The cryptic world of Dark Souls 3 is renowned for its challenging gameplay and its mysterious lore. This extends to the game’s conclusion, where players face a choice that determines the fate of the world.
However, keeping in tradition with FromSoftware games, DS3 doesn’t offer a singular, definitive ending. Before the action-RPG’s release, creative director Hidetaka Miyazaki shed light on this design philosophy, while hinting at his favorite ending in the penultimate action-RPG of the Souls series.
Miyazaki On Dark Souls 3’s Multiple Endings
In an interview with Kotaku, Miyazaki spoke about the existence of multiple endings in Dark Souls 3, mirroring the approach taken in previous Dark Souls titles. When asked about an objectively true ending, he said:
There is an ending that I would personally select, but I can’t say which one is of prominence among the four endings. This is because all the endings, and the game play until then, are a precious part of the story the player experiences.
So while there is no singular “true” ending to the game, there is one mysterious ending that Miyazaki prefers as his headcanon for the conclusion. That leaves us with an important question: which of the 4 endings is his favorite?
Miyazaki’s Favorite Ending May Be The One That Ends It All
Each ending in Dark Souls 3 presents a distinct consequence for the world. Some perpetuate the cycle by linking the First Flame, whereas others attempt to snuff it out with the End of Fire ending. The Usurpation of Fire ending is by far the most elaborate, requiring 11 steps to reach it.
Going back to Miyazaki’s favorite ending, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly which one it is. However, considering the fact that DS3 is the conclusion of the Souls franchise, the End of Fire sequence is most likely what he’d go with, as it breaks the cycle of the flame. The self-referential nature of this ending drips with Miyazaki’s influence, and is most likely his favorite.
DS3‘s approach resonates with the series’ emphasis on player agency. Throughout their journey, players make crucial decisions that influence their character’s development and the world around them. The ending becomes the culmination of these choices, shaping the player’s understanding of the narrative and their role within it.
Miyazaki’s perspective on the endings delves deeper than simply offering players a choice, though. He highlights how the “true” ending isn’t a singular pre-determined outcome, but rather a personalized interpretation derived from the totality of gameplay and the chosen conclusion.
By leaving the question of a true ending unanswered, Miyazaki has essentially set the Dark Souls community alight, as players engage in discussions, dissecting the lore implications and philosophical weight of each ending. This is a pattern repeated with every FromSoftware release.
However, speculating on Miyazaki’s favorite ending is another piece of the puzzle that’s rather fun. As he’s the creator of the franchise, his preferred ending may well be the “true” one. But alas, his ambiguity doesn’t give us a concrete answer, cementing the player’s journey as paramount.
