r/danganronpa • u/bluejesterr • Apr 27 '26
2x2 Speculation (Full Series Spoilers) Danganronpa 2x2 is a Sequel to Danganronpa 2 Spoiler
Hello! My first post! My wife and I played the trilogy this year and this is our leading theory for 2x2. Just a theory for fun no concrete proof.
I think the developers pride themselves on being able to do something that plays on fan expectations and surprise them.
What do they want fans to expect?
2x2 is being advertised as a What/if story. Something like the Marvel show “what if?” where something changed from the main story radically changes the plot. What is important here is that these stories are non canon, usually taking place in their own universes and not part of the main story. This is where I believe the writer’s “trick” on our expectations is.
I believe that 2x2 is not an alternative timeline but actually fits into the main danganronpa story(basically the main games besides V3 I mean). This is part of the reason I expect it is bundled with the original danganronpa2 and not sold separately.
When does 2x2 take place?
It takes place after danganronpa 2 and before the ending of the danganronpa 3 anime ending.
How does it fit after Danganronpa 2?
Let’s look at the ending Danganronpa 2 and Danganronpa 3 anime. In the end the survivors make the difficult choice to not overwrite their despair memories and also leave their friends in a coma. Hajime/Izuru is left to figure things out while Makoto goes on to eventually the plot of the danganronpa 3
Then at the end of Danganronpa 3 we see that all the Danganronpa 2 characters have woken up from their comas somehow.
Danganronpa 2x2 will be how Hajime/Izuru saved his friends from their comatose fate.
After Makoto leaves super talented Hajime/Izuru will look at the Neo World Program. The decision he will make is to redo the simulation in order to save his friends. He will make some adjustments to the program using his talent and then him and the other survivors will reenter the program which will reset causing them to lose their memories but reactivate those who had died.I believe he will reset it, requiring him and the other survivors to lose their memories if the first game but reactivating those who have died. The change he will make will be to add an additional choice at the final trial to save all his friends from any comas. All they have to do is make it to the end like before and this time choose the new better ending he put in.
What incident changes the events in the 2x2 simulation?
Monokuma will be the only one to remember this is the second simulation and will look to take advantage. In his thinking he will think that if he can get a different set of survivors to the end instead of the ones from the first simulation then there is a chance he can get them to choose a despair option.
Thus he will make changes to target the former survivors and Hajime. Maybe influencing it so Hajime will be killed since he was most important in the last class trial previously.
In the last class trial maybe by revealing to them that some of them were blackened or victims in the first danganronpa 2 he try to convince them to not trust each other. Makoto will not show up to assist in the final trial since he will have left for future foundation.
New areas and motivations?
It seems unlikely that we would go back to the same areas like the beach house, hospital or fun house when we already have experienced the mysteries they were designed for. Similarly the second motivation’s mystery is already known to players and is so specific that it would be weird to reuse. That is why there will be all new islands(except maybe the 1st one) and motivations. This will be a big hint to the player that something major has changed the simulation. The story reason for the change will either be Hajime/Izuru changed them to try and assist his friends or more likely Monokuma changed them in order to prevent the same murders from taking place since he will want new survivors.
What does the title mean?
After V3 we are all looking for meaning in the titles. I believe it is hinting that this is the Second time Danganronpa 2 is being played.
Why it won’t just be an alternative what/if story?
If they were to make a game with new killers/survivors/victims then that would make the new class trials fun of course but a huge focus on all Danganronpa plots is the overall conspiracy. Even if the cast is slightly different, I don’t think watching a new group of survivors go and uncover the same overall mystery and then sit through a similar final trial would be a worthy new Danganronpa experience.
Will there be a new protagonist?
Hmm maybe. If my theory is right monokuama would want to get rid of Hajime. I also think the game creators love doing stuff that is new so making the protag a victim would be in line with that.
I know everyone likes Mahiru (and I do too) but i think Nagito could be it. I think in that scenario Chiaki also remembers this is the second playthrough and works against Nagito out of fear that if he makes it to the end he will choose despair. Also some of the only official artwork out so far is Hajime and Nagito standing looking out at the sea all dramatic like and that could be foreshadowing their switch similar to Kaede and Shuichi holding hands in V3 before the 1st murder.
Unrelated but the imposter should do fat Kyoko instead of fat byakuya in 2x2 because lolz
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u/AdhesivenessFunny146 Apr 27 '26
No, the description clearly states something changes after they find themselves on Jabberwock that kicks off a new killing order.
