What is the Canon Ending in Dragon’s Dogma?

The concept of a single, definitively canon ending in Dragon’s Dogma is complex and deliberately ambiguous. The game presents multiple endings, blurring the lines between “good” and “bad” and leaving the ultimate interpretation to the player. However, if one were to identify the ending that best aligns with the game’s core themes and narrative progression, it would be the ending achieved by embracing Seneschal’s role and defeating the Dragon once more as the new Seneschal. This ending suggests the cyclical nature of the world and the burden of responsibility that comes with power, fitting seamlessly within the game’s philosophical undertones.

Understanding Endings in Dragon’s Dogma

Dragon’s Dogma offers a rich tapestry of narrative choices that impact the ending you receive. These endings range from disappointing to thought-provoking, each reflecting different interpretations of the Arisen’s journey.

Main Endings

• Normal Ending (False Ending): This ending is achieved by confronting the Dragon, Grigori, and making a deal with him, sacrificing your beloved. This results in the Arisen becoming the Duke of Gran Soren, leading a comfortable but ultimately hollow existence. This ending is generally considered the “worst” or least desirable, as it completely abandons the Arisen’s quest and demonstrates a profound lack of character growth.

• “True” Ending (Post-Dragon): This ending is achieved by confronting and defeating Grigori. The Arisen then enters the Everfall and faces several trials. This leads to a final confrontation with the Seneschal.

Seneschal Endings

These occur after defeating the Dragon.

• Refusal Ending: If you refuse to take the Godsbane and stab yourself during the final conversation with the Seneschal (the former Arisen), the world essentially collapses and the cycle ends, resulting in a bleak and arguably “bad” ending.

• Acceptance Ending (Canon Contender): This involves accepting the Seneschal’s role after defeating them. The Arisen becomes the new guardian of the cycle, maintaining the balance of the world.

Other Ending Variations

Several other factors influence the subtleties of the final cutscenes, including your affinity with certain characters. Romancing a specific character impacts the final scene, showcasing them alongside the Arisen. These nuances further complicate the notion of a single, definitive canon.

Why the Seneschal Acceptance Ending is the Strongest Contender

While there’s no official confirmation, the Seneschal Acceptance Ending aligns best with the game’s thematic elements for several reasons:

• Cyclical Narrative: Dragon’s Dogma emphasizes the cyclical nature of existence. Someone must always maintain the balance and test humanity’s worth. Becoming the Seneschal upholds this cycle, continuing the eternal struggle between Dragon and Arisen.
• Burden of Responsibility: The game consistently explores themes of duty and sacrifice. Accepting the role of Seneschal represents the ultimate acceptance of responsibility, acknowledging the weight of maintaining the world’s order.
• Philosophical Depth: The ending forces players to confront the philosophical implications of their actions. Is it better to perpetuate the cycle or end it? The Acceptance Ending acknowledges the necessity of the cycle, highlighting the ongoing need for challenge and growth.
• Potential for Sequel Continuity: From a narrative perspective, the Seneschal ending is the easiest to build upon in potential sequels. It leaves the world intact and the cycle continuing, providing a framework for future stories.
• Grigori’s Words: Even Grigori acknowledges the continuous cycle during your confrontation with him, “Arisen, you are the one who broke the wheel”. This foreshadows the eventual need to fill the role as Seneschal.

The Ambiguity is Intentional

Ultimately, Capcom likely intended for the ambiguity surrounding the canon ending to be a feature, not a bug. Dragon’s Dogma is a game about choice and consequences. Forcing a single “true” ending would undermine the player’s agency and diminish the impact of their decisions. The lack of a definitive canon allows players to interpret the events of the game through their own unique lens, making the experience more personal and meaningful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there an official statement from Capcom about the canon ending?

No, Capcom has never explicitly stated which ending, if any, is the canon ending for Dragon’s Dogma. This deliberate ambiguity allows players to interpret the story based on their own experiences and choices.

2. Does romancing a specific character impact the “canon” ending?

While romancing a specific character affects the final cutscene, showcasing them alongside the Arisen, it doesn’t necessarily define the canon. It mainly adds a personalized touch to the ending based on your affinity.

3. What happens if you use the Godsbane incorrectly?

Using the Godsbane sword outside the intended scenario, such as using it in a city, typically results in the Arisen’s death and a game over. It’s designed as a specific tool for ending the cycle.

4. Does the Bitterblack Isle DLC affect the ending?

The Bitterblack Isle DLC expands upon the lore and challenge of Dragon’s Dogma but doesn’t directly alter the main endings. It provides additional context to the cyclical nature of the world and the forces at play.

5. Are there any “hidden” endings beyond the ones mentioned?

While there are variations based on your affinity and choices, there are no fundamentally different endings beyond the main categories. The nuances primarily affect the final cutscenes and character interactions.

6. How does the Arisen become the Seneschal?

After defeating the current Seneschal, the Arisen is presented with a choice: to take the Godsbane and stab themselves, ending the cycle, or to accept the Seneschal’s role and take their place, maintaining the world’s balance. Accepting the role makes you the new Seneschal.

7. What are the duties of the Seneschal?

The Seneschal is responsible for maintaining the cycle of Dragons and Arisens, testing humanity’s worth through the Dragon’s challenges. They also act as a guardian against Void, potentially using their power to shape the world and influence events.

8. Is there a way to “break” the cycle entirely?

The Refusal Ending where the Arisen refuses to become the Seneschal and instead uses the Godsbane on themself, implies a breaking of the cycle, although it results in a bleak outcome. Whether it truly “ends” the cycle or simply leads to a different kind of consequence is open to interpretation.

9. Does Dragon’s Dogma 2 address the canon ending of the first game?

Dragon’s Dogma 2’s story is set in a parallel world, or a world branched off from the original world of the first game. The game will feature pawns which remember the choices made in the first game’s world.

10. Which ending is most satisfying for players?

The most satisfying ending is subjective and depends on individual player preferences. Some players prefer the “true” ending, while others find the Acceptance Ending more compelling due to its philosophical implications and cyclical nature. Many find the False Ending abhorrent and avoid it.

11. How do Pawns factor into the endings?

Pawns play a crucial role throughout the game, but they don’t directly influence the ending you receive. They are affected by the player’s choices, with certain Pawns preferring the “true” or Seneschal Acceptance endings based on their own worldview.

12. What is the significance of the Dragon in the cycle?

The Dragon is a key component of the cycle, testing humanity’s strength and resolve. It acts as a catalyst for the emergence of the Arisen and the continuation of the eternal struggle.

13. What are the themes present in Dragon’s Dogma?

Dragon’s Dogma explores themes of choice, sacrifice, responsibility, the cyclical nature of existence, the burden of power, and the eternal struggle between order and chaos.

14. How important is player choice in shaping the story?

Player choice is central to Dragon’s Dogma’s narrative. Every decision, from dialogue options to quest choices, has consequences that shape the world and the Arisen’s journey.

15. What ending should I aim for on my first playthrough?

On your first playthrough, it’s recommended to focus on experiencing the story organically and making choices that align with your own sense of morality and what you would do as the Arisen. Don’t worry too much about achieving a specific ending; embrace the journey and let the consequences unfold naturally. After all, there are many subsequent playthroughs to explore other options.