This guide is arranged chronologically, with a separate section for every scene available in the game’s scene-select menu. Any scene that contains no collectibles or achievement-relevant choices is skipped. A few important moments happen between scenes; these are described in the section of the preceding scene, even though you can’t replay them from the menu.
Obviously the whole game is spoiled here, but I’ll keep the commentary to a minimum so the spoilers stay as light as possible.
You’ll need two full playthroughs for 100 % achievements. All but one can be grabbed in a single run, but two mutually exclusive achievements force a second run with the opposite choice.
I’ll flag every achievement the moment you can unlock it.
For reference, my first run—interacting with everything and nabbing every achievement except those two—took 11 hours.
Settings
I recommend turning on the following options in the Accessibility menu to make interactive objects easier to spot for collectible achievements. If the floating dots feel too intrusive, disable Infinite Interest Points; they’ll then appear only when you’re close.
Save
General choice philosophy
I’ll call out specific dialogue options required for certain achievements. Everything else is up to you (and sometimes the game). That said, the “best” replies are usually honest and empathetic; you don’t have to pick them, but they sound the most natural.
Starting the game
When you start a new game you’ll see a short recap of Life is Strange, Before the Storm and Double Exposure. Skip it if you already know the story, but it’s handy for spotting which past events matter this time around.
Max’s relationships
After the recap you’ll choose five photos that lock in key events from Life is Strange and Double Exposure.
The big one: did Chloe die or survive the first game? That single decision is the only reason you need two runs for 100 %. Pick either for your first pass.
Supporting or rejecting Safi might affect one late achievement; I’m not certain. I backed Safi and got the trophy.
Backstage Pass
Save
Simply reach the end of the scene and your first achievement pops.
Mountain Mode
Max Collectible 1
Save
Your first Max collectible is story-mandatory; you can’t miss it.
Save
Finishing the scene unlocks achievement number two.
Time Dojo
Save
Here you’ll spot your first optional photo. You’ll know it’s a Max collectible because the icon is a camera instead of a dot. Press C to pull out the camera at any time, but you can only snap the collectible when the camera icon is visible.
Max Collectible 2
Save
Immediately after gaining control of Max, turn left and photograph the pumpkin display.
Max Collectible 3
Save
Head back to the entrance doors, go inside and turn right past the stairs toward the lift. On your right is a spacesuit in a glass case.
Photograph it.
Note: on my first attempt I tried to fit the whole suit in frame but was apparently too far away and the game didn’t count it.
Podcast 1
The last collectible in this scene is your first podcast. They come in various forms—posters, business cards, flyers. After you select “Listen” you can press the button again to stop; you don’t have to finish it, but it adds flavour to the world.
From the lift, walk toward the corridor with the benches. You’ll see a noticeboard plastered with posters. Choose “Listen”.
Save
Class Act
Max Collectible 4
Save
Another mandatory story photo.
Max Collectible 5
Save
As soon as you control Max, turn right and snap the squirrels.
Note: several squirrels roam the yard; any of them works.
Max Collectible 6
Save
Right next to the squirrels, two students are playing chess. Photograph them.
Note: as with the squirrels, there are a couple of possible pairs.
Bucket Trial
Save
Save
This is your first missable achievement. Head past the chess players toward the building behind them with the woods. Under the trees, there’s red graffiti. “Examine” the graffiti to trigger a rather odd interaction with the janitor. After the cutscene, rewind time and move the nearby bucket. “Examine” the graffiti again and the achievement should pop.
Max Collectible 7
Save
Continuing around the yard, just past the snail statue you’ll find crows sitting on a bench.
Max Collectible 8
Save
The last photo in this scene is at the far end of the yard. It’s tucked in the corner near another cluster of trees fenced off by construction barriers.
Podcast 2
Another podcast is closer to the center of the yard. From photo spot #8, head toward the middle where the map sign is and look toward the statue where the lesson began. There’s a bench shown in the lower-left of this screenshot. On that bench you’ll find the podcast flyer.
Save
Bonus Clues
At the end of the “Dojo of Time” scene the game handed you a note, but over the course of the story you’ll need to gather clues to crack the main mystery. Some are automatic, but one achievement requires you to find every bonus clue.
