Is Dark Souls 3 the End?
The Dark Souls trilogy has come to a close with the release of Dark Souls 3, the final installment in the critically acclaimed series. The game has received widespread critical acclaim for its challenging gameplay, deep lore, and satisfying ending. But the question on everyone’s mind is: is Dark Souls 3 the end?
A New Beginning
On the surface, it appears that Dark Souls 3 is indeed the end. The game’s narrative culminates in a single, definitive ending that leaves players with a sense of closure. However, according to series director Hidetaka Miyazaki, Dark Souls 3 is not the final entry in the series.
In a roundtable interview with Eurogamer, Miyazaki stated that "First of all, this is not the final product for the Dark Souls series… However, I believe it’s the turning point for the Dark Souls series." This suggests that while Dark Souls 3 may mark the end of the story as we know it, it is not the final word on the series as a whole.
Three Endings
Dark Souls 3 features a unique three-ending system, allowing players to choose from a variety of conclusions depending on their actions throughout the game. These endings are achieved through a combination of players’ choices and the story’s progression.
The first ending, The Usurpation of Fire, sees the player become the new Lord of Cinder, bringing about a new era of fire and vitality to the world. The second ending, The Unkindled Ending, involves the player sacrificing their humanity to become the embodiment of the First Flame, a powerful force that will ultimately lead to the end of the world. The third ending, Linking the First Flame, sees the player linking the First Flame, allowing humanity to continue existing in the world.
Repercussions
Each ending has its own set of consequences, affecting the world of Dark Souls 3 in meaningful ways. For example, the first ending may lead to a new cycle of fire and rebirth, while the second ending will result in the gradual decay of the world and the extinction of humanity. The third ending will result in the continuation of the cycle, but with the player’s soul tied to the world, allowing them to continue existing in some form.
The Future of the Series
While Dark Souls 3 may not be the final entry in the series, it is unlikely that the next game will continue the story directly. Instead, the next installment may explore new characters and settings, building upon the lore and world established in the previous games.
According to Miyazaki, the next game in the series will be a fresh start, with a new protagonist and a new storyline. This suggests that while the Dark Souls series will continue, it will be a new chapter in the story, rather than a direct continuation of Dark Souls 3.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Dark Souls 3 may seem like the end of the series, it is unlikely to be the final installment. The game’s endings provide a sense of closure, but also leave room for further exploration and story development. The next game in the series will likely be a new chapter in the story, with new characters and settings, while still building upon the lore and world established in the previous games.
Three-Ending System: At a Glance
| Ending | Description | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Usurpation of Fire | Become the new Lord of Cinder, bringing fire and vitality to the world | New cycle of fire and rebirth |
| Unkindled Ending | Sacrifice humanity to become the embodiment of the First Flame, leading to the end of the world | Gradual decay of the world and extinction of humanity |
| Linking the First Flame | Link the First Flame, allowing humanity to continue existing in the world | Continuation of the cycle, with the player’s soul tied to the world |
By reading this article, you’ll understand that Dark Souls 3 is not the definitive end of the series. Instead, it’s a new beginning, with potential for further exploration and storytelling. The game’s unique three-ending system provides a sense of closure, but also leaves room for imagination and speculation about what comes next.