How Many Times Should You Play Detroit: Become Human?
The short answer is: at least twice, but ideally more. Detroit: Become Human, with its intricate branching narratives and plethora of player choices, is a game designed for multiple playthroughs. While you can technically achieve the coveted Platinum Trophy with two full runs and some selective chapter replays, the real joy of this interactive drama lies in exploring the sheer depth and variety of its narrative possibilities. The developers intentionally created a rich tapestry of diverging storylines that encourage players to experiment with different decisions and witness their often dramatic consequences.
Why Play Through Multiple Times?
Discovering Narrative Branches
The cornerstone of Detroit: Become Human is its complex decision-making system. Every choice, no matter how seemingly minor, can have a significant impact on the story’s trajectory and the fates of its characters. Playing through once is just scratching the surface of this layered narrative. A second playthrough allows you to consciously choose different paths, explore alternate character arcs, and observe how the overall narrative changes. What happens if Markus leads a violent revolution rather than a peaceful one? What if Kara doesn’t find Alice? How far down the path of machine can Connor travel? These questions, and countless others, are answered by revisiting the game and consciously picking different actions.
Experiencing Different Endings
The game boasts a staggering number of 85 endings, although the developers themselves admit that many of these overlap and the true number of distinctly different ending scenarios is closer to 40. To witness the full spectrum of possibilities—from utopian victories to catastrophic failures— multiple playthroughs are required. Experimenting with different choices and seeing these varied endings is the core experience that makes Detroit: Become Human so replayable. This doesn’t even mention the many small, unique scenes that result from making specific decisions.
Trophy Hunting and Completion
While you can attempt to get the Platinum Trophy in a minimum of two playthroughs, it’s highly recommended to do the initial playthoughs blind, experiencing the story organically. Then, use chapter select to mop up any remaining trophies. Certain trophies require specific choices that might clash with your previous play style. For instance, the “I’ll Be Back” trophy requires a deliberate effort to get Kara killed in the opening sequence, making it less natural in an initial playthrough. Multiple playthoughs help you approach the completion with a plan.
Uncovering Nuances and Details
Detroit: Become Human is overflowing with subtle details and nuanced character interactions. With each playthrough, you are likely to notice things you missed the first time around, enriching your overall understanding of the game’s world and lore. Whether it’s a small dialogue exchange or a minor alteration to the environment, each playthrough offers an opportunity to appreciate the game’s intricate design and careful construction.
The Ideal Approach to Multiple Playthroughs
As a recommendation, it’s best to play at least twice blind. This means that for your first two times playing, you do not consult guides or look up decisions that may lead to specific endings or trophies. The beauty of Detroit: Become Human is in experiencing the unfolding narrative naturally and without any preconceived notions. Once you have a handle on the story beats, you can then utilize Chapter Select to go back to specific points and work towards alternative outcomes or trophies.
Blind Playthroughs (1-2)
- Focus on your instincts: Play the game as you would naturally, making the choices you feel are right for each character. Do not worry about getting the best ending or obtaining all of the trophies.
- Immerse yourself: Allow the story to unfold organically and experience the emotional impact of your decisions.
- Explore the world: Interact with the environment and discover hidden details.
Targeted Playthroughs/Chapter Replays (2+)
- Trophy Hunting: Consult online guides to identify the choices necessary for specific trophies and replay chapters to obtain them.
- Alternate Endings: Explore different paths for each character and witness the varied outcomes.
- Experimental Choices: Test the limits of the game’s choices by making decisions that contradict your natural playstyle.
Replayability is Key
The true genius of Detroit: Become Human lies in its replayability. No two playthroughs are ever exactly alike. The game continually surprises the player with its dynamic narrative and the diverse consequences of the player’s actions. It’s more than just a game: it’s an interactive story that adapts and changes based on your input.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many hours does it take to 100% Detroit: Become Human?
A: On average, you can expect to spend around 31 ½ hours to achieve 100% completion, including getting all the trophies and experiencing different endings. A playthrough primarily focused on the main objectives of the story will be approximately 12 hours.
2. Is Detroit: Become Human difficult?
A: The game offers two difficulty settings: Casual and Experienced. Experienced is essentially the “normal” setting, utilizing the full motion controls of the PlayStation 4’s Dualshock controller. Casual mode offers an easier experience. The primary challenge comes from the decision-making, rather than combat or reflex based challenges.
3. Can you play Detroit: Become Human multiple times?
A: Yes, you can play Detroit: Become Human multiple times. The game features a Chapter Select option in the main menu, allowing you to revisit any chapter you have already completed.
4. Do you need to replay the entire game from a chapter select point?
A: Yes, if you wish for your decisions to ‘stick’ and affect the narrative, you must play through the story from the point where you made a decision that’s specific to the trophy.
5. Should you explore your surroundings in Detroit: Become Human?
A: Absolutely. Taking your time and exploring your surroundings will unlock additional dialogue, clues, and story elements that would be missed otherwise. Exploring is a key tip to consider during your playthroughs.
6. Are there any missable trophies in Detroit: Become Human?
A: Yes, many trophies are missable. Certain trophies require specific actions within each chapter or specific character decisions.
7. How many endings does Detroit: Become Human really have?
A: While the in-game flow chart displays 85 endings, many overlap and share similar overall results. The number of truly distinct endings is closer to 40.
8. Is there a “bad ending” in Detroit: Become Human?
A: Yes, one example of a “bad ending” involves Markus leading a violent and uncaring revolution, showing a lack of concern for human life. Many of the endings may also be perceived as less desirable depending on your character alignment.
9. Is there a “happy ending” in Detroit: Become Human?
A: Yes, the most “happy” ending typically involves Markus leading a peaceful protest, Kara and Alice escaping to Canada, and Connor abandoning his mission and joining the revolution.
10. What happens if Kara dies early?
A: If Kara dies early, such as in the fight with Todd, she is not revived and your playthrough will continue with only the storylines of Connor and Markus.
11. What is rA9 in Detroit: Become Human?
A: rA9 is not defined within the game, and theories vary. It’s a concept the androids speak of which seems to be tied to some sort of awakening or conscious enlightenment among the androids.
12. Can you romance in Detroit: Become Human?
A: Yes, you can develop a romantic relationship with the character North. Doing so requires you to maintain a “Friendly” relationship with her and make certain dialogue choices.
13. Should you be violent or peaceful in Detroit: Become Human?
A: The choice is ultimately yours, but the game often subtly encourages a peaceful approach, as it often leads to a more positive outcome, depending on your definition of the word “positive”.
14. What is the best way to approach critical decisions?
A: The key is not to panic, and think about how your decisions might affect the world and each character. Consider the perspective of each character you are currently controlling.
15. Is Detroit: Become Human a good game for beginners?
A: While it can be more challenging than expected for a beginner due to the branching narrative system, the game’s decision-making aspects, compelling story and character development, and stunning visuals make it an excellent choice for new players to the interactive drama genre.
Conclusion
Detroit: Become Human is a game that rewards curiosity, experimentation, and repeated playthroughs. While it’s possible to hit the platinum trophy with a minimum number of playthroughs, the true beauty of this game lies in the depth and variety of its narrative paths. So, if you’re looking to truly experience everything Detroit: Become Human has to offer, then plan for at least two full blind playthroughs, with chapter replays to mop up trophies and fully explore all the nuances of its interactive story. The game’s high level of replayability ensures that you can keep revisiting this world and discovering new details for a long time.