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Dying Light 2: The Colonel vs. Lawan – Who Do You Trust?

The world of Dying Light 2 throws you into a constant state of moral ambiguity, forcing you to make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences. One of the earliest and most pivotal dilemmas involves choosing between The Colonel and Lawan. So, should you trust the Colonel or Lawan? The simple answer is: Lawan. While siding with the Colonel might seem like the pragmatic choice initially, trusting Lawan ultimately leads to better outcomes, including the potential for the “best” ending. The Colonel is deceptive, and his promises are often laced with ulterior motives. Lawan, despite her abrasive exterior and tendency towards drastic action, is driven by a genuine desire to protect Villedor, even at personal cost. Her path, while fraught with danger, is more aligned with a long-term vision for the city’s survival.

Understanding the Stakes: The Colonel’s Promises vs. Lawan’s Warnings

To make an informed decision, you need to understand the motivations and potential consequences of siding with each character.

The Colonel: Order Through Deceit

The Colonel, a figure of authority in the region, offers what appears to be a stable solution: a clear path to X13, the facility where you believe you’ll find answers about Mia. He promises safe passage and access, seemingly streamlining your mission. However, his methods are questionable, and his control is maintained through fear and manipulation. Trusting him means aligning yourself with a regime built on shaky foundations. Supporting The Colonel could result in an alliance with an oppressive figure whose leadership is destructive to the people of Villedor.

Lawan: Unpredictable, but Driven by a Cause

Lawan is a volatile and independent survivor with a deep-seated hatred for Waltz. While her methods are often extreme, they stem from a fierce determination to protect Villedor from destruction. Siding with Lawan means embracing a more chaotic path, one filled with immediate dangers but potentially leading to a brighter future for the city. Lawan will need the help of Hakon so she can save the city from the missiles.

The Consequences: A Tangled Web of Choices

The choice you make has ripple effects, impacting relationships, quest lines, and ultimately, the fate of Villedor.

Siding with the Colonel: This can lead to an ambush orchestrated by his Peacekeepers (unless Frank is alive and the Nightrunners intervene). It also involves supporting his questionable methods and power structure.
Siding with Lawan: This results in an immediate conflict with the Colonel and his forces. It might involve protecting Lawan from harm, but it also opens up opportunities to uncover the Colonel’s secrets and potentially destabilize his regime.

Why Lawan is the Better Choice in Dying Light 2

Alignment with a “Good” Ending: Supporting Lawan (and making key decisions along the way, such as sparing Hakon) unlocks the possibility of achieving the game’s “best” ending.
Unveiling the Truth: Lawan’s path often leads to uncovering more information about Waltz’s motives and the secrets surrounding X13.
Protecting Villedor’s Future: While her methods might be drastic, Lawan’s ultimate goal is the preservation of the city and its inhabitants.

FAQs: Deep Diving into the Colonel vs. Lawan Dilemma

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of this critical decision in Dying Light 2:

1. What happens to Mia if I save Lawan?

Saving Lawan ultimately leads to Mia dying in the facility. This sacrifice is a key component of the “bad” ending. The missiles will destroy Villedor.

2. What is the “best” ending in Dying Light 2, and how is it achieved?

The generally considered “best” ending involves leaving Villedor with Lawan. This requires several key decisions: sparing Hakon in Old Villedor and giving the Radio Tower to Frank. These choices will allow Hakon to save Lawan from the missile explosion.

3. What happens if I try to persuade Lawan during critical moments?

Persuading Lawan often involves philosophical discussions about hope and the value of fighting for a better future. It may even lead to a more intimate moment between Aiden and Lawan.

4. Is it important to press Frank for the GRE Key?

Pressing Frank for the GRE Key is ultimately not a crucial decision. It provides some additional dialogue and insight into Frank’s character, but it doesn’t significantly impact the main storyline.

5. What are the immediate consequences of trusting the Colonel?

If you choose to believe The Colonel, Matt will swear to kill you, and his Peacekeepers will try to ambush you en route to X13. However, if Frank survived, the Nightrunners will assist you and stop the fight.

6. What benefits does giving control of the transmitter to Frank provide?

Giving the transmitter to Frank allows him to establish New Hope Radio, providing a beacon of hope and information for the Survivors.

7. Is there a romantic relationship between Aiden and Lawan?

While Dying Light 2 does not feature romanceable NPCs, the relationship between Aiden and Lawan often borders on romantic, with hints suggesting a deeper connection beyond friendship. Lawan might kiss Aiden on the cheek if you made her a Nightrunner (she did not kill Hakon).

8. What happens if I allow Lawan to kill Hakon?

Allowing Lawan to kill Hakon closes off the possibility of achieving the “best” ending, as he won’t be able to save her from the missile strike.

9. Should I prioritize Survivors or Peacekeepers in Dying Light 2?

The best faction to side with depends on your playstyle. Peacekeepers offer offensive upgrades, like traps and fortifications, while Survivors prioritize traversal and exploration.

10. Is Hakon truly a villain in Dying Light 2?

Hakon is a complex character with a morally ambiguous past. While he is responsible for Lucas’s death, his motivations are not purely malicious.

11. What is the most dangerous infected type in Dying Light 2?

Volatiles are the most powerful and deadly infected, possessing incredible speed and strength. Avoid engaging them whenever possible.

12. What is the canonical ending of Dying Light 2?

Dying Light 2 strongly implies that the Infected Option is the canon ending because the Nuclear Option would have presumably prevented the spread of the virus.

13. Is Mia actually Aiden’s sister?

No, Mia is not Aiden’s sister. She is revealed to be Waltz’s daughter, and Aiden is unrelated to them.

14. What are the long-term consequences of saving Lawan?

Saving Lawan will lead to Villedor being essentially destroyed, with Mia being left to die in the facility.

15. Where can I learn more about gaming and its impact on society?

You can explore the fascinating intersection of games and education at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org explores how video games are helping people develop real-world skills, solve problems, and connect with each other.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice in Dying Light 2

Choosing between the Colonel and Lawan is a defining moment in Dying Light 2. While the Colonel might offer a seemingly easier path, Lawan’s path, though more perilous, ultimately aligns with the possibility of a better future for Villedor and achieving the “best” ending. Consider your priorities, weigh the consequences, and make the decision that best reflects your vision for the city’s survival.

Should I trust the colonel or Lawan?