There are quite a few decisions Alex Chen has to make throughout the five chapters of Life is Strange: True Colors. Some minor choices only alter dialogue slightly, but other decisions can affect character fates, and change the tone of the ending.
The last decision players must make for Alex in Life is Strange: True Colors is whether she should stay in Haven Springs or seek adventure. She will already have seen a glimpse at what her life could be like if she stays in Haven, but as Gabe says, seeking adventure is an unknown future. So which option is best?
Updated on May 17th, 2023 by Hodey Johns: The game may be a few years old but timeless stories don't ever stop being told. This is especially true in a game such as Life Is Strange: True Colors which doesn't tell just one story but several. Veterans of the franchise continue to replay the stories they love on top of experimenting with other options. New players will be discovering the biggest moments in the game for the first time. To help either kind of gamer along, this guide has been updated to summarize with just a few bullet points what happens. Players who want more detailed information will still be able to read more specifics in each section. Also, a section has been added about the results of the loyalty checks in Chapter 5.
Chapter 5 Loyalty Result
While both endings can and will be summarized, it is important to note that endings are different depending on whether or not the character's loyalty was secured. Getting everyone on Alex's side is tall order but it is possible and it will influence how good or bad the choice is.
Characters who are loyal to Alex will wish her well if she leaves or continue to spend time with her if she stays. Characters who do not side with Alex will either not show up when she leaves or visibly resent her for staying in town.
What Happens if Alex Stays in Haven?
- Romance continues in Haven
- Loyal characters remain friends
- Alex continues working at the bar
- Disloyal characters will have bad relationships with Alex
- If Steph's friendship is not progressed, she will leave Haven, even if loyal
Depending on how many people sided with Alex in the council meeting, and who they romanced (if anybody), players will get a different vision of what her life in Haven could be like. If somebody didn't stand with Alex during the meeting, they will either not be in the scene or they will be shown shooting negative glances at Alex.
If a lot of people weren't on Alex's side, it definitely makes staying in Haven less appealing. However, if everybody sides with Alex, this cutscene makes a strong case for her to stay. If players take Pike's fear, he'll be on Alex's friendly side.
Gabe has already detailed what this could be like, the game will end with a cinematic scene showing Alex looking at the lake and then walking away. Gabe seems to want Alex to pursue her dreams outside of Haven but he will describe the happiness of the others when Alex chooses to stay.
What Happens if Alex Seeks Adventure?
- Romance option comes with Alex
- Loyal characters will see Alex off
- Alex gets a job playing guitar
If players choose the option to seek adventure, they will be treated with a very small cutscene of Alex's life on the road. If she ends the game in a romance with Steph or Ryan, either will leave Haven with Alex's love interest. Players who won Steph's jukebox challenge will get to reminisce on the outcome.
Anybody who took Alex's side in the council meeting will be there to see her off at the bus stop, and some appear as polaroids in her guitar case. However, if Steph goes with Alex and they leave Ryan behind, he will not come to the bus stop. A small moment is shown where he looks very upset.
Gabe sounds much happier if Alex leaves and pursues her dreams. The game is easy to get a platinum trophy for but the ramifications of either choice can be hard to deal with.
Life is Strange: True Colors is out now for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.