Life is Strange Reunion Chapter 1 Walkthrough: Complete Guide 2026 - guide

Life is Strange Reunion Chapter 1 Walkthrough

Master the first chapter of Life is Strange: Reunion with our comprehensive walkthrough. Solve the Time Dojo puzzles, save the Fermont House, and navigate Max and Chloe's choices.

2026-04-01
Life is Strange Wiki Team

Navigating the emotional and temporal complexities of the latest entry in the franchise requires a keen eye for detail and a steady hand on the rewind button. Our life is strange reunion chapter 1 walkthrough provides everything you need to successfully guide Max Caulfield and Chloe Price through their latest mystery at Caledon University. Set one year after the events of Double Exposure, this chapter reunites the iconic duo as they face a new threat involving the mysterious Abraxas cult and a devastating fire that threatens Lakeport.

In this life is strange reunion chapter 1 walkthrough, we will break down every major puzzle, critical choice, and investigative segment. Whether you are trying to solve Moses's "Time Dojo" challenges or attempting to stop a basement detonation at the Fermont House, this guide ensures you won't miss a single beat of the story.

Starting the Story: Import Choices

Before the gameplay officially begins, you are presented with five pivotal choices that shape the narrative based on your previous history with the series. These decisions establish the state of Max's relationships and the world around her.

Choice CategoryPossible OutcomesImpact
Relationship StatusRomanced/Friends with Vinh, Amanda, or ChloeDetermines dialogue and romantic availability.
Arcadia Bay FateSacrificed Chloe or Sacrificed the BayAffects Chloe's origin and Joyce's status.
Safi's FateHelped Safi or Refused to helpChanges Safi's initial attitude toward Max.
Double Exposure EndingMerged Timelines or Kept SeparateInfluences how the "stitches" in time appear.

Max's Return and the Caledon Fire

The game opens with Max returning to Lakeport after a sunset photography trip. Upon arriving at Caledon University, she finds the campus engulfed in flames. This sequence serves as a re-introduction to Max's powers and the current stakes.

  1. The Fire Sequence: Follow the path toward the burning building. You will notice that Max’s "Shift" ability from Double Exposure is unavailable, but her original Rewind power has returned.
  2. The Explosion: Despite your efforts to help Moses on the roof, an explosion occurs. In the aftermath, Max discovers a selfie taken three days prior.
  3. The Time Jump: Focus on the selfie to travel back three days. This is the catalyst for the chapter's main objective: preventing the fire before it starts.

💡 Tip: Use this "Moment of Calm" on the Overlook bench after the jump to reflect on Max's goals. Your selfie will now show the future fire in the background as a grim reminder.

The Time Dojo: Moses's Power Tests

After jumping back in time, Max meets Moses in his office. Once she proves her time-traveling status, Moses initiates the "Time Dojo" to test the limits of her restored powers.

Puzzle Solutions: Time Dojo

TaskSolution Steps
The Drawing TestObserve the drawing Moses shows. Rewind immediately to grab it before he puts it away.
The Trivia GuessThe answer to "Who killed Swordmaster Frostbite?" is Mina Hiramatsu. Check figurine bases for clues.
The Mug & CabinetUse the screwdriver to pry the cabinet. When the mug falls, Rewind. Place the chair cushion in front of the cabinet, then open it again.
The Kettle FireWhen the kettle sparks, Rewind and rush upstairs to unplug the kettle before Moses is distracted.

Investigating the Campus and the Snapping Turtle

Max's investigation leads her to her own photography class and eventually a party hosted by Amanda. This segment is crucial for gathering intel on the Abraxas cult.

  • Classroom Eavesdropping: Use the mic gun held by Loretta to listen to Reggie’s phone call. You will learn about the Fermont House, a key location in the cult's plans. Rewind after listening so Loretta doesn't realize you used her gear.
  • The Snapping Turtle Party: Talk to Vinh and Amanda. To get information from Lucas, you must first spill a beer on him to force him to the bathroom, allowing you to examine his work.
  • Amanda's Comedy Set: If Amanda’s stand-up routine is failing due to a heckler, use your Rewind to trick the heckler into leaving, ensuring her success.

