Hey guys! So, you've plunged into the dark and twisted world of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, battled hordes of demons, and navigated the treacherous political landscape of post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Now you're staring down the barrel of the game's final choices, and wondering what the heck each ending actually means? Don't worry, you're not alone! This guide is here to break down each ending in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, explaining the paths you need to take and the consequences of your decisions.

Understanding the Endings in SMT V: Vengeance

Before we dive into the specifics of each ending, let's establish a few key concepts relevant to Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. The Shin Megami Tensei series is known for its alignment system, which heavily influences the story and available endings. In Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, the primary alignments are Law, Chaos, and Neutral. Law generally represents order, structure, and a world governed by a strict moral code, often associated with a singular divine authority. Chaos, conversely, champions freedom, individuality, and a world where strength and personal desires reign supreme. Neutral, as the name suggests, seeks to balance these forces, striving for a world where humanity can determine its own destiny without being beholden to either extreme. The game presents various choices throughout the narrative that subtly shift your alignment. These choices often involve philosophical dilemmas, interactions with different factions, and your responses to the events unfolding around you. Paying close attention to these decisions and understanding their implications is crucial for shaping your desired ending. The new storyline introduced in Vengeance adds another layer of complexity to this system. Certain actions and dialogue choices unique to this route can lock you into specific endings or alter the requirements for others. Therefore, even if you're familiar with the original Shin Megami Tensei V endings, it's essential to be mindful of the new content and its potential impact on your final outcome. Ultimately, the ending you achieve in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a direct reflection of your choices and the alignment you've cultivated throughout your playthrough. By understanding the underlying principles and carefully considering the consequences of your actions, you can guide the Nahobino towards the future you believe is best for the world.

The Endings Explained (Spoilers Ahead!)

Alright, time to get into the nitty-gritty. Major spoilers are coming, so if you want to experience the endings fresh, turn back now! Seriously, you've been warned.

Destroying the Throne

This ending aligns with the Chaos path. To achieve it, you generally need to side with characters and factions that represent freedom and reject the imposed order of the gods. This typically involves making choices that prioritize individual will over divine law, and expressing skepticism or outright opposition to the established religious structures within the game's world. Choosing this path means siding with those who believe humanity should be free to forge its own destiny, even if that destiny is uncertain or potentially dangerous. It's about breaking free from the control of higher powers and embracing the inherent chaos of existence. By destroying the throne, you essentially dismantle the existing power structure and usher in an era where the strong and the individualistic thrive. This can lead to a world of boundless potential, but also one rife with conflict and instability. Imagine a world without rules, where the only limit is your own strength and ambition. Sounds exciting, right? But it also means that the weak are vulnerable, and there's no guarantee of safety or security. The consequences of this choice are far-reaching and ultimately shape the future of the world in your image. This ending is for those who believe in the power of the individual and are willing to embrace the chaos that comes with true freedom. Siding with certain characters who embody these ideals and consistently making choices that reflect this philosophy will ultimately lead you down this path. Be prepared to face the consequences of your actions, as this ending is not for the faint of heart. Only those who are willing to embrace the chaos and forge their own destiny will truly thrive in the world you create. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility, and in this ending, the responsibility for shaping the future rests solely on your shoulders.

Creating a World of Law

Unsurprisingly, this is the Law ending. If you've consistently chosen options that emphasize order, rules, and the divine right, you're likely headed here. This often involves supporting figures who represent established authority, upholding traditional values, and prioritizing the collective good over individual desires. This path is all about restoring order to the fractured world and establishing a system of governance based on divine principles. It's about creating a society where everyone knows their place and adheres to a strict moral code, ensuring stability and preventing chaos from taking hold. By choosing this ending, you essentially rebuild the world according to a pre-ordained plan, guided by a higher power. This can lead to a society that is safe and predictable, but also one that is rigid and stifling. Imagine a world where everyone follows the rules and there is little room for deviation. Sounds peaceful, right? But it also means that individual expression is suppressed and there is little opportunity for growth or change. The consequences of this choice are far-reaching and ultimately shape the future of the world in a way that prioritizes order above all else. This ending is for those who believe in the importance of structure and are willing to sacrifice some personal freedom for the sake of stability. Supporting certain characters who embody these ideals and consistently making choices that reflect this philosophy will ultimately lead you down this path. Be prepared to enforce the rules, as this ending requires a commitment to maintaining order and preventing chaos from disrupting the established system. Only those who are willing to uphold the law and ensure the safety of the collective will truly thrive in the world you create. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility, and in this ending, the responsibility for maintaining order rests solely on your shoulders.

