The Gears of War series is usually known for its linear storytelling as you have little say over how the exciting narratives play out. Gears 5, however, does things differently by presenting you with a giant late-game decision that not only affects the ending of this installment but the future of the franchise.
It occurs when the Queen of the Swarm grabs both Del and JD, and the player only has time to save one. The villain then abruptly kills the person you don't choose. The developers haven't yet made clear how the following games are going to deal with the outcome of the choice. And they haven't labeled either of the endings as canon.
But if one was to be considered the "real" ending, which should it be? Here's an explanation about how the conclusions are different and the reasons why each should be canon.
10 How The Endings Differ
Regardless of whether you choose to save Del or JD, the immediate aftermath is similar. The surviving character laments the loss of their fallen comrade. However, things start to differ once the badass Marcus Fenix hears the terrible news.
If JD is alive, the older Fenix consoles his son who remains distraught over Del's passing. Then later, in the final cutscene of the game, the two share a nice moment. Whereas, if you save Del, Kait hands JD's COG tags to Marcus and the grizzled gear is heartbroken but tries to swallow his pain. In the game's conclusion, Del tries to console the grieving father.
9 Del Dies: Gives JD A Chance At Redemption
Throughout most of Gears 5, JD is a bit of a jerk. He's physically and emotionally scarred from his Hammer of Dawn misstep early in the story; in response, he mistreats his friends. Towards the end of the game, however, he starts to reform. And he begins to transform back into the honorable person he used to be.
His death cuts this redemption story short. By surviving, he can continue making up for the mistakes he's made including the time he opened fire on civilians during his initial time with the COG. It could prove to be one of the most interesting arcs in the series.
8 JD Dies: Kait And Del's Rapport
The Gears of War franchise has been filled with some iconic duos from Marcus and Dom to Cole and Baird. Well, during Gears 5, the team of Kait and Del start to impress, too. They spend pretty much the entire campaign together and share a great rapport throughout. Del even helps Kait deal with all of the craziness surrounding her family history.
In Gears 4, on the other hand, Kait and JD don't have the same level of chemistry. And the inferior duo would have to take center stage in the following games if Del's death is made canon.
7 Del Dies: Significant Moment For Del
Del is very much a supporting character during both Gears 4 and 5. Therefore, he doesn't get as much attention as some of his allies. Nor does the guy have many memorable moments that don't revolve around other people.
However, by canonically dying by the Swarm Queen's hands, he suddenly becomes the catalyst for the COG to end the villainous creatures. As a result, he's finally a significant part of the story and can be memorialized in future games.
6 JD Dies: Start Of Fahz's Redemption
Fahz is one of the new characters that Gears 5 introduces to the series. He's incredibly arrogant and smug, yet he's also very entertaining. The likes of Kait and Del aren't too fond of the guy because of his unsavory attitude; players likely wanted to test the game's deadliest weapons on him, too. However, when JD is in a dark place, he bonds with him, and the two become close friends.
Once Fahz hears about Fenix's demise, the man is crushed. This grief could motivate Fahz into becoming a better person in the following game. Fans can also make the argument that Del's death could work just as well. However, in that case, Fahz's redemption story would be overshadowed by the one JD would likely have.
5 Del Dies: Father And Son Sub Plot
Marcus and JD don't have the most loving father-son relationship during Gears 4 and 5. They spend more time butting heads than sharing sweet moments or bonding over their shared experiences. Their turbulent relationship serves as an intriguing subplot throughout the games.
But that can't come to a satisfying conclusion if JD perishes. In fact, the closest the story gets to an ending only occurs after Del dies when Marcus comforts his son. And even with that scene, it still feels as though the two have unfinished business.
4 JD Dies: Gives Marcus More Purpose In The Story
Marcus isn't heavily involved in the main stories of the recent games. All he really does, outside of the father and son subplot, is support the younger Gears in their adventures. However, that could change if the Queen of the Swarm executes JD.
The grizzled Gear could then embark on one last revenge mission to avenge his son. If written well, it would nicely complement Kait's own story. Plus, Marcus is still one of the franchise's most popular characters, so fans would appreciate him becoming significant again.
3 Del Dies: Not Much More For Del To Do
Del's arc in Gears 5 surrounds the antagonistic relationship he has with JD. The pair used to be close, but James' shift in personality severely damages their friendship. By the end, though, they both seem to have made amends.
Del even manages to get on good terms with JD's new best friend: Fahz. Therefore, there isn't much left for the character to do in any would-be Gears 6. His only purpose would be to support the likes of Kait and Marcus. JD has more storyline potential.
2 JD Dies: More Emotional Impact
While both characters' deaths are emotional, JD's loss is a little sadder for several reasons. Firstly, he serves as the main protagonist in his debut game, so players naturally have a deeper connection with the guy.
Secondly, players see Marcus's distraught reaction to his son's demise. The older Fenix has already lost many of those close to him during the series -- including his father, best friend, and wife. Seeing him lose another loved one makes the death even more impactful.
1 Verdict
Both endings have strong cases as to why they should be considered the canon one. However, the scenario where Del dies seems to be the best recipe for making future entries as good as their predecessors.
There's so much left that can be done with JD that it would be a disservice to kill him now. Del, on the other hand, would likely get lost in the shuffle anyway. And at least getting killed by the Queen of the Swarm is a memorable exit from the series.