The first one is hard to miss. While helping three students, after you snap Reggie’s photo Max will notice she should check his notes. Walk over to the desk and read his lecture notes; page two is a bonus clue.
Next, find the Caledon notice board on the edge of the yard and read every flyer.
When you’re ready to finish the class, Reggie will walk by on a call. Find Loretta and eavesdrop with her to learn more.
Open-Mic Evening
The requirements for the silent-auction achievement and the podcast overlap here, so tackle them together or you’ll lock yourself out of one.
Soul of a Poet
Save
You can earn this right after the scene starts. Walk up to the stage and listen to the poet. You’ll have to hear him out four times before he finishes his sonnet; the achievement unlocks afterward. As soon as you talk to Amanda, this chance is gone.
Going, Going, Gone!
Now head to the green table running the silent auction. Interact with the table, then with the bidding sheet on the far-right edge.
After that, a new option to place a bid appears. Don’t worry—the money you spend has no effect on anything.
Once Amanda’s performance ends, return to the table and place a higher bid.
Save
After you’ve milked Lucas for every line, approach the table one last time before leaving. Vin will outbid you at the last second, so rewind, bid again, and this time steal the pen. When the cutscene ends, the achievement is yours.
Podcast 3
Save
As soon as you can talk to Lucas, ask him about the “new novel”—this gets him chatting about his podcast. Grab one of the business cards on the nearby table to listen in.
Bonus Clue
This podcast also counts as a bonus clue.
Bar Break-In
Chloe Collectible 1
Save
Before looking for a way inside, walk past the Turtle’s fire pit. You’ll spot a door labeled “Staff Only” and a dumpster beside it. Interact with the dumpster once; a new prompt—“draw”—will appear. This two-step interaction is standard for Chloe collectibles and easy to overlook.
Fremont Street
Max Collectible 9
Save
This is one of the easiest photos to miss. Once you’re in control of Max, look up at the right-hand side of the house. Your target is a mannequin in a second-floor window. I noticed the camera icon vanished when I got too close, so shuffle around until the shot registers.
Bonus Clue
This clue is even easier to overlook. Check the map inside the garbage-truck cab.
Then, on the opposite side of the lot, find a flyer on the trunk of the blue car near the container.
Lies and Waiting
Chloe Collectible 2
Save
Examine the coaster on the bar counter. Flip it to see someone else’s doodle. After the conversation you can interact with the coaster again to sketch your own design.
Slick Rick
The first part of this achievement is done now to set the stage for a later scene. Before the roast battle you need to make a good impression on Lucas. Talk to him and choose the lines “good song title” and then “one exception.” You’ll know you’ve impressed him if, during the roast battle, he asks Noelle to go easy on you.
After the roast battle Noelle will ask who your faculty advisor is. You must pick “Make up a name.” The reason: if you say Max, Lucas will realize you’re connected to her, and his dislike for her will derail a later conversation.
Roast Battle 1
Save
When you go to pay the tab, the bouncer from the earlier scene will block you from re-entering the bar. To win the roast and avoid the ban, choose: “Cosmos,” then “UVM.” If you miss one of the first two choices, you can recover by picking “cardinal” as the school mascot. Winning the battle unlocks the achievement “Future Student.”
Reunion
Save
At the end of the previous scene or the start of this one you’ll automatically receive the achievement “Reunion.”
It’s, um, Mesmerizing
Save
Once you’re in control of Max, turn around and head back up the stairs. A short cutscene plays; when it ends you’ll earn this achievement.
Max Collectible 10
Save
Turn around again and climb the stairs. This time you can photograph Chloe sleeping from the top step.
Administrative Sleuth
Extra Clue
When you decide to find more search terms for Loretta, be sure to locate the book on Jack Parsons, then ask Loretta to look him up when you speak with her again.
Near the end of the scene, once you’re in Owen’s office, examine the letter in his desk drawer and read his e-mails.
Max Collectible 11
Save
As soon as you convince Vince to follow Owen out of the office, photograph his empty chair. You must do this before entering Owen’s office, so the shot is easy to miss.
Cat and Max
Max Collectible 12
Save
Photograph one of the gnomes in the courtyard. From where you gain control of Max, go straight ahead. On the left you’ll see a long stone face; the gnome sits at its base.
Save Everyone
After talking to Jeanette, rewind and bring up grad school with her. This is one of two actions required to save her at the end of the game.
