Who Should You Save in Gears 5: JD or Del? A Deep Dive into a Crucial Decision
The question of who to save at the end of Gears 5 – JD Fenix or Delmont Walker – has plagued players since the game’s release. There’s no simple answer, as the choice impacts the narrative and the emotional core of the story. The good news is, Gears 5 doesn’t penalize players gameplay-wise for either decision. It truly comes down to which narrative outcome you prefer, as both paths are filled with tragedy, emotion, and lasting consequences. So, who should you save? Ultimately, you should choose the character whose arc resonates more with you personally, knowing that the other will canonically perish in their stead. The official game guide and subsequent material lean towards JD surviving as the canon ending. This decision results in the most emotional outcome for many fans, particularly because of its impact on Marcus Fenix. However, let’s delve deeper into the context and ramifications of each choice to help you make an informed decision.
The Dilemma: A Choice of Sacrifice
Gears 5 places you in the unenviable position of having to choose between two close friends and squadmates. During a critical moment in the final battle, both JD and Del are caught by the Swarm Queen, Reyna. Kait Diaz must cut a tentacle to free one of them but that action causes the Queen to finish the other. This moment isn’t about gameplay advantages or disadvantages; it’s about the narrative direction you want to take for the rest of the game and the overall franchise. Regardless of your choice, the other character meets their demise at the Queen’s hands, making it a truly heartbreaking decision.
Saving JD Fenix
Choosing to save JD means that Delmont Walker dies at the hands of Reyna. Del’s death becomes a catalyst for the Coalition of Ordered Governments (COG) to take the Swarm threat seriously. By dying, Del gains a significance that his character didn’t possess previously, effectively becoming a martyr and a figure to remember in future installments. His death scene is brutal, and the emotional fallout is significant, especially in how it shapes the relationships in the remainder of the game.
Saving Delmont Walker
Conversely, saving Del results in the death of JD Fenix. This outcome is arguably more emotionally devastating, especially for fans of the original Gears of War trilogy. JD’s demise hits Marcus Fenix incredibly hard. In the immediate aftermath, Kait is forced to deliver the news and JD’s dog tags to a grief-stricken Marcus, which is one of the most poignant scenes in the game. The weight of losing his son adds depth and sorrow to the narrative.
Why The Canon Leans Towards JD’s Survival
While Gears 5 presents the choice as equally valid in-game, the game’s official guide, as well as promotional material and character depictions in later content, strongly suggest that JD’s survival is the canon ending. This choice likely stems from several narrative considerations:
- Impact on Marcus: The loss of JD is more impactful on the series’ overarching narrative. The death of Marcus’ son is devastating and motivates him throughout the rest of the storyline.
- Emotional Resonance: For many, JD’s death creates a more emotionally potent and impactful narrative.
- Future Narrative Potential: JD’s survival opens up various story possibilities for the franchise, including further exploration of his character and relationships.
The Absence of Gameplay Differences
It’s crucial to emphasize that there are no gameplay advantages or disadvantages to saving either character. The core gameplay remains identical no matter your choice. This ensures the decision focuses solely on narrative preference. Whether you save JD or Del, you will still progress through the story and face the same challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of the choice and the game:
1. Are there different endings in Gears 5?
Yes, Gears 5 has two distinct endings dependent on the player’s choice between saving JD or Del at the end.
2. Who canonically dies in Gears 5?
While both deaths are possible, the official materials suggest that Del canonically dies, and JD survives.
3. Does it matter who you save in Gears of War 5?
It matters narratively but not in terms of gameplay. Your choice dictates which character lives and which one dies, significantly impacting the story and character relationships.
4. Who is the main villain in Gears 5?
The primary antagonists of Gears 5 are the Swarm, led by the resurrected and mutated Reyna, who is also Kait’s mother.
5. Is Gears 5 gory?
Yes, Gears 5 is known for its graphic violence and gore, featuring dismemberment, blood splatter, and execution moves. However, there is an option to turn down gore within the settings.
6. Can you turn off swearing in Gears 5?
Yes, you can disable mature content in the settings to turn off swearing within the campaign, though it will not disable voice chat profanity.
7. Will there be a Gears 6?
Yes, Gears 6 is reportedly in development and is aiming for a potential release in 2024 or 2025. It’s also rumored to be taking a new approach to the format of previous games, with open-world mechanics.
8. Who is JD Fenix?
James Dominic “JD” Fenix is the son of Marcus Fenix and Anya Stroud, who becomes a protagonist in Gears of War 4 and Gears 5.
9. Why does JD look different in Gears 5?
JD’s appearance was significantly altered for Gears 5 with a bald hairstyle and new scars. This was reportedly a way to avoid modeling his hair, a point of criticism in the previous game.
10. How old is JD in Gears 5?
JD is 22 years old at the time of the events in Gears 5.
11. What happens if Del dies?
If you choose to save JD, Del is killed by Reyna. The game then focuses on the emotional aftermath, highlighting the loss for his teammates.
12. What happens if JD dies?
If you save Del, JD dies at the hands of Reyna. This outcome has a massive emotional impact, especially on Marcus Fenix.
13. Is Lizzie dead in Gears 5?
Yes, Lizzie Carmine dies in Gears 5 when the Hammer of Dawn malfunctions, causing the truck she was in to explode.
14. Is Myrrah Kait’s grandmother?
Yes, it’s revealed that Queen Myrrah is Kait Diaz’s grandmother. This makes Reyna Kait’s mother and further complicates her position within the conflict.
15. Why is Gears 5 rated 18?
Gears 5 is rated 18 due to its intense violence, gore, and mature themes.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between JD and Del in Gears 5 is one of the most difficult decisions in the franchise. Ultimately, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. However, the canon path appears to favor JD’s survival. Regardless of your choice, the game provides a powerful narrative experience, and it leaves a lasting impact on the player and sets the stage for future installments. Make your choice based on your gut, and consider how the narrative implications of the choice impact the overall story of the Gears universe.