COCOON - Story and Ending Explained

A game similar to LIMBO and INSIDE. A mysterious moth like creature carrying entire worlds on it's back...but what does the ending really mean? Here, I explore the story and lore of COCOON.
If you enjoy games without dialogue, Planet of Lana is a fantastic one: • Robot army invades the...
COCOON story explained -
From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of LIMBO and INSIDE - COCOON takes you on an adventure across worlds within worlds. Master world-leaping mechanics and solve intricate puzzles to unravel a cosmic mystery.
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Additional visuals provided by Canva
Music by: AudioHero

[@pixeljurnee]

Just my interpretation of a really great puzzle platform. I'd love to hear your interpretations!

[@effjay8970]

Idk, I agree with you but I find it strange that finding all the collectibles doesn’t unlock a secret ending to give more clarity. Inside did this masterfully, and I’m slightly disappointed that I couldn’t come up with different theories about what the game meant. You could come up with several different theories about inside, and I don’t know why Jeppe kept this one this simple and straightforward story wise. I’m really hoping there’s something I’m missing…

[@pixeljurnee]

@@effjay8970 I 100% agree with you that the collectibles should have unlocked a secret ending. Sure it was nice seeing all of the statues and moons in place but it didn't feel necessary to go back and get them all. It would have been nice to have more possible interpretations.

[@mitchellf8721]

There is a secret ending. It involves doing the puzzles a different way then originally presented. You can look up a guide or just search it on KZbin!

[@eugeniomoto]

​@@effjay8970the is a secret ending! It's just more complex to find.

[@effjay8970]

@@mitchellf8721 I thought you were trolling me. I just looked up a video, and there ain’t no way in hell anyone figured that out on their own. That’s the most absurd way to get an alternate ending, and what’s even worse is that I hated that ending. It makes no sense.

[@mwmrhdm]

Just finished Cocoon and had to learn more about this masterpiece. Shoutouts for having the only Cocoon lore analysis video up on KZbin.

[@pixeljurnee]

Ha! Thanks! I enjoyed this game and I'm glad I took the chance on making the video. I"ve enjoyed chatting with others who enjoyed the game just as much as I did.

[@KennethHerron-m7n]

I literally JUST finished it rn as the message is posted and I didn't understand

[@Soulindex]

Finished the game a few minutes ago, and was completely at a loss for what to make of the ending. This explanation makes a lot of sense, and gives me a deeper appreciation of the game too! It also hadn't occurred to me that each boss became a moon. I think by the time I reached those statues at the end, my brain was too twisted from the green-orb-inception to even put that together

[@adtr4life745]

literally same, I was like "what did I just watch"

[@pixeljurnee]

Seriously! By the time you get to the end, you've done so much it's hard to put it all together. The story was so much deeper once I started making all of the connections. I'm so glad that this was helpful for you.

[@LaitoChen]

The green Orb Inception screwed with my head 😂. Pretty sure they broke some laws of physics on that one. #wormholes

[@Barry--Allen]

So true, My brain just froze for 2 mins, not even the movie inception made me do that. Cristopher Nolan should take notes from this game. And Inception is a pretty good analogy for that green orb puzzle.

[@Barry--Allen]

No wonder this won in the game awards. Truly a masterpiece.

[@pixeljurnee]

I remember seeing the trailer the first time and something about it drew me right from the start. I'm so glad I played this one. A true masterpiece, indeed!

[@NoxiRad]

90% jury vote, 10% public fan vote...

