Unraveling the Mystery of Dark Souls 2 Endings
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The canon ending of Dark Souls 2 is not explicitly stated, as the game’s narrative is intentionally vague and open to interpretation, leaving players to decide for themselves which ending is canonical. The game’s director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has also stated that the choice of ending is not as important as the journey itself, adding to the ambiguous nature of the game’s conclusion.
Understanding the Endings of Dark Souls 2
To delve into the canon ending of Dark Souls 2, it’s essential to understand the different endings available in the game. The game’s endings are largely determined by the player’s actions throughout the story, particularly in the final moments.
Linking the Fire
One of the most debated topics among fans is whether linking the fire is the canon ending. Selecting this ending ensures that the prophecy of Kingseeker Frampt is fulfilled, and the Age of Fire is continued. However, the game does not explicitly state that this is the definitive ending, leaving room for interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions fans have about the endings of Dark Souls 2 and the Dark Souls series as a whole:
- Is there a consensus on which Dark Souls 2 ending is canon? There is no consensus, as the game’s story is intentionally vague, and the choice of ending is left to the player’s interpretation.
- What is the true ending of Dark Souls 2? The original ending shows the player taking control of the Throne of Want after defeating Nashandra, but it is unclear whether the chosen undead decided to link the flame again or become the Dark Lord.
- Which ending is canon in DS2? Linking the fire is often considered the canon ending because there are still bonfires present, indicating the flame has been linked.
- Is Dark Souls 2 canon? Yes, Dark Souls 2 is canon, but the events may not have occurred exactly as they were experienced by the player.
- What is the true ending of DS3? There is no single true ending, but the ending where the player gives the Fire Keeper a set of eyes and summons her to handle the flame is considered a true ending by some.
- Is DS1 canon in DS3? There is no direct canon ending; DS3 takes place after someone linked the fire in DS1, but not necessarily the player’s chosen undead.
- Is DS2 a prequel to DS1? There are references to Dark 2 in DS1, and it is supposed to be set many thousands of years after DS1.
- Is there a canon ending to Elden Ring? The Age of the Duskborn ending may be considered the canon ending, given some hints from the art for Shadow of the Erdtree.
- Who is the final boss in DS2 original? The final boss is Nashandra, the evil queen of Drangleic.
- What is the plot twist of Dark Souls 2? The choice to link the flame or not is an illusion, as the cycle of reigniting the First Flame will repeat forever.
- What happens if you keep dying in Dark Souls 2? If you die again on the way to retrieving your souls, your souls and progress are gone for good.
- Does Dark Souls 3 have an ending? Yes, Dark Souls 3 has four endings, all of which are different shades of dour and mark the transition out of the Age of Fire.
- Is linking the first flame painful? Yes, the process of linking the flame is implied to be extremely painful, with characters expressing their suffering during the act.
- Which DS protagonist is strongest? The Bearer of the Curse from DS2 is likely the strongest due to the option of power stance, while the Ashen One is also extremely powerful.
- Is Elden Ring connected to Dark Souls? There is no official connection between Dark Souls and Elden Ring, but fans have created their own theories and connections between the two series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the canon ending of Dark Souls 2 is a topic of ongoing debate among fans, with no definitive answer provided by the game or its developers. The game’s intentionally vague narrative and multiple endings leave room for interpretation, allowing players to decide for themselves which ending is the most canonical. By understanding the different endings and the game’s story, fans can continue to discuss and speculate about the Dark Souls series, adding to its enduring popularity and rich lore.