If you attempt to climb out of the well but fail, or if you interact with the Blind Man and choose to "end the longing" prematurely by jumping, you trigger a variation of the death ending.
The King may react with even more coldness, emphasizing that your 400 days of service were tainted by your desire to leave. Community Perspectives THE LONGING - ALL ENDINGS (400 Days, Good, Bad, Secret)
There is a variation where if you try to leave the caves and then return to wake the King after the timer has already hit zero, or if you perform certain "disloyal" acts before the end. If you attempt to climb out of the
Once the timer hits zero, you awaken the King. He acknowledges your loyalty but expresses disappointment at the state of the world, ultimately turning everything (including the Shade) into stone to begin a new cycle. 2. The Good Ending: Escape to the Surface Once the timer hits zero, you awaken the King
Users often debate which ending feels the most "right" given the game's themes of patience and loyalty.
While exploring the upper cliffs near the exit, there is a ledge where the Shade ponders the "end." If you choose to jump off the cliff, the Shade falls to its death.
You must navigate to the upper-most parts of the cave system. You'll need to overcome obstacles like the "Darkness" and wait for specific events, such as a stalactite falling to bridge a gap. Eventually, you reach a well where a young child lowers a bucket.
