The Stanley Parable is a non-linear environmental narrative game, with lots of endings and hidden secrets. Certain endings can be achieved almost immediately, whereas other ones are well-hidden behind other story paths. The Stanley Parable mostly focuses on a meta-narrative, depending on whether the player follows along with everything the disembodied Narrator says, or rebels to find new paths.
Following the Narrator's urgings can lead to some of The Stanley Parable's more conventional story endings, but every decision that deviates from the story often leads to humorous and unexpected endings. The Countdown ending is one example of this, requiring some counter-intuitive actions to unlock and presenting the player with a literal hopeless way out.
Which Path to Follow for The Countdown Ending
First, exit Stanley's office and proceed through the office space until arriving at two doors. Follow the Narrator's direction by heading through the door on the left, then going up the stairs towards the Boss' office. The narrator will let slip in dialogue the code that can be entered into the keypad on the wall behind the desk: 2845. Once that's done, a new pathway will open up. Enter it and get into the nearby elevator, pressing the button to take Stanley down.
After this, follow the path through the Mind Control facility, while the Narrator outlines more story details. Buttons will need to be pressed to proceed through the facility, along more walkways until the player takes another elevator upwards.
What Happens in the Countdown Ending
Getting off the elevator and moving into the adjoining room will lead the player to the facility's power source, currently awaiting input. If the device is turned off, this will lead to the Freedom Ending. Pushing the "ON" button, however, will trigger the Countdown ending.
Once activated, the Narrator berates Stanley for the decision and forces him back into the previous room. In this room are various doors, buttons, lights, monitors, as well as a large screen which begins a countdown timer.
This section can confuse players because, while it seems there is a possible way out, escape is impossible. The Narrator continues taunting the player and even adds more time to the countdown, before the clock hits zero. This will end the current playthrough and bring Stanley back to his office, ready for the player to seek out another ending.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe Edition is playable on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
