What is Dark Souls 3 true ending?

What is Dark Souls 3 true ending?

Dark Souls 3, the critically acclaimed action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, has left players with numerous questions about its story, particularly the true ending of the game. After navigating the treacherous landscape of Lothric and exploring the mysteries of the Ringed City, the game’s climax can leave even the most seasoned Dark Souls veterans wondering what actually constitutes the true ending of Dark Souls 3. In this article, we will delve into the answer to this question and provide an in-depth analysis of the game’s ending.

Ending the Flame

For many players, the "Ending the Flame" storyline is considered the true ending of Dark Souls 3. This ending occurs when the player chooses to link the fire, meaning to keep the First Flame alive, and thereby, continue the cycle of fire and darkness. This ending has several implications, including:

• The Fire of Life: The Fire of Life, a symbol of hope and renewal, remains a part of the world.
• The Undead Curse: The Undead Curse, which afflicted those who did not join Gwyn, Lord of Sunlight, in linking the fire, continues to exist, albeit in a different form.
• The Lords of Cinder: The Lords of Cinder, powerful warriors who linked the fire to become gods, continue to watch over the world.
• The Fate of Lothric: Lothric, the protagonist, remains in a comatose state, suggesting that the world has achieved a state of balance and stability.

The Lord of Hollows

For others, the "The Lord of Hollows" storyline is considered the true ending of Dark Souls 3. This ending occurs when the player chooses to usurp the fire, meaning to end the cycle of fire and darkness and bring about the age of darkness. This ending has several implications, including:

• The Age of Darkness: The age of fire comes to an end, and a new era of darkness and decay begins.
• The Undead: All undead creatures, including humans, become Hollow, effectively erasing their memories and souls.
• Lothric’s Fate: Lothric, now the Lord of Hollows, becomes a god in the age of darkness.

The Usurpation of Fire

While some players may view one or both of the endings mentioned above as the true ending of Dark Souls 3, others argue that the true ending is hidden within the game’s events and lore. One interpretation suggests that the true ending is the Usurpation of Fire:

• The Lords of Cinder: The Lords of Cinder, once great warriors, become nothing more than mere statues, lost to the ages.
• The Fire of Life: The Fire of Life extinguishes, plunging the world into darkness and decay.
• The Lords of Hollows: All creatures, including humans, become Hollow, effectively ending the cycle of fire and darkness.

The False Idol

Another interpretation is that the true ending of Dark Souls 3 lies not in the linking of the fire or the age of darkness, but in the False Idol. This ending is characterized by:

• The Failure of the Lords: The Lords of Cinder fail in their duty to maintain the cycle of fire and darkness, leading to the eventual extinguishing of the flame.
• The False God: The False Idol, a symbol of chaos and destruction, is the true ruler of the world.
• The Final Breath: The game concludes with the final breath of the world, signaling its destruction and the end of the cycle.

In Conclusion

Dark Souls 3’s true ending remains a topic of debate among fans and players. Each of the endings mentioned above provides a unique perspective on the game’s story, lore, and themes. Whether one views the link to the fire, the lord of hollows, usurpation of fire, or the false idol as the true ending, the game’s narrative remains an enigma, open to interpretation and analysis.

It is essential to note that Dark Souls 3 has no definitive "true ending" in the classical sense, as the game is designed to be replayable, and the story evolves based on the player’s choices. The endings outlined above are merely one aspect of the game’s narrative, and understanding them requires a deep grasp of the game’s lore and themes.

Ultimately, the true ending of Dark Souls 3 is whatever ending resonates with each player, and it is up to individual interpretation and understanding of the game’s story and themes.