Endings Explained

As Daniel's sanity teeters on the brink and the Shadow closes in, your final confrontation with Alexander of Brennenburg presents a critical choice that dictates the game's outcome. There are three distinct endings available, each with specific requirements and consequences. Understanding these will allow you to tailor your playthrough for the desired resolution.

The Good Ending: Vengeance and Freedom

This ending sees Daniel successfully thwarting Alexander's ritual and escaping Brennenburg Castle, albeit with a heavy heart. It requires direct intervention against Alexander during the final sequence.

Location: The Orb Chamber (Laboratory 2 / Wine Cellar).
Actionable Steps:
1. Upon entering the Orb Chamber, Alexander will begin his ritual. He will be standing before the Orb, attempting to draw power from it.
2. Locate the four large, glowing Power Conduits positioned around the perimeter of the chamber. These are large, cylindrical devices emitting a blue light.
3. You must interact with each of these Power Conduits to disrupt the ritual. Approach each conduit and hold down the action button (left-click by default) to pull the lever down. You will hear a distinct mechanical sound and the blue light will dim.
4. Alexander will periodically teleport around the chamber and attempt to stop you. He will also summon small, spectral entities that will drain your sanity if you look at them. Ignore Alexander as much as possible and focus on the conduits.
5. Strategy: Prioritize speed. Move from one conduit to the next without hesitation. Use your lantern sparingly to conserve oil, as the chamber is dimly lit. If your sanity drops too low, find a dark corner to recover briefly, but do not linger. The Shadow will also be a constant threat, so avoid staying in one place for too long.
6. Once all four Power Conduits have been deactivated, the ritual will be interrupted, and Alexander will be consumed by the Orb.
7. A portal will open in the center of the chamber. Approach and interact with it to escape Brennenburg.
Outcome: Daniel escapes the castle, and Alexander is destroyed. The Shadow's pursuit of Daniel ends, and he is free from its grasp. A final monologue from Daniel reflects on his actions and the burden of his memories.

The Bad Ending: Alexander's Triumph

In this ending, Daniel fails to stop Alexander, allowing the Baron to complete his ritual and escape to his home dimension. This is often considered the "default" ending if no specific actions are taken.

Location: The Orb Chamber (Laboratory 2 / Wine Cellar).
Actionable Steps:
1. Upon entering the Orb Chamber, Alexander will begin his ritual.
2. Do nothing to disrupt the ritual. Simply stand by and observe, or attempt to hide.
3. Alexander will continue his incantations. After a short period, the ritual will complete.
4. You may be tempted to hide from Alexander or the spectral entities, but this will not prevent the ritual's completion.
Outcome: Alexander successfully completes his ritual and escapes through the Orb, leaving Daniel trapped and at the mercy of the Shadow. Daniel is consumed by the Shadow, and his fate is left ambiguous but grim.

The Secret Ending: Daniel's Sacrifice

This ending offers a morally complex resolution where Daniel chooses to sacrifice himself to destroy Alexander and the Orb, preventing further harm. This ending requires a specific item and a deliberate action.

Location: The Orb Chamber (Laboratory 2 / Wine Cellar).
Prerequisite Item: You must possess the Agrippa's Head item.
- How to obtain Agrippa's Head: During your exploration of the Archives and Cellar Archives sections, you will encounter the tortured spirit of Agrippa. You must find and administer three specific potions to him to alleviate his suffering and gain his trust.
  - Potion 1 (Chemical): Found in the Laboratory 1 area, often on a table or shelf.
  - Potion 2 (Herbal): Located in the Wine Cellar, typically near the fermentation vats.
  - Potion 3 (Blood): Acquired in the Refinery after solving the machinery puzzle.
- Once all three potions are given, Agrippa will ask you to sever his head to free him from his torment. Interact with him again to perform this action. The Agrippa's Head will then be added to your inventory.
Actionable Steps:
1. Upon entering the Orb Chamber, Alexander will begin his ritual.
2. Instead of disrupting the Power Conduits, approach the central Orb.
3. Open your inventory and select Agrippa's Head.
4. Use Agrippa's Head on the Orb. Daniel will perform a unique action, sacrificing Agrippa's essence to destroy the Orb and Alexander.
5. Strategy: You must act quickly, as Alexander will still attempt to complete his ritual. Ignore his presence and focus solely on reaching the Orb and using Agrippa's Head. The Shadow will also be a threat, so move decisively.
Outcome: Daniel sacrifices Agrippa's head, destroying the Orb and Alexander in a powerful explosion. Daniel is left alone in the ruined chamber, having prevented Alexander's escape but at a great personal cost. The Shadow is also banished. This ending is often considered the most morally ambiguous, as Daniel uses another's life to achieve his goal.