Silent Hill 2 Remake: Guide to Unlocking the “In Water” Ending

If you’re a fan of psychological horror games, the “In Water” ending in Silent Hill 2 Remake will leave you speechless. This haunting conclusion offers one of the most tragic yet thought-provoking outcomes in the game. To achieve this ending, you’ll need to follow some specific in-game behaviours. This guide will walk you through all the necessary steps to unlock the “In Water” ending and explain its significance in the context of the game’s deeply emotional narrative.

Understanding the “In Water” Ending

The “In Water” ending is one of several possible outcomes in Silent Hill 2 Remake. It reflects the protagonist, James Sunderland’s, descent into despair after the death of his wife, Mary. In this ending, James ultimately succumbs to his grief and decides to end his own life, driving his car into Toluca Lake to reunite with his deceased wife.

In order to trigger this ending, players must demonstrate James’ hopelessness and disregard for his well-being throughout the game. By neglecting his health and focusing on items and characters that emphasize themes of despair and suicide, you lead James towards this tragic conclusion.

Key Requirements for the “In Water” Ending

To unlock the “In Water” ending, players need to carefully manage several in-game elements. Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors:

1. Keep James’ Health Low

Throughout the game, you’ll notice a bloody red border on the screen when James is injured. This red border symbolizes James’ deteriorating physical state, but more importantly, it reflects his lack of care for his own survival. To achieve the “In Water” ending, you should let James’ health remain low for most of the game.

Pro tip: Don’t heal James immediately after taking damage. Instead, let him linger in a near-death state for as long as possible. Only heal when absolutely necessary to avoid a game over. This signals to the game that James doesn’t value his own life, a crucial aspect of unlocking the “In Water” ending.

2. Examine Angela’s Knife Repeatedly

After meeting Angela, one of the game’s more tragic characters, she gives James a knife. This knife symbolizes Angela’s suicidal tendencies and represents her mental state. To trigger the “In Water” ending, you should regularly inspect this knife throughout your playthrough.

Every time you inspect the knife, it reinforces the notion that James is contemplating his own demise. Over time, the knife will even appear with bloodstains, showing James’ deepening connection to Angela’s bleak worldview.

3. Avoid Interacting with Maria

Maria is a character who serves as a distorted reflection of Mary, James’ deceased wife. In some endings, Maria plays a more prominent role, but for the “In Water” ending, you should ignore her as much as possible. Avoid healing her, checking on her, or showing her any affection. This distance demonstrates James’ inability to move on from Mary and his rejection of any potential new connections.

In certain parts of the game, such as Brookhaven Hospital or the Labyrinth, there will be moments when you can check on Maria. Make sure you avoid these opportunities to interact with her, as they could lead to a different ending.

4. Ignore Mary’s Photo and Letter

James carries a photo of his wife Mary and a letter she supposedly sent him. Throughout the game, inspecting these items could lead to different conclusions, but for the “In Water” ending, you must ignore them. By not inspecting these personal items, James shows that he has mentally and emotionally distanced himself from Mary, contributing to his sense of hopelessness.

5. Choose the Rust-Colored Egg Door

Near the end of the game, after defeating two Pyramid Heads, you will come across two eggs: the Scarlet Egg and the Rust-Colored Egg. To complete the path to the “In Water” ending, you should place the Rust-Colored Egg in the appropriate door. This act symbolizes James’ decaying mental state and his continued descent into despair.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking the “In Water” Ending

Now that you know the requirements, let’s go through the step-by-step process to ensure you get the “In Water” ending:

1. Maintain Low Health: From the beginning of the game, allow James to take damage without immediately healing him. Use health items sparingly, and only when James is on the verge of death. The longer he remains in a critical state, the more the game will recognize his disregard for survival.
2. Examine Angela’s Knife: After receiving the knife from Angela in the Blue Creek Apartments, make it a habit to inspect the knife regularly in your inventory. This will signal that James is resonating with Angela’s nihilistic outlook.
3. Minimize Interaction with Maria: When Maria accompanies you through Silent Hill, treat her as a burden. Don’t engage with her unnecessarily, and avoid re-entering rooms to check on her. This indifference is crucial for securing the “In Water” ending.
4. Ignore Mary’s Items: Refrain from examining Mary’s photo or letter throughout the game. By doing so, James symbolically distances himself from Mary, which is vital for the “In Water” ending.
5. Choose the Rust-Coloured Egg: After defeating the two Pyramid Heads, pick up both the Scarlet and Rust-Coloured Eggs. Place the Rust-Coloured Egg into the corresponding door to continue down the path to the “In Water” ending.
6. Complete the Final Boss: After these steps, continue through the game’s final stages. Defeat the last boss, and you should witness the “In Water” ending.

The “In Water” Ending Explained

The “In Water” ending is one of the darker conclusions of Silent Hill 2 Remake, as it deals with themes of suicide, depression, and loss. In this ending, James is unable to forgive himself for Mary’s death. Racked with guilt, he drives his car into Toluca Lake, ending his life to be reunited with her in death.

As the screen fades to black, you hear the sound of a car crashing into the water. James’ suicide is a metaphor for his inability to cope with the pain of his past, and his choice to end his life reflects his belief that there is no future without Mary.

In the final moments of this ending, Mary’s letter to James is read aloud, providing a heartbreaking contrast to James’ actions. In the letter, Mary expresses her love and forgiveness, something James never gets to fully accept before his tragic end.

The Impact of the “In Water” Ending on the Game’s Narrative

The “In Water” ending gives players a chilling look into James’ fragile psyche. It’s a reminder that Silent Hill is not just a place filled with monsters, but a reflection of the darkest corners of the human mind. James’ journey through Silent Hill is not just about external horrors, but the internal ones he cannot escape.

For many players, this ending can be seen as a “bad” or tragic conclusion, as it leaves James in a state of complete despair. However, it’s also one of the most emotionally charged endings in the game, providing a deeper understanding of James’ character and his inability to move past his grief and guilt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes the “In Water” ending unique?

The “In Water” ending stands out because it focuses on James’ emotional turmoil and his ultimate decision to end his life. Unlike other endings where James either moves forward or seeks redemption, this ending highlight his inability to cope with the loss of Mary.

2. Is the “In Water” ending considered a bad ending?

While many consider it to be a “bad” ending due to its tragic outcome, it’s also one of the most thematically rich and poignant conclusions. It emphasizes the psychological horror elements of Silent Hill 2, exploring heavy topics like grief and suicide.

3. Can I unlock other endings in the same playthrough?

No, each playthrough will only lead to one ending, but you can replay the game to explore different endings by altering your behaviour and interactions with the game’s characters and items.

4. Why should I inspect Angela’s knife?

Angela’s knife symbolizes her suicidal thoughts and despair. By repeatedly inspecting it, James’ mental state aligns with Angela’s, contributing to the conditions needed to unlock the “In Water” ending.

5. Does the Rust-Coloured Egg actually impact the ending?

While it hasn’t been confirmed definitively, many players believe that entering the Rust-Coloured Egg door is a symbolic action that reflects James’ decaying mental state, making it a likely requirement for the “In Water” ending.

With this guide in hand, you’re now equipped to unlock one of the most emotionally charged and thought-provoking endings in Silent Hill 2 Remake. Dive deep into James Sunderland’s story, and experience the tragic beauty of the “In Water” ending for yourself.