10 Fan Theories About The Ending of Danganronpa V3

Danganronpa has always been renowned for its unexpected twists and stunning revelations, but none series have detonated an emotional bomb within the fandom quite like V3. The conclusion’s barrage of over-the-top reveals sparked considerable backlash among fans, leaving many with a plethora of unanswered questions. Additionally, some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the twists themselves. This combination of unresolved inquiries and discontentment has prompted the emergence of numerous fan-generated theories attempting to rationalize the revelations of the finale. Below are 10 fan theories proposed for the ending of Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony.

The Entire World of the Killing Game Exists in a Virtual Reality

Many wild occurrences unfold in V3, from magical girl-inspired transformations to extravagant executions. Some fans speculate that V3 operates similarly to Danganronpa 2, existing entirely within a virtual reality.

This theory could elucidate several aspects, such as the absence of stored corpses like in the first game and the lack of bugs outside except for in Gonta’s room. Furthermore, it would offer insight into why the V3 audience doesn’t object to witnessing a brutal killing game.

The Other Games Are Genuine, and V3 Unfolds In An Exceedingly Distant Future

According to Tsumugi, the other Danganronpa games are also regarded as fictional entertainment within the V3 universe, with the killing game in V3 emerging as a result of Danganronpa’s widespread popularity. While there’s a possibility that she isn’t lying, she might still be mistaken.

This theory suggests that V3 unfolds hundreds of years after the events of the other Danganronpa games and related shows. The passage of time has been so extensive that the inhabitants of V3 have come to believe that the recorded history is merely a work of fiction.

Revelation: The Participants Are Clones

The clone hypothesis is supported by a range of evidence. It could clarify the enthusiasm shown in the audition videos, as individuals would be witnessing their own clones participating in the killing game rather than risking their own lives. Additionally, this could rationalize why individuals feel comfortable watching the killing game, as they may not perceive clones as fully human.

Furthermore, Rantaro could potentially be a second clone of the original Rantaro, rather than a returnee to the killing game. The clones might also be endowed with enhancements, which could account for their talents.

Tsumugi’s Cospox: Limited to Fictional Characters Only

Tsumugi demonstrates early on that she experiences a peculiar physical reaction, known as “cospox”, when cosplaying as real individuals. Fans have speculated that her cospox operates contrary to her claims. Considering that the Kaede she portrays would be considered a fictional character (if her assertions regarding scripted memories and identities hold true), this would imply that she is deceiving about the first two games being fictional within the V3 universe, given that she cosplays as all those students in the final trial.

Tsumugi Is An AI

Considering Keebo’s presence as a robot, it’s not unreasonable to speculate about the potential existence of other subtle non-human entities within the group. The notion of Tsumugi being an AI aligns well with the theory of V3 unfolding within a virtual reality realm. Her expertise in cosplay and deception could be more easily understood within this framework. Moreover, her proficiency in analyzing viewing statistics, trends, and Danganronpa history to a nearly computer-like extent adds credence to this idea.

If Tsumugi is indeed an AI, it suggests that she may not be the mastermind (unless she is an AI that has gone rogue). Instead, similar to Keebo, she could have been created by a team of individuals with specific objectives in mind.

The Audition Tapes In Danganronpa V3 Are Not Real

This theory is widely embraced among fans and is supported by substantial evidence. During the final trial, Tsumugi presents the students’ audition tapes as proof of their voluntary participation in the killing game.

However, Tsumugi has demonstrated her propensity for deception. Given her ultimate talent in cosplaying, she could have effortlessly fabricated these tapes. While Tsumugi claims she is unable to cosplay as real individuals due to her “cospox,” many fans vehemently contest the legitimacy of this claim, believing it to be a falsehood.

Tsumugi Shirogane Is Another Victim

In a game where memories are scripted and personalities can be entirely fabricated, anyone could unknowingly be a victim. The true mastermind might be someone entirely unknown to the players, and Tsumugi could be just another unwitting victim, much like the other students.

One piece of evidence supporting this notion is the incident in the prologue when everyone is dressed in their student uniforms. This was a scripting error that was intended to be corrected, yet Tsumugi behaved like a typical high school student despite the mistake.

Tsumugi’s Deception and The True Identity of the Students as Hope’s Peak Academy Attendees

There’s a possibility that Tsumugi deceived everyone about almost everything. The reality might be that she is a remnant of despair from the original series, responsible for abducting Hope’s Peak students. The narrative about Danganronpa being fictitious could simply serve as a tool to propagate more despair.

This scenario is plausible because the remnants of despair weren’t completely eradicated at the conclusion of the previous storyline. Additionally, the hope-inducing brainwashing video was never utilized in the anime’s conclusion, indicating that there are still individuals consumed by despair who seek to perpetuate it.

Keebo Is Actually A Human

In the Danganronpa V3 artbook, it’s confirmed that Keebo is a robot in the prologue. However, this fact doesn’t necessarily contradict the theory that he could actually be human, especially within the context of the virtual reality hypothesis.

As per Tsumugi, Keebo was constructed by Team Danganronpa to serve as an audience surrogate. However, there’s also the possibility that he is a human in reality who has been given a robotic body within the virtual reality setting. His emotional responses throughout the story are far from robotic; for instance, he expresses a desire to cry but is unable to. Keebo’s character differs significantly from other robots like Monokuma.

The Viewership of V3 Is Extremely Small

The viewership of V3 is among its most controversial aspects. In the final trial, insights are provided into their mindset, revealing a focus solely on entertainment rather than the characters’ well-being. The portrayal of the audience suggests a world characterized by cruelty and selfishness.

However, this perception may be inaccurate. It’s plausible that the show itself lacks widespread popularity and caters only to a niche audience.

In summary, the myriad fan theories surrounding the ending of Danganronpa V3 reflect the game’s ability to provoke thought and inspire speculation among its audience. From discussions about the nature of reality within the game to the true identities of its characters, fans have engaged in deep analysis and interpretation of the game’s narrative intricacies. These theories, ranging from the possibility of a virtual reality setting to the true intentions of characters like Tsumugi and Keebo, highlight the enduring intrigue and complexity of the Danganronpa universe. As the debate continues, fans eagerly await further insights and revelations into the mysteries of Danganronpa V3, showcasing the lasting impact of the game on its audience.

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