Table of Contents
Introduction to Dark Souls 3 Endings
Dark Souls 3, developed by FromSoftware and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, offers players multiple endings that reflect the choices made throughout their journey in the kingdom of Lothric. As the culmination of the Dark Souls series, Dark Souls 3’s endings are pivotal moments that shape the fate of the world and offer profound insights into its themes of cycles, fate, and the struggle between light and dark. This review will explore each of the game’s endings, dissecting their narrative significance, player choices, and implications for the future of the Dark Souls universe.
Understanding Endings in Dark Souls 3
Link the Fire Ending
The “Link the Fire” ending in Dark Souls 3 is a continuation of the series’ central theme of perpetuating the Age of Fire. Players who choose to link the First Flame follow in the footsteps of previous protagonists, sacrificing their character’s humanity to rekindle the fading fire:
- Narrative Context: By linking the fire, the chosen undead (player character) extends the Age of Fire, temporarily staving off the encroaching Age of Dark. This ending perpetuates the cycle established in previous Dark Souls games, where successive champions make the ultimate sacrifice to maintain the world’s fragile balance.
- Player Choice: Choosing to link the fire represents a selfless act of heroism, albeit one that perpetuates the suffering and decay inherent in the Age of Fire. Players must weigh the consequences of prolonging the inevitable decline of the world against the potential for temporary stability and the preservation of familiar civilizations.
- Implications: The “Link the Fire” ending suggests that the cycle of linking the fire will continue indefinitely, with future champions destined to face the same choice. It raises existential questions about the nature of sacrifice, duty, and the inevitability of change in a world governed by cycles of light and dark.
Usurpation of Fire Ending
The “Usurpation of Fire” ending in Dark Souls 3 offers a radical departure from the traditional linking of the fire, presenting players with an alternative path to reshape the world’s destiny:
- Narrative Context: Through a series of specific questline steps involving Yoel of Londor and Anri of Astora, players can become the Lord of Hollows and claim the First Flame for themselves. This ending represents a rejection of the Age of Fire’s dominance and a bid to usher in an Age of Hollows, where humanity reigns supreme.
- Player Choice: Embracing the Usurpation of Fire involves making strategic decisions throughout the game to align with Yoel and Yuria of Londor, embracing the power of the Dark Sigils, and ultimately confronting and defeating the Soul of Cinder to claim the First Flame. This ending challenges players to reconsider the established order and forge a new path for the future of the world.
- Implications: The “Usurpation of Fire” ending symbolizes a radical shift in the Dark Souls universe, suggesting that humanity, with its inherent darkness and potential for evolution, could transcend the cycles of light and dark. It invites players to question the morality of perpetuating the Age of Fire and explore alternative narratives of empowerment and transformation.
End of Fire Ending
The “End of Fire” ending in Dark Souls 3 offers a bleak and nihilistic resolution to the cycle of linking the fire, presenting players with the option to embrace the inevitable onset of darkness:
- Narrative Context: By refusing to link the fire and allowing it to fade, players reject the traditional roles of sacrificial heroism and instead embrace the natural progression towards the Age of Dark. This ending challenges the notion of prolonging the fire’s lifespan and confronts players with the consequences of their actions.
- Player Choice: Choosing the End of Fire involves defying the expectations of previous cycles and accepting the world’s descent into darkness. Players must navigate moral dilemmas and philosophical questions about the inevitability of change and the futility of resisting entropy in a universe governed by cosmic forces beyond mortal comprehension.
- Implications: The “End of Fire” ending suggests that embracing darkness and entropy may offer a form of liberation from the cycles of suffering and sacrifice perpetuated by linking the fire. It invites players to consider the existential implications of their choices and explore themes of resignation, acceptance, and the natural order of cosmic balance.
Themes and Symbolism
Cycles and Fate
Central to Dark Souls 3’s endings are themes of cycles and fate, exploring the inevitability of change and the role of protagonists in shaping the world’s destiny:
- Narrative Cohesion: Each ending reflects a distinct philosophical stance on the nature of cycles, sacrifice, and the struggle for control over the world’s fate. Whether perpetuating the Age of Fire, usurping its power, or allowing it to fade, players confront existential dilemmas about their place within the cosmic order.
- Symbolism: The First Flame and the Dark Sigils symbolize cosmic forces of creation and destruction, representing opposing facets of existence and inviting players to navigate moral ambiguities and ethical quandaries. The symbolism of fire and darkness underscores the game’s thematic depth and invites players to contemplate their significance within the broader narrative.
Impact on Player Experience
Emotional Resonance
The endings of Dark Souls 3 resonate emotionally with players, offering catharsis and reflection on their journey through the game’s challenging and immersive world:
- Player Agency: Player choices throughout the game shape the outcome of its endings, granting agency and personal investment in the narrative’s resolution. The emotional impact of these choices lingers, prompting players to reflect on their motivations, values, and interpretations of the game’s themes.
- Narrative Immersion: The endings enhance the game’s narrative immersion, rewarding players with closure and satisfaction based on their actions and decisions. Whether achieving self-sacrificial heroism, embracing dark empowerment, or resigning to cosmic inevitability, players confront the consequences of their choices and the complexities of the game’s moral landscape.
Reception and Legacy
Critical Reception
Dark Souls 3’s endings have been praised for their narrative complexity, thematic depth, and emotional resonance, contributing to the game’s critical acclaim and enduring legacy within the action RPG genre:
- Critical Acclaim: Critics have lauded Dark Souls 3 for its thought-provoking storytelling, existential themes, and multiple narrative pathways that enrich the player experience. The endings’ ability to provoke discussion and interpretation underscores their significance in shaping the game’s legacy.
Player Community
Within the Dark Souls community, the endings of Dark Souls 3 have sparked discussions, theories, and interpretations among players eager to uncover the game’s hidden lore and philosophical underpinnings:
- Community Engagement: Players engage in lively debates about the implications of each ending, sharing their personal interpretations and debating the moral and metaphysical implications of their chosen paths. The endings foster community cohesion and collective exploration of Dark Souls 3’s narrative mysteries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dark Souls 3’s endings represent the culmination of its thematic exploration of cycles, sacrifice, and the struggle for control over the world’s fate. Whether choosing to link the fire, usurp its power, or embrace the darkness, players confront profound existential questions and moral dilemmas that resonate long after completing their journey through Lothric. The endings enrich the game’s narrative depth, invite players to reflect on their choices, and contribute to Dark Souls 3’s status as a landmark achievement in video game storytelling. As players navigate the complexities of its endings and interpret their implications, they engage in a transformative experience that transcends traditional gaming narratives, leaving an indelible mark on their understanding of agency, consequence, and the human condition within the vast and enigmatic world of Dark Souls 3.