How Many Endings Does Resident Evil 7 Have?
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a survival horror game developed by Capcom, released in 2017. The game’s story and ending have been a subject of much discussion and curiosity among fans and players. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of RE7’s endings, exploring the different ways the game can conclude.
The Basic Endings
Resident Evil 7 has two main endings: the Good Ending and the Bad Ending. The path to these endings depends on the player’s choices throughout the game, specifically with regards to the protagonist’s relationships with certain characters. Here’s a brief overview of each ending:
Good Ending
To achieve the Good Ending, the player must:
• Take the change of clothes from Eveline
• Save Mia by not allowing Zoe to sacrifice herself
• Complete the game’s final boss fight without skipping the cutscenes
In this ending, Ethan survives and is able to save his wife, Mia, and their daughter, as they escape the Baker estate together.
Bad Ending
To achieve the Bad Ending, the player must:
• Let Zoe die and sacrifice herself to save Ethan
• Skip the final boss fight cutscene or fail to complete the boss fight
In this ending, Ethan is forced to continue his journey alone, while Mia and their daughter remain trapped in the estate, leaving the player with a sense of hopelessness and despair.
Canonical and Non-Canonical Endings
Some players might have noticed that the ending that involves saving Zoe, known as the "Canoe Ending," is non-canonical. This means that it doesn’t contribute to the game’s official story or narrative. In fact, the official Capcom guide confirms that saving Zoe is a non-canonical path.
This brings us to the idea of an alternative timeline, which explores the possibility of an entirely different narrative. If players choose to save Zoe, they might be rewarded with a new story and additional content. However, without official confirmation from Capcom, this remains speculative and leaves fans to debate and interpret the meaning behind this potential alternate storyline.
Branching Storylines
Another aspect of RE7’s endings is the inclusion of branching storylines. Depending on the player’s actions throughout the game, different narrative paths are opened, resulting in distinct endings. Here’s a breakdown of some of these story branches:
| Story Branch | Action Required | Ending Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Take Change of Clothes | Save Mia and exit the Baker estate with Mia and daughter | Good Ending |
| Let Zoe die | Continue journey alone after failing to save Mia | Bad Ending |
| Fail to save Mia | Confront Jack Baker’s reanimated corpse | Cutscene-only ending |
This demonstrates how the player’s decisions can shape the narrative and lead to various endings, making RE7 a dynamic and immersive experience.
Conclusion
Resident Evil 7 has a unique approach to storytelling, allowing players to influence the ending through their choices. While there are only two primary endings, the branching storylines and non-canonical paths create a richer, more complex narrative that leaves room for interpretation. For fans of the Resident Evil series, understanding the various endings can enhance the game’s replay value and depth.
Remember, as always, the final fate of the characters is at your hands. How you choose to play can impact the ending, leaving a lasting impression on your RE7 experience.