Story Choices & Alternate Paths

Analyze story choices and alternate paths in The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. See how decisions impact the narrative, character bonds, and endings.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is renowned for its branching narrative, where your decisions profoundly impact the game world, character relationships, and ultimately, the ending. This section details the critical junctures and their consequences, allowing you to tailor your experience or prepare for the fallout.

The Tower vs. The Reclaimed: Early Allegiance

One of the earliest and most impactful choices you'll face is how you interact with the two dominant factions: The Tower and The Reclaimed. While you can remain neutral for a time, certain actions will inevitably push you towards one side or the other.

• Remaining Neutral:
  • Strategy: Avoid taking sides in open conflicts. Complete tasks for both factions when possible, but prioritize self-preservation and resource gathering.
  • Consequence: You'll be viewed with suspicion by both sides, potentially leading to more hostile encounters with patrols from both factions in areas like the Shallows or Via Corolla. You may also miss out on unique faction-specific crafting recipes or weapon upgrades.
  • Key Items: You'll need to rely heavily on scavenging for materials like Gunpowder and Adhesive as faction quartermasters may offer less favorable trades.
• Siding with The Tower:
  • Strategy: Complete missions for May Benoit, such as retrieving the "Reserve" Intel from the Old Town church or eliminating Reclaimed patrols in the Ward. Always choose dialogue options that support their authority and order.
  • Consequence: The Tower will offer better trade deals for resources, and their patrols will generally be non-hostile. However, Reclaimed forces will become openly hostile on sight, making areas like the Bastion and Rampart more dangerous.
  • Key Items: Access to advanced Tower weapon schematics, such as the "Lever Action Rifle" blueprint from the Tower's quartermaster after completing specific missions.
• Siding with The Reclaimed:
  • Strategy: Assist JB in his efforts against The Tower, such as sabotaging Tower supply lines in the Bywater or rescuing captured Reclaimed members from the Memorial. Always choose dialogue options that emphasize freedom and resistance.
  • Consequence: The Reclaimed will provide support and better trade opportunities. Tower patrols will become aggressive, and you'll face increased resistance in Tower-controlled zones like the Blue Palace.
  • Key Items: Access to unique Reclaimed crafting recipes, including the "Explosive Arrows" schematic after demonstrating loyalty.

The Reserve: Who Gets the Cache?

The ultimate goal of the main story revolves around the legendary Reserve, a hidden cache of supplies. Your decision on who gains access to it is the most pivotal choice in the game.

• Giving the Reserve to The Tower:
  • Walkthrough:
    1. After acquiring the "Reserve Key" from the catacombs beneath the church in Old Town, proceed directly to the Tower's headquarters in the Blue Palace.
    2. Speak with May Benoit and present her with the key.
    3. Follow her instructions to the Reserve location. You will likely face a final confrontation with Reclaimed forces.
  • Consequence: The Tower consolidates its power, leading to a more ordered but potentially oppressive New Orleans. Many Reclaimed members will be eliminated or dispersed. Your standing with The Tower will be at its highest.
  • Ending: One of the "Tower Endings," where you are either integrated into their ranks or left to your own devices in a Tower-dominated city.
• Giving the Reserve to The Reclaimed:
  • Walkthrough:
    1. Once you have the "Reserve Key", head to the Reclaimed hideout, typically located in the Bastion or Rampart, depending on your prior choices.
    2. Speak with JB and hand over the key.
    3. Prepare for a final assault against The Tower's remaining forces as you make your way to the Reserve.
  • Consequence: The Reclaimed gain a significant advantage, potentially overthrowing The Tower's control. New Orleans becomes a more chaotic but free city. Your standing with The Reclaimed will be maximized.
  • Ending: One of the "Reclaimed Endings," often depicting a more anarchic but liberated New Orleans.
• Keeping the Reserve for Yourself (The "True" Tourist Ending):
  • Walkthrough:
    1. Acquire the "Reserve Key" as usual.
    2. Crucially, do NOT give the key to either May or JB. Instead, proceed directly to the Reserve location yourself. The entrance is typically found in the Ward, within the old military base.
    3. You will face both Tower and Reclaimed forces attempting to stop you. Be prepared for a prolonged and difficult fight. Stock up on Bandages, Medicine, and high-damage weapons like the "Nova 1014 Shotgun" or "AR-47".
    4. Once inside, you will have access to all the Reserve's resources for yourself.
  • Consequence: You become the ultimate survivor, having outmaneuvered both factions. However, you will be an enemy to both The Tower and The Reclaimed, making future excursions into their territories extremely dangerous.
  • Ending: The "Tourist Ending," where you effectively become a lone wolf, having secured your own future at the expense of any alliances. This ending offers the most personal gain in terms of resources.

Remember, each choice carries significant weight. Consider your playstyle and desired outcome carefully before committing to a path. Good luck, Tourist.