Should You Destroy Or Release Elpis

Resident Evil Requiem doesn’t feature any narrative choices for most of the runtime, but Requiem‘s horror story all builds up to one decision at the end. Grace Ashcroft’s big moment determines how the game will conclude, so it’s important to make the right choice.

In the climax, Grace is confronted with a text prompt to confirm the final wish of Oswell Spencer, the Umbrella Corporation CEO responsible for much of the viral outbreak in the world of Resident Evil. At this point, the game offers two options: “Destroy Elpis” or “Release Elpis,” giving her the authority to decide the fate of Spencer’s last project.

What Happens If You Choose To Destroy Elpis

A Darker Fate In Store

If you select Destroy Elpis, audio of Spencer regretting his life’s work will play before a secondary confirmation of the choice. After choosing to proceed, Grace will type “Destruction” into the machine, triggering the self-destruction of the facility.

As the platform where the characters stand starts to break away and collapse, Leon helps Grace to safety while promising that he’s right behind her. Once Grace makes it off the platform, however, she realizes that the injured Leon isn’t following her. She pleads for him to come, but he stays put with the villainous Zeno.

Angered by Grace’s decision, Zeno pulls out a long barrel revolver and shoots Leon in the head, decisively ending his life. Grace reacts with shock, and the credits roll, ending the game.

What Happens If You Choose To Release Elpis

The True Ending Awaits

If you select Release Elpis, audio of both Spencer and Alyssa Ashcroft referring to Grace as their “hope” plays before the secondary confirmation. After choosing to proceed, Grace will type “Hope” into the machine, which will open up to reveal vials of Spencer’s final project.

Zeno injects himself with the vial, seeking newfound power. Instead, the marks of Raccoon City Syndrome on his skin vanish. Grace injects Leon with another vial to cure him of the virus, restoring him to health.

Dr. Victor Gideon shows up and kills Zeno before attacking Leon. At this point, you’ll have to complete a two-stage fight as Leon, first against Gideon as you know him and then against a humongous mutated version. The latter stage features a variety of large-scale attacks, but some supplies can also be picked up in the combat arena.

After the fight, Leon and Grace accept that they’ll die in the collapsed facility, but they’re ultimately rescued to set up the good ending for Resident Evil: Requiem.

You Should Release Elpis

There’s Really No Comparison

Grace on her cell phone in Resident Evil Requiem's mid-credits scene

There’s no harm in choosing Destroy Elpis, as the game will give you the option to reset to the scene before the choice after you roll credits. You can play through both endings back to back this way, saving the best for last without wasting much time in Requiem.

All the same, the objectively “correct” choice is to Release Elpis. Destroy Elpis only triggers the game’s abrupt bad ending, while Release Elpis gives Resident Evil Requiem proper — and significantly more merciful — closure.

Regardless of which one you choose to do first, you’ll get different cutscenes and rewards for both Resident Evil Requiem endings.