[@TheOneAndOnlyMal]

I want to say something as a Pizza Tower fan but I really shouldn't

[@seagull5976]

this is the best puzzle game i had in my life

[@daneyal7162]

When I thought about the role of each "Sphere" in this game, I had a somewhat similar idea to what this video's maker had about them, and my personal theory is that each one of the guardians that the main character phases has a certain criteria to be in charge of in this massive alien civilization- The first guardian, the massive bee, is responsible for constructin and building blocks, as it sprounts many crystals that are similar to the ones throughout the first sphere. the second guardian, the ghost squid, is responsible for matter destruction, so that all unecessary matter in the civilization could be destroyed, and make place for new materials and structures instead. the third guardian, the triple brain, seems to be in charge of communications of all individuals across the civilization, as not only are there brain pattern looking growths that it exposes in its boss arena, but its sphere's ability to switch with other growths seems to imply a certain form of transmission. the fourth guardian, the four legged behemoth, seems to be responsible for the civilizations' weapons and technology overall, as there are contraptions in this sphere that look very high tech, and also machines that are either transporters of materials at high speed for long distances, or they are actually anti-aircraft cannons. Plus, the final guardian, the gigantic butterfly that hides in the shadows, seems to be the "final examiner" of the moth creature, as it seems to test its reactions, to see if it truely fits the role of becoming the new governing deity of this civilization. This game overall is a fascinating experience to see, and while I myself sadly hadn't played it, I saw a full walkthrough video of it, and was very impressed. I hope that the developpers of the game will continue to expand upon its lore, as I would definetly love to learn more about this fictional civilization! :D

[@pixeljurnee]

I really love this interpretation and thinking back on the environmental elements of the game this makes a lot of sense to me. Some people thought this game had very little depth but I think the story is cleverly woven into everything about the world.

[@jamesb7924]

This is the most clear explanation of the ending I could have asked for, thank you!

[@pixeljurnee]

I truly appreciate that. It means a lot.

[@Hidden_Acorns]

This was actually a really brilliant explanation, down to the purpose of the Moon Ancestors. I noticed the moons circling the the planets in the cinematic at the end, but couldn't quite place their significance, so good catch! I agree about the final world's "boss". I thought it was odd that, despite it being so looming and intimidating (far more than the world guardians), it never actually attacks you, unlike the guardians. It just sits back and watches, so I couldn't help but feel like it was testing me. That's further reinforced by the fact that, as you said, after you succeed, it willingly hands over the orbs/worlds to you, even though it could easily crush you like a bug (pun intended) if it wanted to. To further this theory, all the God's "tests" revolve around hitting these seemingly black hole like/dimensional diamonds. And to get each test, you have to go back to all the previous worlds and use those diamonds to proceed through the level. Eventually, you have to stack worlds inside of worlds and hit these diamonds, so I interpreted this as the God testing your ability to manipulate space and time- sort of as a final test, since Gods are really powerful. Anyway, great video! Very cleverly put together.

[@pixeljurnee]

Thank you so much! That is such an interesting thought about the god testing your ability to manipulate space and time. That makes so much sense...it's definitely a huge responsibility and I'm sure not every creature that emerges from the cocoon is successful.

[@pixeljurnee]

@@aomineaomine985 I think you're right. To add to that, I believe they choose to send you back rather than kill you because they don't want to kill you. Sorta how if you were to train with a better fighter: they may get you down to the mat, but instead of hurting you more, they give you space to get up and then you can decide "do I want more of this or is this too much for me?" They defeat you, but not to hurt you, but just to keep out anyone who is not worthy.

[@dimitarnanev2238]

Very good explanation! Helped me connect the missing dots of my interpretation, thank you! Fantastic game , great imagination,puzzles and magic worlds. Haven't played something this good from a very long time.

[@pixeljurnee]

So glad you enjoyed the video. I agree this game was amazing in so many ways. This game mechanic was truly unique and I loved it!

[@Berliozboy]

I also got the sense that there was some jungian/psychology/alchemy themes. Ideas of manipulating and ordering these elements within ourselves, leading to evolution. Also the whole "as above, so below" and worlds with in worlds themes that pervade. I love the use of insect colony themes to build this world and give the character a place in the story. The universe's sense of order guided by alien insect colonies.

[@salazarmageddon]

I'm so glad that I played this game, not only because it is absolutely fantastic, but because my interest in its interpretation by others is what led me to your channel. A wonderfully done video, very thorough and insightful (you noticed details that completely passed me by), and I'm very much looking forward to checking out your other videos, as well!

