The End is Nigh is composed of many (800+) levels forming a complex interconnected world. Each level takes up one screen, meaning you see the whole level at once. When the player leaves the level, and returns to it, the level's state gets reset. All moving objects will return to their original positions, and only locks will keep their state in between screens. The states of collectibles get saved, so previously collected tumors, cartridges, keys, and Friend pieces will not reappear after being collected.
Levels are grouped into areas (or worlds), which usually are 15-20 levels long. Each area is visually unique and has its own set of gimmicks. Using the map menu and warps, Ash can fast-travel between previously visited areas. This is done by selecting the area's icon in the map menu and pressing Space. Fast-travel brings Ash to the starting level of the selected area. Outside of that, there is no way to fast-travel to individual levels.
The game is separated into two parts - The Past and The Future.
The Past[ | ]
The Past is the first part of the game, which becomes accessible after the intro cutscene. It introduces the player to a lot of different mechanics and many of its areas contain tutorial NPCs in the form of skeletons. The Past's first area is The End.
The Past's areas contain tumors in their main levels, as well as mega tumors and regular cartridges in secrets. Some areas also contain Stevens, who allow Ash to access small challenge areas, in which Iron cartridges can be collected.
Ash's goal in the first part of the game is to collect three body parts: the head, the heart, and the body, in order to eventually build a Friend out of those.
The Future (Spoilers!)[ | ]
The Future is the second part of the game, which starts after the Friend cutscene. Its first area is Anguish.
Tumors collected by Ash in the Past serve as lives in the Future. Every time Ash dies and respawns, one tumor is deducted from the tumor counter. If Ash dies while having 0 tumors, a Game Over screen is displayed, and Ash respawns at the beginning of the current area. Touching the warp point (ancestors' guts) at the beginning of an area replenishes all tumors.
The Future's areas contain no collectible tumors. The only type of collectible here are the Glitch cartridges.
Selecting the map node above Anguish allows the player to revisit the Past at any time, in order to take care of any unfinished business there.
See also[ | ]
- Collectibles - various collectible items mentioned on this page.