Is Saving Mia or Zoe the Canon Choice in Resident Evil 7?

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It’s a question that has plagued Resident Evil 7 fans since the credits rolled: is saving Mia the “true” or “canon” ending, or does the fate of Zoe Baker hold more weight in the overarching narrative? The answer, according to the game itself and supplementary materials, is a resounding yes, saving Mia is indeed the canon ending. This decision ripples through the subsequent Resident Evil narrative, specifically influencing the events and established backstory within Resident Evil Village.

The Weight of Choice: Mia vs. Zoe

Resident Evil 7 throws a significant moral dilemma at the player: which serum should you use, the one formulated for Mia or the one for Zoe? This choice dictates not only the immediate fate of these two women but also impacts the ending you receive and the overall tone of Ethan Winters’ story.

The Mia Ending: A Path to Redemption and Family

Choosing to save Mia results in her being cured. While she is initially responsible for Ethan’s ordeal due to her infected state, this ending allows her to redeem herself. Mia rescues Ethan when he is captured by Eveline, showing her renewed humanity. They are both eventually rescued by Chris Redfield, setting the stage for their subsequent relocation and life in Europe, as seen in Resident Evil Village. This ending solidifies the theme of family and offers a glimmer of hope for a future free from the horrors of the Baker estate.

The Zoe Ending: Sacrifice and Loss

Opting to save Zoe leads to a darker conclusion. Zoe, unfortunately, perishes shortly after receiving the cure, succumbing to Eveline’s influence on the way to the Wrecked Ship. Mia sacrifices herself on the Wrecked Ship to allow Ethan to escape, only to be turned into a Molded monster that Ethan is forced to kill. This ending is filled with tragedy. Ethan leaves the Baker estate alone, haunted by the decisions he made. While he is rescued by Chris Redfield, he is left without the woman he came to find.

Why Mia is Canon

Several factors support the claim that saving Mia is the canonical choice:

• Resident Evil Village’s Narrative: The events of Resident Evil Village directly follow from the “save Mia” ending. Ethan and Mia are married, have a child (Rose), and live in Europe under the protection of Chris Redfield. This setup wouldn’t be possible if the “save Zoe” ending were canon, where Mia dies.
• Character Development: Saving Mia allows for her character arc to continue. She grapples with her past actions and seeks to protect her family, adding depth and complexity to her role in the overarching story. This provides a richer narrative than the abrupt end to her story in the “save Zoe” ending.
• Thematic Consistency: The Resident Evil franchise, at its core, often explores themes of family, redemption, and fighting for a better future. The “save Mia” ending aligns more closely with these themes.
• Chris Redfield’s Role: Chris Redfield’s involvement in rescuing Ethan and Mia (in the “save Mia” ending) establishes a connection that carries through to Resident Evil Village. This connection would be less significant if Mia were not present.

While both endings provide compelling narratives, the game’s subsequent installments and overall thematic consistency strongly indicate that saving Mia is the canonical and intended path.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the choice between saving Mia and Zoe, and its implications for the Resident Evil universe:

1. Does the choice of serum significantly alter the gameplay after the decision? Not drastically. The primary gameplay difference is the boss fight. If you save Zoe, you fight Mia. If you save Mia, you fight a different boss. The overall structure of the Wrecked Ship segment remains largely the same.

2. Is there any indication in-game that one ending is “better” than the other? The game doesn’t explicitly label one ending as “good” or “bad,” but the narrative consequences lean heavily towards the “save Mia” ending being the more favorable one.

3. Does saving Zoe have any long-term impact on the Resident Evil timeline, even if it’s not canon? Not directly. The “save Zoe” ending is essentially a closed loop. The established narrative of Resident Evil Village doesn’t acknowledge it.

4. What happens to Ethan and Mia after the events of Resident Evil 7 if you choose to save Mia? They are rescued by Chris Redfield and relocated to Europe. They live under the protection of the BSAA (Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance) and attempt to build a normal life. This is, however, short-lived, as the events of Resident Evil Village disrupt their peace.

5. Is Zoe Baker completely absent from the Resident Evil universe after her death in the “save Zoe” ending? While she doesn’t appear physically, her existence and sacrifice are indirectly acknowledged through the knowledge that the serum was developed for her and Mia.

6. Does the End of Zoe DLC alter the canonicity of the serum choice? No. The End of Zoe DLC follows a separate storyline where Joe Baker, Zoe’s uncle, attempts to find a cure for her Mold infection after the events of the main game. This DLC does not impact the serum choice within the main story.

7. Are there any hidden story elements or collectibles that suggest which ending is favored by the developers? Not explicitly. However, the overall narrative design and the way the story progresses in subsequent games heavily imply the canonicity of the “save Mia” ending.

8. How does the canonicity of the “save Mia” ending affect the interpretation of Ethan Winters’ character arc? It allows for a more complete and nuanced exploration of Ethan’s character. He goes from a man desperately searching for his wife to a father protecting his child, demonstrating significant growth and resilience. This arc is arguably diminished if Mia dies.

9. Are there any developer statements that definitively confirm the canonicity of the “save Mia” ending? While Capcom hasn’t released a formal statement declaring it as the only canon ending, the events of Resident Evil Village serve as strong evidence that it’s the preferred and intended path.

10. If Resident Evil 7 has multiple endings, how does this relate to the concept of video game storytelling and player agency? It demonstrates the power of player choice in shaping a character’s journey and experiencing different outcomes. However, it also highlights the tension between player agency and the need for a cohesive narrative within a larger franchise. Video games often provide multiple choices, but most of the time these choices do not impact the overall outcome.

11. Could Capcom retcon the canonicity of the ending in future Resident Evil installments? While technically possible, it’s highly unlikely. The “save Mia” ending is so deeply interwoven into the narrative of Resident Evil Village that retconning it would require significant alterations to the established lore.

12. Does the “save Mia” ending offer a more satisfying conclusion to Resident Evil 7? This is subjective and depends on individual player preferences. However, given the recurring themes of family and redemption in the Resident Evil series, many players find the “save Mia” ending to be more emotionally resonant and ultimately more satisfying.

13. What if I prefer the narrative outcome of the “save Zoe” ending? Does that make my playthrough “wrong”? Absolutely not! Video games are meant to be enjoyed, and player preference is paramount. Even if an ending isn’t considered canon, it doesn’t diminish the validity of your personal experience with the game.

14. How does the choice between saving Mia and Zoe reflect broader themes within the Resident Evil series? It touches upon themes of sacrifice, difficult decisions, and the consequences of bioweapons. It also raises questions about the value of human life and the lengths people will go to protect those they love. To learn more about game choices, visit the Games Learning Society website.

15. If I’m new to the Resident Evil series, should I prioritize playing the “canon” ending first? It’s generally recommended to experience the “save Mia” ending first, as it provides the necessary context for understanding the events and character relationships in Resident Evil Village. However, exploring both endings can provide a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the story.

In conclusion, while both endings offer unique perspectives on the Resident Evil 7 narrative, the evidence strongly suggests that saving Mia is the canon choice, shaping the events of Resident Evil Village and beyond. However, remember that player experience and enjoyment are the most important aspects of gaming! You can also check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on the societal impacts of video games.