[@pixeljurnee]

This is so much appreciated and means a lot that others enjoy exploring these games as much as I do.

[@zhpDEREK]

What a wonderful experience (both the game and your analysis)! As others have said, I missed so much while solving puzzles and having my mind blown. Cocoon, like Inside before it, are works of art that stay with you and encourage discussion. Thanks for being the only channel I’ve found that has initiated such insightful conversation!

[@pixeljurnee]

I thank you so much for these kind words. It truly means a lot to connect with like minded gamers.

[@jokerjunior8598]

I felt so bamboozled yet amazed when I finished the game and when you explained the ending I almost teared up. Good observation & explanation to this 🙏🏽

[@pixeljurnee]

That feels so good to hear! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@woody5476]

I just finished this masterpiece a couple of days ago. You did a great job interpreting this. You're very well-spoken.

[@pixeljurnee]

Thank you so much! That truly means a lot. This was an incredible game and I wanted to do it justice.

[@troyswanson258]

Finished this game this evening myself. Was curious of others perspectives. I had a similar overall feelings about the story but some of the other details you added make sense. Like the purpose of all the different planets/orbs and their roles within the whole system. Enjoyed your video !

[@pixeljurnee]

So glad that you enjoyed it!!! I love putting the pieces of the story together and hearing other's interpretations as well!

[@jelliefroots]

Amazing analysis, thank you so much for putting this together!

[@jada90]

wow GREAT video, you thought much more critically about all this than I did!

[@pixeljurnee]

I've definitely been known to think way too hard about games lol I really enjoy games with environmental storytelling!

[@eugeniomoto]

Wow you really dissected the world in great manner. I was not que to grasp even a fraction of what you said, but in hindsight it makes a lot of sense.

[@pixeljurnee]

I'm so glad this was helpful

[@steviethespring]

fantastic interpretation, I just got my desktop back after a few years abroad and have been playing through all of Annapurna published titles. This one and Edith Finch are my two favorite ones so far. I had no idea what was going on through the entirety of Cocoon until I watched this vid.

[@pixeljurnee]

Thanks! This game was definitely one where it's so hard to make sense of everything while you're playing it. And Edith Finch is one of my favorite games! I have a video on it as well, if you're interested...it's focused on Grandma Edie. If you want any other Annapurna suggestions, I have plenty. I've played at least 25 of their games!

[@daneyal7162]

I just finished seeing a complete walkthrough of the game, and I was very impressed with he visuals and concepts! In my mind, I named the main planet "Alvearium Prime", as Alvearium means 'hive' in latin.

[@Pixel_Whip]

Wonderful video, really interesting take

[@markshelling8345]

First vid I've seen of yours, enjoyed it! Curious to explore more of your channel ✌

[@pixeljurnee]

So glad that you enjoyed it! I was on a small break (busy with life) but I am working on a new video. Game suggestions are also welcome!

[@markshelling8345]

Hmm I'll think on it, im all about indie and puzzle games. Have you played Obra Dinn yet? One of my all time faves. @@pixeljurnee

[@pixeljurnee]

I've heard a lot of great things about Obra Dinn, but I've always passed it over. I think I need to add it to my wishlist and actually give it a go.

[@quantaplusplus]

great job on the analysis! very thoughtful and detailed! would love an update if and when you got more!

[@pixeljurnee]

I definitely will let you know when!

[@ElieHaykal]

Finished and loved every frame of cocoon. I'll be directing whoever asks about the explanation to your spot on analysis :)

[@pixeljurnee]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! It was a fantastic game!

[@jackelton2782]

I love your explanation. I loved this game. The game mechanics were so fun to mess around with and the worlds were so beautiful too.

[@pixeljurnee]

Thank you so much! I really loved the environments and the guardian designs. They were so well done!

[@jackelton2782]

@@pixeljurneeyeah it was some how both very cute but also scary in a mysterious mythical way. The worlds were so empty yet full of life too. It’s a paradox for sure.

[@pixeljurnee]

Agreed. You didn't know whether to be in awe or unnerved.

