In the dramatic conclusion of "Resident Evil Requiem," players face a pivotal decision that shapes the game's ultimate outcome, leading to one of two distinct finales. This choice, made by the protagonist Grace deep beneath Raccoon City, centers on the fate of a mysterious entity known as Elpis. The game presents a clear fork in the narrative path: either to destroy Elpis, which leads to a non-canonical and less favorable conclusion, or to release it, setting the stage for the true, canonical ending and the ultimate confrontation with the game's final adversary. Understanding the implications of each option is crucial for players aiming to experience the full story and unlock all post-game content.
The Critical Juncture: Destroying or Releasing Elpis in Resident Evil Requiem
As Grace and Leon converge outside Pandora and enter the terminal chamber, a tense moment unfolds where Grace reveals her knowledge of a password to access Spencer's secret weapon. Players are then tasked with a critical choice: either to input the correct password and unleash Elpis, or deliberately enter an incorrect one, causing the ARK to collapse. This singular decision, uninfluenced by prior gameplay, is the sole determinant of the game's ending.
Opting to destroy Elpis triggers what is widely considered the "bad ending" of "Resident Evil Requiem." This path concludes with the destruction of the ARK and the demise of a key character, akin to an alternate, non-canonical outcome. Upon reaching this ending and viewing the credits, players are given the opportunity to revert to the moment just before this choice. Notably, there are no achievements linked to this particular conclusion, suggesting its role as more of a narrative "what if" rather than a fully developed alternate storyline.
Conversely, choosing to release Elpis leads players down the path to the "good ending." Grace automatically inputs Spencer's password, initiating an extended cutscene that seamlessly transitions into the final boss battle. Following this climactic encounter, several more cutscenes play out before the credits roll. Subsequently, players receive a comprehensive tally of their earned challenge points, which can then be utilized to acquire new weapons and upgrades for subsequent playthroughs, encouraging deeper engagement with the game's mechanics and replayability.
The intricate narrative choices within "Resident Evil Requiem" offer a profound exploration of consequence and player agency. The distinction between the two endings not only provides a compelling reason for multiple playthroughs but also underscores the weight of Grace's decision. It serves as a reminder that even in virtual worlds, choices have significant repercussions, shaping destinies and altering perceptions of victory and loss. This design choice enriches the gaming experience, pushing players to consider the moral and strategic implications of their actions within the grim universe of Resident Evil.
