The nature of the Sundering has been spelled out in a Nier Reincarnation side story.

[Lurina]

Since the release of Shadowbringers, and especially over the past several months since the release of Endwalker, there's been some controversy over what exactly happened to people during the Sundering - physically, to their identities, and whether or not this could constitute death. Other than the line from Emet after the Qitana Ravel about people barely remembering the Unsundered World, the game itself is relatively vague.

However, you may remember that there's an ongoing crossover event between Nier Reincarnation and FFXIV. A couple days ago, a new event series focusing on Emet-Selch was released written by Natsuko Ishikawa. In this, the immediate aftermath of the Sundering is directly described. I'll present it here without comment.



If you like, the whole thing can be viewed here. There's some other interesting stuff in there, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVZh6oZziwQ

[Iscah]

What.

I'm sorry, what.

They left the Sundering horrendously vague in the grand conclusion to the five-game Hydaelyn/Zodiark arc and expanded on it in what.

[Enkidoh]

What.

I'm sorry, what.

They left the Sundering horrendously vague in the grand conclusion to the five-game Hydaelyn/Zodiark arc and expanded on it in what.

I agree, what.

A crossover event... in a game with only the most tenuous link to FFXIV, gives a big lore revelation in it? Why? So, I'm going to play Voidsent-advocate here and say, it's not to be taken seriously.

If it's in a crossover event, take it with a grain of salt, as crossover canonicity is questionable at best.

Like Eorzean spriggans showing up in Vana'diel in the FFXIV event in FFXI, or why Odin showed up in that FFXIV event in Phantasy Star Online II, it's not representative of anything deeper and is just... a hook to get non-FFXIV players in those games interested in FFXIV.

[hagare]

What.

I'm sorry, what.

They left the Sundering horrendously vague in the grand conclusion to the five-game Hydaelyn/Zodiark arc and expanded on it in what.

in another game. LMAO
a mobile game.

[EaraGrace]

Since the release of Shadowbringers, and especially over the past several months since the release of Endwalker, there's been some controversy over what exactly happened to people during the Sundering - physically, to their identities, and whether or not this could constitute death. Other than the line from Emet after the Qitana Ravel about people barely remembering the Unsundered World, the game itself is relatively vague.

However, you may remember that there's an ongoing crossover event between Nier Reincarnation and FFXIV. A couple days ago, a new event series focusing on Emet-Selch was released written by Natsuko Ishikawa. In this, the immediate aftermath of the Sundering is directly described. I'll present it here without comment.



If you like, the whole thing can be viewed here. There's some other interesting stuff in there, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVZh6oZziwQ

Not too much new here, only a confirmation of what was already known. The line about the Sundered not remembering anything in SHB I initially thought him exaggerating, but after Endwalker it was clear it was true.

There’s actually a really interesting transition in the souls around him. Perhaps a way to show him changing his opinion of them unconsciously?

[Lurina]

Not too much new here, only a confirmation of what was already known. The line about the Sundered not remembering anything in SHB I initially thought him exaggerating, but after Endwalker it was clear it was true.

I mean, the fact they literally forgot how to talk is definitely new information.

[Brinne]

Man, G'raha and the Ironworks' excuse for turning back the clock and being willing to sacrifice their present for it was weaksauce. The Eighth Umbral Calamity didn't reduce all humans to incoherent nonverbal states or anything! Wimps.

[EaraGrace]

I mean, the fact they literally forgot how to talk is definitely new information.

An interesting point, given the Ancients had the echo and could parse any language which explains how they understand us in Elpis. Perhaps losing that ability caused the loss of language in addition to the memory wipe? A combination? See now I want the future lore book for Endwalker.

Man, G'raha and the Ironworks' excuse for turning back the clock and being willing to sacrifice their present for it was weaksauce. The Eighth Umbral Calamity didn't reduce all humans to incoherent nonverbal states or anything! Wimps.

Hydaelyn help me here we go again.

Edit: Its interesting how in one scene the souls look messed up and squiggly, then become human outlines.





Maybe shows his changing view?

[Lurina]

Edit: Its interesting how in one scene the souls look messed up and squiggly, then become human outlines.





Maybe shows his changing view?

My assumption, considering when it happens, is that it's meant to show mankind post-Sundering "stabilizing" into having consistent forms and new civilizations. It would be inconsistent with Shadowbringers for Emet to be having doubts so early on.

[EaraGrace]

My assumption, considering when it happens, is that it's meant to show mankind post-Sundering "stabilizing" into having consistent forms and new civilizations. It would be inconsistent with Shadowbringers for Emet to be having doubts so early on.

I think the shapes are meant to be the same people walking around though as they’re in the same poses in both images. Emets description in ShB was that Sundering just halved you and made an exact copy, not whatever is happening in the first image.

Could also be reading too much into it alas