Podcast 4
Save
The next podcast is on a flyer next to the gnome you just photographed. Cross the path and look at the top of the picnic table on the left.
Max Collectible 13
Save
This photo is mandatory story content; it can’t be missed.
Overlight
Happy Birthday!
First, once you’re in control of Chloe, go straight ahead and interact with the 3-D printer.
Later, when talking to Moses, be sure to ask him about the 3-D printer.
Chloe Collectible 3
Save
Head upstairs. The first thing you’ll see is a small cherry tree in a pot. Examine it, then interact again to sketch it.
Cousin of Uranus
Save
Now turn around and interact with the photo on the table in front of the couch to name it. To unlock the achievement you must call it URTITTIES.
You’ll Come with Me
While on the balcony, examine the book at the far end written by Maya. Later, when speaking with Moses, ask him about it.
This may not be mandatory, but it gives Chloe extra information she uses in a later conversation.
Turtle Time
Max Collectible 14
Save
Before talking to Safi, look to her right at the lake. Photograph the old boat and the shoreline.
You’ll Come with Me
When you reach the key choice in your conversation with Safi, tell her about the fire. When she asks why you’re trying to stop it, cite Moses as the reason. The second part may not be required, but it triggers the most positive reaction right now.
Chloe Collectible 4
Save
A little farther along the wall from where you take control of Chloe, next to the “Staff Only” door, are jack-o’-lantern pumpkins. Examine them; afterward you’ll get the option to sketch them.
Slick Rick
Save
Provided you made a good impression on Lucas in the “Lies and Waiting” scene and didn’t tell Noelle the name Max, you can talk to Lucas now. Ask him about the protest, and when he asks why you care, answer “your words.” He’ll give you a password, and when the conversation ends you should unlock the achievement.
Extra Clue
Talk to Ren and ask him: “What’s your problem?”
Go to the far end of the bar and ask Amanda about the fireworks.
Podcast 5
Save
Another podcast poster is pinned to the noticeboard in the lobby by the front door.
Trash-Talk Trial 2
Save
Once you have access to the message board, you can start the trash-talk trial with Joey. The correct answers are: “Cardinal sin”, “Bowling league” and “Sic Semper Tyrannis”. You can still win the trial with only two out of three correct answers. If you succeed, you’ll unlock the achievement “Not a rat”.
Champlain Problems
Happy Birthday!
Save
If you asked Moses about the 3-D printer while Chloe was in his office, you’ll now get a chance to give Max a gift during the lakeside conversation. The option won’t appear right away, but as the dialogue continues you’ll eventually see “Happy birthday”. After that part of the talk ends, the achievement pops.
You’ll Come with Me
This line may be optional, but pick it to talk about Safi during the lakeside chat.
Mabon
Max Collectible 15
Save
Inside the house, turn left immediately and head to the fireplace. Next to it you’ll see a demon head and a cup. Interact with the cup to set it upright. A photo prompt will appear.
Chloe Collectible 5
Save
Once you’re in the secret room, look at the stack of vinyls right by the door. Interact and flip them to trigger a sketch prompt.
Extra Clue
Further into the room, spot an old green box on the right-hand shelf. Inspect it, choose “Open”, then examine the photos and the document inside.
When you reach the crucial choice in the basement, Chloe must pick “Attack” to secure the final clue.
Podcast 6
Save
After Max starts hallucinating and wandering through the party, you’ll end up on the terrace. A podcast flyer is pinned just to your right—listen in.
The Majestic Tapestry
You All Burn
Save
When Max wakes up, she’ll ask Chloe if the fire was stopped. Sadly, no. The achievement might also have popped at the end of the previous scene; either way, it’s story-given.
Laser-Light Show
Save
Another automatic story achievement you’ll receive when this scene ends.
Head Sleuth
Save
Provided you found every optional clue, this achievement unlocks at the same time as “Laser-Light Show”.
All the Evidence
Max Collectible 16
Save
Head upstairs and read the note on the iguana terrarium. A photo prompt will appear.
Podcast 7
Save
While you’re still upstairs, listen to the podcast on the magazine side-table.
Chloe’s Decision
Podcast 8
Save
Turn around immediately and you’ll find another podcast flyer by the entrance door.
