The canonical ending for Metro: Last Light is the Redemption Ending, often referred to as the "Good" ending.
The Canonical Ending: Redemption
In Metro: Last Light, the Redemption Ending is officially recognized as the canonical conclusion, directly preceding the events of Metro Exodus. This ending is achieved by accumulating sufficient "moral points" throughout the game by performing good deeds and making compassionate choices.
Key Events of the Canonical Ending
The events of the canonical ending unfold as follows:
- Artyom's Intent: During the climactic confrontation at the D6 bunker, Artyom prepares to activate explosives, intending to destroy the facility to prevent General Korbut's Red Line forces from seizing its strategic resources and technology.
- The Little Dark One's Intervention: Just as Artyom is about to detonate the bunker, he is stopped by the little Dark One. This intervention prevents Artyom's self-sacrifice and the destruction of D6.
- Dark Ones' Defense: The little Dark One then calls upon other awakened Dark Ones, who collectively appear and engage Korbut's army. Through their combined powers, the Dark Ones defeat Korbut's forces, ensuring the survival of Artyom and the remaining Spartan Rangers.
- A New Path: This outcome suggests a potential future where humanity and the Dark Ones can coexist, establishing a foundation for the narrative in the subsequent game.
Why It's Canonical
The Redemption Ending serves as the definitive narrative bridge to Metro Exodus. The storyline of Exodus directly builds upon the understanding and uneasy alliance formed between Artyom and the Dark Ones in this particular ending, specifically the continued companionship and guidance of the little Dark One. This choice by the developers firmly establishes the Redemption Ending as the true path of Artyom's journey.
Alternative Ending (Briefly)
While the Redemption Ending is canon, Metro: Last Light also features an alternative "C'est la Vie" or "Bad" ending. In this scenario, Artyom successfully detonates D6, sacrificing himself to destroy the facility and halt the Red Line's advance without the intervention of the Dark Ones. However, this tragic outcome is not continued in the series' overarching narrative.
