Directive 8020 has six ending states (five primary + one Curator's Cut variant). The ending you reach is determined by three inputs: relationship scores cashed out in Episode 7, the survivor list entering Episode 8 and the final dialogue wheel. The matrix below maps every ending to its triggers.
Ending matrix
| Ending | Name | Survivors | Triggers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Beacon | All five protagonists | All trust scores ≥ +1, complete save-everyone route, choose 'Reveal' in finale | The canonical 'good' ending. Requires the full save-everyone route. |
| B | Sacrifice | 4 of 5 — Brianna lost | Akin trust ≥ +2, choose 'Sacrifice' in Episode 8 | Most cinematic ending; trophy chain unlocks. |
| C | Quiet Drift | 2–3, depending on Ep 5/7 outcomes | Mixed trust, 'Escape' in finale, no premonitions believed | Sequel-bait. Most common 'mid' ending on a blind run. |
| D | Last Light | 1 — Brianna or Thomas | Failed Episode 7 defence + 'Sacrifice' chosen | Easily reached on a low-trust run. |
| E | Silence | 0 | All-low trust, fail Episode 8 final QTE | Bad ending; required for the 'Forgive Me' trophy. |
| S | Curator's Cut Variant | Conditional | Available only in Curator's Cut after one full clear | Re-uses Ending A scene from Akin's perspective; technically a 6th ending state. |
How endings are scored
- Relationship scores — banked from Episode 1 to Episode 7. Each protagonist's trust score is checked against a threshold during the Episode 7 mutiny vote.
- Survivor list — anyone with trust below -2 going into Episode 7 enters their death gate.
- Final choice — the Episode 8 dialogue wheel selects between Sacrifice / Escape / Reveal, locking the ending letter.
- Premonitions believed — if you scanned ≥ 14 premonitions and chose 'Believe' in Episode 6, Ending A becomes available.
How long does it take to see every ending?
On a fresh save, ~8 hours per playthrough. Using chapter-select after a clear, you can rotate through Endings B–E in roughly 30 minutes each by reloading from the start of Episode 7. Ending S requires a full second campaign in Curator's Cut.
Frequently asked
How many endings does Directive 8020 have?
Five primary endings (A–E), plus a Curator's Cut variant. Endings are determined by Episode 7 relationship scores, the Episode 8 final choice, and survivors carried into the finale.
What is the canonical good ending in Directive 8020?
Ending A ("Beacon") is widely considered the canonical good ending — every protagonist survives and the variant is contained. It requires the full save-everyone route.
Can you get all endings on one save?
No. Permadeath rules out branch-hopping mid-run. Use chapter-select after first clear to revisit Episode 7's bridge confrontation and Episode 8's final dialogue wheel.
Which ending unlocks the Curator's Cut?
Any ending unlocks Curator's Cut after one full playthrough; the second perspective then gives you Ending S as a unique variant.