Hey guys! So you've plunged into the dark and twisting world of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, battled your way through hordes of demons, and made some seriously tough choices. Now you're staring down the barrel of the game's multiple endings, and you're probably wondering what they all mean, right? Don't sweat it! This guide breaks down each ending in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, giving you the lowdown on how to achieve them and what the heck is going on in each one. Prepare for some serious spoiler territory ahead!

Understanding the Endings

Before we dive into the specifics, it's important to understand the underlying themes and choices that determine your path in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. The game essentially boils down to a conflict between different ideologies and the player's role in shaping the future of the world, or rather, the post-apocalyptic wasteland it has become. Your decisions throughout the game, particularly those made in key dialogues and side quests, will subtly shift your alignment and influence which ending you ultimately unlock. Shin Megami Tensei games are notorious for their complex moral choices, and V: Vengeance is no exception. There is no purely "good" or "bad" ending, but rather different visions of order, chaos, and the role of humanity (or the lack thereof) in the grand scheme of things. Pay close attention to the characters you align with and the philosophies they represent, as these will be crucial in determining your final fate. Remember, every choice matters, even the seemingly insignificant ones. Successfully navigating this moral minefield requires not only strength in battle, but also a keen understanding of the game's lore and the motivations of its key players. So, buckle up and prepare to make some tough calls!

Canon of Creation Ending

Let's kick things off with the Canon of Creation ending, often considered the game's "original" or "true" ending from the initial Shin Megami Tensei V release. To achieve this ending, you generally need to align yourself with the principles of Law, but it's more nuanced than simply being a goody-two-shoes. You'll want to support the idea of a structured world, even if it means sacrificing some individual freedom. Key choices involve siding with certain characters who advocate for order and rejecting those who promote absolute chaos. Think carefully about the consequences of your actions. This ending typically involves upholding or restoring a divine order, often with you playing a significant role in maintaining that order. The world might be stable and predictable, but at the cost of individual autonomy. The Canon of Creation usually presents a vision of a world where humanity is guided, perhaps even controlled, by a higher power, ensuring its survival but potentially stifling its potential for growth and self-determination. It's a world of safety and security, but also one of potential stagnation. To cement this ending, carefully consider your dialogue choices, especially during pivotal moments in the story. Supporting figures who represent Law and expressing a desire for a world governed by rules and structure are crucial steps. Furthermore, completing specific side quests that align with these principles can further solidify your path towards the Canon of Creation. Remember, the Canon of Creation is not necessarily a "good" ending, but it represents a specific vision for the world – one of order, stability, and divine guidance.

Canon of Vengeance Ending

Now, let's talk about the brand new Canon of Vengeance ending, which is unique to Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. This path is all about embracing, well, vengeance. This storyline will have you making some seriously morally ambiguous decisions. Expect betrayals, unexpected alliances, and a whole lot of demon-slaying. Unlike the other endings, this one focuses on a specific new character and their quest for revenge against the established order. To get this ending, you'll need to actively support their goals, even if it means going against the established factions and principles of Law and Chaos. This route often involves questioning the established power structures and seeking retribution for past wrongs. The Canon of Vengeance is a more personal and emotionally driven narrative compared to the other endings, focusing on the consequences of betrayal and the destructive power of revenge. Expect a darker and more morally gray storyline, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. To unlock this ending, be prepared to make some difficult choices and potentially alienate yourself from characters you may have previously supported. The path of vengeance is rarely a clean one, and the Canon of Vengeance will challenge your understanding of justice and morality. Choosing the Canon of Vengeance ending, you’re diving headfirst into a world of shadows and retribution. The choices leading to this conclusion are often presented with a heavy weight, forcing you to consider the cost of revenge and the potential for collateral damage. Successfully navigating this path requires a strong conviction in the cause of vengeance and a willingness to sacrifice personal relationships and moral principles along the way. Be prepared for a conclusion that is both satisfying and unsettling, leaving you to ponder the true meaning of justice and the cyclical nature of hatred.

