Exploring the Bad Endings in Persona 5: Choices and Consequences

Persona 5 is a game that navigates complex ethical dilemmas, leaving players to grapple with the ramifications of their choices. Among the numerous endings, the bad endings stand out for their stark contrast to the alternate realities and moral triumphs players may experience. Let's delve into these endings and the choices that lead to them.

The Failure to Change Hearts: A Corrupting Influence

In Persona 5, the protagonist and the Phantom Thieves aim to change the hearts of corrupt individuals. Central to these efforts is the key antagonist, Maruki. If the player fails to change Maruki's heart or does not adequately confront the consequences of their actions, a bad ending ensues. Maruki, a crucial figure in the game, represents corruption and the resulting bad ending mirrors the failure to alter his core essence. This ending encapsulates the game's theme of transformation and the gravity of one's actions.

Choosing the Wrong Choices: The Path of Least Resistance

Several critical moments in Persona 5 require players to make specific choices that align with the goals of the Phantom Thieves. If players opt for paths that lack resistance against the antagonists' plans, they may face a bad ending. For instance, the bad ending that involves staying in Maruki's false reality signifies a failure to resist the corruption he represents. However, these choices can be complex, involving trade-offs and moral ambiguities that reflect the game's exploration of moral grey areas.

Negative Outcomes and Their Impact: A Sense of Despair

In the bad ending, the protagonist is ultimately captured and loses their freedom. The game concludes with a sense of despair as the protagonist's efforts to change society fail. This ending contrasts sharply with the successful resolutions, where the protagonist achieves their goals and transforms society positively. The despair felt in the bad ending underscores the gravity of the stakes in the game and the consequences of failure.

Common Bad Endings Explained

Persona 5 has several bad endings, but the most significant and complex ones involve failing to complete certain objectives. These endings often lead to a fundamental shift in the story, reflecting the player's failure to achieve the game's goals. Here are the most notable ones:

Missed Deadlines and Forced Arrest: One common bad ending occurs when a player fails to finish a palace within the specified deadline. Upon waking, the player is greeted by the police, who arrest them under suspicion of being a Phantom Thief and have prior criminal records. While sent back a week, this ending marks a significant setback, forcing players to retry the game from a different angle.

Staying in Maruki's False Reality: Another major bad ending happens if the player fails to convince Sae to change their heart. Choosing to do so would lead to Akechi appearing and killing the protagonist, ending the game. However, the game provides a save prompt, allowing players to retry, making the ending more akin to a game over than a traditional bad ending. This choice reflects the ethical complexity of the game, offering a stark contrast to positive resolutions.

Missing the Maruki Deadline: Failing to max out Maruki's confidant by the deadline results in a truncated story. While not strictly a "bad" ending, it means players miss the full narrative experience. This scenario forces players to restart the game unless they have a backup save, highlighting the importance of pacing and timing in the game.

The Ideal Bad Ending: Often termed as the "ideal" bad ending, this scenario highlights the game's controversial choices. If players choose to take Maruki's deal before giving him the calling card, the game concludes with Maruki's ideal world. While there are superficial positive outcomes, such as the revival of deceased characters, the underlying implications are chilling. This ending emphasizes the game's exploration of moral choice, showing that even seemingly positive outcomes can be deeply troubling.

Ultimately, the bad endings in Persona 5 serve as a reflection on the player's choices and their consequences. These endings challenge players to reflect on the moral implications of their actions and the broader themes of the game. By exploring these endings, players gain a deeper appreciation for the ethical dilemmas and the significance of their choices in the world of Persona 5.