Now that fans have had time to sink their teeth into Bravely Default 2, the game’s hidden details are starting to emerge. While there are certainly rare treasures and special boss fights to search for, one of the game’s hidden treats lies within the game’s ending(s).
Those who are familiar with JRPGs may be well acquainted with the concept, but Bravely Default 2 is now known to offer players multiple possible endings, each of which is unlocked by meeting certain parameters. This new Square Enix title presents fans with more than three possible “ends” to the game, one of which responds to players a very transparent “oops” message.
As many will note, Bravely Default 2 is highly reminiscent of the Final Fantasy series. This is not only because the game is developed by Final Fantasy‘s own Square Enix, but also because Bravely Default, the original game in the series, was developed as a Final Fantasy sequel. Though the game/series was ultimately rebranded as Bravely Default, traces of its muse are found throughout (i.e. “Heroes of Light” protecting the world’s elemental crystals). Another element of Final Fantasy that has evidently pervaded the Bravely series is that of multiple endings. Bravely Default 2 has four official endings, and a fifth arguably unofficial ending, known as the “Give Up” ending.
Naturally, the biggest difference between all the endings involves the game’s narrative. Each ending, needless to say, “ends” the game in a different way. That said, this game’s three “main” endings are generally referred to as the game’s “Bad,” “True,” and “Secret” endings. A fourth ending, accessed during the game’s prologue, is known as the “Early” ending, while the fifth is the “Give Up” ending mentioned above. In short, players will likely want to work towards unlocking the game’s Secret and True endings. The Early ending is probably more of a minor post-game treat for Bravely Default 2 pros, and the Give Up ending is admittedly lackluster.
The game’s Bad ending is effectively the game’s forced ending. By default, all players will witness the Bad ending upon first defeating the game’s supposed final boss, only before realizing the “true” fight is yet to be won. Without spoiling any details, players tend to appreciate the fact that the Bad ending is a fake out, simply because it’s quite the bad ending. This game has many favorites, like Adelle and the princess Gloria, and this ending isn’t shy about being harsh. Tragic death(s) apart, the Bad ending will leave players taken aback, and needless to say, the game’s makers were well aware of this.
One admirable quality about the Bad ending (and all the others) is that they make use of a wonderfully metatheatrical technique. That is, the endings are all quite self aware, and make references to not just the game itself but Bravely Default‘s mechanics too. This makes for a really fun twist to the already-dramatic story at play.
Players will be able to access the game’s True ending rather straightforwardly. Once the Bad ending is complete, players will be met by a certain character when they reload the game. Simply telling that character that they are “ready for the final fight” will trigger the game’s “true” final boss, leading players to the True ending upon victory. Whereas the final baddie before the Bad ending has a simple fire weakness and multiple forms based on HP, the True boss will have varying weaknesses and immunities, depending on its form. Defeating this boss will earn players the game’s True ending. However, the game’s Secret ending requires a bit more legwork.
Aside from the Asterisks obtained via normal gameplay, players will need to track down one additional “secret” Asterisk before being able to view the game’s Secret ending. (Players should note that three total secret Asterisks, exist, though.) To do so, they will first have to defeat the game’s “fake” boss and view the Bad ending. The True ending is not a prerequisite. After reloading the game after the Bad ending, players should reply “No” to the character that appears. By saying that the player is not ready for the final fight ahead, they are given the opportunity to go back into Excillant and explore.
Simply return to the place where the prologue ended (the gravesite) to trigger a special battle. Upon victory, players will receive a special Asterisk, that quite frankly, is as game-breaking as it is necessary for the game’s Secret final fight. Without spoiling much, its main functions regard manipulating the game’s Brave Point system, which allows characters to take multiple actions during one turn. After obtaining this secret Job/Asterisk, players should return to the location of the final boss fight, and tell that certain character that they are ready to fight. Defeating this boss will grant players with a look at the game’s Secret ending.
Again, without spoiling much, the Secret ending can be seen as the game’s “happy” ending. Where the True ending turns the tragic Bad ending into a less severe heartbreak, the Secret ending truly wraps things up in the storybook way that one might expect. Still, there are two other ways to “end” the game.
The game’s early ending is actually found during the Prologue. When players face Adam, an intentionally hyper powerful foe, they are meant to lose the fight. In fact, most players do. However, if players go through the work of trying to win this fight against Adam, the game will display a unique sort of Game Over message.
The message essentially admits that players weren’t meant to beat Adam, and encourages players to reset the game and try again. The Early ending has been achieved predominantly by one of two ways: 1) grinding EXP and mastering the game’s first four classes before the fight with Adam, and 2) patiently challenging him with a powerful New Game + team.
If players have already tried going for the Early ending, or are simply looking to explore every secret of Bravely Default 2‘s world, then the Give Up ending is technically there too. This “ending” refers to a moment (also during the early game/Prologue) when the main character communicates with the legendary Wind Crystal. After a cutscene, players are basically asked to approach a light so the Wind Crystal can revive them. If players decide to test the Crystal’s patience and simply let the on-screen timer expire without approaching the light, the game will end. That said, this ending doesn’t present any sort of cheeky message or screen – just a good ole Game Over.
Bravely Default 2 is available now on Switch.
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