What Dark Souls ending is canon?

What Dark Souls Ending is Canon?

The Dark Souls series is renowned for its complexity and ambiguity, leaving fans to ponder the true nature of the world and its endings. While the developers, FromSoftware, may not have explicitly stated a single "canon" ending, we can dissect the various endings and try to make sense of them. In this article, we’ll explore the Dark Souls endings and examine the most widely accepted canon conclusion.

No Single "Canon" Ending

In an interview, Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of the Dark Souls series, acknowledged that there is no single "canon" ending. He stated that each ending is a valid conclusion, and the player’s choice is what determines the outcome. This approach emphasizes the player’s agency and the importance of their actions throughout the game.

Dark Souls 1 Ending

The ending of Dark Souls 1 is widely considered to be the "Lordvessel" ending, where the player reaches the Kiln of the First Flame and decides the fate of the world. If the player chooses to link the First Flame, the world will continue in its current state, and the Age of Fire will persist. If the player chooses to depart from the flame, the world will enter a new era, and the Age of Dark will begin.

Key Points:

• The Lordvessel ending is the most widely accepted conclusion for Dark Souls 1.
• The player’s choice determines the fate of the world.
• There is no single "right" or "wrong" ending.

Dark Souls 2 Ending

The ending of Dark Souls 2 is more ambiguous, with multiple endings depending on the player’s choices. The "Crown of the Old Iron King" ending is often considered the most relevant, as it concludes the main storyline and provides insight into the world’s future.

Key Points:

• The Crown of the Old Iron King ending is the most widely accepted conclusion for Dark Souls 2.
• The ending is dependent on the player’s choices throughout the game.
• The world of Drangleic is forever changed, with the Fire Keeper’s role and the fate of the kingdom unclear.

Dark Souls 3 Ending

The ending of Dark Souls 3 is perhaps the most complex, with multiple endings and interpretations. The "The Flame" ending is often considered the most straightforward, as it concludes the main storyline and provides a sense of closure.

Key Points:

• The The Flame ending is the most widely accepted conclusion for Dark Souls 3.
• The ending is dependent on the player’s choices throughout the game.
• The world of Lothric is forever changed, with the fate of the kingdoms and the gods unclear.

Elden Ring Ending

The ending of Elden Ring is not yet fully understood, as the game is still relatively new. However, based on the available information, it appears that the game’s ending is dependent on the player’s choices and the fate of the world.

Key Points:

• The ending of Elden Ring is dependent on the player’s choices.
• The world of the Lands Between is forever changed, with the fate of the kingdoms and the gods unclear.
• The player’s actions will determine the outcome of the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is no single "canon" ending in the Dark Souls series, each ending provides a unique conclusion to the game. The player’s choices are what determine the fate of the world, and the endings are a reflection of their actions. The Dark Souls series is known for its complexity and ambiguity, and the endings are no exception.

Canonical Endings Table

In Conclusion

While the Dark Souls series may not have a single "canon" ending, the endings provide a unique conclusion to each game. The player’s choices are what determine the fate of the world, and the endings are a reflection of their actions. Whether you’re a seasoned Dark Souls player or new to the series, the endings are sure to provide a thought-provoking conclusion to your journey.