Canon of Law Ending

Okay, so the Canon of Law ending is pretty much what it sounds like: a world ruled by strict laws and order. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it often comes at the cost of individual freedom and expression. To get this ending, you'll need to consistently side with characters and factions that promote order and structure. Think angels, divine beings, and anyone who believes in a hierarchical system. You'll be making choices that prioritize stability and control over personal desires. This path often leads to a world where humanity is governed by a set of unyielding rules, ensuring peace and preventing chaos, but also potentially stifling creativity and independent thought. The Canon of Law ending typically presents a vision of a well-ordered society, but one where dissent is suppressed and conformity is highly valued. To achieve this ending, you'll need to demonstrate a strong belief in the importance of rules and regulations. This means siding with those who uphold the law, even when it seems harsh or unfair. It also means rejecting those who advocate for chaos and anarchy. Be prepared to make sacrifices in the name of order, and to accept that individual freedoms may be limited in this new world. The Canon of Law is not without its merits, as it offers a sense of security and predictability. However, it also carries the risk of authoritarianism and the suppression of individuality. Consider carefully whether the benefits of order outweigh the costs of freedom before committing to this path.

Canon of Chaos Ending

Alright, now for the Canon of Chaos ending! This one is the polar opposite of the Law ending. It's all about freedom, individuality, and tearing down established structures. If you're a fan of doing whatever you want and sticking it to the man, this might be the ending for you. To get this ending, you'll need to ally yourself with demons and characters who embrace chaos and reject order. Think rebellious factions, powerful demons who want to rule the world, and anyone who believes in the survival of the fittest. Be prepared for a wild ride filled with unpredictable events and moral ambiguity. This path often leads to a world where anything is possible, but where survival is a constant struggle and the strong prey on the weak. The Canon of Chaos ending typically presents a vision of a world in constant flux, where individuals are free to pursue their own desires, but where there is little stability or security. To achieve this ending, you'll need to embrace your inner rebel and reject any attempts to impose order or control. This means siding with those who challenge the established authorities, even if it means causing destruction and mayhem. It also means being willing to take risks and to trust your own instincts. The Canon of Chaos is not for the faint of heart, as it offers a world of limitless possibilities, but also one of constant danger and uncertainty. Consider carefully whether the freedom to do whatever you want is worth the price of potential anarchy before committing to this path.

Canon of Neutrality Ending

Finally, we have the Canon of Neutrality ending. This is often seen as the "humanity" ending, where you choose to neither fully embrace Law nor Chaos, but instead strive to create a world where humans can determine their own destiny. It's about finding a balance and rejecting the extremes of both sides. To achieve this ending, you'll need to make choices that prioritize the well-being of humanity and reject the agendas of both the angels and the demons. This often involves siding with human characters and organizations, and seeking to create a world where humans can thrive without being controlled by either divine or demonic forces. The Canon of Neutrality ending typically presents a vision of a world where humans are free to make their own choices, for better or for worse. To achieve this ending, you'll need to walk a delicate line, avoiding any actions that would push you too far towards either Law or Chaos. This means carefully considering the consequences of your decisions and choosing the path that best serves the interests of humanity. It also means being willing to compromise and to find common ground with those who hold different beliefs. The Canon of Neutrality is not the easiest path to follow, as it requires a great deal of discernment and a willingness to resist the powerful forces that seek to control the world. However, it offers the hope of a future where humanity can forge its own destiny and create a world that is both just and free. Remember, the Canon of Neutrality is a testament to the potential of humanity to overcome adversity and to build a better future for themselves.

So, Which Ending is the "Best"?

Honestly, there's no single "best" ending in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. It all comes down to your personal preferences and what kind of world you want to create. Do you believe in strict order and divine guidance? Then the Canon of Law might be for you. Are you a free spirit who wants to tear down the system? Then embrace the Canon of Chaos. Do you seek vengeance against those who have wronged you? Then the Canon of Vengeance awaits. Or do you believe in humanity's potential to forge its own path? Then strive for the Canon of Neutrality. Each ending offers a unique vision of the future, and the choice is ultimately yours. The beauty of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance lies in its ability to let you shape the world according to your own beliefs and values. So, explore the different paths, make your choices, and see where they lead you. Just remember, every decision has consequences, and the fate of the world rests in your hands. Good luck, and may your choices lead you to the ending you desire!

No matter which path you choose, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience. Each ending provides a unique perspective on the nature of good and evil, order and chaos, and the role of humanity in the universe. So, dive in, explore the different possibilities, and discover the ending that resonates with you the most. And don't be afraid to experiment and try different approaches on subsequent playthroughs. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.