Directive 8020 has a hidden sixth ending state nicknamed Ending S, only accessible inside Curator's Cut after a first clear. It uses Akin's perspective rather than Brianna's, replaces three major cut-scenes with previously unseen footage and pays off the Curator's narration with a cliffhanger that teases the next Dark Pictures entry.
Unlock requirements
- Finish any ending (A–E) on your first save.
- Start Curator's Cut from the main menu after credits roll.
- Reach Episode 8 and find the Curator's Cut unlock token (final secret pickup, behind the variant queen arena).
- Choose any final dialogue option — the secret ending plays in place of the regular post-credits scene.
What is different in Ending S?
- Akin POV — the Ep 8 boss fight plays from outside the variant nest with new QTE inputs.
- Directive briefing — a flashback reveals what the original Directive 8020 mission actually was.
- Curator monologue — extended cut, including a direct address to the player.
- Series tease — closing shot of a new Dark Pictures Anthology framing room.
Trophy reward
Ending S unlocks the Director's Eye trophy and counts toward Behind the Curtain. It does not count as a separate ending for the four ending-letter trophies (B/C/D/E), which still need chapter-select reloads.
FAQ
Is there a secret ending in Directive 8020?
Yes. 'Ending S' is the Curator's Cut variant — a sixth ending state unlocked only by replaying the campaign from Akin's perspective in Curator's Cut mode after a first clear.
How do you unlock the secret ending?
Finish any ending first. The Curator's Cut second campaign unlocks at credits. Run it to completion while collecting the hidden token in Episode 8's final secret slot.
Is the secret ending different from Ending A?
Ending S re-uses Ending A's beats but shows Akin's commanding-officer perspective — including the original directive briefing, a longer Curator monologue and an exclusive cut-scene of the variant queen.