When Does Life is Strange 2 Take Place? Unveiling the Timeline

The main events of Life is Strange 2 are set in 2016. This crucial detail is established early in the game, specifically referencing the age of the protagonist, Sean Diaz, as 16 years old and his younger brother, Daniel Diaz, as 9 years old. The game’s narrative follows their journey from Seattle to Mexico in the months that follow. Understanding the specific timeframe is essential for grasping the context of their escape and the socio-political environment that frames their story. The game does span multiple years, with a more significant timeskip toward the end of the game, leading to different endings which take place in various later years depending on the player’s choices. However, the core journey of the brothers begins in 2016.

Delving Deeper into the Game’s Timeline

While the initial setting is rooted in 2016, the story’s impact resonates with contemporary themes of prejudice, societal unrest, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The initial portion of the story establishes Sean and Daniel’s life in Seattle, before a tragic incident forces them to flee. The game does a stellar job of grounding the player in this period with contextual details. As they travel, the boys encounter various characters and situations that add layers to the overarching narrative. The timespan of their journey isn’t explicitly stated in terms of duration, it is implied to take them across a few months as they travel south.

The Impact of Time on the Narrative

The game’s progression from 2016 to various time points in the future, allows the player to see the long-term effects of their actions. The time skips vary depending on player choices which are a critical factor in determining the ending, and reveal how the characters have grown and changed because of the events of the main game. This adds emotional weight to each playthrough, highlighting the concept of consequences. The game’s narrative isn’t purely about events happening in 2016 but the rippling impact of those events across the timeline of the main characters’ lives.

Setting the Scene

The choice of setting the story in 2016 was also key in its thematic relevance. The year allows the developers to explore social issues that are relevant, such as racial profiling and police brutality. The storyline is not limited to the personal experiences of the Diaz brothers but also reflects broader societal issues that are important to discuss. The various locations that Sean and Daniel journey to along their escape also allows for exploration of different cultures and ways of living in 2016.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Life is Strange 2’s Setting

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify the timeline of Life is Strange 2 and its connections to the broader series:

1. Where does Life is Strange 2 begin?
   The game begins in Seattle, USA, where Sean and Daniel Diaz live with their father, Esteban.

2. Where are Sean and Daniel heading throughout the game?
   Their ultimate destination is Puerto Lobos, Mexico, their father’s hometown.

3. Is Life is Strange 2 connected to the first Life is Strange?
   Narratively, Life is Strange 2 is not a direct sequel to the first game. However, there are subtle connections, like a brief cameo of Arcadia Bay in the first episode.

4. Does the state of Arcadia Bay from Life is Strange 1 impact Life is Strange 2?
   Yes, if the player sacrificed Arcadia Bay in the first game, it appears destroyed in a cutscene, and David mentions the impact on Max and Chloe in his dialogue. If not, it is presented as if it was left standing in the player’s first playthrough of Life is Strange.

5. How old is Daniel Diaz at the start of Life is Strange 2?
   Daniel is 9 years old at the beginning of the game.

6. How old is Sean Diaz at the start of Life is Strange 2?
   Sean is 16 years old at the beginning of the game.

7. What is Sean’s responsibility towards Daniel throughout the game?
   Sean is responsible for Daniel’s safety, shelter, and upbringing, guiding him through the difficult journey they undertake and the development of his powers.

8. Is Life is Strange 2 suitable for younger players?
   The game is considered more suitable for mature teenagers, due to its exploration of mature themes, such as police brutality, hate crimes, and religious abuse.

9. Are there any returning characters from the first Life is Strange?
   David Madsen, a character from the first game, is the only character from the first game who appears and has dialogue in the sequel.

10. Is Chloe Price in Life is Strange 2?
    Chloe isn’t physically present but is mentioned by David Madsen, who references the character in the first game. This reference changes based on the player’s choice in the previous game, Life is Strange.

11. What happens if you sacrificed Arcadia Bay in Life is Strange 1?
    In Life is Strange 2, David reveals that almost all of the residents die, but Max and Chloe survive.

12. How many different endings are there in Life is Strange 2?
    There are seven possible endings depending on the player’s choices throughout the game.

13. Does the game involve any themes that are unsuitable for children?
    Yes, Life is Strange 2 involves frank discussions of sex, relationships, and partying, as well as the use of cursing, smoking, drugs and alcohol.

14. What is the ethnic background of Sean and Daniel Diaz?
    They are half-Mexican, with Mexican descent on their father’s side and are implied to be at least partially Irish on their mother’s side.

15. Is Life is Strange 2 considered a good game?
    Yes, it’s widely regarded as a very well-written game with a great story, excellent pacing, and memorable characters and music.

Conclusion

Understanding that Life is Strange 2’s main plot is set in 2016 provides crucial context to the experiences of Sean and Daniel Diaz. While the narrative spans multiple years to show different outcomes depending on the player’s choices, the initial year is vital for understanding the social landscape that the characters are navigating, and understanding this key detail will make for a more immersive and thoughtful playthrough of this exceptional title. The year 2016 becomes a touchstone for the game, not just as a setting but as a point of departure for the journey the brothers must endure. This grounding in a specific time helps to anchor the game’s serious themes and complex characters.