Life is Strange: Double Exposure Walkthrough Guide
Max Caulfield returns in the new adventure Life is Strange: Double Exposure, which takes place several years after the first part. In this guide, we will describe a detailed walkthrough of the game and outline the consequences of each possible decision.
Chapter 1. Still Life
We have divided the guide into five chapters and structured each by location. For ease of understanding, we have added subtitles indicating which timeline you need to be in — «World of Life» or «World of Death».
Bowling
Start by examining the shelf, then lift it to gain access to the next location. You are now in an abandoned bar combined with a bowling alley. Go through the available dialogue options, interacting with the characters. When you are offered to take a picture, don't miss the opportunity and take the photo.
Then look around and take a photo of the stain on the wall. Continue exploring the debris of the bowling club and take a photo pointing to the back of the lane. Follow the marked path until you reach the talisman. After that, remove the tarp covering the planet structure to see what is hidden beneath it.
Approach the shoe shelf and take a photo. Then use the shelf on the left to climb to the next floor. Follow the corridor and go through the door at the end. Once inside, don't forget to photograph the planets. After that, wait for Safi to set up the ladder and carefully climb down.
The Biting Turtle
Go through the dialogue options with Safi. During the conversation, she will ask about Chloe, and you will have to make an important choice — decide whether she is alive or dead.
- If you tell Safi that Chloe is dead, this will become her reality. This choice will affect your relationship with Safi and may change the course of events. In the first two chapters of the game, Max will not receive text messages from Chloe, but she will see messages from Joyce (Chloe's mom) and Victoria. The women have managed to move on after the tragic loss of Chloe. Victoria, for example, has become a successful fashion photographer;
- If you tell Safi that you and Chloe have drifted apart, it will hint that your bond has weakened despite everything that happened in the previous part. When you check your phone, you will find old text messages from Chloe as well as recent posts that remind you of her. Additionally, you can look into Max's journal entries to try to piece together the events that happened between them. Although the details may not always be clear, these entries will help you better understand their relationship and how it has changed over time.
Your next task in the bar is to find out what Amanda is interested in. Interact with the board and gather phrases from Safi and Reggie, then talk to Amanda to tell her the worst pickup line.
During the dialogue, you will also have to decide whether you are going on a date or just a friendly meeting.
Friendly Meeting or Date?
- If you tell Amanda that you are meeting as a friend, it won't close the door for a possible romance in the future. In the first two chapters, she won't make any moves towards Max, but she will be incredibly friendly and supportive.
- If you tell her that you are inviting her on a date, it will start the process of a romantic relationship. However, after the tragic events that will soon occur, Amanda will decide to stay with you as a friend, understanding that this is what you need right now.
Observatory
After completing the dialogue, you will have to make an important choice: the mug from which the heroine is going to drink.
After completing the dialogue, take a photo of Safi, then approach Moses for a conversation. You will need to discreetly hand Safi the lid, which most likely has a bug hidden in it.
None of the existing options will ensure a successful outcome, despite all your efforts and attempts to hide the lid in some place. Even if you try to place it in the most unexpected places, the result will still be the same.
Photograph the moon during the dialogue with friends, then watch the cutscene. After that, head to the fountain to photograph the owl.
However, after this, the heroine will suddenly feel worse and faint. Waking up in blood, you will see tracks in the snow. Run to the observation deck, following Safi's tracks.
Hellerton
After watching the cutscene, interact with the dresser to choose an outfit. Go downstairs and clean up the dirty napkins from the couch, the DVDs from the coffee table, and the box of memorabilia next to the couch. After that, Amanda will visit you.
Talk to her about all the proposed topics, then take a photo of Amanda. After that, Yasmin will call you, also go through the dialogue options. Once finished, accompany your friend outside.
Quad
You need to meet Yasmin in the Administration building. When you enter, approach Vinh and talk to him. He will inform you that Yasmin is currently busy and you need to help her.
