Resident Evil 7: Unveiling Ending 1 – The Good Ending
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Ending 1 in Resident Evil 7, often referred to as the “good” or canon ending, occurs when Ethan Winters chooses to give the serum to his wife, Mia, rather than Zoe. This crucial decision sets off a chain of events that lead to Mia’s rescue and a somewhat hopeful conclusion to the harrowing ordeal at the Baker estate. Unlike the alternative ending where Mia perishes, this path allows both Ethan and Mia to escape, with significant implications for the series’ narrative. This choice also directly leads to the events of the End of Zoe DLC, further cementing its importance in the overarching story.
The Path to Ending 1: Choosing Mia
The defining moment that dictates which ending you’ll receive arises late in the game. After a harrowing journey through the Baker estate and its surrounding areas, Ethan finds himself in possession of a limited dose of a serum, a possible cure for the mold infection. He is then faced with a stark choice: administer the serum to either Mia or Zoe.
Selecting Mia triggers a sequence of events that sees Ethan leaving Zoe behind. The narrative immediately shifts focus to Mia, as Ethan and she attempt to escape by boat, heading toward the Wrecked Ship. This initial phase is just the beginning of a more perilous journey.
The Wrecked Ship and Mia’s Resistance
On the ship, Ethan is captured, and players then assume control of Mia. It’s here that Mia’s strength and resolve truly shine. Despite being under the influence of Eveline, the game’s primary antagonist, Mia struggles against her manipulation. This pivotal moment highlights her desire to save Ethan, and ultimately she succeeds in freeing him. She shoves Ethan out the door while fighting off Eveline’s influence, allowing him to press forward in his fight.
The Final Confrontation and Rescue
With Mia now out of the picture for the immediate future, Ethan is once again in control. He must face and defeat Eveline, which brings the game’s main narrative to a close. Following the death of Eveline, Ethan’s fate is determined by whether he cured Mia or Zoe. In the canon ending, since Ethan chose Mia, Mia is rescued alongside Ethan in the helicopter extracted by the squad and their leader, Chris Redfield. This is the full conclusion of Ending 1. It ends with Mia alive and well and the couple being safely rescued. The game doesn’t offer any more story or scenes after this final rescue cutscene.
Significance of Ending 1
Ending 1 is considered the canon ending because it aligns with subsequent story developments in later DLC and games. It directly sets up the events of the End of Zoe DLC, which sees the character Joe Baker trying to save Zoe, establishing a direct narrative link. Moreover, it positions Mia for her later return in Resident Evil Village, confirming her survival. Choosing Mia is also considered the “good ending” as it leads to a more positive outcome for the characters, unlike the alternative where both Mia and Zoe die.
The narrative impact of this ending is crucial for the entire series’s storyline, particularly the Winters’ family arc. The decision that Ethan makes here has lasting consequences that carry over into the sequel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many endings does Resident Evil 7 actually have?
Resident Evil 7 has two main endings, which are decided by the choice to cure either Mia or Zoe with the serum. These choices impact the storyline significantly.
2. What makes Ending 1 the ‘good’ ending?
Ending 1 is often called the ‘good’ ending because it ends with Mia’s survival and rescue alongside Ethan by Chris Redfield. This represents a positive resolution compared to the tragic outcome of choosing Zoe.
3. Why is Ending 1 considered the canon ending?
The canon ending is the one where Ethan chooses to cure Mia. This aligns with the events portrayed in the End of Zoe DLC and sets the stage for Mia’s role in the events of Resident Evil Village, solidifying its narrative importance.
4. What happens if you choose Zoe instead of Mia?
If you choose Zoe, she dies on the way to the Wrecked Ship. Mia later sacrifices herself for Ethan and he is later forced to kill her when she appears later in the game due to the mold infection. In this ending, Ethan is alone when he’s rescued. This is generally considered the bad ending.
5. Does the choice between Mia and Zoe really matter?
Yes, the choice fundamentally alters the story. It influences who survives, who Ethan allies with and how the game’s conclusion unfolds. It determines the long-term narrative within the franchise.
6. Is there any gameplay difference between the endings?
While the gameplay mechanics remain the same, the story sequences, character interactions and the final rescue scene significantly change. If you give the serum to Mia, you will play a section as Mia on the wrecked ship, if you do not give the serum to Mia, that never happens.
7. What is the significance of the Wrecked Ship in Ending 1?
The Wrecked Ship serves as a pivotal location in Ending 1. It’s where Mia fights to resist Eveline’s control and where Ethan and Mia try to make their escape. It’s a turning point in their struggle against Eveline.
8. Is Mia infected with the mold in Ending 1?
Yes, Mia is infected with the black mold throughout the game. However, in Ending 1, she is cured by the serum and is later rescued alongside Ethan in the final helicopter scene.
9. Why is Mia able to fight off Eveline’s control?
Mia’s will and desire to save Ethan fuels her resistance against Eveline’s mind control. Her love and determination play a significant role in her ability to break free momentarily.
10. How does Chris Redfield fit into Ending 1?
Chris Redfield and his squad arrive to extract Ethan and Mia via helicopter after the final confrontation with Eveline. It’s in the helicopter that we get the final conclusion for the characters. This sets up his future role in the series.
11. What are the implications of the Mia ending on the broader Resident Evil story?
Mia’s survival has significant implications for the entire franchise as it leads into her role in Resident Evil Village. It also expands on the mold virus and it’s impact on individuals.
12. Why did Capcom make Mia’s ending canon?
Choosing Mia creates a more compelling and hopeful ending. It also allows Capcom to weave her story into the broader Resident Evil narrative, particularly in Village, and to set up future installments.
13. Does saving Mia affect the difficulty of the ending?
No, saving Mia doesn’t affect the difficulty level. The ending is mainly dependent on narrative choices rather than gameplay challenges.
14. Is the serum a complete cure for the mold?
The serum is a cure for the infected, but it is not fully understood. It’s also important to note that the mold does also have regenerative properties and can have unpredictable effects.
15. What if Ethan throws away Mia’s message at the end of the game?
This will only happen if Ethan chose to cure Zoe, as this is a result of not saving Mia. If you choose Mia and she is rescued, the message is never thrown away and she is with Ethan when they are rescued.
In conclusion, Ending 1 in Resident Evil 7, the one where you choose to save Mia, is the canon ending, and is ultimately considered the better, “good” ending. It is essential to the overall plot, and plays a crucial role in the series’ future. This ending provides a more positive conclusion and the path to future stories and developments within the franchise.