[@roguemo]

such beautiful and thoroughly explanation, and only 500ish subs? i just finished the game and came looking for an explanation to what i just watched and my initial thought was "have i been the villain all this time in the game?? ...... im glad i found this video ... keep it up

[@pixeljurnee]

I appreciate the kind words! And I'm glad you also picked up on the "have I been the villain?" aspect of the game. It definitely changes the entire narrative of the experience.

[@RAGaming91]

This looks really neat! I like the almost puzzle indirect boss battles. And the nod to Greek Mythology was cool😊

[@pixeljurnee]

Yeah this was surprisingly good...Definitely worth a play through

[@gdcolwell]

Thank you for this. Great analysis helped me understand what I just experienced a little bit better

[@pixeljurnee]

You're so welcome! Glad that I could help!

[@rayscotchcoulton]

Brilliant analysis, gave me an even deeper appreciation of the game. Bravo!

[@pixeljurnee]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@brendanmohareful]

Fanstastic video. Filled in the blanks for me and a few things I didn't even see!

[@LeonGuasJir]

For some reason everything is related in some way to Greek mythology...huh. Amazing analysis, I got the "bad ending" and quickly came to youtube to close some of my thoughts on this amazing game. I love the simplicity of your explanation straight to the point, I respect and appreciate that. Keep it up.

[@pixeljurnee]

Ha! Greek mythology influences so much....so glad that you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you in the comments of future videos.

[@sitofak]

I'm impressed how much you were able to extract from the world. I came looking on the internet for some discussion about the story, but didn't really find anything. Which was pretty suprising with how elaborate and mysterious the game's world seems. I guess a big part of the appeal for me is that it's all left to player's interpretation. If it was spelled out and explained, it would probably come out as a pretty bland story. Great video.

[@pixeljurnee]

I am a BIG fan of games that rely fully on environmental storytelling and, like you, I love when games do not spell everything out. I like seeing what other elements people picked up on or hearing other ways people interpreted the game.

[@sitofak]

@@pixeljurnee One thing that came to mind. There's this "terracotta army" of statues of insect creatures that look like the player. Those statues look kind of similar to the statues of the bosses and moon ancestors that we defeated that are in the white ending area. So maybe the insect statues are ones that came before us but got defeated on the journey? But the player can't be ever killed so idk. It would be interesting to have developer commentary because it seems there's a lot to the world.

[@pixeljurnee]

Yeah, I didn't know if those statues were insects who were unsuccessful and, maybe, were turned to stone in defeat OR maybe if they represent how many times the worlds were regenerated again and again. With each one being a former god of the worlds. I think it's definitely up for interpretation...if there is ever any additional developer commentary on the meaning of it, I may do an update (but I doubt they will, from what I read they didn't want to over complicate the story)

[@RedWindField]

Great insights! I just finished the game. Thank you for making this video

[@pixeljurnee]

you're welcome! I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

[@squishy172]

Thank you for the explanation!!!

[@mumblaff]

So satisfying, incredible video!

[@pixeljurnee]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sichard.rimmons]

Great analysis and articulation!

[@Mike14264]

I really appreciate your interpretation of the lore and the worlds! The part where each planet acts as a seed for a core component of the development of life was really cool! One other thing I've noticed is that the Gray world, the one holding the other orbs at first, is also where we see many amber statues and droplings. That substance is usually used to contain the triangle drones, but the really big ones seem to contain cocoons much like your own. Another thing worth pounting out: at first we think the Gray World is the homeland of this insect species, since it's where the other worlds are contained... only to realize it's actually also contained in an orb on the true Prime World, which is also the source of the black goo it seems. In fact, lime you said, this Prime World may be their dying sun, which is slowly revived by the insect's completion of the giant alien god trials. Finally, one detail I really found cool was how the Purple World's gooey wildlife seemed to either mimic or copy some of the mechanical devices made by the insects, like the capture drones and the blue lock machines for the giant guardian gates. It makes me wonder if it was the wildlife itself that started to mimic the machines after a while, or if the insects reverse engineered the wildlife into machines of their own (much like how dragonflies inspired the design of helicopters).

[@pixeljurnee]

Oh! I didn't notice the wildlife mimicking the mechanical devices, I think that makes a lot of sense and really adds the connectedness of the worlds to the creatures that travel within it.

[@IlluminusQ]

This was well done! I agree with your interpretation as well

[@pixeljurnee]

Thanks so much!

[@lextheguy]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your interpretation.

[@subprogram32]

I think there's one little detail that you may have missed in the normal ending - right when your character is revealed in their god form, their eye opens, and starts getting more and more intense, like its charging up for something, but we never see what. I think that what it did is clued in by the final achievement: 'the end is the beginning.' AKA, what the god bug did, was fire that very same beam of light at the start of the game that created itself in the first place, therefore making the whole game a stable time loop of sorts. Alternatively, the starting beam if light was created by their 'parent' bug god, and now they are firing their own beam to create their own child before they leave to explore the cosmos? Either way, I thought it would be neat to share that with you! :)

[@pixeljurnee]

You're absolutely correct! Thanks for pointing that out. I didn't say it explicitly in relation to the eye at the end, but I mentioned how this occurred time and time again and I also pointed out all of the statues of the other beetles/moths that have gone through all of this before, which is the loop that you are referring to. That this entire experience, everything that we have seen, has been done many many times before. I didn't necessarily think that this was occurring right away after completion, but then again who knows how time works in this world. Our journey could have taken millennia, and it would make sense to immediately charge up and send the ray down once again.

[@NoamBakunin]

Brilliant analysis, thank you.

[@TheBrainyBroadcast]

You explained it perfectly 🫶🏾

[@il-ma.le.]

So I wasn't the only one who thought the black one was not a foe but rather a final examiner of sorts. Also, I do believe a real enemy is shown in the end, even if just to make a sequel.

[@pixeljurnee]

I agree that they left the end open for a potential sequel. I wonder if they will eventually do anything with that.

[@NickMaovich]

this game is a masterpiece It amazes me it was on xbox game pass and I played it for free, feel like robbing

[@pixeljurnee]

Agreed. This was hands down one of the best puzzle games this year.

[@AdinaG1128]

Amazing game, thanks for the break down.

[@gagandeepwaraich87]

Incredible explanation

[@7Anakin7]

Huh, interesting! The ending made me believe that perhaps the main character (after he became a god) was about to eat the planets. And that perhaps the enemies you encountered along the way were actually the good guys, trying to prevent you from eating their planets.

[@pixeljurnee]

That's actually something I never considered...I do think they enemies were not actually enemies but the eating the world theory is interesting.

[@PHONEyah]

I like this interpretation! Bless you for this video, this helps quite a bit to form a more cohesive picture :> especially helps because I played this game in too many sittings. Also what good tastes in game you have ayyyy

[@pixeljurnee]

I'm so glad this helped! I also played in multiple settings, and it does leave you confused by the end. Things didn't start coming together until I went back through everything.

[@bookworm07031]

I was so engrossed in the puzzles I legit just didn't notice half of the details you mentioned. Excellent video and analysis. I have to wonder what the point of the cycle is. The worlds and their technologies are abandoned, so did the PC inherit a dead world to govern? If so, what happened to the previous god? Why was the cocoon activated to begin with? Is this a life cycle thing or a special ritual? If you fail, does someone take your place or do the worlds just die off? The devs really put so much mystique and intrigue into such a small package.

[@pixeljurnee]

Believe me, most of the details I didn't notice until I reviewed my game footage. Like you, I was so engrossed in the puzzles! Usually I'm okay with one off games, but I'm really hoping for a sequel for this one. I have the same questions too! I think this game left us with more questions than answers. It would be nice for them to do a prequel and the end of the prequel is right at the start of this one. Another part of the cycle!

[@austinbond2527]

Excellent breakdown

[@IamJacksColon4]

great stuff

[@dmw77]

Mind blown! The game was great, too.

[@danielmichaelgarcia]

Amazing, great thoughts and summary…

[@pixeljurnee]

Thank you so much!