Outside, you will meet a man in the gazebo. Pick up the box lying nearby and talk to him. Go through all the options and don't forget to ask about the puzzle box.
How to Solve the Abraxas Box Puzzle (Part 1)
Rotate the box until you see the side with the Founder Statue. Examine it. Then change the angle and look at the side with the bird image. Max will ask Reggie to melt the wax around the bird, and it will pop out. Place the bird on the statue's shoulder.
Now the first part is completed. Next time you are in Hellerton, Max's house, you can interact with the box again to finish the puzzle.
Taking the box with you, continue down the path and go through the second door on the left to enter the building.
Administration Building
Entering the building, turn left and talk to Vinh. He will ask you to help him find a package. Exit the office and go straight — the mailbox is at the last door on the left.
Next, head to the library — from the mailroom, turn right to find and talk to Gwen. Examine the locked cabinet in the library. Then return to Vinh's office and take the spoon lying next to the coffee machine.
Use the spoon on the locked cabinet in the library. Then go through the dialogue options with Gwen. After that, return to Vinh, and he will lead you to Yasmin's office. Talk on all the proposed topics, choose a photo of the deceased girl for the ceremony. Leave Yasmin's office and give Vinh his package, receiving the trophy «Mail Gaze». Then exit the office and go straight down the corridor to enter the Arts Faculty building.
Arts Faculty
Go straight until you meet Loretta and Gwen. During the dialogue, you will have to decide whether to give the girl an interview or not.
Give an Interview or Decline?
If you decide to agree, Loretta will ask Max several rather sharp questions for her podcast. She may respond reluctantly, but even with minimal data, Loretta will find a way to use it against you. At the end of the conversation, she will ask if Safi had angered anyone, and you can mention Gwen, Vinh, or Safi's mother.
If you uncover Loretta's trick and refuse to answer, she will go to Gwen to report you. Gwen will not approve of the student's behavior and, being displeased with your eavesdropping, will say: «I thought we were on the same page» and «leave me alone» before slamming her office door in your face.
Then head to the café to find Moses. You can first choose a hot chocolate. After that, talk to Moses and go through all the dialogue options.
Quad
Going outside with the man, conduct a series of dialogues. Now it's time to show your abilities. You need to follow the «other» Moses. Press R1/RB to «pulse,» and you will see objects with an orange outline. Follow the path and press R1 to see Moses.
Keep pulsing and follow Moses. If you lose him, he will eventually end up at a large statue and sit on a bench. When Safi approaches the bench, wait for her to speak, then choose a dialogue option. When prompted, press L1 to rewind time. Now your friend will be alive again.
Chapter 2. Penumbra. Biting Turtle
Once in the bar, you will see a dialogue between Safi and her mother. Here you will need to switch between the worlds of life and death to understand the situation and make the right choices.
World of Life
Talk to Safi and Yasmin, going through the available dialogue options. When you have the opportunity to move freely, go to the bathroom and press L1 to switch to another timeline.
World of Death
Exit the bathroom and talk to Amanda at the bar. Then return to the bathroom and switch back to the «World of Life.»
World of Life
Talk to Amanda again, then return to Safi and Yasmin and take their picture. After that, discuss all the available topics. Then return to the bathroom and switch to the other world again.
World of Death
Examine the cow skull that towers above the stage but is impossible to reach. Return to the bathroom to switch the timeline again.
World of Life
Take the stepladder standing near the spruce. Then return to the bathroom and switch back to the death timeline.
World of Death
Interact with the cow skull above the stage again and choose «Inspect.» Rotate the skull until you notice the signature on one of the horns. After that, return to the bathroom to switch timelines.
World of Life
Exit through the door leading to the terrace, where you will notice two young people. They will have the bathroom key in their hands. Talk to them to learn more about their intentions, then head back inside and try to switch to an alternative timeline.
