The Fate of Salazar: What Happens When You Kill Harper in Black Ops 2?
If you choose to eliminate Harper in the pivotal “Achilles’ Veil” mission of Call of Duty: Black Ops II, the immediate consequence for Salazar is that he is taken into custody by Section. However, his fate from that point is determined by whether or not all of the Strike Force missions have been completed. If they have all been completed, Salazar will remain in custody and survive the events of the game. However, if the Strike Force missions are not complete, Salazar’s ultimate fate is a dark one—he is taken into custody, but will never be seen again, effectively meeting his demise off-screen. This critical decision has significant ripple effects throughout the storyline, impacting other characters and altering the narrative path.
The Ripple Effect: Choices and Consequences
The decision to kill Harper in “Achilles’ Veil” is a major turning point in Black Ops II, demonstrating the game’s complex narrative system that emphasizes player choices and consequences. The story is not a linear path but rather a web of interconnected events, where each decision impacts the fates of various characters. Understanding what transpires with Salazar upon Harper’s death provides insight into the broader narrative themes of Black Ops II.
The Importance of Strike Force Missions
The Strike Force missions are a series of side missions that affect the main narrative and are critical in determining some of the endings and character fates. The fact that their completion directly impacts whether Salazar lives or dies after his capture showcases the degree to which the game encourages player investment in its broader world. If players ignore these optional missions, the outcome for characters like Salazar will be significantly more grim. This mechanic of optional mission impacting the overall story is a key feature in Black Ops II‘s gameplay structure.
The Dynamics of “Achilles’ Veil”
In this mission, the player must decide whether to shoot Harper or Farid. Menendez, attempting to ensure Farid’s loyalty, orders him to execute Harper. Harper, knowing he’s caught in a no-win situation, urges Farid to kill him, calling him “Egghead” in the process. Regardless of the player’s choice, either Harper or Farid will die in this critical scene, setting in motion a chain of events impacting later missions.
Salazar’s Treachery and Capture
Salazar, a defector who has betrayed Section, is not just a peripheral character. His involvement and capture highlight the complex web of alliances and betrayals that are central to the story’s themes. If Harper dies, Salazar is swiftly captured, and his fate is then determined by the completion of the Strike Force Missions. His survival relies on player agency, adding a crucial layer of engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the consequences of killing Harper in Black Ops II and related plot points:
1. What happens if you choose to kill Farid instead of Harper?
If you choose to kill Farid instead of Harper, Farid dies immediately, but Harper will survive the “Achilles’ Veil” mission. If Defalco is alive later in the game, he will slit Karma’s throat during the mission where you try to save her.
2. Is killing Harper necessary for a good ending in Black Ops 2?
No, killing Harper is not necessary for achieving a “good” ending. The “good” ending is primarily achieved by capturing Menendez alive during the “Judgement Day” mission, making the decision to kill Harper independent of your desired game ending.
3. What happens if you don’t kill Harper during “Achilles’ Veil”?
If you decide to let Harper live, Farid will die in that scenario. This death subsequently causes Farid not to be present on the USS Barack Obama mission. Depending on other choices you made in the game, Chloe will die during this mission.
4. Does Harper want to be killed?
Yes, when Menendez orders Farid to execute him, Harper tells Farid to kill him. Harper also refers to him as “Egghead” during this dramatic moment. This could be a tactical move to spare Farid from killing his friend, or a resigned acceptance of his fate.
5. How does capturing Menendez impact the ending?
Capturing Menendez is key to getting one of the “good” endings. If you kill Menendez instead of capturing him, it results in a global insurrection where Cordis Die followers revolt.
6. What is the significance of burning Harper’s face?
If Mason drives on the left side during the initial sequence of the “Karma” mission, Harper’s face will be burned. This is mostly a cosmetic change with some additional dialogue but it does not affect the plot or ending.
7. Which Black Ops 2 ending is considered canon?
The ending in which Menendez is executed, leading to a massive global revolt by his followers is canon, setting the stage for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
8. What are some other factors that affect the ending of Black Ops 2?
The fates of key characters like Karma, Chloe, and Farid are intertwined with player choices, including how you deal with DeFalco and the completion of the Strike Force missions.
9. How many different endings does Black Ops 2 have?
Black Ops 2 has multiple endings, including different versions of “good,” “bad,” and “worst” endings, and endings where Menendez is either killed or spared, giving the game a high replayability value. The number of ending are commonly debated and vary depending on what definition is applied.
10. Can you kill Salazar at any point of the game?
No, you cannot directly kill Salazar in gameplay. He is either taken into custody and survives or taken into custody and never seen again, but the player can not kill him through normal gameplay.
11. What is the significance of DeFalco in the story?
DeFalco is another key character whose survival influences subsequent events. If you kill him during the “Colossus” mission, he will not appear later in “Achilles’ Veil.” His death also saves Karma’s life later in the story if Farid dies.
12. Can you save Mason in Black Ops 2?
Yes, you can save Mason if you shoot him in the leg rather than the head. This choice allows him to survive and appear in the ending.
13. What happens if you kill Kravchenko in “Old Wounds”?
Killing Kravchenko in “Old Wounds” affects some details in the overall story and can also impact other missions, but won’t affect a characters survival.
14. What is Raul Menendez’s motive?
Raul Menendez’s motive is to destroy the United States in revenge for the death of his sister, Josefina, and the many people the Americans have harmed over history. He is the main villain and has an extensive backstory explaining his actions.
15. What happens if DeFalco survives the “Colossus” mission?
If DeFalco survives “Colossus,” he reappears in “Achilles’ Veil.” If Farid dies in this scenario, DeFalco will slit Karma’s throat later in the game.
Understanding the consequences of your choices, particularly with Harper and Salazar, reveals the intricate narrative structure and multiple possibilities of Black Ops II. The game’s replayability is largely due to these interconnected choices and the complex web of consequences that change the fate of its main characters and the game’s overall outcome.