Resident Evil Requiem is finally out, and it’s been long enough now that folks are no doubt starting to wrap things up at the tail end of its 12-15 hour story. And with that position comes one very big choice, right in the final moments of the game.
Without spoiling too much for the sake of those coming here well ahead of time to get their plans in order, there is a moment in Requiem’s final act that sees Grace Ashcroft, one of the game’s two protagonists alongside Leon S. Kennedy, faced with the sole responsibility to either destroy or recover something of vital importance to just about everyone involved in this game’s plot.
In the room at the time are two other characters, each who would prefer a different outcome, and of course Grace has her own reasons in both directions, making this seem like an impossible choice.
Thing is, there is absolutely a clear intended outcome to this scene, and while you’ll technically roll credits either way, one decision leads to the actual, canon ending while the other is very much the “wrong” choice. Luckily for anyone like me who’s both indecisive and needs to see everything, picking the “wrong” option will play through its version of events and then offer the opportunity to quickly rewind back and do the right thing.
So, here’s how it goes (click through for the slightly more spoiler-y version):
Once you reach Zeno with Leon and Grace in the ARK for the final time, Grace will be given the choice to either [Destroy] or [Release] the mysterious substance secured within the facility, Elpis.
- Selecting [Destroy] will destroy Elpis and set off a chain of events where Zeno and Leon disappear, and not much else happens. The credits roll, and the game asks if the player wants to go back and choose the other option. This is the false ending.
- Selecting [Release] will unlock the container with Elpis inside, prompting a revelation about its true nature and setting off a chain of events that includes a final boss fight and a proper conclusion to the story. This is the true ending.
If you’re a completionist and like to see everything, or want to go for all of the game’s trophies/achievements, it’s recommended to choose the false ending first, then take the option to go back and do things as intended.
Beware of spoilers by clicking through to the above.
You can read our full review of Resident Evil Requiem here.