Is Hakon a Good or Bad Guy in Dying Light 2? A Deep Dive
Determining whether Hakon is a “good” or “bad” guy in Dying Light 2 is far from straightforward. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no; it’s a complex and nuanced exploration of a character driven by conflicting loyalties and forced into morally ambiguous situations. While he’s capable of kindness and forms a bond with Aiden, his actions throughout the story often lead to betrayal and questionable decisions. Ultimately, Hakon is best described as an anti-hero; a character whose motivations are understandable, but whose methods often cross ethical lines, making his true nature a subject of much debate among players. He’s not purely evil, but neither is he a paragon of virtue, residing in that grey area that makes him so compelling and divisive. His motivations are often self-serving, driven by a desire to protect himself and others he cares about, even if it means hurting those he has alliances with.
Hakon’s Moral Complexity
Hakon’s character arc is a roller coaster of shifting alliances and betrayals. He is introduced as a fellow Nightrunner, initially appearing to be a helpful and skilled ally. He establishes himself quickly with Aiden and is a friend and an important ally early on. However, it’s revealed that he killed Lucas, a former leader and friend of Aiden. This revelation alone immediately casts a shadow over his character and puts his morality into question. His motives for killing Lucas and later his alliance with Waltz are fueled by blackmail and a desperate desire to protect Lawan, who is under constant threat.
He isn’t a random villain, he is a complex character, trying to do what he thinks is best, even if his actions seem terrible in hindsight. He was a loyal member of the Nightrunners, a faction dedicated to helping people, but he was also willing to betray Frank, a key figure of the Nightrunners. He does this because he was put in an impossible position where he was blackmailed by Waltz. He was forced to choose to back out of the group or watch Waltz kill Lawan.
The fact that Hakon is a compelling villain makes the debate about his true nature all the more interesting. Many players may be tempted to trust him because of how well he’s portrayed and the benefits he brings. His complex motivations make him difficult to hate and easy to sympathize with, even when his actions are harmful. He is a survivor in a world where surviving means making hard choices, and his actions are a reflection of that brutal reality.
The Consequences of Choices
The player’s choices regarding Hakon have significant consequences, influencing both the storyline and the game’s ending. Whether you help Hakon or leave him to his fate at the start, he will survive, but how you interact with him during the “No Mercy/Deals with the Devil” quest greatly affects the narrative. Deciding to fight him will prevent the possibility of getting the best ending in the game and can often result in him being killed. If you refuse to fight him, you can save his life and potentially get the “best ending” where Lawan survives and Villedor is saved. This is critical to remember during the quest as it will allow you to save Lawan.
Hakon’s Redemption Arc (or Lack Thereof)
While Hakon does seem to have some form of redemption arc with the player character, it ultimately does not get completed. He is given the player’s sympathy and help. He, however, does not make good on his promises, continuing to do what benefits him, rather than trying to truly be a good character. Even if spared, Hakon’s actions lead to a less than positive ending. Leaving the city together in a different ending results in Villedor being destroyed and Mia, and potentially other important characters, dying. He is not presented as a character who is easily redeemed, or willing to make up for his past actions. He’s a survivor, first and foremost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Hakon the Predecessor Villain of the Series?
Yes, Hakon is often regarded as a Predecessor Villain. This is because his actions often have large impacts and are a precursor to bigger events in the game.
2. Why does Hakon betray us?
Hakon betrays Aiden and Frank because he is blackmailed by Waltz. He was forced to choose between abandoning his Nightrunner position or watching Waltz kill Lawan.
3. Does Hakon always survive?
Yes, Hakon will always survive your initial encounter with him in the game regardless of the choice to help or abandon him.
4. Can you avoid killing Hakon in the church?
Yes, you can avoid killing Hakon in the church. It is a side quest, so it can be completely ignored.
5. Who killed Lucas?
Hakon is the one who killed Lucas.
6. Is it better to leave Hakon or help him?
Helping Hakon provides additional content, information, tips, and experience. You also require Hakon to be alive to get the best ending in the game.
7. Can you save Hakon?
Yes, during the “No Mercy/Deals with the Devil” quest, you must refuse to fight him. Telling Lawan to stand down will save him.
8. What is the best ending in Dying Light 2 and does Hakon play a part in it?
The best ending involves sparing Hakon and giving the radio tower to Frank. This allows Lawan to survive alongside Aiden.
9. What happens if you leave with Hakon?
Leaving with Hakon is considered one of the worst endings, as Villedor is destroyed, almost everyone dies, and you lose Lawan.
10. Does Lawan kiss Aiden?
If Lawan is made a Nightrunner and Hakon is spared, she will kiss Aiden on the cheek. The romantic aspects are left to the player’s perception.
11. Can you romance Lawan?
No, there is no romance system in Dying Light 2. The relationship between Aiden and Lawan remains platonic or is hinted as a potential romance based on choices.
12. Should I give Hakon the key?
You will have to choose between fighting Hakon or handing over the key, but the outcome is the same. You will be forced to fight Renegades. However, if you fight Hakon, he will not survive later in the game.
13. Should I side with Peacekeepers or Survivors?
The Peacekeepers are the more offensive option, adding things such as traps to the city. The Survivors offer a less combative option. Choose what fits your playstyle.
14. Is Crane dead in Dying Light 2?
The fate of Kyle Crane is ambiguous. He either dies from a nuclear blast or becomes a volatile, depending on the ending of the first game.
15. Is Aiden in love with Lawan?
The relationship between Aiden and Lawan hints at a deeper bond, but it is never explicitly defined as a romantic relationship.
Ultimately, Hakon’s character serves as a lesson in the shades of gray within moral choices, making him a captivating figure in the world of Dying Light 2. Players must weigh his past actions with his future potential, deciding whether to see him as a villain, a flawed ally, or something in between.