What Time Does Dead Rising 1 End?
The core gameplay of Dead Rising 1 culminates at 11:30 am on Day 4 in-game time. This is when a cutscene is triggered where Ed, the helicopter pilot, heads to the Willamette Parkview Mall to pick up Frank West, the game’s protagonist. Thirty in-game minutes later, at 12:00 pm on Day 4, the final cutscene begins, marking the official end of the main 72-hour game mode and unlocking Overtime Mode. However, the actual ending you experience within this timeframe is dependent on your actions and decisions throughout the game.
Understanding Dead Rising 1’s Time System
It’s crucial to understand the game’s time system to grasp when Dead Rising 1 truly ends. The game operates on a 72-hour in-game timer, which translates to 6 hours of real-time gameplay. This means that one full in-game day (24 hours) lasts for 2 hours in real time. The game’s time system is unforgiving; you cannot simply wait for the timer to run out to see an ending. You have to actively participate in the story by completing “scoops,” rescuing survivors, and combating psychopaths.
The ending you get depends on several factors, including but not limited to:
- Beating Bosses: Defeating the various psychopaths that roam the mall.
- Following the Storyline: Completing the main story scoops to progress.
- Rescuing Survivors: Safely escorting survivors to the security room.
- Returning to the Helipad: Being at the designated helipad location by the end of Day 3 is essential for certain endings.
Endings: More Than Just a Finish Line
Dead Rising 1 features seven distinct endings, each one reflecting your choices and successes (or failures) during your 72-hour run. Missing the final helicopter pickup doesn’t mean the game stops; instead, you will receive one of the bad endings and are free to continue playing until the timer runs out, or you can load an earlier save. These endings aren’t arbitrary; they reflect Frank’s ultimate fate and the state of Willamette. Here’s a brief breakdown of what influences each ending:
- Ending A: The best ending, achieved by successfully completing all main story scoops, saving key survivors, and being at the helipad on time.
- Ending B: Achieved by missing key story elements or neglecting certain survivors, resulting in a more somber outcome.
- Ending C: Results from not making it to the helipad, but also not failing too many story scoops.
- Ending D: Results from being captured by the Special Forces.
- Ending E: A partial success but with significant losses, often occurring when some key survivors are lost.
- Ending F: The worst ending, resulting from severely failing the main story.
- Overtime Mode Ending: Unlocked after the main 72 hours, it reveals the full story and true ending.
Beyond the Main 72 Hours: Overtime and Infinity Modes
The end of the main 72 hours at 12:00 pm on Day 4 is not necessarily the end of your experience with Dead Rising 1. The game unlocks Overtime Mode, which continues the story and provides additional challenges. Additionally, there’s the Infinity Mode, a brutal survival test where Frank constantly loses health, pushing players to their limits.
Overtime Mode
Overtime Mode is a continuation of the story after the main 72-hour period. It is significantly shorter than the main mode, typically taking 2 to 4 hours to complete in real time. This mode adds more plot and allows players to see the full conclusion of Frank’s adventure.
Infinity Mode
Infinity Mode is a separate game mode where your main goal is to survive as long as possible. Frank loses health over time and it’s essential to constantly find food to stay alive. This mode is not time-bound by the 72-hour limit and can theoretically last for over 35 hours. This mode was the basis for the “7 Day Survivor” achievement/trophy which would require you to play for 14 hours of real time without stopping to save, making it one of the most difficult and time-consuming achievements in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long is a full in-game day in Dead Rising 1?
A full in-game day (24 hours) in Dead Rising 1 is equal to 2 hours in real-time. This means the game’s time progresses at a rate of one real-world minute for every twelve in-game minutes.
2. Is there a time limit in Dead Rising 1?
Yes, the main game mode in Dead Rising 1 has a 72-hour time limit, equivalent to 6 real-time hours, within which you must complete the story and reach the helipad for specific endings.
3. What happens if I miss the helicopter pickup at the end of the main 72 hours?
If you miss the helicopter pickup and did not do anything else to severely fail the story you will get “The Truth Has Vanished” ending, allowing you to continue playing until the 72 hour time limit is over, or you can load your last save. If you do not show up to the helipad in the end of Day 3 you will “die” and will have to start over or load your last save.
4. How many different endings are there in Dead Rising 1?
There are a total of seven distinct endings in Dead Rising 1, each varying based on your in-game actions and decisions, and your ability to get to the helipad by the end of Day 3.
5. Can I save my progress in Dead Rising 1?
Yes, you can save your progress at various save points scattered throughout the mall, usually in bathrooms and on green couches. The save points are marked on your in-game map. You also automatically save whenever a new case file begins.
6. What is the maximum level I can reach in Dead Rising 1?
The maximum level in Dead Rising 1 is level 50. This can be achieved over numerous playthroughs and by playing different game modes.
7. What is the “72 Hour Mode” achievement?
The “72 Hour Mode” achievement/trophy is unlocked by successfully completing the main 72-hour game mode with any ending other than ending F.
8. How long is Infinity Mode in Dead Rising 1?
Infinity Mode does not have a set time limit, as you play until you die from constantly losing health over time. A full run could go for over 35 hours if you are skilled at the game.
9. Who is the final boss in Dead Rising 1?
The final boss in Dead Rising 1 is Brock Mason.
10. Where does Dead Rising 1 take place?
Dead Rising 1 takes place in a large shopping mall in the town of Willamette, Colorado.
11. What is the “5 Day Survivor” achievement?
The “5 Day Survivor” achievement is obtained by surviving for 5 in-game days (or 10 real time hours) in Infinity Mode.
12. How many survivors can I have with me at once in Dead Rising 1?
The game has a limit called the Eight Survivor Rule in which there can be only 8 active survivors at once.
13. Is it possible to save Paul in Dead Rising 1?
Yes, Paul is one of a few psychopaths in the game that you can rescue.
14. How much storage space does Dead Rising 1 require?
Dead Rising 1 requires 8 GB of available storage space.
15. How long is 72 hours in Dead Rising 2?
72 hours in Dead Rising 2 is also 6 hours of real time, which is the same as Dead Rising 1.
Conclusion
Understanding the time mechanics of Dead Rising 1 is crucial for maximizing your experience. The main story ends at 12:00 pm on Day 4, but the events that unfold depend entirely on how you choose to spend your 72 in-game hours. Whether you aim for the best ending, explore all the different possibilities, or test your skills in Infinity Mode, Dead Rising 1 offers a rich and challenging experience for all players.