The Maze Runner concludes with the Gladers successfully escaping the deadly labyrinth, only to discover that their supposed rescue is merely the beginning of the next, more intense phase of a manipulative experiment orchestrated by the mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D. (World In Catastrophe: Killzone Experiment Department).
The Escape and Revelation
After facing countless dangers within the ever-shifting walls of the Maze, including the fearsome Grievers, Thomas and the remaining Gladers manage to activate a kill switch, disabling the creatures and opening a final exit. This leads them not to freedom, but into a sterile laboratory filled with the bodies of scientists and a video message from Ava Paige, the Chancellor of W.C.K.D.
In her recording, Paige explains the dire state of the world outside the Maze:
- A series of devastating solar flares ravaged Earth.
- This led to the emergence of The Flare, a highly contagious and incurable virus that turns humans into aggressive, zombie-like beings known as Cranks.
- The Gladers were deemed "Immnunes," meaning they are naturally resistant to the Flare, making them crucial subjects in W.C.K.D.'s desperate search for a cure.
- The Maze itself was designed to study their brain patterns, resilience, and problem-solving abilities under extreme stress.
The 'Rescue' and the Next Phase
Just as the Gladers are processing this horrifying truth, a sudden, dramatic intervention occurs. A group of masked and heavily armed soldiers rush into the lab, creating a chaotic scene. These soldiers quickly escort the Gladers out of the facility, pushing them towards what appears to be safety.
They emerge from the underground lab onto vast, sandy dunes that stretch far beyond the confines of the Maze complex. A helicopter descends, and the Gladers are swiftly boarded and flown away from their previous prison. As they fly, they look down to see a desolate, sun-scorched landscape, hinting at the ravaged world they are now entering.
However, this is not the happy ending they hoped for. In a chilling final scene, Ava Paige is revealed to be alive and well, speaking to other W.C.K.D. officials. She confirms that the entire "rescue" was meticulously planned, marking the successful completion of Phase One of the experiment. The Gladers are not free but have simply transitioned to Phase Two, which promises even greater challenges in the harsh environment of the "Scorch." Their journey, far from over, has only just begun.
Key Events Leading to the Conclusion
The ending is a culmination of several critical events:
- Griever Attack: The Gladers face a final, massive assault from the Grievers as they attempt to exit the Maze.
- The Lab Discovery: Upon escaping, they find a facility filled with dead scientists and a video message.
- Ava Paige's Explanation: The video reveals the purpose of the Maze, the existence of The Flare, and the Gladers' immunity.
- The Intervention: Armed soldiers burst in and take the Gladers.
- Helicopter Departure: The Gladers are flown away, observing the devastated world from above.
- The Twist: Ava Paige is revealed to be alive, confirming the "rescue" was merely the next stage of W.C.K.D.'s cruel experiment.
The Phases of W.C.K.D.'s Experiment
| Phase | Description | Outcome for Gladers |
|---|---|---|
| Phase One: The Maze | Subjects tested for problem-solving, resilience, and neurological activity in a contained, deadly environment. | Escape the Maze, physical and mental conditioning, identification of "Immnunes." |
| Phase Two: The Scorch | (Implied) Exposure to the external world, facing the dangers of the devastated landscape and the Flare. | Taken to an unknown destination via helicopter, beginning a new set of trials. |
This ending sets the stage for the subsequent installments in the series, leaving the Gladers with a sense of false freedom and the daunting realization that their ordeal is far from over.
