Can Kara Survive in Detroit: Become Human? A Deep Dive into Her Fate
Yes, Kara can absolutely survive in Detroit: Become Human, but her path to survival is fraught with peril and dependent on numerous player choices. Her story is arguably one of the most emotionally charged in the game, and the possibility of her, Alice, and even Luther making it to safety is a powerful motivator for many players. Unlike some characters who have more scripted survival paths, Kara’s fate is heavily influenced by your actions and decisions. This article will explore the many ways Kara can survive and delve into some frequently asked questions surrounding her journey.
The Key to Kara’s Survival: Choices Matter
Kara’s survival is not a given. There are numerous points throughout the game where she can meet a tragic end. The early chapters are already laden with danger. Here are the critical decision points that impact Kara’s survival, focusing on the major outcomes:
- Early Encounters with Todd: The very first few chapters are crucial. Failing too many quick-time events (QTEs) during the fight with Todd can result in Kara being destroyed outside the front door, ending her storyline entirely. This illustrates that from the outset, Kara’s journey is precarious.
- The Crossroads: During the “On the Run” chapter, the choices you make while finding shelter are incredibly important. The best option, for the “Good Ending” is staying at the abandoned house. Selecting this option opens up the chance for the best outcomes later in the game.
- The Ferry or The River: A crucial point comes when Kara must choose how to escape the city. Choosing to “plunge” (taking the river option) guarantees Kara and Alice’s survival. However, this can be at the expense of Luther, who may or may not die.
- The Border Crossing: The most crucial decision in Kara’s survival story is at the border. The “No Sacrifice” option is key. Choosing this while playing as a pacifist with Markus allows the group to pass peacefully. A violent protest led by Markus will likely doom Kara’s journey at this point. If Markus has led a pacifist protest, the border guard will look at the TV, see the protest and allow the trio to pass to Canada.
- The Recycling Center: Successfully navigating the Recycling Center and ensuring none of the characters are injured is crucial. An injury to Kara means she will die. An injury to Alice means Kara can decide to either live on or deactivate herself.
What Determines Kara’s Best Outcome?
The “best ending” for Kara involves her, Alice, and Luther all crossing the border to begin a new life in Canada. This requires a very specific combination of choices, emphasizing pacifism with Markus and careful navigation of Kara’s chapters. Sacrificing Luther at the river crossing will allow Kara and Alice to survive, but will prevent this ‘best’ ending.
It’s also worth noting the importance of keeping the ticket given to Kara earlier in the game; giving it back to the family is a major factor that will prevent Kara from achieving the best ending.
The Importance of Markus’s Actions
As highlighted above, Markus’s storyline has a direct impact on Kara’s potential to survive. If Markus leads a peaceful protest, the Canadian border officer is more likely to show compassion and allow Kara, Alice and Luther to pass. However, if Markus incites violence, the officer will be less willing to let them pass safely, increasing the probability of Kara and her companions failing. This interweaving of the two storylines is a key example of how the game creates an immersive narrative where all actions affect the final outcomes for each character.
A Complex and Emotional Journey
Kara’s story is designed to pull at the player’s heartstrings. The emotional weight of her decisions and the potential impact on Alice create a compelling narrative. Her story also highlights the humanistic qualities often absent in other android storylines, making her survival a powerful symbol of hope and freedom. The myriad of ways Kara’s story can unfold exemplifies the complex and impactful nature of Detroit: Become Human, illustrating that survival isn’t a singular outcome but a delicate balance of many choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kara’s story, providing additional context and answers:
1. Can Kara survive without Alice?
No. Kara’s survival is intrinsically linked to Alice’s. If Alice dies, Kara can choose to deactivate herself, meaning her story ends with her death. This highlights the deep bond between the two characters.
2. What happens if Kara is caught shoplifting?
If Kara is caught shoplifting, she will have to use a gun on the store owner, Nathan, and can either tell him to get on the floor, steal the money and run. Alternatively, she can threaten him and then run. Her choices have consequences that impact her morality and future options.
3. Does Luther ever have a relationship with Alice?
No. Although Luther has strong feelings for Alice as a father figure, there is no romantic or sexual relationship between them. Any notion of such is a misinterpretation of the game’s narrative.
4. What is the best ending for Kara?
The best ending for Kara is where she, Alice, and Luther all survive, cross the Canadian border, and start a new life together. This outcome requires very specific choices throughout her and Markus’s storylines.
5. Should Kara play dead in the abandoned house?
Yes. Choosing to play dead and not move will ensure that Kara and Alice avoid being killed. This action is mandatory to proceed and aim for the game’s best ending for Kara.
6. Should Kara return the ticket?
No. Kara should keep the ticket she receives to ensure her best ending. Returning the ticket creates a branching path that will kill a character later and prevent the good ending.
7. What happens if Kara doesn’t sacrifice at the border?
Choosing “No Sacrifice” at the border can yield positive results if the protest has been peaceful. The border officer will show compassion and allow them to pass. However, a violent protest will make that choice detrimental.
8. What happens if Kara helps Luther when he’s shot?
If Kara tries to help Luther and is successful, she hides him. He assures them he’ll meet them at the border, leaving him behind. However, if she fails, all three will be captured.
9. Can Connor meet Kara?
Yes, Connor can encounter Kara in Jericho if Markus is dead and Connor becomes a deviant. If so, Connor will apologize for the past and wish them luck.
10. What happens if Kara dies early in the game?
If Kara dies early, the player will not be able to continue her storyline. The game switches to Connor and Markus, excluding Kara.
11. Can Kara survive without Luther?
Yes. Kara and Alice can survive without Luther if you choose to sacrifice him at the river. However, this will prevent her from getting the very best ending.
12. Why does Alice shoot Luther?
Alice doesn’t directly shoot Luther. In one scenario, she is seen to shoot Luther’s “partner” Halliday in a jealous rage, and she non-fatally shoots Luther following a disagreement.
13. Does Kara steal money?
Yes, Kara has the option to steal money while at the convenience store. If caught, she can threaten Nathan with a gun, forcing him to get on the floor, and running out with Alice.
14. What happens if Connor goes after Kara?
If Connor chases Kara, the player must succeed in a QTE sequence with Connor, then with Kara to navigate obstacles as they are running away.
15. Why does Luther choose to shoot Alice in one scenario?
In a specific scenario, Luther would choose to shoot Alice to save her from a worse fate, but only if it was her wish. However, this is just one of the outcomes, and not the canon one.
In conclusion, Kara’s survival in Detroit: Become Human is entirely in the player’s hands. Your choices, empathy, and strategic thinking will dictate whether she and her companions achieve their dream of a new life, highlighting the game’s intricate design and emphasis on player agency.