Should Mike Shoot Emily in Until Dawn? A Comprehensive Guide

The pivotal question of whether Mike should shoot Emily in Until Dawn is one that haunts many players. The short answer? No, Mike should not shoot Emily. While the game presents it as a potentially life-or-death decision, killing Emily is ultimately detrimental and unnecessary. The game cleverly uses fear and misinformation to manipulate players into thinking that a fatal shot is the only solution. But, a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics and narrative reveals that sparing Emily’s life is the more beneficial path.

The “Exorcism Of Emily” Trap

The game tempts players with the “Exorcism Of Emily” Bronze Trophy, awarded for shooting her. This, combined with the tension of the moment, can pressure you into pulling the trigger. However, this is a classic case of the game preying on player anxieties. The fear of the unknown, the belief that the Wendigo bite might be contagious, and the desire for immediate safety create a recipe for rash decisions.

The game wants you to believe that the bite automatically turns someone into a monster, but as the story progresses, it is established that it’s the act of cannibalism that truly transforms humans into Wendigo. The game provides evidence that the Wendigo’s bite does not cause transformation, but rather the Wendigo spirit needs a host to inhabit, and they are often found in a body that has resorted to cannibalism.

The Benefits of Sparing Emily

Choosing to spare Emily unlocks the “Let eM In” Bronze Trophy, which is a more favorable outcome for the following reasons:

• Narrative Depth: Sparing Emily reveals the truth about the bite. Ashley, after research, discovers that Wendigo bites aren’t contagious. This plot point would be missed if Mike shoots her. This pivotal piece of information is crucial in alleviating the group’s fear and is key to the group dynamics.
• Relationship Management: If Mike shoots Emily, her death has drastic consequences for the group dynamics and his relationship with other survivors, as they will be horrified and distrusting of his rash actions.
• Emily’s Survival: Sparing Emily increases her chances of surviving the entire night. Remember, a failed escape later in Chapter Ten is what really ends her.
• Moral Implications: Killing Emily, while emotionally driven, is an act of needless violence against a friend in need. Choosing not to succumb to fear aligns with a more heroic path.

The Misinformation Campaign

The game actively uses misinformation to influence the player’s choice. The frantic nature of the moment and the perceived threat push players towards desperate measures, such as killing a friend. The game uses dramatic camera angles, ominous music, and the immediate perceived danger to emphasize the threat. However, this is a tactic used to manipulate the player, forcing them to question what they might deem rational choices.

The game wants you to overreact, to fall into the trap of believing that killing Emily is the only solution. But, by understanding the true nature of the Wendigo and its influence on human behavior, players can make more rational choices.

The Butterfly Effect and Consequences

The Butterfly Effect system in Until Dawn highlights how each choice has a cascading effect. Choosing to shoot Emily has several consequences:

• Emily’s Death: Obviously, the most immediate outcome is that Emily dies.
• Ashley’s Confession: When it is revealed that the bite is not contagious, Ashley will confess that she knew all along. This can have severe consequences on her relationship with Mike.
• Group Discord: The group dynamics are irrevocably changed, with distrust and fear festering within the group due to Mike’s extreme actions.

Understanding the Wendigo Lore

Understanding the lore surrounding the Wendigos is crucial for making informed decisions. They aren’t zombies with contagious bites; they are humans who have succumbed to an ancient curse linked to cannibalism. The Wendigo spirit needs a host, which typically happens after the act of cannibalism, and it does not simply transform people through biting. This distinction is important because it disproves the urgency of Mike’s decision to kill Emily.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Mike should spare Emily. While the game presents a difficult choice, it’s important to see past the fear and understand the bigger picture. Choosing to kill Emily creates a narrative filled with distrust, unnecessary death, and prevents players from getting the complete picture of the game’s lore. Choosing mercy in this critical moment is the most beneficial and narratively rewarding decision for all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different outcomes if Mike chooses to shoot or not shoot Emily?

Shooting Emily unlocks the “Exorcism Of Emily” Bronze Trophy, results in her death, increased distrust within the group, and Ashley’s confession. Sparing Emily unlocks the “Let eM In” Bronze Trophy, allows for the discovery that Wendigo bites aren’t contagious, and keeps Emily alive for more potential plot points.

2. Is the Wendigo bite contagious in Until Dawn?

No. While the game initially leads players to believe that it is, it is revealed that the bite itself does not cause a transformation. The transformation into a Wendigo is the result of cannibalism and the resulting possession by the Wendigo spirit.

3. What happens if Matt doesn’t save Emily?

If Matt chooses to jump to safety instead of saving Emily at the radio tower, she will survive, however, she will be angry with him later, which affects their relationship.

4. How can Emily escape the Wendigo without being bitten?

Emily can avoid being bitten by successfully using the flare gun against the Wendigo. Missing the shot will result in the Wendigo biting her.

5. What race is Emily in Until Dawn?

Emily is a young Asian-American woman with above shoulder-length black hair, light brown eyes, an olive complexion, and a small birthmark above her right eyebrow.

6. Does a Wendigo bite turn you into a Wendigo in Until Dawn?

No, a Wendigo bite doesn’t transform you. A person becomes a Wendigo by resorting to cannibalism while the spirit of a Wendigo is free to possess them.

7. Can Mike lose his fingers?

Yes, if Mike uses the bear trap to escape the mine, he risks losing fingers. If he avoids the trap altogether, he doesn’t lose any.

8. What happens if Emily gives Matt the flare gun?

If Emily gives the flare gun to Matt, he can either use it immediately or save it for later, depending on his choices regarding the radio tower.

9. Who is the final girl in Until Dawn?

Samantha Giddings is considered the final girl, as her actions determine the fate of the other characters.

10. How does Hannah become a Wendigo?

Hannah becomes a Wendigo after being trapped in the mines and resorting to cannibalism by eating her sister Beth. This act made her vulnerable to a Wendigo spirit.

11. Is it possible to save Josh from becoming a Wendigo?

No, Josh ultimately becomes a Wendigo. This transformation occurs after he consumes the head of the flamethrower guy, which triggers the Wendigo spirit.

12. What happens if Sam dies in Until Dawn?

If Sam dies, Emily (along with Chris and Ashley, potentially), escapes the lodge.

13. Should Sam throw the vase or run in the lodge?

Sam can choose to throw the vase or run, either action results in progressing into the next room.

14. What is the bad ending in Until Dawn?

The very bad ending occurs when all the characters except for Mike and Sam are dead by the time they reach the lodge for the final sequence.

15. What happens if Matt sides with Emily?

If Matt sides with Emily and shows support and concern, his relationship with her will increase slightly.