Dark Madeline

Lore & Background

Badeline first manifests when Madeline enters an abandoned city and experiences a nightmare involving a mirror. Describing herself as Madeline's 'pragmatic part,' she chases Madeline out of the area, convinced that climbing unprepared will lead to disaster. Throughout the climb, Badeline taunts allies like Oshiro, claiming Madeline only helps others to fuel her own ego. In the ancient temple, after Madeline frees Theo from a crystal, she attempts to abandon Badeline entirely. Badeline retaliates by throwing Madeline down the mountain. Later, Granny suggests seeking resolution rather than abandonment. Madeline eventually chases Badeline, apologizes, and the two reconcile, vowing to climb together.

In Their Own Story

The conflict peaks at the ancient temple where Madeline, having gained confidence from Theo, declares her intent to abandon Badeline. In response, Badeline physically throws Madeline down the mountain. Madeline finds Granny, who advises that she must seek resolution instead of abandonment. Madeline searches for Badeline and catches up with her. After a chase sequence, Madeline apologizes to her doppelgänger. The two reconcile, acknowledging that they must face the mountain together. Upon reaching the summit, the integrated pair enjoys strawberry pie with Granny, Theo, and Oshiro. This resolution marks the end of their internal war, allowing Madeline to move forward without fighting her own shadow.

Reader's Guide

Badeline acts as a physical manifestation of anxiety that challenges Madeline's progress. She appears in specific story moments, such as chasing Madeline out of the abandoned city and taunting Oshiro at the Celestial Resort. Her role shifts from an obstacle to a necessary partner. Key gameplay mechanics involve her presence during chase sequences and narrative cutscenes. The turning point occurs when Madeline stops trying to defeat Badeline and instead apologizes, leading to their integration. This acceptance unlocks the ability to reach the summit. In the Farewell DLC, set about a year later, Badeline initially abandons Madeline again when she pursues a mysterious bird, but eventually returns to warn her that she is dreaming, helping her wake up.

Did You Know?

• Badeline describes herself as Madeline's 'pragmatic part' who tries to stop the climb to save Madeline from being unprepared.
• After Madeline attempts to abandon Badeline at the ancient temple, Badeline retaliates by throwing her down the mountain.
• The two characters reconcile after Madeline chases Badeline and apologizes, vowing to climb together from that point forward.
• In the Farewell DLC released on September 9, 2019, Badeline briefly abandons Madeline again when she pursues a bird through space.
• Badeline eventually returns in the DLC to warn Madeline that she is dreaming and needs to wake up.