The Definitive Canon Ending of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Explained

The canon ending of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is the one where Raul Menendez is killed. This crucial decision, where the player shoots Menendez at the end of the final mission, “Suffer With Me,” is officially considered the canonical path. While Black Ops 2 is famous for its multiple endings, influenced by player choices throughout the campaign, the developers have confirmed this particular resolution as the official narrative progression within the broader Black Ops storyline. This conclusion leads directly into the events of later games, including setting the stage for Call of Duty: Black Ops III. This ending ensures that Menendez’s global insurrection is prevented, even though it comes at a cost.

Understanding the Significance of the Canon Ending

The choice to kill Menendez isn’t merely about game progression; it has profound implications for the Black Ops universe. In this scenario, Chloe Lynch, also known as Karma, dies, and Alex Mason is also killed. The emotional impact is heavy, as David Mason, Alex Mason’s son, is left to visit his father’s grave, ultimately ending his military career. It’s a somber conclusion, highlighting the harsh realities of war and the tragic losses that accompany these conflicts. This specific ending also makes the most sense in the context of the overarching Black Ops narrative, setting up future conflicts and establishing a more stable world without the threat of Menendez’s imminent global uprising.

The Non-Canon Endings and Their Place

While the Menendez dead ending is canon, it’s important to remember that Black Ops 2 offers various paths. The game allows players to shape the story with choices impacting the fate of key characters like Chloe and Alex Mason. There is a “best” ending achievable by saving Menendez’s life and ensuring the survival of other crucial figures, but this is considered non-canonical in the grander Black Ops narrative. The different outcomes are still considered part of the Black Ops universe, much like branches on a tree. Each experience contributes to the overall lore while offering a unique player journey. This is the reason many fans may be confused by the canonicity since they played and enjoyed different endings. They are all valid experiences within the world, but only one is canon to the entire Black Ops arc.

The Ripple Effect of the Canon Ending

The decision to kill Menendez, while tragic, is necessary within the timeline. Had Menendez lived, he would have uploaded a video to YouTube commanding his supporters, Cordis Die, to revolt. This would have led to a massive global insurrection, burning the White House and causing widespread anarchy, directly setting the stage for Black Ops III. This sequence of events is not canon and would contradict the timeline in other Black Ops entries. Therefore, the developers chose to make the Menendez dead ending the official canon. This ending, although grim, ultimately paves the way for future Black Ops narratives without the need for a retcon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Ops 2’s Canon Ending

1. Is Black Ops 2 still canon?

Yes, Black Ops 2 is still considered canon, and its storyline remains integral to the Black Ops series. The multiple endings do not contradict its position within the larger narrative but rather offer various perspectives of the same events.

2. What are all the possible endings to Black Ops 2?

The game features multiple endings based on your choices, especially concerning the survival of Menendez, Chloe, and Alex Mason, as well as the completion of Strike Force Missions. There’s a “best” ending if you spare Menendez and save key characters, but the canon ending involves killing Menendez.

3. Does the canon ending affect other Black Ops games?

Yes, the canon ending in which Menendez is killed prevents his global uprising and thus the events depicted in the non-canon scenario. This influences the timeline for Call of Duty: Black Ops III and beyond.

4. What is the significance of Chloe ‘Karma’ Lynch in the game’s ending?

Chloe Lynch plays a crucial role. If she lives, she can stop a global cyberattack, which does not happen in the canon ending where she dies. Her survival or death directly impacts the success or failure of thwarting Menendez’s plans.

5. How does the canon ending affect David Mason?

In the canon ending, with both Alex Mason dead and Chloe dead, David Mason is emotionally affected. He visits his father’s grave, and his military career is concluded.

6. Is the “best” ending the canon one?

No, the “best” ending where everyone survives and Menendez is spared is a non-canon path. The canonical path involves killing Menendez.

7. Is there any room for interpretation in the canon ending?

While the canon ending is defined, the impact of the non-canon endings are also present within the story world. The experiences players have from those endings are legitimate, but they do not fit within the overall timeline.

8. Who is the main antagonist in Black Ops 2?

The main antagonist in Black Ops 2 is Raul Menendez, a charismatic and ruthless leader seeking to destroy the US due to past injustices.

9. Does the game have any recurring characters?

Yes, Black Ops 2 features recurring characters like Alex Mason, Frank Woods, and David Mason, among others, who are central to the Black Ops storyline.

10. What year does Black Ops 2 take place?

Black Ops 2 takes place in two main time periods: the 1980s and 2025. The future setting in 2025 deals with technological warfare and a new cold war scenario.

11. How does Black Ops 2 relate to Black Ops Cold War?

Black Ops Cold War provides backstory that impacts the events of Black Ops 2. Namely, the game shows the CIA assassination of Jose Luis Menendez, Raul Menendez’s father, on the Cartel map. This gives context to Raul’s motivations for seeking revenge in Black Ops 2.

12. How is Adler connected to Black Ops 2?

While Adler himself is not directly present in Black Ops 2, the events of Black Ops Cold War, where Adler is a CIA agent, impact the timeline leading to the events of Black Ops 2. Adler, being alive during the 1980’s, would have been operating during the events of the 1986-1989 portion of the game.

13. Who betrays David Mason and the US in Black Ops 2?

Javier Salazar, a fellow American soldier, betrays David Mason and the US by collaborating with Menendez and using his position within the military to seize control of the American Drone Fleet.

14. What happens if Farid dies?

If Farid dies, Salazar kills him. If Chloe lives and saves the Obama, Farid’s death would not be in vain. If Farid and Chloe both die, then Menendez’s plan would succeed.

15. How does the fate of Alex Mason impact the ending?

The fate of Alex Mason is another crucial element. If he dies (in the canon ending), this deeply affects David Mason, contributing to the overall somber tone of the ending. If he survives, this leads to one of the non-canonical endings.

In conclusion, the canon ending of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is clear: Menendez must be killed. This decision, while tragic, is necessary for the continuation of the Black Ops narrative and the events that follow in other titles. While the game’s multiple endings offer diverse paths, only this ending is officially considered canon. This understanding is vital for fans eager to comprehend the Black Ops timeline fully.