Does Zoe Baker Survive Resident Evil 7? A Deep Dive
Yes, Zoe Baker can and does survive the events surrounding Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, but the path to her survival is complex and depends on player choices and subsequent downloadable content (DLC). In the main game, the player, as Ethan Winters, is forced to make a crucial decision: administer the cure to either Mia Winters or Zoe Baker. If you choose Mia, Zoe is left behind but her story is continued in the “End of Zoe” DLC, where she is ultimately saved. If you choose Zoe, she tragically dies, and so, the “End of Zoe” DLC would be irrelevant. Therefore, Zoe’s survival hinges on allowing her story to extend beyond the main game.
The Choice: Mia or Zoe
The core of the issue lies in the agonizing choice presented to Ethan. Both Mia and Zoe are infected, and only one dose of the cure remains.
- Choosing Mia: This is considered the canon ending. Mia is cured, escapes, and is rescued alongside Ethan. This sets the stage for the “End of Zoe” DLC.
- Choosing Zoe: While seemingly benevolent, this choice leads to Zoe’s death at the hands of Eveline. Mia is then killed by Ethan under Eveline’s control, and only Ethan is rescued.
The “End of Zoe” DLC provides the narrative closure needed to ensure Zoe’s survival.
“End of Zoe”: A New Hope
This DLC shifts the perspective, placing players in the role of Joe Baker, Zoe’s heretofore-unmentioned uncle. Living a secluded life in the swamps, Joe is a rugged survivalist and, surprisingly, a skilled fighter. The DLC revolves around Joe’s mission to find a cure for Zoe, who is petrified but alive due to Eveline’s influence.
The Threat of Swamp Man
The DLC introduces a terrifying new antagonist: Swamp Man, also known as mutated Jack Baker. After Jack’s mold mask was removed, the mutated Jack managed to survive Zoe’s cure due to his poisoned cells growing out of control, evolving into a decayed but near invincible creature nicknamed the “Swamp Man” who acted on his own accord after Eveline’s death. Jack’s continued existence as this monstrous being is a result of the Mold’s lingering effects and unchecked mutation.
Joe’s Journey and Zoe’s Salvation
The DLC’s narrative focuses on Joe’s relentless pursuit of a cure. This journey culminates in a confrontation with mutated Jack, which Joe ultimately wins. After defeating his mutated younger brother, Joe finally administers a cure for his niece, Zoe Baker. Soon after that, the Blue Umbrella soldiers have quarantined the Baker Ranch. Zoe then gets a phone call from Ethan Winters. With the help of Blue Umbrella, Zoe finally receives the complete cure, freeing her from the Mold’s influence.
Zoe’s Fate After Resident Evil 7
A document in Resident Evil Village reveals that Zoe Baker, after her ordeal, pursues a career as a rookie reporter in New Orleans. This epilogue confirms her survival and provides a glimpse into her life post-Baker incident, suggesting she’s striving to rebuild her life and contribute to society after the traumatic events she endured.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the canon ending of Resident Evil 7?
The canon ending is the one where Ethan chooses to cure Mia. This is supported by the narrative setup for the “End of Zoe” DLC and subsequent references in Resident Evil Village.
2. How is Jack Baker still alive in “End of Zoe”?
Jack’s survival is due to the Mold’s influence. While Zoe administered a cure, it wasn’t fully effective on Jack. The Mold continued to mutate him, transforming him into the Swamp Man, a distinct entity acting independently of Eveline’s control.
3. Can you save both Mia and Zoe in Resident Evil 7?
No, you cannot save both Mia and Zoe within the main game’s narrative. The choice is mutually exclusive. Saving Mia is the only way to ensure that Zoe’s story continues in the “End of Zoe” DLC.
4. What happens if you choose Zoe instead of Mia?
If you choose Zoe, Eveline kills Zoe. Ethan is then forced to kill Mia under Eveline’s control. Only Ethan is rescued, resulting in a bleak ending.
5. Who is Joe Baker?
Joe Baker is Zoe’s uncle, a reclusive man living in the swamps near the Baker residence. He is a skilled fighter and survivalist who plays a crucial role in saving Zoe in the “End of Zoe” DLC.
6. What happens in “End of Zoe”?
In “End of Zoe,” Joe Baker fights to find and administer a cure for his niece Zoe. He faces various challenges, including mutated creatures and ultimately defeats Swamp Man (mutated Jack Baker) before curing Zoe.
7. Is Resident Evil 7 a happy ending?
Whether Resident Evil 7 has a happy ending is subjective. If Ethan chooses Mia, he is rescued alongside her, which could be considered a happier outcome, although there is still a degree of lingering trauma. The DLC End of Zoe results in a good ending where Zoe is cured and saved. However, the overall tone of the game remains dark and unsettling.
8. Who is Daddy in Resident Evil 7?
Jack Baker is referred to as “Daddy” by Eveline, due to her psychological manipulation of the Baker family. He is also the father of Lucas and Zoe, and the husband of Marguerite.
9. Is Jack Baker stronger than Nemesis?
Comparing the strength of Jack Baker and Nemesis is difficult, as they operate under different rules and game mechanics. The text suggests that Jack Baker is a more persistent and terrifying antagonist throughout RE7.
10. Why is Jack Baker so strong?
Jack Baker’s strength comes from his prolonged exposure to the Mold. The Mold alters his DNA, making him incredibly strong, durable, and resistant to damage.
11. Is Mia alive in Resident Evil 8?
Yes, Mia is alive in Resident Evil 8: Village. However, the Mia we encounter at the beginning of the game is revealed to be Mother Miranda in disguise. The real Mia is rescued later in the game.
12. What happens to Zoe after RE7?
Zoe, after being cured, becomes a rookie reporter in New Orleans, as revealed in a document in Resident Evil Village.
13. Can you save Zoe without dying in Resident Evil 7?
The text is referencing a different game (presumably Road 96) but Zoe is saved in “End of Zoe” DLC. In the DLC, Zoe is saved when Joe administers the cure after defeating mutated Jack Baker.
14. Should I help Zoe or stay in the car?
This question refers to a different game than Resident Evil 7. The choices here may have no bearing on who will survive. In Resident Evil 7, the decision boils down to whether you choose to save Mia or Zoe with the cure. The choice to save Zoe is a dead end for her character.
15. Is RE7 the scariest game ever?
The article suggests that Resident Evil 7 is considered one of the scariest games in the Resident Evil franchise. Its return to survival horror elements and limited resources contribute to the game’s intense and terrifying atmosphere.
In conclusion, Zoe Baker’s survival in Resident Evil 7 is dependent on the player’s choices and engagement with the “End of Zoe” DLC. While the main game presents a difficult and seemingly impossible choice, the DLC provides a path to her salvation, ensuring that her story concludes on a positive note. The complexities of these choices invite further discussion about narrative agency and player impact in video games, a topic explored at length by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.