Is the Last Light Metro Ending Canon?
Yes, the “Redemption” ending of Metro: Last Light is considered the canon ending. This ending sees Artyom spare the Dark One child, choosing mercy over vengeance. The subsequent game, Metro Exodus, directly follows the events and implications of the Redemption ending, solidifying its place as the officially recognized conclusion to Last Light’s narrative.
Understanding the Metro Canon
The Metro series, inspired by Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, presents a post-apocalyptic world where moral choices have significant consequences. Last Light offered two distinct endings:
- Redemption Ending (Good): Artyom chooses to spare the Dark One child, averting a destructive war and demonstrating a capacity for empathy and forgiveness.
- Resurrection Ending (Bad): Artyom destroys D6 and the Dark Ones, believing them to be a threat.
The choice given to players at the end of Last Light was impactful. Deciding the fate of the Dark Ones was a heavy responsibility, especially considering their mysterious nature and Artyom’s past interactions with them. Choosing the Resurrection ending meant Artyom was damning an entire race, albeit one that had a hand in his past traumas. The Redemption ending, however, offered a path toward reconciliation and understanding, even in the brutal world of the Metro.
Why the Redemption Ending Was Chosen
4A Games, the developers of the Metro series, made the decision to canonize the Redemption ending for several reasons:
- Narrative Consistency: The themes of redemption, forgiveness, and understanding are central to the Metro universe. The Redemption ending aligns more closely with these overarching themes, providing a more hopeful and nuanced perspective on the conflict between humans and the Dark Ones.
- Foundation for Metro Exodus: The events of Metro Exodus directly build upon the Redemption ending. The absence of a destructive war allows for a wider range of narrative possibilities and sets the stage for Artyom’s journey to the outside world with Anna and other Spartans.
- Character Development: The Redemption ending portrays Artyom as a more mature and morally complex character. His decision to spare the Dark One child demonstrates growth and a rejection of the blind hatred that plagues the Metro.
- The Dark One’s Role: The Dark Ones, despite their enigmatic nature, represent the potential for a different kind of future. Destroying them would be a tragic loss of potential.
Evidence of Canonization in Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus provides ample evidence that the Redemption ending is the official canon:
- Dialogue and References: Characters within Exodus make specific references to events that occurred only in the Redemption ending. Dialogue often mentions the continued existence of the Dark Ones and their potential to help humanity.
- Artyom’s Characterization: Artyom’s personality and motivations in Exodus are consistent with the character who chose mercy in Last Light. He displays a continued empathy and willingness to give others a chance.
- The Absence of D6 Destruction: The D6 military complex, a key location in Last Light, remains intact in Exodus. The Resurrection ending would have resulted in its complete destruction.
Impact on Future Metro Games
The decision to canonize the Redemption ending has significant implications for future Metro games:
- Continuation of the Story: It allows for a continued exploration of the relationship between humans and the Dark Ones, potentially leading to a more peaceful and cooperative future.
- Exploration of New Territories: It opens up new possibilities for exploring the world outside the Moscow Metro, as seen in Exodus.
- Character Development: It provides opportunities to further develop Artyom’s character and explore his moral compass in new and challenging situations.
FAQs About the Last Light Ending and Canon
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Last Light ending and its canon status:
1. What exactly happens in the Redemption ending of Last Light?
In the Redemption ending, Artyom chooses to trust in the Dark One child, recognizing their potential for good. He prevents the destruction of D6 and allows the Dark Ones to escape.
2. What happens in the Resurrection ending of Last Light?
In the Resurrection ending, Artyom triggers the self-destruct mechanism of D6, destroying the Dark Ones and preventing a potential threat, albeit at a tremendous cost.
3. How do I achieve the Redemption ending?
You achieve the Redemption ending by performing “good” actions throughout the game. This includes showing mercy, sparing enemies, helping those in need, and listening to conversations.
4. Does my Karma affect the ending?
Yes, the game uses a hidden Karma system to track your moral choices. Positive Karma leads to the Redemption ending. Negative Karma leads to the Resurrection ending.
5. Is there any way to see both endings without playing the entire game again?
Yes, on PC, save files can be manipulated, and on consoles, cloud saves can be used strategically to view both endings more easily. However, experiencing the game naturally is the best way to earn the desired ending.
6. Why did 4A Games choose a specific ending as canon?
4A Games chose the Redemption ending as canon because it aligns better with the overarching themes of the Metro series and provides a more compelling foundation for future installments.
7. Does the Resurrection ending hold any significance?
While not canon, the Resurrection ending still serves as a valid conclusion to Last Light. It illustrates the consequences of fear and prejudice, showcasing a darker path for Artyom and humanity.
8. How does Metro Exodus acknowledge the Redemption ending?
Metro Exodus references the continued existence of the Dark Ones and Artyom’s past experiences with them, confirming the Redemption ending.
9. What would Metro Exodus have looked like if the Resurrection ending were canon?
If the Resurrection ending were canon, Metro Exodus would likely have focused on a world devoid of Dark Ones, potentially exploring the consequences of their extinction or the rise of new threats.
10. Will the Dark Ones play a larger role in future Metro games?
It is highly probable that the Dark Ones will play a more significant role in future Metro games, given their survival and the potential for collaboration with humanity.
11. Are the Metro books canon to the games?
While the games are based on the books, they diverge in several ways. The games are considered to have their own separate, but interconnected, canon.
12. Does Dmitry Glukhovsky, the author of the Metro novels, agree with the canonization of the Redemption ending?
While Glukhovsky has provided input and consultation on the games, his personal views on the ending may differ from the official canon established by 4A Games.
13. What are the key moral choices that affect my Karma?
Key moral choices include sparing surrendering enemies, helping civilians, listening to conversations, and avoiding unnecessary violence.
14. Can I change my ending choice at the very end of the game?
No, the ending is determined by your cumulative Karma throughout the entire playthrough. You cannot drastically alter your outcome at the very last moment.
15. Will the games continue to explore the theme of redemption?
Given the emphasis on morality and choice within the Metro universe, the theme of redemption will likely continue to be a central aspect of future games. The struggle for humanity to find its way after the apocalypse offers many avenues to explore this theme.