The Ruins
Ruins are the remains of man-made architecture.
Ruins are the remains of man-made architecture.
Quick Facts
- Franchise
- Journey
- Developer
- Thatgamecompany
- Primary setting
- Ancient Desert City and Mountain Base
- Key elements
- Floating Fabric
- Runes
- Statues
- Narrative role
- Setting for exploration and environmental storytelling
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are The Ruins in Journey?
They are not a single character but rather the crumbling ancient cityscapes that form the game's primary environment. These locations represent the remnants of a lost civilization scattered across the desert and underground areas.
What role do The Ruins play in the story?
These structures serve as the central narrative stage where players uncover history through environmental storytelling rather than dialogue. Floating fabric fragments and glowing runes within these structures hint at the world's past before its decay.
How does the journey through The Ruins conclude?
The exploration ends when the traveler leaves the crumbling architecture behind to ascend the mountain peak toward the light. This transition signifies leaving the fallen civilization to complete a spiritual cycle of rebirth.
Are there living enemies inside The Ruins?
No, these locations are not inhabited by living beings but instead contain statues and spectral fabric remnants. Players encounter other travelers as companions, but the structures themselves remain empty of native life.
More in Story & Themes
Elsewhere in Journey
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced