Which is the Better Dark Souls Ending? Embracing the Cycle vs. Ushering the Dark

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The “better” ending in Dark Souls is entirely subjective, a matter of philosophical debate rather than objective truth. Neither linking the fire nor ushering in the Age of Dark definitively solves the world’s problems, and both choices carry significant consequences. However, understanding the lore and the thematic underpinnings of the game arguably positions ushering in the Age of Dark as the more compelling, and perhaps, the less bad option. Choosing the Age of Dark acknowledges the cyclical nature of the world and challenges the established order, potentially paving the way for a new, albeit uncertain, future. It is a difficult choice with long-term effects and could be the beginning of a completely different world. Ultimately, there is no definitive ‘good’ ending, and the best choice is dependent on your interpretation and value judgement.

Understanding the Endings of Dark Souls

The original Dark Souls offers two primary endings:

• Linking the Fire: The Chosen Undead succeeds Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, and sacrifices themselves to rekindle the First Flame. This prolongs the Age of Fire, maintaining the current world order and delaying the inevitable Age of Dark. The fire spreads across the player before engulfing the Kiln of the First Flame.

• Ushering in the Age of Dark: The Chosen Undead chooses not to link the fire and walks away from the Kiln. This allows the fire to fade, ushering in the Age of Dark, an era of uncertainty and potential new beginnings for humanity.

The Cycle of Fire and Dark

Dark Souls revolves around the cyclical nature of existence. The Age of Fire, established by Gwyn and the other Lords, is not inherently good. It’s an era of power, stability, and the dominance of the gods. However, it’s artificially prolonged through sacrifice, ultimately leading to stagnation and the undead curse. The Age of Dark, on the other hand, is feared and demonized, but it represents natural progression.

Gwyn’s choice to link the fire was an act of desperation, intended to maintain his power and control. This decision is now viewed as a selfish act, disrupting the world’s natural order. The Age of Dark represents an opportunity for humanity to rise and forge its own destiny, free from the influence of the gods.

The “Good” Ending is Subjective

While linking the fire might initially seem like the “good” ending – restoring light to the world – it’s crucial to recognize that it’s a temporary fix. The fire will eventually fade again, requiring another sacrifice. By choosing this path, you’re perpetuating the cycle, ensuring the world remains trapped in a pattern of artificial light and inevitable darkness. It could even be considered a selfish act.

Why Ushering in the Age of Dark is Compelling

Several factors suggest that the Age of Dark is the more compelling choice:

• Breaking the Cycle: Choosing the Age of Dark represents a break from the established cycle. It’s a rejection of the gods’ control and an acceptance of the natural order.

• Humanity’s Potential: The Age of Dark is an opportunity for humanity to rise and shape its own destiny. It’s an era of unknown possibilities, free from the influence of the gods. It is a complete reset.

• Challenging the Narrative: The game constantly presents the Age of Fire as inherently good and the Age of Dark as inherently bad. By choosing the Age of Dark, you’re challenging this narrative and questioning the motivations of the gods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a “True Ending” in Dark Souls? No, there is no official “True Ending” in Dark Souls. Both endings are valid and represent different interpretations of the world’s fate. The ambiguity is intentional, encouraging players to consider the philosophical implications of their choices.

2. Which Dark Souls ending is canon? None of the endings in the Dark Souls series are officially considered canon. FromSoftware prefers to leave the timeline and the consequences of player choices open to interpretation.

3. Is linking the fire the “bad” ending? While initially presented as the “good” ending, linking the fire can be viewed as the “bad” ending because it perpetuates the cycle of sacrifice and delays the inevitable Age of Dark. The good ending will ensure that the world is trapped in a vicious loop of artificial light and inevitable darkness.

4. What happens if you choose the Age of Dark ending? If you choose the Age of Dark ending, the fire fades, and you walk away from the Kiln of the First Flame. The world is plunged into darkness, and humanity has the potential to rise and shape its own destiny.

5. Is the Age of Dark good for humanity? The Age of Dark is not necessarily “good” for humanity, but it represents an opportunity for them to forge their own path, free from the influence of the gods. It’s an era of uncertainty, but also of potential growth and new beginnings.

6. Why did Gwyn link the fire in the first place? Gwyn linked the fire to prolong the Age of Fire, maintaining his power and the dominance of the gods. It was an act of desperation driven by fear of the unknown and a desire to control the world.

7. What is the Undead Curse, and how does it relate to the fire? The Undead Curse is a consequence of Gwyn’s linking of the fire. It forces people to become undead, unable to die permanently and slowly losing their sanity. The curse is tied to the fading of the fire and the imbalance it creates.

8. Is there an Age of Dark ending in Dark Souls 3? Dark Souls 3 offers several endings, including variations of linking the fire, ushering in an Age of Dark, and even extinguishing the flame entirely. These endings explore the consequences of the choices made in the previous games.

9. What is the hardest ending to achieve in Dark Souls 3? In Dark Souls 3, “The Usurpation Of Fire” ending is the hardest one to achieve. If you spend the entire game as one of the Hollowed, go out of your way to be the worst kind of person, and also follow an arduous list of easily mistakable tasks, then you can replace the Soul of Cinder after you defeat him.

10. Are the Dark Souls games connected? The extent to which the Dark Souls games are directly connected is unclear, and open to interpretation. While they share lore, themes, and mechanics, the timeline and the precise relationships between the different worlds are left ambiguous.

11. What is the significance of the Fire Keeper? The Fire Keeper is a character who tends to the bonfire and allows the player to level up. They are integral to the game’s mechanics. In some endings, the Fire Keeper plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the world.

12. What are Soulslike games? “Soulslike” refers to video games that are inspired by the Dark Souls series. They are known for their challenging combat, intricate level design, and emphasis on exploration and player skill.

13. Who is the true villain in Dark Souls? There is no clear “true villain” in Dark Souls. Gwyn is often viewed as an antagonist due to his manipulation of the fire, but his motivations are complex. Other characters, like Kaathe, also play manipulative roles.

14. What is the best final boss in the Dark Souls series? Ranking the final bosses is difficult, but the Soul of Cinder from Dark Souls 3 is consistently ranked highly due to its challenging fight, iconic music, and representation of previous Lords of Cinder. Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, from Dark Souls is also a classic and memorable encounter.

15. How does Elden Ring relate to Dark Souls? Elden Ring is a spiritual successor to the Dark Souls series, sharing many of the same gameplay mechanics and themes. However, it takes place in a different universe and has its own unique lore and story. Learn more about the connection between games and education at Games Learning Society or visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, choosing the “better” ending in Dark Souls is a deeply personal decision. While linking the fire offers a temporary reprieve, ushering in the Age of Dark represents a more radical choice – a rejection of the established order and an embrace of the unknown. Consider the lore, the themes, and your own values when making your choice, and remember that there is no right or wrong answer.