player has a unique journey and thus their own experience of the “true ending”.