Decoding the Baker Family’s Secrets: Exploring the Endings of Resident Evil 7: Daughters
Yes, there are indeed two distinct endings to the “Daughters” prequel included in Resident Evil 7’s Banned Footage Vol. 2 DLC. Understanding how to achieve each ending unlocks a deeper layer of the Baker family’s tragic story and provides valuable context for the events of the main game. Let’s delve into the details.
Understanding the Daughters Prequel
Before diving into the specific endings, it’s important to understand the premise of “Daughters.” The DLC puts you in the role of Zoe Baker on the night Eveline arrives at the Baker family home. You witness the family’s initial descent into madness and their infection by Eveline’s mold. This prequel provides essential backstory that enriches the understanding of the main game’s narrative. Mastering the two endings sheds light on the true depth of the storyline.
The Two Paths: Bad Ending vs. True Ending
The “Daughters” prequel essentially offers two pathways, each culminating in a different conclusion: the “bad ending” and the “true ending.” The choices you make as Zoe determine which ending you will experience. These choices involve navigating the Baker household and interacting with key items and characters.
Achieving the Bad Ending
The “bad ending” is designed to be the easier and quicker of the two to achieve. It represents a more passive and arguably less proactive approach to the unfolding events.
The “bad ending” walkthrough:
- Early Exploration: Once in control of Zoe, explore the house briefly.
- Pantry Escape: Find an opportunity to pop into the pantry.
- Kitchen/Dining Area Sneak: Sneak through the kitchen and dining area while avoiding Jack.
- Garage Descent: Make your way downstairs to the garage.
- Car Interaction: Interact with the car.
- Eveline’s Appearance: As Zoe gets into and attempts to start the car, Eveline appears. This will trigger the ending.
This ending depicts a desperate, failed escape attempt, highlighting the overwhelming power and influence Eveline exerts on the Bakers and their surroundings.
Unlocking the True Ending
The “true ending” requires a more strategic and involved approach. It involves finding specific items and performing actions in a precise order, showcasing Zoe’s efforts to resist Eveline’s influence and ultimately attempt to alert someone to the danger.
The “true ending” walkthrough:
- Early Exploration and Marguerite Encounter: Explore the house until Marguerite confronts you.
- Knife Acquisition: Locate the knife in the laundry room.
- Accessing the Secret Room: After Marguerite leaves, use the knife to cut open the taped-up door leading to a secret room.
- Dog Head Retrieval: Within the secret room, retrieve the Dog Head.
- Phone Cord: Find the phone cord in Jack and Marguerite’s bedroom, usually on the nightstand.
- Basement Passage: Locate the Dummy Finger in the living room.
- Attic Trip: Use the Dummy Finger on the mannequin hand in the attic to trigger a vision. Obtain a fuse and statue of a raven.
- Reactivating Power: Use the fuse to restore power to the house in the fusebox located on the main floor.
- Connecting the Phone: Head upstairs and connect the phone cord to the phone to trigger the final scenes and achieve the true ending.
The true ending, while still ultimately tragic, demonstrates Zoe’s intelligence and resourcefulness in the face of impossible circumstances. It paints a picture of her unwavering spirit and determination, even as she succumbs to Eveline’s control.
Why Explore Both Endings?
While the “Daughters” DLC is relatively short (around 20 minutes per playthrough), experiencing both endings is crucial for several reasons:
- Complete Story Understanding: Each ending reveals a different facet of the Baker family’s descent into madness and Eveline’s manipulative powers. Seeing both provides a more holistic view of the events leading up to Ethan Winter’s arrival.
- Achievements/Trophies: The “Daughters” DLC includes separate achievements or trophies for achieving each ending, incentivizing players to experience both.
- Character Development: The true ending especially highlights Zoe’s resilience and strategic thinking, adding depth to her character. It makes her motivations in the main game more understandable and compelling.
Impact on the Main Game
The “Daughters” DLC, while a prequel, significantly impacts the experience of the main game. Understanding the events leading up to Ethan’s arrival deepens the player’s emotional connection to the characters and enhances the overall narrative. The horrors Ethan faces are amplified by the knowledge of what the Baker family once was, making their transformation all the more tragic and unsettling.
The horrors Ethan faces are amplified by the knowledge of what the Baker family once was, making their transformation all the more tragic and unsettling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Resident Evil 7: Daughters
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the “Daughters” prequel in Resident Evil 7, designed to address common queries and provide further insights:
Is “Daughters” part of the main Resident Evil 7 game?
No, “Daughters” is a standalone prequel included in the Banned Footage Vol. 1 DLC for Resident Evil 7.
What role do you play in “Daughters”?
You play as Zoe Baker during the night Eveline arrives at the Baker family home.
Is the “bad ending” the easier ending to get?
Yes, the “bad ending” is generally considered easier and requires fewer steps than the “true ending.”
Does the “true ending” require specific item locations?
Yes, the “true ending” requires you to find and use specific items in a particular order, including the knife, Dog Head, phone cord, Dummy Finger, fuse, and statue of a raven.
How long does it take to complete “Daughters”?
Each playthrough of “Daughters” typically takes around 20 minutes, but this can vary depending on your familiarity with the game and your puzzle-solving skills.
Are there any combat encounters in “Daughters”?
No, “Daughters” focuses on exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative, rather than combat.
Does completing “Daughters” unlock anything in the main game?
No, completing “Daughters” does not directly unlock any items or features in the main game. However, it provides valuable story context that enhances the overall experience.
What is the significance of Eveline in “Daughters”?
Eveline is the main antagonist of “Daughters,” and her arrival sets in motion the events that transform the Baker family.
Is “Daughters” scary compared to the main game?
While “Daughters” may not have as many jump scares as the main game, it creates a sense of dread and unease through its atmosphere and narrative.
Can you fail to get either ending?
No, you will always reach one of the two endings in “Daughters,” depending on your actions.
Does “Daughters” offer any insight into Zoe’s character?
Yes, especially the “true ending” showcases Zoe’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and determination.
What is the purpose of the secret room in the “true ending” path?
The secret room contains the Dog Head, which is essential for progressing towards the “true ending.”
Is “Daughters” replayable?
Yes, “Daughters” is replayable, and you can revisit it to experience both endings.
Does the order in which you play the endings matter?
While not required, it’s often recommended to play the “bad ending” first before attempting the “true ending,” as it provides a simpler introduction to the environment and story.
Where can I learn more about game narrative and design?
Exploring the Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, is an excellent way to learn more about video game narrative design and the pedagogical impacts of gaming.
Conclusion: Unveiling the Baker Family’s Tragedy
The “Daughters” prequel in Resident Evil 7 is a compelling and essential piece of the overall narrative. By experiencing both the “bad ending” and the “true ending,” players gain a deeper understanding of the Baker family’s tragedy, Eveline’s malevolent influence, and Zoe’s resilience in the face of unimaginable horror. So, delve into the Baker household, make your choices wisely, and unlock the secrets hidden within “Daughters.”