What is the canon ending of Dark Souls?

What is the Canon Ending of Dark Souls?

The Dark Souls series has captivated gamers worldwide with its challenging gameplay, eerie atmosphere, and mysterious storylines. One of the most debated topics among fans is the canon ending of the game. In this article, we will delve into the world of Dark Souls and explore the various endings, their implications, and the most widely accepted canon ending.

The Absence of a Single Canon Ending

Unlike other games, Dark Souls does not have a single, definitive canon ending. The series’ creator, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has explicitly stated that the game’s ending is intentionally left open to interpretation. This approach allows players to form their own understanding of the game’s story and themes.

Dark Souls 1: The Linking of the Fire

In Dark Souls 1, the player is tasked with linking the First Flame, a powerful force that brought fire and light to the world. There are two main endings: linking the fire and letting it fade. Linking the fire results in the fire burning brightly, but at the cost of the world’s humanity. Letting the fire fade leads to the world being plunged into darkness, but with humanity restored.

Dark Souls 2: The Cycle of Fire and Dark

Dark Souls 2 is set in a world where the First Flame has faded, and the player must navigate the cycle of fire and dark. The game’s ending is also intentionally ambiguous, leaving players to decide whether to link the fire or let it fade.

Dark Souls 3: The True Ending

Dark Souls 3 takes place in a world where the First Flame is fading, and the player must make a choice that will determine the fate of the world. The game’s ending is widely considered to be the "true ending", where the player chooses to give the Fire Keeper a set of eyes, allowing her to handle the flame. This ending is significant because it provides closure to the series’ storyline and offers a sense of resolution.

Elden Ring: A New Era

Elden Ring, the latest installment in the Dark Souls series, offers a new narrative direction. While it maintains the same challenging gameplay and atmospheric setting, it explores new themes and storylines. The game’s ending is still shrouded in mystery, leaving players to speculate about the future of the series.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the canon ending of Dark Souls is intentionally left open to interpretation, allowing players to form their own understanding of the game’s story and themes. While there is no single, definitive ending, the linking of the fire in Dark Souls 1, the cycle of fire and dark in Dark Souls 2, and the true ending in Dark Souls 3 offer significant insights into the series’ narrative. As the Dark Souls series continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the narrative unfolds and what new challenges and mysteries await players.

Key Takeaways

• Dark Souls does not have a single, definitive canon ending.
• The series’ creator, Hidetaka Miyazaki, intentionally leaves the ending open to interpretation.
• Dark Souls 1 has two main endings: linking the fire and letting it fade.
• Dark Souls 2 explores the cycle of fire and dark.
• Dark Souls 3 offers a true ending, where the player gives the Fire Keeper a set of eyes.
• Elden Ring offers a new narrative direction and a new set of challenges.

Table: Dark Souls Endings

Note: This table is not exhaustive and is intended to provide a general overview of the endings in each game.