[@FoxyCAMTV]

I don't know why are people complaining about puzzles, they are super logical and easy.Only thing hardis secret ending.

[@benjaminmorris1570]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@s_asLN]

This game reminds me of EXO ONE. A game about a little space gravity craft trying to get back to its space ahip. The worlds are really pretty.

[@pixeljurnee]

EXO One I really tried to like but I struggled to enjoy that one. The concept was interesting but something lost me in the execution.

[@s_asLN]

@@pixeljurnee Same. The gameplay is a BIT hard, like the power running out on one. That one planet with the lighting. I was stuck there for years. And I still am.

[@pixeljurnee]

Ha! I know the exact planet you're referring too. Thinking about this almost makes me want to go back and try it again...almost.

[@nunobarbosa77]

This game is a masterpiece!

[@jxrxdxg5199]

Highly recommend playing on acid, those transitions awoken something inside me 😂

[@jairdinh7563]

This is a cool interpretation for me I have no idea and I don't think its the right interpretation but I think what happens is a some sort of preparation for a meal to a greater god of sorts and our character is just a worker drone preping the meal. The secret ending shows multiple moths which just seem to be the evolved form of our player charcter, holding the orb worlds. What I think happened is that somehow an egg was placed one of these worlds which will hatch a moth which then in turn will kill all the guardians and feed these worlds to a greater being. This interpretation is for fun and I know there is so much to counter this claim.

[@drowgamer]

I’d love to hear your take on the hidden ending.

[@pixeljurnee]

I watched the video on the Secret ending, and I have some thoughts, but I want to play through to get the ending myself so that I can see all of the elements together. But a video on this is coming 🙂

[@goatboi933]

What I'm really curious about is if there any homages to Limbo and Inside in this game. Max Darett did a video about how Limbo and Inside may take place in the same universe. It's certainly possible that the Limbo/Inside universe takes place on one of the four planets in Cocoon, but is there any actual evidence of this?

[@maazaraza]

nice thesis ;)

[@IvoNotIvo]

Just %100 the game, SPOILER: I wish there was a final boss fight, I was kinda let down because I was looking forward to it. I enjoyed the unique boss fights.

[@pixeljurnee]

A final boss fight would have been epic. I actually thought that was what was going to happen when you left that white area and things got all corrupted looking for a bit. I thought there was a final boss coming and I was surprised there wasn't.

[@noobyboi6324]

Huh, thought it was rigged but hey, i see a great game

[@pixeljurnee]

It does have the "rigged" feeling at times, doesn't it lol

[@phasi2182]

so the story is about a moth pondering its orb got it (i do not have it)

[@lutopertierra85]

I love your effort to translate the visual narrative into world-building story, but i feel the devs could have put some more energy in creating a less open-to-interpretation story. This no-story approach seems to be becoming more and more fashionable and a generalized trend among indie developers, and yet some (probably a minority) of us find it quite insatisfactory.

[@pixeljurnee]

I agree fully. If I remember what I read correctly, the "story" was more of a secondary decision and that the focus was mainly on the mechanics of the puzzles. From what was said, I actually played the game thinking there wouldn't be any story at all but they did work something in at least.

[@Scripzure]

then it's not for you. hope this helps!

[@bobwert5]

Any thoughts on the meaning of the secret ending?

[@pixeljurnee]

I've watched it a few times (I didn't find that ending myself) and it seems like, perhaps, another set of guardians with another solar system. They look different than the insect ones. I can't tell if they are hostile or friendly, but looks like they are bringing new planets to the system that was just created.

[@needsmoreclipping]

"A young girl and her companion off to save the world"? Ummmm. Huh? Things kinda made sense until that. Anyway. I felt the game was extremely repetitive, boring, and not even close to the brilliance of both Limo and Inside. Somerville is another similar style of game that is also much better.

[@pixeljurnee]

The young girl and her companion part was a reference to the Planet of Lana video that was on the screen as the up next video to watch after this one. Somerville was a great game as well.