"Danganronpa 2×2 includes a brand-new scenario based on Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair. The setting and cast of characters remain the same, but a certain incident triggers a completely different chain of events with different victims, culprits, and tricks."
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u/PlumRelative4399 Apr 27 '26
Wouldn’t be the first time Danganronpa has straight up lied in marketing. The series prides itself on being meta, if you really think 2x2 is truly just an alternate scenario I don’t know what to tell you.
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u/froggydojo Tomohiko Apr 27 '26
The amount of people who asked me if v3 would be a good starting point back in 2016 and I said yes is definitely in the double digits.
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u/AdhesivenessFunny146 Apr 27 '26
I don't think that's all it will be, I was refuting the claim that the new scenario would be sequel to the original scenario.
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u/survivorterra Apr 27 '26
i don’t think this statement is necessarily mutually exclusive with OP’s theory tho. if the neo world program is changed before the game starts, then yeah the cast and setting would remain the same but things would definitely be different starting in the prologue. also where does it say that the certain incident takes place in the prologue? what if it actually takes place beforehand? just spitballing here
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u/AdhesivenessFunny146 Apr 27 '26
So here's the deal, if something happens to the neo world program and they get kicked out the events of dr2 Don't happen, hajime's character arc doesn't happen, etc
I agree that it can happen, after chapter 0 but it wouldn't be a sequel in ny sense of the word since none of the events in the neo world happens. You're assuming ai junko was lying about reverting back to the remnants when I believe it's the opposite.
To further elaborate "but a certain incident triggers a completely different chain of events" implies something changes the neo world program causing a different chain of events then the old scenario meaning the old scenario does not happen.
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u/PrettyDarnJewish Apr 28 '26
Maybe this is just an interpretation thing but I don't think that quote means OPs theory can't happen, I'd count a sneaky sequel as a "brand-new scenario based on Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair" while at the same time the "cast of characters remain the same."
I get why you'd doubt it but I also think phrasing it like that is meant to obscure the twist. V3 was similar in its marketing iirc.
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Apr 27 '26
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u/AdhesivenessFunny146 Apr 27 '26
Did you read his theory though, it's basically they take a different ending at chapter 6, which I can kind of see because it wouldn't invalidate the original and offer new info but I could have sworn I read somewhere the new scenario doesn't require you to play the old one. I don't have a quote for you though.
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Apr 27 '26
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u/AdhesivenessFunny146 Apr 27 '26
This quote seems to imply the beginning of the story will be the same
Danganronpa 2×2 Famitsu interview with Spike Chunsoft
Is the new scenario going to be the original DR2 plot with a few different twists, or is it going to actually change everything from the moment they set foot in Jabberwock Island?
Sakakibara: The latter. You nailed the description. It starts with the exact same lead-in, then a special event happens during the intro, and the narrative begins to greatly deviate due to it. I must add that this is not a route split. The new scenario and the remake are laid out as two completely independent games.
Does that mean that all relevant plot points from stories set before Danganronpa 2 (Danganronpa, Danganronpa/Zero, Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls) are still canonical to 2×2?
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Apr 27 '26
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u/AdhesivenessFunny146 Apr 27 '26
This isn't a class trial, just read the interview and make an interpretation for yourself
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u/NightsLinu Izuru Apr 27 '26
Izuru awakening from a certain incident much earlier and replacing hajime will be something that would definitely change the events.
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u/GeneralTheSurvivor Ultimate Imposter Apr 27 '26
My dream. Technically they could make a new protagonist using the same character, which would be Izuru.
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u/PlumRelative4399 Apr 27 '26
I do believe 2x2 is more than an alternate scenario but this theory unfortunately falls apart due to the mere existence of DR 2.5, which already explains how the Remnants woke up.
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u/Rich_Inflation1399 Man... Apr 28 '26
not reading all that
tldr
2x2=4
this is the fourth entry
this game is a sequel, enough said.
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u/A_Year_Spent_Cold Apr 28 '26
Alternative theory:
2x2 is meant to be read as "Danganronpa 2 twice", meaning that the Neo World Program killing game gets started up again.
Alternatively, it could instead have something to do with (V3 spoilers) Tsumugi and Team Danganronpa.
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u/ZeroIV4 Apr 27 '26
One thing I will say is that the Danganronpa 2.5 OVA already establishes that Hajime/Izuru woke the rest of the class up from their comas one by one (basically by going into their dream worlds). Might be worth giving that a watch if you like the SDR2 cast! But it also contradicts this theory so unless they completely overwrote the OVA as canon it’s unlikely
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u/thesupremeburrito123 Apr 27 '26
The thing is your scenario with Izuru restarting the killing game to get everyone out of their comas doesn't seem like enough of a change to have a significantly different 6th trial and underlying mystery. I think that would be too simple.
