Should I Blame Chloe? Navigating the Complex Choices in Life is Strange
The question of whether to blame Chloe in the early stages of Life is Strange is a pivotal one, setting the tone for your entire playthrough and influencing the trajectory of Max’s relationships, particularly with Chloe herself. The short answer is: no, you should almost certainly not blame Chloe. While blaming her might seem like the easiest path to avoid immediate trouble for Max, the long-term consequences are deeply detrimental to both the narrative and the bond between Max and Chloe. Let’s explore why.
The Immediate Impact of Blaming Chloe
Consequences of Blaming Chloe
If you choose to blame Chloe for the weed discovered at Blackwell Academy, you’ll witness immediate negative consequences. David Madsen will react with violence, physically assaulting Chloe. More importantly, Chloe will be incredibly hurt and disappointed by Max’s betrayal. This single choice significantly impacts the dynamic between the two characters, making a romantic relationship between them virtually impossible to develop throughout the game. It creates a chasm of mistrust that permeates their interactions, souring the overall experience.
The Alternative: Taking the Blame
On the other hand, if Max takes the blame, Chloe remains in good spirits and demonstrates her appreciation. She’ll even show Max the stolen gun, a gesture of trust and closeness. While taking the blame might lead to a permanent mark on Max’s Blackwell record, this relatively minor consequence is dwarfed by the damage done to the relationship by blaming Chloe.
Long-Term Implications and Relationship Dynamics
Strengthening the Bond with Chloe
The overarching theme of Life is Strange revolves around the complex relationship between Max and Chloe. Choosing to support Chloe, even when it’s difficult, is paramount to nurturing this bond. Taking the blame, while seemingly a small act, communicates to Chloe that Max has her back and values their friendship above all else. This foundation of trust and loyalty is essential for experiencing the full emotional depth of the game and allows for the development of a stronger, more fulfilling relationship, whether platonic or romantic.
Unlocking Romantic Potential
For players interested in a romantic arc, blaming Chloe essentially shuts that door. The game rewards players who consistently side with Chloe and demonstrates that their relationship is more than just childhood friends. Choosing to take the blame early is a crucial step towards that potential.
A Deeper Emotional Connection
Beyond romantic possibilities, supporting Chloe through the initial stages creates a stronger emotional connection to the character. You’ll witness her vulnerabilities and appreciate her reliance on Max’s support. This creates a deeper investment in Chloe’s wellbeing and makes the subsequent difficult choices all the more meaningful.
Should you sacrifice Chloe or Arcadia Bay?
The ultimate choice in Life is Strange, to sacrifice Chloe or Arcadia Bay, is the final test of your choices. Choosing to stand by Chloe through all of the difficult moments in the game makes the decision to save her a far easier one for most players. Blaming her in the beginning can severely hinder your ability to do that when the choice comes down to saving her or not. While sacrificing Arcadia Bay may seem like the “bad ending” to some, the game provides compelling reasons to see it as the natural consequence of nurturing your relationship with Chloe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I choose to blame Chloe for the weed?
Blaming Chloe results in David physically harming her and Chloe becoming very upset with Max. It also blocks the possibility of a romantic relationship between them.
2. What if I take the blame for the weed?
Chloe will be in a good mood and will show Max the stolen gun. Max might have a permanent stain on her Blackwell record.
3. Will Chloe be paralyzed if I side with her?
Yes, unfortunately, Chloe’s paralysis is a fixed event in the timeline that Max cannot change through her time-rewinding power.
4. Should I give the gun back to Chloe?
This is a difficult choice, but keeping the gun can lead to Chloe killing Frank and potentially his dog, something many players wish to avoid. It might be kinder to leave it, to try and protect her from that burden, but this may make a fight with Frank harder if you dont have a gun.
5. Can I stop Chloe’s dad from dying?
Yes, by hiding the car keys in the sink full of water in the kitchen in the altered timeline, you can prevent William from taking his fatal car journey.
6. What happens if Max kisses Chloe?
Kissing Chloe will lead to the development of a more romantic relationship. If you choose to avoid a romantic relationship, it will continue as platonic friendship.
7. Is it better to save Chloe or Arcadia Bay?
This is a personal choice with no right answer. Both options are viable and have compelling reasons to support them. Most players who consistently side with Chloe will choose to save her, and be more satisfied with the ending.
8. What happens if I sacrifice Chloe?
If you sacrifice Chloe, you save Arcadia Bay, but Max must live in the timeline where she dies. All previous time rewinds and choices are undone.
9. Why does Chloe end up in a wheelchair?
Chloe is paralyzed at the end of episode three due to an altered timeline, which cannot be changed.
10. Should I tell David the truth about Chloe’s death (in the alternate timeline)?
If you tell David the truth, he will kill Jefferson. If you lie, Jefferson will go to jail, and Max will be back in Arcadia Bay when the tornado hits.
11. Should I answer Kate’s call or go with Chloe?
Answering Kate’s call is important for saving her life. However, those wishing to develop a more romantic relationship with Chloe will often ignore Kate’s call.
12. Is it better to be nice to Victoria?
Being nice to Victoria can lead to her trusting Max in Episode 4 and results in her major decision later which can alter the ending. It will also make her friendlier to Max throughout the story.
13. Should Chloe keep the money?
It’s recommended to let Chloe keep the money, as it makes the encounter with Frank easier and strengthens their friendship.
14. Can Chloe and Max get together at the end?
Yes, if you support Chloe throughout the game and choose to save her, they will share a kiss and will solidify their love for each other.
15. What is the consequence of sacrificing Arcadia Bay?
If you choose to save Chloe, everyone else in Arcadia Bay likely dies, leaving only Max and Chloe to drive off together. In Life is Strange 2 you learn nearly every resident of Arcadia Bay has died.
Conclusion
The choice to blame or support Chloe in Life is Strange is one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make. While blaming her might seem inconsequential at first, it has profound implications for Max and Chloe’s relationship. By choosing to support Chloe and take the blame, you foster a deeper bond, unlock romantic potential, and enhance your emotional investment in the story, setting yourself up for a much more rewarding and fulfilling gameplay experience. In short, always side with Chloe.