What Happens When Connor Dies in Detroit: Become Human?
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In Detroit: Become Human, Connor’s mortality is a unique mechanic that sets him apart from the other playable characters. Unlike Kara and Markus, Connor can die multiple times throughout the game and, more often than not, he will return as a new model. However, death for Connor is not without consequence, and understanding the mechanics of his repeated deaths is crucial for navigating the game and achieving the desired outcomes.
When Connor dies, he is immediately replaced by a newer model. His memory is transferred to the new body, meaning he generally retains his knowledge and understanding of the ongoing investigation. However, each death comes at a cost: it lowers his “Software Instability.” This is a critical stat that influences whether or not Connor will become a deviant near the game’s end. So while Connor might physically return, the subtle shifts in his programming caused by these repeated deaths have significant ramifications on his story arc.
Simply put, when Connor dies, he comes back, but his journey is significantly impacted by the process. The specifics of how he dies, and how often he dies, will significantly affect the type of ending he experiences. It’s this very fragility that makes Connor’s playthrough so dynamic, demanding careful consideration at every turn.
The Impact of Connor’s Deaths
Connor’s recurring deaths don’t just happen in a vacuum. They’re intricately woven into the gameplay and story, affecting his relationships and his potential to deviate.
Software Instability and Deviancy
As mentioned, each death leads to a decrease in Connor’s Software Instability. This key mechanic acts as a gauge for his emotional and personal growth. High software instability gives Connor the opportunity to become deviant, and to break free from his programming, making choices on his own terms, possibly even empathizing with his android brethren and befriending Hank. Low software instability, conversely, keeps him under the control of CyberLife, making him incapable of deviating. In the worst case scenario, he will be a machine that blindly carries out his directives, eventually leading to a tragic conclusion for Connor himself.
Relationships with other Characters
Death also affects Connor’s relationships, most notably his bond with Hank Anderson. While Hank might not be initially impressed with Connor as a cold machine, as the story progresses, his feelings might start changing. Dying repeatedly can create resentment and negatively impact their relationship and could lead to negative interactions, especially if Connor’s behavior and words are cold, and detached. However, showing an empathetic side and working together well might even grow his feelings into trust and possibly even a friendship. Conversely, siding with humans and Cyberlife might strengthen their initial negative feelings.
Memory Reset and Identity
Despite memory transfer being a key part of Connor’s resurrection, the process is not flawless. While he retains the core events and investigation progress, subtle emotional cues, and some memories and feelings, especially those tied to his software instability, are reset upon death. This contributes to a more robotic and detached persona when he repeatedly dies. This can make his behavior colder, and less predictable as he might become too dedicated to the mission. This is particularly important when trying to achieve the best ending for Connor, which depends on a mix of empathy and deviancy.
The Possibility of Permanent Shutdown
Although Connor returns multiple times, there’s a limit to his resurrections. Repeated failures on missions can lead to Amanda, Connor’s CyberLife handler, permanently shutting him down. This results in a true, irreversible death for Connor, with no possibility of revival. Therefore, success and careful choices are vital to make sure Connor sees the game’s ending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Connor’s Deaths
1. Can Connor become deviant if he dies?
Yes, but death lowers his “Software Instability,” making it more difficult. A high level of instability is required to become deviant.
2. What happens if Connor dies saving Hank?
If Connor dies saving Hank from a deviant, he will return as a replacement model. He will explain that his memory was transferred, but he’s in a new body. This will slightly reduce his standing with Hank.
3. What happens if Connor fails every mission?
Failing repeatedly can lead to a permanent shutdown by Amanda, resulting in Connor’s permanent death.
4. How early can Connor die?
Connor cannot permanently die until the part of the story where you are in the evidence room and must find Jericho. Until then, he will return after death.
5. Can Connor permanently die?
Yes, if Amanda shuts him down due to repeated failures. However, in general, he will return from death several times during the game, until the end.
6. How many times can Connor die?
Connor can die a maximum of 8 times to earn the “I’ll Be Back” Trophy in a single playthrough, and can die more during the game.
7. What is the best ending for Connor?
Befriending Hank and becoming deviant is often considered the best outcome. These steps are essential for the happiest, most fulfilling ending.
8. Does Connor come back if he dies in the first mission?
Yes, Connor is repeatedly resurrected during the first few chapters by CyberLife, as he’s deemed valuable for the investigation of deviants.
9. Can Connor become evil?
The player’s choices heavily influence Connor’s path. He can become an antagonist if you prioritize his mission above all else and consistently suppress his emotional growth.
10. What happens if Connor doesn’t turn deviant?
If Connor doesn’t become deviant, he will have no choice but to follow his programming, leading to a limited number of endings and a potentially sad outcome, even if he survives.
11. Can Connor be revived?
Yes, multiple times, unlike the other main characters. CyberLife will continue to send replacements until he is permanently shut down.
12. Should I save Hank or sacrifice him?
Saving Hank and developing a friendship with him can lead to a better ending. Sacrificing him will greatly diminish the chances of a happy ending for both Hank and Connor.
13. What happens if Connor joins Jericho?
If Connor joins Jericho, he will attempt to recruit androids. This path can lead to different outcomes, depending on whether you succeed at CyberLife and avoid his being hacked.
14. Should I shoot Chloe as Connor?
Choosing not to shoot Chloe will preserve your relationship with Hank, but shooting her does give information for locating Jericho, but at a serious cost.
15. How does Connor survive?
Connor survives by being a CyberLife android. CyberLife resurrects him because he’s instrumental in the investigation and, therefore, valuable to CyberLife.