How to get the Pragmata secret ending and use the Black Box Mod

The Pragmata secret ending unlocks only after you’ve 100%’d the game, equipped the special Black Box Mod, and defeated the final boss a second time in the Unknown Signal mode. It’s quite a commitment as finding all those collectibles isn’t easy. And to set expectations, the secret ending isn’t especially exciting to watch, adding only a single line of dialogue to the regular ending, but it does have some interesting implications for the future. So, with full spoilers ahead, here’s everything you need to do to unlock the secret ending for Pragmata and what it means.

Major spoilers for both of Pragmata’s endings below, so read on at your own risk!

Pragmata secret ending explained

The secret ending for Pragmata, and perhaps its true ending, can only be seen as part of the Unknown Signal post-game mode, which unlocks after completing the game – based on our guide on how long it takes to beat Pragmata, this almost certainly take your total playtime to over 16 hours. Begin Unknown Signal, then do the following to see Pragmata’s secret ending:

• Collect everything in all five levels to attain 100% completion: To get you started, take a look at our Pragmata Solar Power Plant collectibles guide.
• Defeat all four enhanced bosses: These are more lethal versions of the boss fights found at the end of the first four levels.
• Complete all 10 Big Cabin challenges in the Hidden Chamber area: To unlock all 10 of these challenges, you need to do the above two objectives anyway. These challenges aren’t too difficult but are a mix of combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving that will test your skills.

With that all done, you can loot the Architect’s vault, which contains the Lim Cannon weapon, the Obsidia outfits for Hugh and Diana, and the Black Box Mod. The latter has no gameplay benefit in Pragmata but states that it ‘may suppress the spread of dead filament in organic life’ – sounds useful for Hugh.

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So, to get Pragmata’s secret ending, you need to equip the Black Box Mod then defeat Eight at the end of the Central Port level once again. Like the other bonus bosses, this is a slightly amped up version of the fight, but I found that the same combat strategy for the regular version was still effective – just try not to get hit as much. The Shockwave Gun, Riot Blaster, and Heat and Freeze Hacking Nodes are great for immobilizing Eight for easy damage and performing powerful critical hits.