Darkest Dungeon 2 Ending, Explained

In Darkest Dungeon 2, the world is in ruins. Everything done in DD1 was for naught, as horror has spread outside Hamlet, my dear base of operations from the original game. Now the whole world is on fire, and the Ancestor is not the only one to blame. Darkest Dungeon 2 introduces two new characters - the Academic (the narrator of the game) and the Protégé. Here's everything you need to know about the story and Darkest Dungeon ending. Also, SPOILER ALERT!

How does Darkest Dungeon 2 end?

Again spoiler alert! Are you ready? Let's go! In Darkest Dungeon 2, you are basically both antagonist and protagonist. As the Protége, you're on a path of redemption, trying to right the horrible wrongs you did to the world. Each boss is a part of you that you try to set free. Ultimately, you'll face yourself - your corrupt Body of Work.

You'll complete your confession and align cosmic axes by defeating the final boss. The end is full of hope, but as we learn, there is no escape from the Darkest Dungeon. I'm so stressed by the boss fight that I'll happily take this short respite until the new evil appears. It felt weird fighting the inner demons of the Protégé. Some theories suggest that the whole game is happening inside Protéges head. If that's true, are we too late to save the world? Was this all just a mad illusion?

Darkest Dungeon 2 story explained

In the story, you're the Protégé, a young student possessed with occultism. Impressed by your knowledge, the Academic takes you under his wing. This friendship will soon prove to be a death sentence to the world. Here's how it all starts, all through the Darkest Dungeon 2 ending. The game is divided into five chapters or confessions, where you must face your sins.

Related: All Darkest Dungeon 2 Hero Classes, Ranked

First Confession - Denial in Darkest Dungeon 2 (Act 1)

The Academic meets the Protége. They're both fascinated by the occult. Their bond becomes even stronger upon learning about the Iron Crown and its cosmic powers. This will open the doors to the destruction of the world.

Second Confession - Resentment in Darkest Dungeon 2 (Act 2)

The Protége is hungry for knowledge, so much so that he starts questioning its relationship with the Academic. This creates resentment, but it doesn't break the connection. At least for the time being.

Third Confession - Obsession in Darkest Dungeon 2 (Act 3)

The third act (Obsession) had the most exciting story for me as it connects the Ancestor from the first game with the current story. Here, the Academic and the Protége visit the mansion to meet with occultists the Ancestor has invited. Eventually, everyone is sacrificed in an unsuccessful ritual of activating cosmic powers. The Academic and the Protége survive the sacrifice.

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Fourth Confession - Ambition in Darkest Dungeon 2 (Act 4)

In the fourth act (Ambition), the Protége becomes obsessed with attaining the cosmic knowledge the Iron Crown offers. The Academic realizes what is at stake, but it's too late. The Protége, driven mad with the thirst for power, discovers that one final sacrifice is needed. The Academic is that last piece. His sacrifice completes the ritual. Yes, you are the bad guy here!

Final Confession - Cowardice in Darkest Dungeon 2 (Act 5)

The Protége becomes a conduit of darkness, unbalancing the cosmic axes. But there is hope! Some small part that's still human realizes what is happening. That's why you were fighting against bosses that were corrupted body parts. By defeating them all, you atone yourself to give the world a glimmer of hope. In the end, the Protége is defeated so the world can heal. Or was it all just a delusion?

For more information on Darkest Dungeon 2, check out Darkest Dungeon 2 Best Team Comps on Pro Game Guides.