Amnesia The Dark Descent endings: revenge, sacrifice and Agrippa
The decisive actions for the three Orb Chamber outcomes, with spoilers.
Edition covered
The 2010 Daniel campaign in normal play. Justine, A Machine for Pigs and the later Hard Mode have different rules and are outside this reference. Steam publisher pictures depict The Dark Descent; story and ending guides contain spoilers.
Ending decisions in the Orb Chamber
There is no conventional final boss fight. The ending is determined by whether Daniel interrupts the ritual, waits or completes Agrippa’s request.
| Outcome | Required action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel’s revenge | Topple the three ritual pillars | Alexander’s ritual fails |
| Alexander’s outcome | Allow the ritual to finish | Alexander leaves Daniel behind |
| Agrippa’s outcome | Prepare Agrippa’s head and place it in the open portal | Agrippa reaches the other side |
| Prison variant | Remain imprisoned without escaping until the Shadow arrives | Earlier variant of Daniel’s death, not a fourth Orb Chamber solution |
Preparation before the last room
Only Agrippa’s route needs its optional preparation carried into the finale. Decide that objective while his quest is still available.
| Stage | If pursuing Agrippa | If pursuing revenge |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting Agrippa | Listen to his request and investigate the tonic | The main route can continue without completing the request |
| Finding supplies | Collect the required tonic components | Prioritize main-path progression |
| Before leaving the late-game area | Complete the head preparation | Do not expect a missing head to appear at the portal |
| Orb Chamber | Wait for a usable portal, then use the head | Push over the ritual pillars |
The countdown matters
Do not destroy the pillars first when attempting Agrippa’s ending. The portal must become usable; waiting without completing his action leads to a different result.
Keep outcome labels separate from interpretation
Players call endings good, bad or revenge, but the mechanical distinction is the action taken. These labels do not prove one ending is the official canon.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Amnesia: The Dark Descent publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Frictional Games: Amnesia | frictionalgames.com |
| Puzzle and route reference | steamcommunity.com |
| Wine Cellar and original campaign walkthrough | www.justadventure.com |
| Ending triggers | amnesia.fandom.com |
| Daniel and survival systems | amnesia.fandom.com |
| Gatherer reference | amnesia.fandom.com |