SMT V: Vengeance Endings Explained
Alright, fellow demonologists and Tokyo saviors! So you've plunged headfirst into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, battled your way through hordes of fiends, and now you're staring down the barrel of multiple endings. And let's be real, sometimes the paths to these conclusions can be as convoluted as a demon negotiation. Don't sweat it, though! We're about to break down all the SMT V: Vengeance endings in a way that's easy to digest, so you can understand exactly what your choices mean for the fate of the world. Get ready to dive deep, because these endings are a major part of the Vengeance experience. We'll cover everything from the foundational choices that steer you towards each path to the ultimate decisions that cement your legacy. Whether you're aiming for a specific outcome or just trying to make sense of the wild ride, this guide is for you. We're talking about the Law ending, the Chaos ending, the Neutral ending, and, of course, the brand-new Demons ending unique to Vengeance. Each one offers a drastically different vision for the future, and your journey to reach them is just as important as the final cutscene.
The Foundational Choices: Setting the Stage for Your Destiny
So, how do you even get to these different endings in SMT V: Vengeance, right? It all boils down to the decisions you make throughout your journey, and especially how you interact with the key factions and characters. You've got your Protagonist, the Nahobino, who's pretty much the linchpin of everything. Then there are the Angels, representing the divine order and the Law faction, led by the formidable Metatron. On the flip side, you have the Demons, a chaotic and often self-serving bunch, with figures like Abdiel and the various demon lords pulling the strings. And lurking in the shadows, trying to maintain balance or perhaps forge their own path, are those who lean towards Neutrality. The Vengeance addition throws a whole new wrench into this, with the introduction of new characters and story arcs that directly influence your alignment. These new elements aren't just flavor; they actively push you towards certain decisions or offer alternative perspectives that can sway your path. For instance, the choices you make regarding the newly introduced characters, their struggles, and their ultimate fates will have a ripple effect. Pay close attention to the dialogue options, the quests you undertake, and the alliances you form. It's not just about fighting; it's about understanding the ideologies at play. The Law faction champions a strict, ordered world, often at the cost of free will. The Chaos faction, conversely, believes in strength and survival of the fittest, where power dictates order. The Neutral path is the often-difficult middle ground, seeking a compromise or a way to avoid extreme outcomes. Vengeance really emphasizes the gray areas and the personal cost of each ideology. Remember those crucial moments where you had to decide who to side with or what to believe? Those weren't just random plot points; they were the breadcrumbs leading you down a specific ending path. The early game decisions can sometimes feel minor, but they accumulate, shaping your character's alignment and opening or closing off certain narrative branches. So, keep your wits about you, listen to what everyone has to say (even if you don't agree), and make those choices count! Your journey through post-apocalyptic Tokyo is a defining one, and the choices you make are the brushstrokes painting the final picture of this desolate world.
The Law Ending: Divine Order Restored (or Enforced?)
Let's talk about the Law ending, guys. This is the path you'll likely find yourself on if you consistently side with the divine powers, the angels, and lean into the concept of absolute order. In SMT V: Vengeance, achieving this ending means you're essentially signing off on a world ruled by an unyielding, divine hierarchy. Think of it as restoring the status quo ante, but with a much heavier hand. The core of the Law path is about eliminating chaos, not just in the physical world but in the very essence of existence. This means subjugating the demons, ensuring humanity adheres strictly to divine law, and basically creating a perfectly ordered, albeit potentially sterile, existence. You'll often be working closely with figures like Metatron, the chief angel, and making decisions that prioritize divine will over mortal desires. The narrative often frames this as the ultimate salvation – a world free from conflict, sin, and free will's messy consequences. However, it's crucial to remember the Shin Megami Tensei tradition: Law isn't always sunshine and rainbows. It often comes at the cost of individuality, freedom, and the very spark that makes life vibrant. This ending can feel triumphant if you believe in absolute order, but it can also be deeply unsettling if you value autonomy. The Vengeance storyline adds layers to this, often presenting the angelic side with more nuance, and showing the personal costs of upholding such a rigid system. You might have to make difficult choices that involve sacrificing individuals or entire groups for the