Is Saving Lawan the Good Ending in Dying Light 2? A Definitive Answer
In the morally ambiguous world of Dying Light 2: Stay Human, the question of whether saving Lawan constitutes the “good ending” is far from straightforward. The short answer? No, saving Lawan is generally considered the “bad ending”. However, it’s a complex decision laced with emotional weight and impactful consequences that ripple throughout the narrative, shaping the fate of Villedor and its inhabitants.
The perception of this ending stems from the devastating outcome of saving Lawan at the X13 facility. Choosing to rescue her prevents her from detonating the bombs that would otherwise destroy the city. While this might seem heroic at first glance, it results in the missiles launching and obliterating Villedor, killing countless innocent people. This catastrophic event overshadows the individual act of saving Lawan, leading most players and critics to deem it a less desirable outcome.
While individual player preferences and moral compasses may vary, most players acknowledge the far-reaching destructive implications of allowing Villedor to be leveled by missiles. This outcome outweighs the immediate act of rescuing Lawan and is generally considered the “bad ending” due to the complete obliteration of the city. So, while your heart might tell you to save her, the fate of Villedor hangs in the balance, making this a choice with lasting and tragic results.
The Moral Maze of Dying Light 2
Dying Light 2 excels at presenting players with difficult choices that lack simple right or wrong answers. The decision surrounding Lawan is a prime example. It forces players to weigh the value of a single life against the lives of many, and to consider the long-term consequences of their actions. This is further complicated by the player’s growing attachment to Lawan, making the decision emotionally charged.
The game also explores themes of sacrifice and redemption, with Lawan willing to sacrifice herself to save Villedor. By choosing to save her, you are effectively taking that sacrifice away from her, potentially condemning the city in the process.
Good vs. Bad: A Matter of Perspective
The labeling of endings as “good” or “bad” is inherently subjective. Some players may prioritize saving the woman they’ve grown close to, even if it means the destruction of Villedor. They might argue that personal connection outweighs the abstract concept of saving a city. Others may see the bigger picture, recognizing that sacrificing one person for the greater good is the necessary evil.
Furthermore, the “good ending” isn’t necessarily perfect. Even if Lawan detonates the bombs, Mia still dies, which can be a painful outcome for Aiden. The game’s narrative avoids simplistic resolutions and instead forces players to confront the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world.
The “Best” Ending and its Nuances
The consensus “best” ending often involves letting Lawan detonate the bombs while ensuring Hakon is alive. If Hakon is alive, he saves Lawan off-screen, and she eventually joins Aiden as he leaves the city. This ending provides a bittersweet resolution, saving Villedor from destruction and allowing Aiden to find companionship.
However, this ending relies on specific choices made throughout the game, highlighting the importance of player agency and the interconnectedness of decisions. Sparing Hakon, assigning the radio tower to Frank, and saving Frank are all crucial steps in unlocking this potentially “better” outcome.
Ultimately, Dying Light 2’s endings are not about achieving a perfect outcome, but about making choices that align with your values and accepting the consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lawan and the Endings
1. What actually happens if I save Lawan at the end of Dying Light 2?
If you save Lawan at the X13 facility, she doesn’t detonate the bombs, leading to the missiles launching and destroying Villedor. Mia still dies due to her illness, and Lawan is furious with Aiden for preventing her sacrifice. Aiden leaves the city alone or with Hakon (if Hakon survived), filled with regret.
2. Is Mia saved if I save Lawan?
No, Mia dies regardless of whether you save Lawan or let her detonate the bombs. Her illness is terminal, and the game’s narrative doesn’t provide a cure.
3. How do I get the “best” ending in Dying Light 2?
To get the widely considered “best” ending, you need to:
- Spare Hakon in Old Villedor.
- Give the Radio Tower to Frank.
- Save Frank in the Breakthrough quest.
- Spare Hakon and stop Lawan from killing him in the No Mercy quest.
- Let Lawan Detonate the Bombs in X13.
If you meet these conditions and Hakon is alive, he’ll save Lawan, ensuring Villedor survives and Aiden has companionship.
4. Does Hakon always save Lawan if he’s alive?
Yes, if Hakon is alive and you allow Lawan to detonate the bombs, he will save her off-screen, according to game narrative.
5. What happens if Hakon is dead?
If Hakon is dead, there’s no one to save Lawan if you let her detonate the bombs, and she will die along with the facility.
6. Is it better to side with the Peacekeepers or the Survivors to get a good ending?
The ending is more directly influenced by the decisions made regarding Lawan and Hakon. Both Peacekeepers and Survivors are viable throughout the game, though siding with Frank in the Radio Tower quest is necessary for the best ending.
7. Is Aiden in love with Lawan?
Dying Light 2 hints at a potentially romantic connection between Aiden and Lawan, but the game doesn’t feature a romance system. Whether their bond remains a friendship or could blossom into something more is left to the player’s interpretation.
8. Can you romance any characters in Dying Light 2?
No, Dying Light 2 doesn’t include any romanceable NPCs. The game focuses on narrative choices and their consequences rather than romantic relationships.
9. Is Aiden related to Waltz?
No, Aiden is not related to Waltz. It is revealed that Mia is Waltz’s daughter, but Aiden is not related to them by blood.
10. What happened to Kyle Crane from Dying Light 1?
The fate of Kyle Crane is ambiguous, depending on the ending of the “The Following” DLC. In the canon ending, Crane triggers a nuclear explosion to prevent the spread of the virus, sacrificing himself. Thus, he doesn’t appear in Dying Light 2 except for mentions.
11. Is Mia Aiden’s sister?
Mia is not Aiden’s biological sister. She is revealed to be Waltz’s daughter. The connection they share stems from their shared experience as test subjects and Aiden’s promise to Waltz to protect her.
12. What are the consequences of trusting the Colonel vs. Lawan?
Trusting the Colonel leads to quicker access to X13, but siding with Lawan leads to a confrontation with the Colonel’s forces and potentially different narrative outcomes. Lawan helps Aiden find Waltz’s whereabouts by suggesting that his old base may still contain information,
13. What happens if you leave Frank instead of staying with him?
Without Frank in leadership, the fragile peace in Villedor crumbles, and Lawan is more likely to be consumed by her desire for revenge. Staying with Frank and saving him ensures he maintains order, and this is crucial for achieving a more positive ending.
14. Are Dying Light 1 and Dying Light 2 connected?
Yes, both games are set in the same universe. However, Dying Light 2 features a new protagonist and a different location. Characters and events from the first game are referenced, but understanding Dying Light 1 isn’t essential to enjoying Dying Light 2.
15. How does Games Learning Society contribute to understanding complex narratives like Dying Light 2?
The Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, explores how games can teach players complex systems and moral decision-making. Games like Dying Light 2, with their branching narratives and ambiguous choices, offer valuable opportunities for learning and critical thinking, a focus of the GamesLearningSociety.org. These games teach players about ethical decision-making, resource management, and the consequences of choices in complex systems, which are key aspects of the Games Learning Society‘s research.