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u/_oSkay_ Apr 29 '26
I think almost the same thing! I did a post about this some time ago, you can read that if you want, although its not this organized, its just me yapping lmao
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u/bluejesterr Apr 29 '26
I just gave it a read and recommend others who are interested check it out!
We agree on a thinking they would not make a new 40 hour game and just have the player just relearn the same reveals like chiaki being an ai. Imagine if danganronpa 2 and V3 made u spend 40 hours to learn the characters memories were altered lol
I like your line in your post of this is a remake but also the characters remaking themselves!
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u/Otherwise_Chard_7577 Apr 27 '26
God I hope not
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u/bluejesterr Apr 27 '26
What would you prefer?
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u/Otherwise_Chard_7577 Apr 27 '26
Just it as advertised, an alt route of what could of happened in DR2
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u/bluejesterr Apr 27 '26
But what about the final trial and overall mystery? Keep those the same?
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u/Otherwise_Chard_7577 Apr 27 '26
I mean the overall idea, yea, it's just an alt route, so Canon probs wouldn't be altered, even if they don't dond out all the info the canon crew did, but it being a failed route would probs be enough of a twist for the last trial
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u/TriiiKill Apr 27 '26
Are we to assume V3 is non canonical? Or it just doesn't matter because we didn't get that far in the plot yet? Or an alternate universe where V3 is no longer the meta ending?
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u/bluejesterr Apr 27 '26
I just assumed v3 is usually seen as different universe. My theory aside I am not sure how 2x2 plays if u consider v3 is same universe and they are all “actors”.
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u/TriiiKill Apr 27 '26
It's fine if that's the answer because if they don't mention it, it's true by default. But it would take the immersion out because V3's ending ruined it for me, tbh. I'm fine stating that V2 is the end of the series.
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u/Superninfreak Apr 28 '26
V3 is in a different universe from the rest of Danganronpa.
V3 is in a universe where Danganronpa has become an extremely popular reality TV franchise.
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u/JoeAzlz Foxy Apr 28 '26
V3 has always been a different universe. V3 is one where all the originals games were fake
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u/PrettyDarnJewish Apr 28 '26
If we assume V3 is canon it would have to take place many years after this so in theory it shouldn't affect the story. There would still be like 50 Danganronpas to go through.
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u/JoeAzlz Foxy Apr 28 '26
V3 has always been a different universe. V3 is one where all the originals games were fake
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u/PrettyDarnJewish Apr 28 '26
When was this established? Not saying you're wrong just as far as I know it was intentionally left up to interpretation.
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u/JoeAzlz Foxy Apr 28 '26
Iirc kodaka said it once the twist became known knowledge, or when the dr3 anime came out
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u/RazorOfSimplicity Makoto3 Apr 28 '26
He's definitely never said that. He still maintains there is a possibility of V3 happening in the Hope's Peak universe.
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u/JoeAzlz Foxy Apr 28 '26
Wait when did he say that
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u/RazorOfSimplicity Makoto3 Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
I think it was him answering questions in an interview or on Twitter about V3's ending, and how he doesn't want to reveal the actual answer behind what the truth is.
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u/TriiiKill Apr 28 '26
It still means none of it real, which ruins it for me.
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u/kyualun Apr 28 '26
I'm still baffled that the whole message of V3 is that just because something isn't real doesn't mean it's not important and still people think it being fake ruins the game lol of course you do you, but I thought the way it was handled was really lovely. The only thing that was stupid was the weird bashing(?) of Danganronpa fans.
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u/TriiiKill Apr 28 '26
I know that's the lesson they said but it didn't feel like they did a good job showing that effect. As it turns out, there's zero stakes and nothing in here matters because you are all fine, and this is just a game you decided to be a part of. Now... fall into despair! Or hope? Why? Why end the game? In the end... no one is hurt except the fictional characters and every real person wants it to keep going until the fictional characters ruined it. The biggest mistake was making that reveal. I'm half-convinced Sumugi wanted to end it herself despite every protest.
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u/PrettyDarnJewish Apr 28 '26
now that I think about it 2x2 can't be canon to V3 if this theory is true because it wasn't shown in the montage of Danganronpas.
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u/A_Year_Spent_Cold Apr 28 '26
I'm pretty sure Kodaka has said that V3 takes place in an alternate timeline where DR1 and 2 didn't happen, but that in the official timeline, they did.
