Should You Tell Riley in Life is Strange: True Colors? A Definitive Guide
Navigating the complex relationships in Life is Strange: True Colors requires careful consideration, and one decision stands out as particularly impactful: whether or not to tell Riley about Eleanor’s situation. This choice has significant repercussions on character relationships and ultimately affects the ending you receive. So, should you tell Riley? The short answer is no, not if you are aiming for the best possible outcome for Alex. Keeping Eleanor’s confidence is key to unlocking a more positive resolution for Alex at the end of the game.
The Ripple Effect of Your Choice
The consequences of this seemingly simple decision are far-reaching. Let’s explore the direct impacts of each choice:
Telling Riley the Truth
If you choose to tell Riley about Eleanor’s condition, several things happen:
- Relationship with Mac Ends: Your disclosure will effectively terminate Riley’s relationship with Mac, likely due to her feeling betrayed and questioning the foundation of their connection.
- Stronger Bond with Riley: You will solidify your friendship with Riley. She’ll likely appreciate your honesty and confide in you further.
- Negative Impact on End Game: Crucially, this choice will result in Eleanor not speaking up for Alex at the final confrontation. This is a significant setback as it reduces the overall support Alex receives.
- Riley Leaves Haven: Telling Riley leads to her staying in Haven. This is also a negative consequence in terms of her personal growth.
Keeping Eleanor’s Secret
Choosing not to tell Riley keeps Eleanor’s secret safe and has these results:
- Riley Leaves Haven: Riley will eventually leave Haven to pursue her aspirations elsewhere, which is a positive step for her character development.
- Eleanor’s Support: Eleanor will speak up for Alex during the critical meeting in Chapter 5. Her testimony will paint Alex as a trustworthy individual, which is paramount to the story’s end game.
- Maintains a Positive Outcome: By maintaining Eleanor’s trust, you gain a crucial ally who believes in you at the most vital moment in the game.
Why Keeping the Secret is the Best Choice (For Alex)
While honesty might seem like the best policy, Life is Strange: True Colors presents a moral dilemma that forces players to consider the practical implications of their choices. In this case, keeping Eleanor’s confidence is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome for Alex.
The game clearly frames it as a strategic decision. By choosing to protect Eleanor’s secret, you are making a tactical choice to gain Eleanor’s support later on in the story, which greatly benefits Alex.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the complexities surrounding this decision and other aspects of Life is Strange: True Colors, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. What is the worst ending in Life is Strange: True Colors?
The worst ending sees Alex completely isolated. Nobody believes Alex in the final confrontation, Jed and Typhon get away, and Alex is forced to leave Haven and go back to foster care. It is an ending marked by betrayal and complete failure.
2. Does it matter if I go with Gabe’s story or come clean about the situation?
No, your choice to go along with Gabe’s story or come clean has minimal impact on the game’s overall narrative. Jed will put you to work regardless. This is more of a role-playing choice than a plot-altering one.
3. Can Gabe’s death be prevented in Life is Strange: True Colors?
Unfortunately, Gabe’s death is a fixed narrative event in Life is Strange: True Colors. No matter what choices you make, he will die in the avalanche.
4. How do you romance Ryan in Life is Strange: True Colors?
To romance Ryan, you need to give him a rose at the Haven Spring Festival and kiss him on the rooftop during the festival. These are the two pivotal moments to solidify a romantic relationship.
5. How do you romance Steph in True Colors?
To romance Steph, you need to choose her at several points in the game, including giving her a rose at the Spring Festival and kissing her on the rooftop during the festival. This is the final confirmation of a romantic relationship.
6. What happens if Alex takes Pike’s fear?
If Alex takes Pike’s fear, he will let her go without signing the Typhon affidavit and keep the USB drive with evidence against Diane and Typhon. The rest of the chapter plays out similarly as if you signed the affidavit.
7. Who is the main antagonist in True Colors?
The main antagonist in Life is Strange: True Colors is Jedediah “Jed” Lucan, the bartender at the Black Lantern and Ryan’s father.
8. Who should Alex give the rose to?
Giving a rose is a critical choice because it locks you into the romance option you choose. You should give the rose to either Ryan or Steph depending on which character you prefer to romance.
9. Does Steph stay with Alex at the end of the game?
Yes, if you have chosen the correct romantic options throughout the game, and especially if you kiss her on the roof, Steph will be with Alex whether she decides to stay in Haven or leave.
10. How many jelly beans are in the jar in True Colors?
Using Alex’s power, you can discover that there are exactly 731 jelly beans in the jar.
11. Was Riley immune in The Last of Us?
No, Riley was not immune to the Cordyceps infection in The Last of Us. She succumbs to the virus.
12. How old is Alex in True Colors?
Alex is 21 years old in Life is Strange: True Colors.
13. Should Alex take away Charlotte’s anger?
It’s actually better not to take away Charlotte’s anger. Although it may feel like you’re not helping her at the time, it’s the best decision for her long term. She will still have her emotions intact when you meet her later.
14. Should you forgive or condemn Jed at the end of the game?
The choice to forgive or condemn Jed has minimal impact on the story’s outcome. It is mostly a personal preference and a chance to fully express Alex’s feelings towards his betrayal.
15. Is it better for Alex to be with Steph or Ryan?
The “better” romantic partner is entirely subjective. However, Steph is generally considered a more compatible romantic partner for Alex due to the depth of their interactions and shared experiences. Ultimately, it is your choice.
Conclusion
The decision of whether to tell Riley about Eleanor’s situation in Life is Strange: True Colors exemplifies the game’s focus on consequential choices. While the temptation to be honest with Riley might be strong, choosing to keep Eleanor’s secret is the more strategic path that contributes to a positive end game for Alex. Understanding the intricate web of relationships and consequences in the game is key to making the most informed decisions and experiencing the full emotional impact of the story. Remember, the choices you make have a ripple effect, and sometimes, the most morally ambiguous path can lead to the most favorable outcome.