The Talos Principle 2 Ending Walkthrough

While The Talos Principle 2 is an exceptional puzzle game, it offers a rich and complex storyline. As you traverse its world, you'll have numerous opportunities to engage with other characters, express your viewpoints, and even share your thoughts on social media. The game revolves around profound philosophical debates concerning the future of humanity and its role in the world, and the choices you make in these conversations will shape different aspects of the narrative as you progress.

There are three primary endings in The Talos Principle 2, along with various additional scenes and variations that you can unlock under specific circumstances. This comprehensive guide provides instructions on how to achieve each ending and access the optional scenes, while minimizing spoilers as much as possible.

Main Endings - The Final Choice

To complete the main story in The Talos Principle, you must solve eight puzzles in each of the game's 12 areas, allowing you to enter the megastructure a total of four times. Throughout the game, you will engage in conversations with Prometheus, Pandora, and the Sphinx, each representing a different philosophical perspective on the future of New Jerusalem.

During your final visit to the megastructure, you will be faced with a decision regarding the machine. You will have three options, each aligned with one of the three characters, and each choice will unlock a different main ending. While there may be slight variations based on your previous actions, these three endings serve as the key components of the epilogue.

Leap of Faith - Choose to use the machine for the betterment of New Jerusalem (Prometheus ending)

Momentum Deferred - Choose to shut the machine down because humanity isn't ready (Sphinx ending)

Variations

Apart from the primary options for ending, the decisions you make regarding different aspects of the narrative will alter the consequences for the diverse cast of characters involved.

The Mayor

Upon concluding your fourth expedition within the colossal structure, you will awaken to the revelation that a momentous election transpired during your temporary deactivation. The consequences of this electoral outcome are manifold, influencing various elements of the concluding cinematic sequences.

Throughout The Talos Principle 2, there are numerous choices to be made, making it challenging to determine which ones truly impact the outcome of the election. However, by utilizing your social media responses and engaging in conversations, you have the power to shape the attitudes of New Jerusalem. Similar to the main endings, there are three key variations.

To ensure Hermanubis remains as mayor, opt for conservative choices when conversing and posting on social media. Select options that showcase a favorable view of the Goal and promote limited growth for New Jerusalem. Additionally, decide to share the information obtained from the Somnodrome with the people while withholding it from the rest of New Jerusalem.

Byron is elected mayor - Advocate for progressive discussions and social media content. Emphasize choices that foster growth and view the Goal as detrimental and stifling for New Jerusalem. When conversing with Hermanubis prior to VTOL boarding, express skepticism towards the Goal, considering it a myth that negatively impacts humanity. Share the information obtained from the Somnodrome with the public.

Rand is elected mayor - Adopt a more balanced approach in conversations and social media posts. Exercise caution and prioritize moderate choices. When discussing with Hermanubis before VTOL boarding, convey your belief that the Goal is a myth with potentially harmful consequences for humanity. Cautiously distribute the information acquired from the Somnodrome to the public.

The mayor will appear in the different epilogues and you'll sometimes get different dialogue depending on who is in charge and what final choice you make.

Golden Gate Puzzles

There are 12 additional high-level puzzles in The Talos Principle 2 that can only be accessed after completing all the main puzzles in each area, including the eight required to access the tower, as well as the separate "bonus" puzzles in each area.

Upon completing all 120 normal puzzles, players will unlock a Golden Gate puzzle in each area. These puzzles are notably more challenging than any other in the game. By successfully solving all 12 Golden Gate puzzles, a final Golden Gate puzzle will unlock at the megastructure location. Entering this area will allow players to engage in another activity and initiate dialogue. Without revealing what exactly it unlocks, we can assure you that it significantly alters all three endings and includes additional scenes.

Yaqut's Epilogue

By successfully finishing the Golden Gate puzzles, players will be rewarded with an extra epilogue scene featuring Yaqut. Unfortunately, due to a bug in our playthrough, we are unable to provide exact details on how to unlock this scene. However, we have a strong understanding of what is required.

After completing your fourth exploration of the megastructure, you will return to New Jerusalem before embarking on the ultimate journey back to the island for the conclusive phase of The Talos Principle 2. During this time, you will hold discussions with the other members of your expedition to gauge their interest in joining you on this final expedition.

Your desire is for Yaqut to be your companion for this critical stage. In order to persuade him, it will be important to consistently provide reassurance regarding the perils of the megastructure and to ensure that he feels supported in his concerns. If he agrees to accompany you, an additional scene related to the Golden Gate puzzle scenes will unfold.

Additional Scenes

Star puzzles

In addition to the aforementioned puzzles, there are additional challenges connected to the statues of Prometheus, Pandora, and the Sphinx scattered throughout the various areas. Each of the 12 sections contains a pair of statues, and completing one will lead to the acquisition of a Star item. By gathering all 24 Stars, you can proceed to a hidden gate located within the vast structure known as the megastructure. This gate remains concealed within what the other characters refer to as an Astronomy temple. The Stars can be added to the gate, eventually granting access to its secrets.

Upon passing through this gate, a new puzzle awaits. Successfully solving it will unlock a special cutscene that offers potential insights into the storyline of The Talos Principle 3. It should be noted that this cutscene is not technically part of the game's ending, but rather an additional component that players can experience upon completing the final Star puzzle.

Check out our guides for completing the Pandora statue puzzles and Sphinx statue puzzles to help you get through.

Trevor's audio logs

Scattered throughout the terminals in each area, you can discover audio logs from Trevor, a co-worker of Alexandra Drennan. She is the scientist who conceived the simulation that gave rise to these newly created robotic humans. By finding all 12 of Trevor's logs, you will complete his story and unlock an additional scene during the credits.

Finding these items is not difficult if you diligently search each area. Utilize the compass at the screen's top, which displays question mark icons to signify undiscovered objects nearby. After obtaining the full story of Trevor, stay until the end of the credits to witness its climax.

Editor's P/S

The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking game that explores profound philosophical themes. The choices you make throughout the game, both in puzzle-solving and conversations, shape the narrative and lead to different endings. The three primary endings represent different perspectives on the future of humanity and its role in the world.

In my opinion, the most intriguing aspect of The Talos Principle 2 is its exploration of the relationship between humanity and technology. The game presents a nuanced view of technology, showing both its potential to improve our lives and its dangers. The choices we make about how to use technology are critical, and the game does an excellent job of highlighting the ethical implications of these choices.

The Talos Principle 2 is a challenging and rewarding game that will stay with you long after you finish it. It is a must-play for fans of puzzle games and philosophical exploration.