Which ME3 ending is canon?

Answered by Frank Schwing

As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide you with information based on what is currently known about the Mass Effect series.

The question of which ending in Mass Effect 3 is considered canon has been a topic of debate among fans since the game’s release in 2012. BioWare, the developer of the series, has never officially confirmed a specific ending as the canon choice. However, there have been hints and teasers in subsequent games and media that suggest the “Destroy” ending, where Shepard destroys all synthetic life, is the true conclusion to the game.

In the “Destroy” ending, Shepard activates the Crucible and triggers a massive explosion that destroys the Reapers and other synthetic lifeforms. The relays are also damaged in the process, but it is implied that they can be repaired over time. This ending is often seen as the most thematically consistent with the overarching narrative of the series, which focuses on the threat of the Reapers and the struggle to preserve organic life.

One of the main reasons why the “Destroy” ending is often considered the most likely canon choice is its implications in subsequent Mass Effect media. In the Mass Effect: Andromeda game, set after the events of the original trilogy, there are references to the Reaper threat being dealt with and the existence of functional Mass Relays. These references seem to align more closely with the “Destroy” ending than the other options.

However, it’s important to note that BioWare has intentionally left the ending open to interpretation, allowing players to choose the outcome that resonates with them the most. The Mass Effect series has always emphasized player choice and the impact of those choices on the story. Each ending presents its own narrative and philosophical implications, and it’s up to the player to decide which ending they consider to be the “canon” for their own playthrough.

While there isn’t an official canon ending for Mass Effect 3, the “Destroy” ending, where Shepard destroys all synthetic life, is often considered the most likely canonical choice based on hints and references in subsequent games. However, it ultimately depends on the player’s own interpretation and the choices they made throughout the series.