Until Dawn Guide | How To Save Chris

Chris is the comic relief and stalwart character in Until Dawn and is one of the playable survivors whose fates are determined by the choices made in the game. Chris can only be kept alive if one makes appropriate choices when such a situation arises, does QTE's perfectly, and enjoys healthy relationships with the rest of the characters, mainly Ashley. 

To survive the final chapter, Chris must pay attention to all the key moments of the game without making fatal mistakes. This walkthrough will review all the key actions and choices he must make.

Chapter 6: The Firing Range Decision

The first big challenge Chris experiences is in Chapter 6 of the game: he and Ashley get kidnapped by the unknown "psycho" who, in the end, proves to be Josh. Chris wakes up in an awful position: he and Ashley are fastened to chairs with a sawblade device standing between them, and he is forced to make a terrible choice whether to shoot himself or Ashley.

This is one of the tensest moments in the whole game, and quite literally, the best thing to do is to do nothing at all. It may seem like a no-win solution, but doing nothing keeps neither of the characters harmed simply because all of this was a part of Josh's sick prank. Pull the trigger, and it shows Chris falling for it. Do nothing; it will get you through the scene without hurting Chris or Ashley during that moment.

Chapter 8: Surviving the Wendigo Chase 

Chris finds himself in most danger in Chapter 8 when he, along with Ashley, leaves the lodge in search of Josh in the woods. It is for the first time in this chapter that Chris sees the Wendigos, and the encounter becomes a race of speed and reflex. You have to perform a number of QTEs perfectly in order to keep him alive.

These include quick button pressing, aiming, and shooting, which require quick thinking and attention. If a single QTE is missed in that instant, Chris will find himself being caught and killed by a Wendigo. Of course, one could prepare for this by resting the fingers on the controller, awaiting the button prompts to mash them quickly. 

Once Chris breaks away from the chase, he'll run back to the lodge—with those Wendigos hot on his heels. Ashley will now have a very important role in determining whether Chris lives or dies. She's standing at the lodge door, holding it open, telling Chris to hurry up. If your choices previously have made Ashley distrust Chris a little, she won't open the door in time, and he will die. 

To avoid that, make sure Ashley is on good terms with Chris. Hence, they are close to each other during the game. Be nice and friendly to Ashley while navigating her during the previous chapters. For example, in Chapter 2, if there is a choice of dialogue, always hit cheerful and uplifting speeches. In addition, hitting "shoot himself" during the prank scene in Chapter 6 will increase their friendship even more. Ashley's trust won't be compromised, so at this point, she can take away Chris.

Chapter 9: Safety at the Lodge 

Chris' job in Chapter 9 is fairly safe compared to trials in the previous chapter, but you still need to be careful. Since the hunt for the Wendigo has survived and he eventually reunites with the group at the lodge, Chris will be relatively safe just as long as he sticks to the main story path and does not take too much risk.

Don't separate, and don't select investigate options that put Chris in greater danger. This is a comforting chapter for Chris and provides the player with some relief from always having to make life-or-death decisions.

Chapter 10: The Last Escape

The last and most dangerous moments of Chris are found in Chapter 10 when the survivors need to get out of the lodge from Wendigos. Perfecting QTEs and staying still during the "Don't Move" parts are two things quite necessary for Chris to get through the situation. During the attack by Wendigos, he and other survivors will have to move quietly within the lodge just to avoid being noticed. 

That's where the "Don't Move" feature comes in. Some sections of the game will require you to keep the controller perfectly still when it tells you to do so; moving it even a little might attract the Wendigos' attention. For this purpose, place your controller on a flat surface, such as a table.

It is also essential to remain cool and have slow breathing, as panic can cause a movement that will accidentally kill Chris. Apart from the "Don't Move" mechanic, Chris will encounter a couple of QTEs on his way to safety. 

It's all about pressing the buttons right and following the on-screen commands here. If there is a single wrong press, Chris may get caught and killed by a Wendigo. Pay attention and get ready for quick presses and an action sequence. If you've made it thus far without missing QTEs or jeopardizing Chris' safety, he'll survive the game's closing moments and reach dawn.

Relationship Maintenance: The Importance of Ashley

What usually gets overlooked is the fact that Ashley's companionship with Chris is actually what keeps him alive. Everything that happens to Chris involves Ashley trusting him or otherwise. To keep Ashley on Chris's good side, be sure to act positively towards her during most of the game. Be sympathetic, choose text options that would best describe kindness, and avoid choices that would make Chris out to be selfish or cowardly.

For example, in Chapter 6, after having played the prank, he opts to shoot himself instead of Ashley, indicating that he will protect her—a tightening of their friendship. The reward for a positive friendship with her is that she will save Chris in the hunt for the Wendigo in Chapter 8.

Overview of Action Steps to Keep Chris Alive

In summary, these are some critical steps you should take to keep Chris alive:

1. When Josh does the prank in Chapter 6, don't shoot yourself or Ashley. Instead, just do nothing.
2. In Chapter 8, complete all QTEs while chasing Wendigo and maintain Ashley's trust in order to rescue Chris in the lodge.
3. Chapter 9: Avoid taking unnecessary risks; stay with your group.
4. Chapter 10: Just complete all the QTEs successfully and also keep still during the "Don't Move" section to escape from the Wendigos inside the lodge.
5. In the game, develop a rapport with Ashley so she will believe Chris in every crucial moment of this game.

You, in turn, get Chris through the terrors of Blackwood Mountain out into daylight with the other survivors. Admittedly, yes, Chris' journey is hazardous, but smart choices, quick reflexes, and keeping a steady hand in such intense situations really pay dividends. Keeping Chris alive is rewarding and pretty satisfying since he will eventually be able to help the group break free.

Also, check our Until Dawn Review and other guides below:

• Until Dawn Guide | How To Save Emily
• Until Dawn Guide | How To Save Josh