Does Dark Souls 3 Have a True Ending?
The Dark Souls series is infamous for its cryptic storytelling and ambiguous endings. With Dark Souls 3, the question on everyone’s mind is: does the game have a true ending? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Dark Souls 3 and explore the different endings, the canon status of each, and what it means for the series as a whole.
The Multiple Endings of Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3 features multiple endings, each with its own unique storyline and implications for the world of Lordran. These endings are achieved by making specific choices throughout the game, such as deciding which of the Lords of Cinder to link the fire with, or whether to summon the Firekeeper to handle the flame.
Here are the four main endings of Dark Souls 3:
| Ending | Description |
|---|---|
| Linking the Fire | Link the fire with one of the Lords of Cinder, including Yhorm the Giant, Lothric, King of Cinder, and Ancient Wyvern. This ending sees the return of the fire, but at the cost of the world’s darkness being replaced with a new, potentially greater threat. |
| Summoning the Firekeeper | Summon the Firekeeper to handle the flame, effectively passing the responsibility to someone else. This ending sees the fire being kept alive, but the world remains in a state of darkness. |
| Attacking the Firekeeper | Attack the Firekeeper, resulting in the fire being extinguished and the world being plunged into darkness. |
| Not Linking the Fire | Refuse to link the fire with any of the Lords of Cinder, allowing the fire to fade and the world to descend into darkness. |
The Canon Status of Each Ending
So, which of these endings is considered the "true" ending of Dark Souls 3? The answer is: none of them. Dark Souls 3 doesn’t have a single, definitive ending. Instead, each ending is a valid conclusion to the game, with its own implications for the world and its characters.
In an interview, Dark Souls 3 director Hidetaka Miyazaki stated that the game’s endings are intentionally ambiguous and open to interpretation. He emphasized that the story of Dark Souls 3 is meant to be experienced and understood by the player, rather than being dictated by a single, "official" ending.
What Does This Mean for the Series?
The lack of a single, true ending in Dark Souls 3 raises questions about the series as a whole. Does this mean that each game in the series has multiple endings, or is Dark Souls 3 an anomaly?
While the other games in the series may not have multiple endings, they do share a similar approach to storytelling. Each game in the series features a complex, interconnected narrative that rewards exploration and attention to detail.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dark Souls 3 does not have a single, true ending. Instead, the game features multiple endings, each with its own unique storyline and implications for the world of Lordran. The lack of a single, definitive ending is intentional, allowing players to experience and interpret the story in their own way.
Whether you’re a seasoned Dark Souls veteran or new to the series, Dark Souls 3 is a game that rewards exploration, attention to detail, and a willingness to engage with its complex, thought-provoking narrative. So, take your time, and experience the multiple endings for yourself.