Each time the Flame is fading, a new Lord is chosen and cast in the fire. You just can’t stop the Cycle.ĭark Souls III takes place in a far future, in a time when the Cycle of the Flame was institutionalized. Dark Souls II, however, shows us how this choice is meaningless since you either become fuel or completely lose your mind by becoming Hollow, which means other people will be able to reignite the First Flame and extend the Age of Fire. The two endings of Dark Souls present the player with the choice of trusting the Gods and sacrificing themself to the First Flame, or letting the Flame fade away so the world can go back to its natural order and humanity can finally rule in the Age of Dark.

The first Dark Souls presented us to the Cycle of the First Flame, reignited by Lord Gwyn when the fire was fading away, and the Age of Dark would be unleashed in the world.

RELATED:‌ 'Dark Souls' Biggest Legacy Is Not Difficulty, It's Worldbuilding It’s time, then, to let the Flame finally die, discuss what each ending of Dark Souls III’s endings really means, and how the epic conclusion only makes sense in light of previous games’ events. With four different endings - against two endings each on both Dark Souls and Dark Souls II - Dark Souls III gives players enough tools to scrutinize its convoluted lore and find at least partial truths amidst a crumbling world. And while the player’s choices are still central for the progression of Dark Souls III, for the first time, we can put a definitive ending on the Cycle of the Flame, should we choose to usher in the Age of Dark.

So, it’s no wonder Dark Souls III brings back fan-favorite characters and iconic locations to give the franchise closure. Just as the First Flame gets rekindled each cycle, Dark Souls III reignited the fans’ passion for the Souls franchise, shaken by the mixed reception of Dark Souls II.

Dark souls 3 fire keeper