Understanding the Grim Fate: Exploring the Bad Ending of Metro Exodus

The bad ending of Metro Exodus results in the death of Artyom, the protagonist. In this bleak outcome, Artyom succumbs to the lingering effects of radiation poisoning, his body finally giving out as the Aurora train reaches a potential new home for the Spartan Rangers in a healthy territory by a lake.

The Price of Victory: The Tragic Downfall

Metro Exodus offers two distinct endings depending on the player’s actions throughout the game. While the good ending sees Artyom survive and thrive, the bad ending serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of the post-apocalyptic world. The key difference hinges on the moral choices made during your journey and the impact they have on Artyom’s comrades.

Factors Leading to the Bad Ending

The path to Artyom’s demise is paved with difficult decisions and moral compromises. A primary factor is the well-being of your crew, particularly Duke, Alyosha, and Damir. These core members of the Aurora’s crew can meet unfortunate fates if the player consistently makes choices that are harmful or detrimental to their well-being.

• Duke’s Fate: Duke’s survival depends on your actions during the Volga chapter. Avoiding unnecessary bloodshed with the cultists and refraining from attacking the surrendered enemies are crucial to keeping him alive.

• Alyosha’s Fate: In the Taiga chapter, avoiding conflict with the Pioneers and the Pirates is paramount. Excessive violence will lead to Anna getting hurt which leads to Alyosha being wounded in the process. If Alyosha is wounded in the ambush, he can die.

• Damir’s Fate: Damir’s allegiance relies on your choices in the Caspian Sea. Helping the slaves in the area and refraining from attacking them will convince him to stay with the locals instead of joining the Aurora.

If two or more of these characters die or leave the Aurora due to your decisions, Artyom is destined for the bad ending. This is because the cumulative negative karma pushes the narrative toward a fatal outcome. It’s a consequence of prioritizing ruthless efficiency over compassion and empathy.

The Symptoms of Failure: Artyom’s Decline

Throughout the game, Artyom frequently suffers from radiation exposure. He often gets radiation sickness from traversing highly irradiated areas. This is visualized through coughing fits, blurry vision, and the need to administer anti-radiation medication.

In the bad ending, these symptoms are exacerbated. Despite the crew’s efforts to find a cure, Artyom’s condition deteriorates rapidly. The damage is too severe, a result of the player’s previous actions failing to secure the well-being of his companions. The constant stress, emotional toll, and unresolved radiation poisoning ultimately prove fatal.

The Grim Conclusion: A Life Cut Short

The final moments of the bad ending are somber and poignant. Artyom collapses on the train as it nears the lake, surrounded by his distraught companions. Anna is visibly heartbroken, and the remaining crew members are filled with grief. Despite their efforts to save him, Artyom succumbs to his illness, his life ending tragically short. The Ranger spirit lives on as the remaining survivors plan their new lives, but his loss leaves a profound void.

Avoiding Tragedy: The Path to Salvation

The key to avoiding the bad ending is simple in theory, but challenging in practice: make the morally correct choices. Prioritize the well-being of your companions and demonstrate compassion towards those in need. Strive for non-lethal solutions whenever possible. Act like the Ranger that you are, and show mercy. Your choices have weight and they determine who lives and who dies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What specifically determines if I get the good or bad ending?

The number of your companions who survive to the end largely determines your ending. Specifically, if Duke, Alyosha, and Damir survive, you’ll get the good ending. If two or more of them die or choose not to travel with the Aurora, you’ll get the bad ending.

2. Can I reload a save to change the ending?

Yes, you can. If you realize you’re on track for the bad ending, reload a save from before a key decision that led to a companion’s death or departure and try to make a different choice.

3. Is there a way to know if I’m on track for the bad ending?

While there’s no explicit indicator, the absence of key characters from the Aurora will be a clear sign. Also, listen to the dialogue; characters will often comment on your actions and their consequences.

4. Does killing a lot of enemies automatically lead to the bad ending?

Not necessarily. It’s more about who you kill. Killing innocent people or those who are surrendering has a far greater negative impact than eliminating hostile bandits or mutants. Be merciful to those who are not directly hostile towards you and the Aurora’s crew.

5. What are some specific examples of actions that lead to a bad outcome for Duke?

Attacking the church at the beginning of the Volga chapter, killing the surrendered cultists near the bridge, or failing to complete the stealth segments will all contribute to Duke’s death.

6. How can I ensure Alyosha survives in the Taiga?

Avoid unnecessary conflict with the Pioneers and the Pirates. Sneak past them whenever possible, and only resort to violence as a last resort.

7. What actions influence Damir’s decision to stay in the Caspian Sea?

Help the slaves in the area. Rescue them from captivity. Also, refrain from attacking the slaves; focus on fighting the Baron and his forces. Be kind and helpful to those who need it, and he will stay behind.

8. Does Anna’s health impact the ending?

Indirectly, yes. While Anna doesn’t directly determine the good or bad ending, her well-being is affected by your actions. If Anna is healthy, she is more likely to be around to help Artyom, which makes his survival more likely, especially in the good ending.

9. Are there any moral choices in the final chapter that affect the ending?

No, the ending is pretty much set by the time you reach the final chapter. There are no last-minute changes.

10. Is the bad ending considered the “canon” ending?

No, the good ending is widely considered the canon ending, as it sets the stage for the events in the subsequent game, Metro Exodus: Sam’s Story.

11. Is it possible to get the good ending on a harder difficulty?

Yes. Difficulty setting does not affect the moral choices or outcomes. Focus on making the right decisions.

12. Do I need to complete all side quests to get the good ending?

No, you don’t need to. However, side quests often present opportunities to demonstrate positive morality and help others, which can contribute to the overall positive outcome.

13. Can I see both endings in a single playthrough?

No. You need to play through the game at least twice, making different choices each time, to experience both the good and bad endings. Or just reload your save.

14. Does the Enhanced Edition change anything about the endings?

No, the Enhanced Edition primarily focuses on graphical improvements and performance enhancements. The storyline and endings remain the same.

15. Is there a “secret” ending beyond the good and bad endings?

No, Metro Exodus has only two main endings: the good ending and the bad ending. There are no additional hidden or secret endings.