Life is Strange Reunion throws a fast and stressful decision at you in the basement. You face an intruder armed with a sledgehammer. You must decide to attack or distract him to save Reggie. Most players think this is just a roleplay moment. However, attack is actually the best choice. It gives you a hidden piece of evidence that changes the game later.
What we cover:
TL;DR: Quick Answer
- Pick Attack: The intruder runs away and drops the Abraxas Blueprint.
- Why it matters: You need this blueprint to unlock the Major Gumshoe trophy and save Vinh’s life later.
- Reggie’s Fate: Reggie survives no matter which option you choose.
- The Ending: This choice doesn’t lock you into a bad ending. It just changes the evidence you collect.
What Happens If You Pick Distract?
If you pick distract, Chloe stays away from the sledgehammer. She buys enough time to keep Reggie safe. The scene flows smoothly without any major issues.
This feels like a classic Chloe move. She uses her brain instead of brute force to handle a tense situation. The problem is that you miss an important clue. The attacker runs away without dropping anything behind.
What Happens If You Pick Attack? (Recommended)
If you select attack, Chloe jumps straight into the danger. She physically fights the intruder. This feels much riskier and more aggressive. Luckily, Reggie still survives. The scene continues normally without a game over.
The real reward is what happens next. The attacker drops a blueprint on the floor. This single piece of paper is incredibly important for the rest of your game.
How to Get the Major Gumshoe Trophy
Many players struggle to unlock the Major Gumshoe trophy. They usually miss one specific clue on the Abraxas whiteboard. That missing clue is the blueprint from the basement.
You must attack the intruder to get this map. If you distract him, he takes the map with him. You will miss the trophy entirely on that playthrough.
The Hidden Blueprint’s Real Value
This blueprint does more than just unlock a trophy. It gives you the power to change a major character’s fate later in the game.
You will need this specific evidence to confront Vinh about the Abraxas house fire. Having this map in your inventory is the only way to keep him away from a deadly explosion. For a complete breakdown on his survival, read the guide Life is Strange Reunion choices and consequences.
Which One Is Better?
Attack is the absolute winner here. Distract might feel safer in the moment if you want a clean escape. But attack rewards you with crucial evidence. You need that evidence to save Vinh and earn a difficult trophy. Take the risk and swing back.
FAQ About The Basement Choice
Can Reggie die from this choice?
No. Reggie survives the encounter whether you choose to distract or attack the intruder.
Does this choice change the main ending?
This choice doesn’t rewrite the entire story or lock you out of the final ending. It mostly affects your evidence collection, a specific trophy, and Vinh’s fate.
Should I replay the game if I picked Distract?
If you want the Major Gumshoe trophy or want to save Vinh, you must have the blueprint. If you care about full completion, reloading a save to pick attack is highly recommended.