The Fermont House Basement Puzzle

The climax of the first half of the chapter takes place at the abandoned Fermont House. Max must infiltrate the basement and stop a planned demolition.

  1. Entering the Basement: Find the boarded-up window and enter the basement doors.
  2. Securing the Door: Use the Crowbar found in the room to wedge the door shut. A broom will not be strong enough to hold back the men outside.
  3. Defusing the Explosives: You have a limited time to cut the wires of four explosives using pliers.
    • Order Matters: If you cut the wire near the metal shelf first, it may fall and block another explosive. Clear the path before cutting the shelf-adjacent wire.
    • Time Management: If you run low on time, use a Rewind to reset the clock while keeping your progress on the wires.

Reunion at Hellerton House

After escaping the Fermont House, Max and Chloe reunite at the Hellerton House. This sequence is heavy on dialogue and varies significantly based on your "Sacrifice Chloe vs. Sacrifice Arcadia Bay" choice from the original game.

  • If Chloe was Sacrificed: Chloe explains that she was pulled from another timeline when Max merged the realities in Double Exposure.
  • If Arcadia Bay was Sacrificed: Chloe reveals that Arcadia Bay is somehow intact again, leading to a mystery about the nature of Max's reality-warping powers.

Warning: When Noelle arrives at the door, Chloe will hide. You must provide a convincing excuse to Noelle to avoid raising suspicion about Chloe's presence on campus.

Infiltrating the FAB Building

Max and Chloe head to the FAB building to find more clues about Abraxas and Safi’s whereabouts.

  • Owen's Office: To enter Owen's office, you must trick Vinh. Use the office phone and the A.I. "Callie" to create a distraction. If Vinh catches you, Rewind and try a different dialogue path.
  • The Folder Hunt: Safi (in disguise) has left a trail for Max. You will need to talk to several NPCs on campus, including Reggie and the masked protestors, to track down the folder containing the Mabon Party invitation.

Chloe’s Visions and the Boat Ride

The chapter concludes with a focus on the "stitches" in time. Chloe begins experiencing vivid hallucinations of Blackwell Academy and the lighthouse, suggesting that the two timelines are not as stable as Max hoped.

The Snapping Turtle (Second Visit)

While Max talks to Safi on the balcony, you play as Chloe. Your goal is to obtain a mask for the Mabon Party.

  • The Mask Heist: Steal Safi’s bag from the balcony. Take the mask out and throw the bag into the ocean. Max will then use her Rewind to ensure Safi doesn't realize the bag is missing until it's too late.

The Boat Ride Finale

The final scene of the chapter takes place on a boat. This is a major "Moment of Calm" where you can solidify your relationship with Chloe.

  • The Birthday Gift: If you made the sculpture earlier using Moses's 3D printer, Chloe will present it to Max here.
  • The Kiss: You have the option to attempt a kiss. The first few attempts may cause the boat to tip, requiring a Rewind, but the duo eventually finds their balance.

FAQ

Q: How do I find the password for Amanda's laptop in the life is strange reunion chapter 1 walkthrough?

A: The password can be found on a scrap of paper located in the trash can next to the fireplace inside the Snapping Turtle.

Q: Can I save the student in the fire at the beginning of the game?

A: No, the initial fire sequence is a scripted event designed to force Max to use her time-traveling selfie ability. You cannot prevent the explosion in the "future" timeline; you must jump back to change the past.

Q: What happens if I lose the Backtalk challenge against Noelle?

A: Losing the Backtalk increases Noelle's hostility and suspicion toward Max and Chloe. While it doesn't end the game, it makes future interactions with campus security more difficult.

Q: Does the choice to tell Safi about the fire matter?

A: Yes. Telling Safi builds trust and can lead to her being more cooperative in later chapters. Keeping it a secret causes her to be more guarded and suspicious of Max’s motives.

For more guides and the latest updates on the series, visit the official Life is Strange website or check out the community hubs on Steam.

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