World of Death
Enter the room and use the R1 key to activate the pulse and carefully listen to the conversation. After the conversation ends, go to the bar and take the bathroom key lying next to the bar.
World of Life
Hang the bathroom key on the key hook, and you will receive the trophy Loyal Flush. Then talk to Amanda about the skull.
Quad
Reach the opposite shore of the lake and capture the snowman in the camera lens. Then head to Vinh, who is at the foot of the large statue at the entrance to the FAB building. After the conversation, you will need to return to the opposite shore to talk to Diamond, who is waiting on the bench. All that remains is to enter the building.
Arts Faculty
World of Life
Head right towards the library, where you will meet Lucas. He is ready to tell you important information about his book, which features a cow skull on the cover. During the conversation, you will need to be inventive and find a way to subtly distract him to get a chance to look into the briefcase.
Take the marker from the table and use it on the stand behind the man. Approach Lucas and tell him about the hooligans who ruined his stand. As soon as he gets up from the table, take the chance to grab the case key.
World of Death
Search the briefcase. When you decide to close it, Max will find an important paper. Unfortunately, Lucas will notice you rummaging through his things and will beg you not to send the photo to the girl.
Send the photo or delete it?
- If you decide to trust Lucas's story: Max, wearing gloves, will delete the photo right in front of him. This act will become an important moment in their interaction. During the first two chapters, Max does not inform Safi about the restraining order, and Lucas will be grateful for this gesture, understanding that she shows trust and respect for his situation;
- If you decide to send the photo: This will have serious consequences. In the first two chapters, you will not receive a response from Safi, leaving the situation uncertain. However, Lucas, finding out about your action, will be furious and will remember that you did not support him in his request. This will be a betrayal for him, and he will feel that the trust between you has been broken. This development will not only complicate your relationship with Lucas but may also affect further interactions with Safi, creating additional tension in the plot.
World of Life
Next, you need to go to Gwen's office. After the cutscene, enter and examine the books lying on the side. Inspect the table and pay attention to the compositions. You have the opportunity to change Loretta's grade, which may affect her perception of the situation and your further interactions with her.
If you decide to leave Loretta's grade unchanged, she will receive a «B» instead of a «B-». Note that this Loretta is different from the one who interviewed you for her podcast. Therefore, not lowering the grade for this random student may be the most reasonable decision.
After this, examine the computer and play all three messages on the answering machine. Then switch to another timeline.
World of Death
Water the plants in the office to get the achievement «Thirst Trap». Then take a picture of the unusual bookstand on the shelf to the left of the table.
Listen to all three messages on the answering machine again, and then look at the calendar on the wall. This will help you use the computer to find information about Gwen's conversation with Maria.
World of Life
Exit Gwen's office and go left to talk to Vinh. The guy will tell you about an incredible oddity — he forgot the password to his phone.
World of Death
You need to get into his phone after finding out the password. Talking to the man, you will learn about a certain Jack Parsons — the date of his death is the phone password. Head to the library and study the books shown in the photo.
World of Life
Approach the man's table and unlock the phone. From there, you will learn that Safi was cheating on her boyfriend.
Observation Path
World of Life
After watching the cutscene where Reiji tells you that he saw his second self, follow the path and pay attention to the «Heart Stopper» candy bag on the floor just past the gate. Pick it up. Continue along the path until you encounter an obstacle. At this point, you can switch to the dead timeline.
World of Death
Continue moving until you reach the police barricade. Then use the switch next to the warning tape to transition to the parallel timeline.
World of Life
Climb to the top. Once you get there, you will find Gwen. Take some time to chat with her.
Save the data or support Gwen?
She will show you a flash drive with «evidence». You will be given a choice: save the data or support Gwen.
