How to Unlock Both Endings in Dredge

Dredge comes with two endings, a default bad ending that most players will achieve by finishing the story and a secret, good ending that requires a little more work to unlock. I’ve unlocked both endings and thought I’d put together a guide to show you how to get each one.

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Both endings require you to find all five Relics as part of the main Pursuit, but there are some differences once you’ve done that. To unlock both endings, you’ll want to complete the two following objectives:

Obtain four or all of the Relics scattered across Dredge’s world and deliver them to the Collector on Blackstone Isle.
Speak with the Collector about his book for a jaw-dropping reveal.

Once you’ve done both of the above, follow the instructions below to unlock each respective ending.

The Bad Ending

A screenshot from Dredge showing you on your way to the red pillar of light.

The bad ending is the game’s default ending, which means it’s what most players will unlock by fishing the game’s main Pursuit, The Collector. To get this ending, you’ll need to complete the two above objectives and then:

Follow the Collector’s final request, taking the Relics out to sea for a ritual.
Select the “I’m Ready” interaction once you’ve witnessed the big reveal to activate the ending.
Sail to coordinate G8 on your map where a red pillar of light can be seen coming out of the sea.
Interact with the question mark prompt to trigger a cutscene, unlocking the bad ending.

By completing the game and obtaining this ending, you’ll unlock the Unshackled achievement/trophy, which is required for all achievements and the game’s platinum.

The Good (Secret) Ending

A screenshot from Dredge showing you the light from the Lighthouse guiding you to the ending.

A screenshot from Dredge showing you how to unlock the good ending.

The good, secret ending requires more work. Like with the bad ending, you’ll need to complete the two main objectives listed at the top of the guide and then must:

Find the Old Mayor NPC at one of four abandoned campsites around the world.
Speak with the Old Mayor about the Crimson Book, and he’ll tell you to speak with the Lighthouse Keeper.
Sail to Greater Marrow and speak with the Lighthouse Keeper, who tells you to return the Crimson Book.
Return to Blackstone Isle and speak with the Collector about his book.
Select the “Take the Book” interaction when it appears.
Return to Greater Marrow and speak with the Lighthouse Keeper, tell her you have the book, and that you’re ready.
Time will pass to night, and you’ll have to sail out to coordinates G8, highlighted by a beam of light from the Lighthouse.
Interact with the question mark prompt to trigger a cutscene, unlocking the good ending.

By throwing the book back into the sea, you’ll trigger a cutscene that awards you with the good ending and unlocks the Sated achievement/trophy, which is required for all achievements and the game’s platinum.

That’s it! Now you know how to unlock both endings in Dredge. Check our Dredge hub for more handy guides and the latest news!