The Chinese Room’s latest offering, Still Wakes the Deep, primarily focuses on evading terrifying Eldritch creatures, but it also weaves a deeper narrative. In this explanation of the ending, there will be spoilers, so proceed with caution.
The opening of Still Wakes the Deep features a letter addressed to Caz McLeary, the main character, from his wife Suze. Rather than being a loving message, it is a desperate plea for him to return home and a warning that she will not wait for him if he continues to avoid facing his problems.
Despite the unfortunate news of Caz’s imminent firing due to the discovery by the police, the situation is made even more disheartening as he prepares to return home and face the challenges in his shaky marriage. However, before he can board the helicopter, a disaster occurs.
Summary of the ending of Still Wakes the Deep
The rig’s drill, located on the way to the office of boss Rennick, has made contact with something deep underwater, causing a sudden wave of fear.
The remaining duration of the game is dedicated to searching for solutions to keep the Beira D afloat while awaiting rescue. Despite attempting to use the helicopter and lifeboats, they are not viable options due to various obstacles. At this point, Caz’s only choice is to maintain the stability of his only solid ground and hope for a positive outcome.
Rennick calls Caz up to his office to fire him.
Despite being the only two survivors at the end of the game, Caz and Finlay hold differing opinions on how to escape from the creature that has been tormenting and murdering their fellow crew members.
Finlay is convinced that the monster, which is burrowing deeper into the rig, must be destroyed. Without hesitation, she heads towards the heart of the rig. Caz desperately pursues her, attempting to prevent her from reaching the terrifying creature, but she is tragically crushed by falling debris before she can reach it.
Caz gazes at Finlay and passes him the lighter, begging him to fulfill her intended plan. Although her initial desire is to persist in fighting and escape the rig, she eventually succumbs to Finlay’s suggestion.
After retrieving the lighter, he heads towards the drill where the creature still has a firm grip. Upon reaching the drill, a prompt appears asking to release the grip, and the screen fades to black.
Finlay gets caught in rubble toward the end.
During the final moments of the game, you are given a glimpse into the origins of his relationship with his wife Suze through flashback-like conversation. As Caz ascends into a stream of light, memories of their past together flood his mind. When he awakens in his bed at home, Suze is lying next to him.
As you have some time, take a moment to browse through the pictures on the walls of the room, showcasing the family. However, your only choice now is to open the door and exit. Before turning the handle, Caz glances back at a slumbering Suze and makes a promise to return for Christmas. As the door swings open, you are greeted with a breathtaking view of the North Sea.
In a nod to the opening, you receive a final message from Suze. However, this one has a distinct tone – it is filled with love, gratitude, and optimism for the future of their relationship. As the credits begin to roll, the message comes to an end.
Caz and Suze’s relationship explained
In certain sections of Still Wakes the Deep, one may find themselves rendered unconscious for a period of time – whether due to falling into the ocean or encountering the monstrous creature that tears the Beira D apart.
While in a state of unconsciousness, you witness glimpses of Caz’s life and learn about his background and the reason for his employment on the rig. As the truth unravels, it becomes evident that his relationship is experiencing turmoil due to the fact that the police are searching for him for physically attacking someone who had insulted his wife.
Despite the implication that this person may have been an ex of Suze’s, the truth remains that Caz lost his temper. He decided to distance himself from the situation by working out at sea until things calmed down. This ultimately led him to make the Beira D his new home.
Despite his regret, Caz constantly references Suze during the game, struggling to find a balance between repairing his marriage and being a devoted father to his daughters. The implication is that Caz’s actions have caused harm to his family, which is further supported by his extended periods of work offshore.
Is Caz Dead
It can be assumed that Caz is dead after the explosion of the Beira D. In the final scene, when you enter the bedroom, there is the option to remain there for as long as you wish before opening the door. I interpret this as a representation of purgatory, where Caz is given the time to come to terms with his death, much like his struggle to let go of the lighter.
What does the ending mean?
The conclusion of Still Wakes the Deep is open to interpretation, providing multiple perspectives to consider.
Caz has to destroy the creature and the rig at the end.
The final conversation between Caz and Finlay is the most significant moment that reinforces the game’s message. Finlay urges Caz to do the courageous act that everyone knew was necessary from the beginning but lacked the bravery to carry out – detonating themselves and the rig to prevent the creature from reaching the shore.
As Caz approaches the towering monster, he remarks, “We didn’t stand a chance,”before reluctantly releasing the lighter into the pool of oil below.
Despite currently discussing the monster, Caz is simultaneously alluding to his relationship with Suze. This is evident in Caz’s remorseful tone when mentioning his wife and Suze’s unwavering worry for his return. Although there remains a strong sense of care between them, it is clear that their relationship is beyond repair.
Ignoring your problems for an extended period of time can have consequences, as shown by the events in this situation. Caz’s unwillingness to confront his issues ultimately led to both his and the creature’s downfall, serving as a powerful reminder that he needed to confront his fears.
Despite beginning the journey feeling disconnected from his wife, Caz ultimately finds himself completely isolated and facing an Eldritch horror in the middle of the North Sea. As he navigates his own personal purgatory, he is confronted with the vast emptiness of the ocean, a stark representation of the core themes of Still Wakes the Deep – a tale of love, loss, and the struggle of alienation.
Despite being one of the most emotive stories of 2024 thus far, Still Wakes the Deep may face competition from highly anticipated titles such as Star Wars Outlaws and Black Myth: Wukong, which could also provide intriguing endings for us to explore.
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