- If you decide to put out the fire to save the footage, the consequences will be immediate: Gwen will feel betrayed and, overwhelmed with anger, will hastily leave the observation deck. Nevertheless, she will still allow you to take the flash drive;
- If you decide to support Gwen and agree that the footage should be destroyed, she will greatly appreciate your loyalty and support. However, it is important to remember that this does not mean she will become more open or candid if you start asking questions about Safi's book.
Once you make the decision that suits you, switch to the alternative timeline.
World of Death
Examine the police markers on the ground. Look under the tarp, talk to Loretta, and watch the cutscene.
Moses' Office
Find the place where the transition to another timeline occurs. This point is around the corner, next to the cleaning cart.
You need to help Moses with his small problem. Since he took evidence from the crime scene and his office is full of cops, your task is to find and retrieve that very piece of evidence.
World of Life
Enter Moses' office and start a conversation to ask him about a place where he might have hidden something valuable or important.
World of Death
The hex key he asked for is on the table in the center of the room.
World of Life
Hand the wrench to Moses. He will head to the cabinet in the far corner of the room to get a kettle. Take the locker key and return to the other timeline.
World of Death
Unlock the locker with the key and find and read the note «Look under the safe.»
World of Life
Since you don't know where the safe is, ask Moses directly. You will learn that he hid the camera under the star. Then return to the other timeline.
World of Death
Pay attention to the Star Atlas at the end of the room. It indicates the location of the star Saiph in the constellation. Go upstairs. Turn on the star projector and align the stars using the drawing on the wall as a guide.
Go downstairs and carefully examine the image of Orion on the wall to find the star Saiph. You will notice that the camera is carefully hidden inside the ventilation duct, but note that this access is currently blocked.
At this moment, a detective will burst into the room, so switch to the other timeline.
World of Life
Carefully remove the singing toy from the Christmas tree, which attracts all the attention. After that, go upstairs and switch again.
World of Death
After Max sets up the toy, immediately switch to the world of life so the detective can't catch you.
World of Life
Interact with the box containing parts of the telescope and move it to clear the passage. When the corresponding notification appears, press L1+R1 simultaneously to set up the telescope. Take the opportunity to quickly retrieve the camera from the vent.
Return to the active timeline. At the end of the cutscene, you will automatically be on the dead timeline. Talk to Alderman, who will offer you to inform him about everything you know.
Tell Alderman or stay silent?
If you decide to agree and provide Alderman with the necessary information, you will likely take his card as part of the agreement. Even if your intentions do not actually imply full cooperation, Moses, being in the hallway and listening to your conversation, is likely convinced of your sincerity;
If you decide not to accept Alderman's business card, this may upset him somewhat, but you will have the opportunity to temporarily distance yourself from the situation. Remember that he will not forget this incident. At the same time, this decision may strengthen your relationship with Moses.
Hellerton. How to Solve the Abraxas Puzzle (Part 2)
After watching the cutscene, you will find yourself with Moses at your home. Go to the kitchen and examine the puzzle box. Look at the constellation image and pay attention to its details. You need to carefully move the pins to complete the creation of the whole constellation.
Then, by rotating the cube, extract the appearing dial.
Now carefully move both disks so that all the symbols take their correct positions. On the outer disk, try to place the staff so that it is in the upper right corner, surrounded by sparkles. Then make sure that the star and the book are located directly under it on the inner disk.
After that, by turning the cube once more, interact with the panel that just detached. Here you will discover the symbol of Abraxas and receive the achievement «Thinking Outside the Box».
World of Life
Water the giant plant belonging to Max, which is in the corner of the room. Then open the back door leading into the house, where you will be greeted by a cat.
Pick a name for it and look into the kitchen cabinet to get some food and feed it. Move to the parallel timeline.
World of Death
Approach the coffee table and examine all the items on it. After that, head to the Dark Room located under the stairs to join Moses.
Entering the room, talk to Moses, trying all available dialogue options for a complete understanding of the situation. In the last captured photo, Safi turned out to be Max with a gun in hand.
Chapter 3. Spin
We will update the guide soon.