The Neutral Ending

Ah, the Neutral path, the path of balance! This ending is trickier to achieve because it requires you to carefully navigate the conflicting ideologies of Law and Chaos. It's about finding a middle ground, rejecting both extremes and forging your own path. You need to make choices that prioritize humanity's freedom and self-determination without succumbing to the destructive forces of unfettered chaos. This ending is all about empowering humanity to shape its own destiny, free from the control of gods and demons alike. It's about creating a world where people can coexist peacefully, respecting each other's differences and working together to build a better future. By choosing this ending, you essentially give humanity the chance to determine its own fate, without the interference of higher powers. This can lead to a world of great progress and innovation, but also one that is vulnerable to internal conflicts and external threats. Imagine a world where people are free to pursue their own goals and dreams, but also accountable for their actions. Sounds idealistic, right? But it also means that there is no guarantee of success and that humanity must learn to navigate its own challenges without relying on divine intervention. The consequences of this choice are far-reaching and ultimately shape the future of the world in a way that prioritizes human potential above all else. This ending is for those who believe in the inherent goodness of humanity and are willing to trust people to make the right choices. Carefully weighing the pros and cons of each decision and consistently making choices that reflect this philosophy will ultimately lead you down this path. Be prepared to defend humanity's freedom, as this ending requires a commitment to protecting people from both external threats and internal corruption. Only those who are willing to fight for a better future for humanity will truly thrive in the world you create. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility, and in this ending, the responsibility for guiding humanity rests solely on your shoulders.

The New Canon Ending (Vengeance Route)

The Vengeance route introduces a brand new, canon ending! This ending is exclusive to the Vengeance storyline and offers a fresh perspective on the events of Shin Megami Tensei V. This new ending is a significant departure from the original endings, offering a more nuanced and complex resolution to the game's central conflicts. The exact details of this ending are best experienced firsthand, but it generally involves confronting a new threat and making choices that challenge the established order. This path requires you to unravel the mysteries surrounding the new characters and events introduced in the Vengeance route. It's about uncovering hidden truths and challenging long-held beliefs, ultimately leading to a confrontation with a powerful force that seeks to reshape the world in its own image. By choosing this ending, you essentially rewrite the destiny of the world, forging a new path that deviates from the original narrative. This can lead to unexpected alliances and unforeseen consequences, as you navigate the complex web of relationships and betrayals that define the Vengeance route. Imagine a world where the established order is challenged and new possibilities emerge. Sounds exciting, right? But it also means that you must be prepared to face the unknown and make difficult choices that will determine the fate of the world. The consequences of this choice are far-reaching and ultimately shape the future of the world in a way that defies expectations. This ending is for those who are willing to challenge the status quo and embrace the uncertainty of the future. Exploring the new content introduced in the Vengeance route and consistently making choices that reflect this philosophy will ultimately lead you down this path. Be prepared to question everything you thought you knew, as this ending requires a willingness to abandon old beliefs and embrace new perspectives. Only those who are willing to challenge the established order and forge their own path will truly thrive in the world you create. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility, and in this ending, the responsibility for shaping the future rests solely on your shoulders. This new ending is considered by many to be the true ending of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, as it provides a more complete and satisfying resolution to the game's overarching narrative.

How to Steer Your Course

So, how do you actually get the ending you want? Here's the lowdown:

• Pay Attention to Dialogue: The choices you make in conversations are crucial. Think carefully about what each option implies about your alignment.
• Side with Factions Carefully: The groups you support will heavily influence your path. Understand their motivations and goals before pledging your allegiance.
• Consider the Consequences: Every action has a reaction. Think about the long-term effects of your choices on the world and its inhabitants.
• Follow a Guide (If Needed): If you're really struggling, don't be afraid to consult a spoiler-free guide that outlines the key decisions for each ending.

Final Thoughts

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers a rich and rewarding experience with multiple endings that reflect your choices and values. Take your time, explore the world, and make decisions that you believe in. After all, the fate of the world is in your hands! Good luck, Nahobino!