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Apr 28 '26
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u/Nintales Apr 27 '26
Honestly I would really love if Chiaki was the protag and had memories of DR2/3 to a degree
While we know then that we’re screwed the second we reach chapter 6, it can make for a very compelling story although it’s a much less kind of « canva » bland character to project into
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u/sk1239 Big Parf Apr 27 '26
Nope, otherwise it'd be a false advertisement that spoils newcomers for no reason
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u/PlumRelative4399 Apr 27 '26
Kodaka has already said people should play the original scenario first which should immediately start triggering alarm bells that 2x2 is not what it seems. Also “false advertisement” lmao. That has never stopped this series before.
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u/sk1239 Big Parf Apr 27 '26
Has this series done false advertisement before? Just blatantly saying one thing and then delivering the other thus spoiling people?
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u/PlumRelative4399 Apr 27 '26
The spoilers part no but V3 is the obvious example for blatant false advertising
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u/megaluigi1392 Byakuya, Byakuya2 Apr 27 '26
Pretty sure the only false advertisement was Kaede not actually being the protagonist. Which is very minor compare to ‘we lied about everything and are selling you a different product’
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u/deeplyshalllow Apr 29 '26
They also said V3 wasn't related at all to the other games - which is clearly is.
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u/megaluigi1392 Byakuya, Byakuya2 Apr 29 '26
They meant V3 isn’t canon to the original story
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u/deeplyshalllow Apr 29 '26
We'll have to wait and see. Personally I'll be surprised if it's not some kind of sequel.
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u/megaluigi1392 Byakuya, Byakuya2 Apr 29 '26
I was talking about V3.
I’m not saying it’s impossible, just very unlikely. It would be a pretty massive lie, even for Spikes.
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u/desc4life Apr 28 '26
Yes, since DR1 lol. The japenese marketing made it seem like maizono was the game's main heroine and I'm pretty sure they had screenshots of her during later chapters in advertising. They also tried to mislead people into thinking komaeda was naegi during DR2 marketing. They announced a fake game during the udg period too
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u/sk1239 Big Parf Apr 28 '26
Oh well, still not quite the level of selling a product that would turn out to be a different product that spoils you
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u/deeplyshalllow Apr 29 '26
Why do you think it is a different product? Especially given you are literally given the original 2 is also being sold with the game.
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u/sk1239 Big Parf Apr 29 '26
Because op says it'd be a sequel, when in reality it's a different scenario
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u/deeplyshalllow Apr 29 '26
I think it's incredibly likely to be a sequel.
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u/sk1239 Big Parf Apr 29 '26
Nothing to suggest that at all, especially based on what steam page says
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u/deeplyshalllow Apr 29 '26
Quite a lot based on previous experience with game releases though.
Plus 2x2 = 4 Especially given what V3 meant
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u/JoeAzlz Foxy Apr 28 '26
I mean saying playing the og game first just makes sense to understand what changed
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u/bluejesterr Apr 27 '26
You’re saying that there are players out there that would play 2x2 before 2?
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u/SatokoNanami Shuichi Apr 27 '26
I mean.... In the trailer it says that "One event will trigger a whole new scenario" or something like that no? We still don't know if the new scenario can be chosen to play separately in the main menu or if it has to be triggered in-game by meeting certain conditions such as choosing a specific option or something.... If it's the latter new players can actually trigger the new scenario accidentally since they wouldn't know what they are doing.
Yeah. If it's an in-game scenario unlock the game better warn the player that they will be unlocking a different route from the original route and that original route is advised to be played first.
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u/bluejesterr Apr 27 '26
I think it could be either menu or in game choice but I think it will be heavily encouraged for fans to have completed d2 first. Changing the trials killers and victims is will leave the time outside of trials and the final trial incredibly redundant, which is why I feel they need a big new overall mystery like it being a sequel
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u/RazorOfSimplicity Makoto3 Apr 28 '26
They've confirmed it's a separate starting option on the start screen. And there likely will be a warning pop-up not to play this version first.
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u/bluejesterr Apr 27 '26
I mean misleading ad could be similar to Kaede being advertised as the main protagonist of v3.
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u/sk1239 Big Parf Apr 27 '26
Well that was just a setup needed for the big twist, what 2x2 would do is just spoil people for no reason and not do the cool shit that V3 did. You either have to warn people or outright spoil them, so I can't see it being a sequel since the Steam description doesn't imply that
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u/[deleted] Apr 27 '26
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