Chloe Collectible 6
Save
Now, as you enter the bar, look up at the rafters to spot a gnome. After examining it once, you’ll be able to sketch it.
Trash-Talk Trial 3
Save
Either talk to Ren twice, or speak to Joey first and then approach Ren. Your goal is to find out he’s planning to start the fire. To make him confess, choose: “I’ll tell Amanda”, “You try so hard not to care” and “Dad issues”.
Queen of Sass
Save
You’ll earn this at the same time as “Dad issues”, provided you also won the first two trash-talk trials.
Backed Down!
Now that you know Ren plans to start a fire, tell Noelle. The achievement unlocks once you do.
Max’s Decision
Max Collectible 17
Save
Behind Yasmin, to your left, stands a bronze statue. Photograph it.
Second Chance
After finishing the conversation with Yasmin, you’ll step outside and must decide who you think is trying to destroy evidence at the Abraxas. The answer is Vin.
“Peaceful” Protest
Save
If you previously told Noelle about Ren’s fire plan, Max will watch her stop him, and the achievement will unlock.
On Guard
Chloe Collectible 7
Save
As soon as you take control of Chloe, go straight and look at Maya’s book on the table next to the cherry sapling. After placing it down, look at it again to trigger a sketch prompt.
Drug-Store Cosmetics
Save
Now, if you’ve found all of Chloe’s collectibles, you’ll receive the achievement “Pharmacy Cosmetics”.
Second Chance
Technically, this is not part of the “On Guard” scene, but it happens right after it and is not available as a separate scene.
Save
When you switch back to Max, and if you’ve made the right choices up to this point, she’ll go to confront Vinnie at the “Abraxas” house. As far as I can tell, your dialogue options here don’t matter. After the scene ends, you’ll receive an achievement.
In the Lighthouse
You’ll Come with Me
Save
When you enter the lighthouse, you’ll need to make the right choice to save Safi.
Max loves you
She told you about the fire
You got lost in your powers or You’ve been suffering since Maya died
She knows you can get better or Maybe she deserved a shot
We’re alive too or Let’s be assholes
Line of Fire
As you go up the stairs, stop to read the information on the stand, and you’ll learn that Jeanette is in the observatory.
After talking to the caretaker, go up the ramp to the technical room. Be sure to look at the map on the way. Inside, on the left, read the note on the electrical panel, then turn on the irrigation system. Now, backtrack, take the wrench from the shelf, the gas mask from the cart, and turn the first valve.
When you exit, you’ll encounter Noelle. You need to tell her about Jeanette and give her the gas mask.
After passing through the gate right behind Noelle, take the T-shaped key from the wall and turn the valve underneath it.
To find the last valve, turn right, then quickly left past the fountain towards the police car. Here, you’ll find the final valve.
Now that the water is flowing, run to the observatory and find the door with the broken plywood. Break this door to save the poet you saw at the open mic night.
Save
If you’ve done everything correctly, the achievement should appear after the scene ends.
Mementos
Max Collectible 18
Save
Go out to the back patio and take a picture of the memorial portraits.
Podcast 9
Save
On the back patio, go to the end of the pier to find a flyer on the green lounge chair.
Save
If you’ve listened to all the other podcasts, you should now receive the achievement “Podcast Overload”. You need to listen to them all within a single save, but you can go back and get the ones you missed by exploring past episodes just like collectibles.
Partners in Time
Max Collectible 19
Save
The final photo. This shot is taken as part of the story, and it’s impossible to miss.
Photo Gallery and All These Memories
Save
Provided you’ve taken all possible photos as Max, you’ll receive this achievement. At the same time, if you previously collected all of Chloe’s sketches, you’ll also receive “All These Memories”.
Save
Blue Haired Girl or Dead Girl Walking
Save
Save
You’ll receive one of these two achievements when Max and Chloe exit at the end.
Partners in Time
Save
When the credits finish, you’ll receive this achievement for completing the game.
Second Playthrough
If you’ve done everything correctly and just completed your first playthrough, you should have 28 out of 29 achievements. The only ones that should be left are “Blue Haired Girl” or “Dead Girl Walking”.
It’s a bit disappointing, but the only way to get the last achievement is to play the game again from the start. This time, choose the opposite version of Chloe compared to your first playthrough. On the other hand, if you have no other achievements left to get, you can make any choices you want.
