The Best Ending in Dawnwalker? It Depends
Quick answer: the game does not rank its endings, and neither should this page. What counts as "best" splits into three questions — is your family saved, what happens to the valley, and what do you want from the final fight.
If "best" means your family survives
The Turncoat is the route built around saving your family through Brencis's deal — at a cost the ending explores. It is the shortest path to that specific outcome in the finale branch choices.
If "best" means the valley changes hands
The Knyazmaker places a new power structure in play through Crake and the Manumit rebellion — the political outcome of the set. The Patricide resolves the story through Lacra's line and is the ally route most players unlock first, since it can be completed well before the 30-day deadline.
If "best" means the classic hero ending
The Folk Hero is the solo confrontation — you refuse both the deal and the allies and end it yourself. No prerequisites beyond reaching the finale.
Comparison at a glance
| Want | Route | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Family saved | The Turncoat | Take the deal in the final dialogue |
| Valley under new leadership | The Knyazmaker | Crake's line complete (Infamy 4 gate) |
| Independent ally resolution | The Patricide | Lacra's line complete to Midnight Reckoning |
| Solo/traditional | The Folk Hero | Refuse both paths at the finale |
| Exit the story early | A Hero They Deserve / Together Forever | Post-prologue special routes |
There is no canon ending
Nothing in the launch-build material designates a canonical route — the finale dialogue decides, and each full ending has its own achievement. If you want to judge for yourself, use the one-save plan on the all-endings page and watch them back to back.
FAQ
Common questions about this topic.
Which Dawnwalker ending is canon?
None is designated canonical — every route is a player choice decided by the finale dialogue.
Which ending saves your family?
The Turncoat resolves the family through the deal with Brencis; Together Forever is the early family-stay ending.
Which ending should I do first?
The Patricide (Lacra's line) is commonly completed first because it unlocks early in the campaign; the others wait on Infamy and the vassal route.
Do all endings have achievements?
The four full endings and the two early endings do; Time Runs Out has none dedicated, though it still counts as finishing the story.