The End of an Age: Deciphering the "Canon" Ending of Dark Souls 3
For fans of the notoriously challenging and lore-rich Dark Souls 3, one question has echoed through the hallowed halls of Lordran and Lothric for years: which ending is considered the "canon" ending? This isn't a simple question with a straightforward answer, as the game, true to its nature, thrives on ambiguity and player interpretation. However, through careful examination of in-game lore, character arcs, and the very design of the game's conclusion, a prevailing theory has emerged amongst the dedicated Soulsborne community. Let's dive deep into the abyss to explore the different endings and the evidence supporting the most widely accepted "canon" conclusion.
The Three Pillars of Ending: Understanding Your Choices
Dark Souls 3 presents players with three distinct endings, each branching from a critical decision made at the end of the game. These choices revolve around your interaction with the Lords of Cinder and the Flame itself.
- The End of Fire: This is the most straightforward ending. After defeating the final boss, you choose to link the First Flame, ushering in another Age of Fire. This is the cyclical nature of the world of Dark Souls, a theme that has persisted throughout the series.
- The Usurpation of Fire: This ending is achieved by completing a lengthy and intricate questline involving the Sable Church of Londor and its leader, Yuria. It involves a pact with the Hollows and a unique ritual that allows the player character to usurp the Flame, becoming the Lord of Hollows and potentially ushering in an Age of Dark.
- The End of the Fire (Abyss Watchers variation): This ending is triggered if the player interacts with the Lords of Cinder's cinders in a specific way before linking the flame. If the player has defeated the Abyss Watchers, and has not linked the flame, they can approach the bonfire in the Firelink Shrine and choose to walk away. This leads to the Flame fading and the world succumbing to darkness.
The Case for "Usurpation of Fire" as Canon
While all three endings are valid conclusions to your playthrough, the Usurpation of Fire ending is the one most frequently cited as the "canon" ending by a significant portion of the Dark Souls community. The reasoning behind this lies in several key factors:
Lore Implications and Character Arcs
The Usurpation of Fire ending provides a more profound narrative conclusion for certain key characters and concepts within Dark Souls 3.
- Yuria of Londor: Her entire questline is dedicated to seeing the player character become the Lord of Hollows. This ending fulfills her ultimate goal and her belief in the strength of the Hollows.
- The Sable Church of Londor: This ending represents the culmination of their centuries-old plan to usher in a new era.
- The Cycle of Fire: The other endings, "The End of Fire" and "The End of the Fire (Abyss Watchers variation)", largely reinforce the cyclical nature of the world, a theme that, while present, is arguably challenged and subverted by the Usurpation of Fire. This ending suggests a potential break from the established order, a more radical departure.
The "Fade" of the Flame and the Rise of the Abyss
The visual and narrative cues in the Usurpation of Fire ending strongly suggest a shift in power. The world appears more devoid of the blinding light of the Flame, and the lingering presence of the Abyss feels more potent. This aligns with the game's exploration of the encroaching darkness and the inherent corruption that the Flame has historically fought against.
The Nature of the Player Character
The player character in Dark Souls 3 is an Ashen One, an Unkindled, meaning they have died and failed to link the Flame in past cycles. This inherent "failure" and their connection to the Abyss through their quest for power and strength makes them a natural fit for usurping the Flame, rather than merely relinking it or allowing it to fade passively.
Why the Ambiguity? The Soulsborne Way
It's crucial to remember that FromSoftware, the developers of Dark Souls, are masters of subtle storytelling and intentionally leave room for player interpretation. The lack of a definitive "canon" statement from the developers themselves is part of the allure of the series. Each ending allows players to project their own desires and understanding of the world onto the final moments.
The "canon" ending, therefore, is often less about an official decree and more about the ending that most effectively ties together the thematic threads, character motivations, and the overarching narrative of Dark Souls 3 for a significant portion of its player base. The Usurpation of Fire, with its complex questline, significant lore implications, and a more dramatic shift in the world's power structure, often resonates most strongly as a definitive, albeit dark, conclusion.
Ultimately, the true "canon" ending of Dark Souls 3 is the one that you, the player, find most compelling and meaningful. The beauty of the game lies in its ability to evoke such strong personal interpretations of its narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I achieve the Usurpation of Fire ending?
To achieve the Usurpation of Fire ending, you must progress through Yuria of Londor's questline. This involves meeting her early in the game, "dying" seven times (which can be done intentionally by dying to enemies or even the game's environmental hazards), and performing a specific ritual involving the unborn Lord of Hollows. It's a lengthy and often missed questline, requiring careful attention to dialogue and item acquisition.
Why is the Usurpation of Fire considered canon by many?
The Usurpation of Fire is considered canon by many due to its profound impact on the lore, its fulfillment of Yuria's and the Sable Church's goals, and its thematic resonance with the game's exploration of the Abyss and the nature of the player character. It offers a more radical departure from the established cycle than the other endings.
What happens if I don't do Yuria's questline?
If you do not complete Yuria of Londor's questline and follow her specific instructions, you will not be able to achieve the Usurpation of Fire ending. Instead, you will likely be presented with either "The End of Fire" or "The End of the Fire (Abyss Watchers variation)" based on your other choices.
Does the "canon" ending affect future Dark Souls games?
While Dark Souls 3 is the conclusion of the Dark Souls trilogy, the developers have stated that each ending is valid. However, many believe that the Usurpation of Fire ending, with its significant shift in the world's state, provides a more interesting narrative foundation for potential future games or expansions, though this is purely speculative.
Is there an official statement from FromSoftware about the canon ending?
No, FromSoftware has intentionally avoided making any official pronouncements regarding a definitive "canon" ending for Dark Souls 3. This is a deliberate design choice that allows players to engage with the game's narrative on their own terms and fosters ongoing discussion within the community.
