Characters & Roles

Characters & Roles Guide for Until Dawn

This guide covers all eight main playable characters in Until Dawn, detailing their backgrounds, inherent strengths and weaknesses, optimal playstyles, available chapters, recommended key items, and how they interact with each other. Note that characters cannot be unlocked or leveled up; their fates are determined entirely by player choices and quick-time events (QTEs).

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1. Sam (Samantha Giddings)

• Background: The caring, loyal friend of the group. Sam was close to the twins Hannah and Beth and is the one who convinces everyone to return to Blackwood Mountain for the memorial. She is environmentally conscious and athletic.


• Strengths: High stealth capability; she is the fastest runner and has the best chance of hiding from enemies. Her relationship with Mike can grant bonus dialogue options.


• Weaknesses: Physically weaker in direct confrontations; she cannot fight off the wendigo easily. Her compassion can lead to risky decisions.


• Playstyle: Prioritize hiding and staying quiet. Run when necessary, but avoid combat. Use her environmental awareness to find safe paths.


• Available Chapters: Prologue (as Beth/Hannah scene), Chapter 3 (awakening), Chapter 4 (as part of group), Chapter 8 (cabin), Chapter 10 (final chase).


• Recommended Equipment/Items: The don’t-move mechanic is crucial for her survival during the final chapter. Collecting the key to the basement (Chapter 8) helps if Mike is not present. The flare gun can be used to distract or kill a wendigo, but it’s optional.


• Team Synergy: Works best with Mike when exploring the lodge. Her presence can calm him down. Avoid separating from the group if possible; if alone, emphasize stealth.


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2. Mike (Michael Munroe)



• Background: The confident, impulsive jock. Mike is wild and often acts without thinking, but he has a strong protective instinct, especially toward Jess. He was involved in the prank that led to the twins’ disappearance.


• Strengths: Bold and physically strong; capable in combat against wendigos if armed. He can take decisive actions quickly. He has a dog, Wolfie, who can help in certain chapters.


• Weaknesses: Recklessness can lead to dangerous situations. He tends to rush into danger, which can get him or others killed. His relationship with Jess influences his mental state.


• Playstyle: Aggressive – move fast, shoot when possible, and use Wolfie for distractions. Complete QTEs aggressively. In Chapter 9, the flamethrower is a game-changer.


• Available Chapters: Chapter 1 (prologue), Chapter 2 (with Jess), Chapter 3 (stranded outside), Chapter 5 (search for Jess), Chapter 6 (sanatorium), Chapter 9 (final confrontation), Chapter 10 (ending).


• Recommended Equipment/Items: Flamethrower (Chapter 9 – kills wendigos instantly). If you choose to go after Jessica in the mines, you can secure a pocket knife for her. The flare gun can be used in the sanatorium.


• Team Synergy: Pairing Mike with Sam in the lodge works well; he can cover her while she uses stealth. If Jess is alive, his concern may slow him down. Leave Wolfie behind in Chapter 9 to save him.


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3. Jessica (Jessica Riley)



• Background: The bubbly, outgoing party girl. Jessica is Mike’s girlfriend and is often seen as shallow, but she shows resilience. She was part of the prank and feels guilty.


• Strengths: Quick reflexes; she can dodge and run well. Her emotional intelligence helps in dialogue choices. If she survives the initial attack, she becomes more resourceful.


• Weaknesses: Physically fragile; she is the most likely to die in Chapter 2 if QTEs are failed. She has no combat skills. Her fear makes her prone to panic.


• Playstyle: Survival mode – avoid confrontation, hide, and rely on Mike or Sam for protection. In Chapter 10, staying quiet is key.


• Available Chapters: Chapter 1 (prologue), Chapter 2 (cabin with Mike), Chapter 10 (mines) – only if she survived the cabin attack in Chapter 2 and Mike found her in Chapter 5.


• Recommended Equipment/Items: If you save her in the mines, she can find a flashlight to navigate. No weapons. Use the hide mechanic constantly.


• Team Synergy: Very dependent on Mike early on. If Mike is killed, Jess’s survival odds drop sharply. Sam can assist her in the final chapter if they meet.


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4. Emily (Emily Davis)



• Background: The intelligent, ambitious, and somewhat manipulative former girlfriend of Matt. Emily is a planner and often tries to take control of situations. She was the mastermind behind the prank.


• Strengths: Highly analytical; she can deduce puzzles and find clues faster than others. She is a capable runner and climber. Her sharp tongue can intimidate others.


• Weaknesses: Arrogance can alienate allies; she is not very empathetic. In dangerous situations, she may prioritize self-preservation over others, leading to conflict.


• Playstyle: Proactive – search everything, solve puzzles, and use logic. In chase sequences, move quickly through QTEs. Avoid antagonizing her if you want to keep group morale high.


• Available Chapters: Chapter 1 (prologue), Chapter 3 (diner), Chapter 4 (resort), Chapter 6 (fire tower), Chapter 7 (mines), Chapter 10 (finale).


• Recommended Equipment/Items: The key to the shed (Chapter 3) gives access to a weapon. The flare gun can be used to kill a wendigo in the mines. The lantern helps in dark areas.


• Team Synergy: Works well alone; she is self-sufficient. Conflicts with Matt if they argue. She can provide useful information to the group. If Ashley is present, their rivalry can cause tension.


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5. Matt (Matthew “Matt” Grimes)



• Background: The quiet, loyal jock and Emily’s boyfriend. Matt is a peacemaker but often feels overshadowed. He is strong and dependable.


• Strengths: Physically powerful; he can break down doors and lift heavy objects. He is protective and will put himself in danger for others. Good at QTEs requiring strength.


• Weaknesses: Indecisive when under pressure; he may hesitate. His loyalty to Emily can cloud his judgment. He is not stealthy.


• Playstyle: Defensive – use strength to create distractions or open pathways. Support teammates by providing safety. In combat, use melee if necessary.


• Available Chapters: Chapter 1 (prologue), Chapter 3 (diner), Chapter 4 (resort), Chapter 6 (fire tower), Chapter 8 (lodge massacre), Chapter 10 (finale).


• Recommended Equipment/Items: Shotgun (Chapter 4 – if you find the key and unlock it). The flare gun can be used to save Emily in the mines. No other weapons are necessary.


• Team Synergy: Works best with Emily, though their relationship can hinder survival if they argue. He can protect weaker characters like Ashley. If separated, he is vulnerable but strong in one-on-one encounters.


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6. Ashley (Ashley Brown)



• Background: The shy, bookish friend. Ashley is intelligent but anxious, often doubting herself. She has a crush on Chris and is deeply affected by the prank.


• Strengths: High perception; she can spot clues and hidden items. She is methodical and can solve puzzles. Her cautious nature can avoid traps.


• Weaknesses: Extremely easily frightened; she will panic in chase sequences. She has no combat ability. Her fear can lead to fatal mistakes if QTEs are missed.


• Playstyle: Cautious – explore thoroughly, read every note, and make safe choices. Avoid confrontation at all costs. In Chapter 9, listening carefully to the voice in the lodge can be deadly.


• Available Chapters: Chapter 1 (prologue), Chapter 3 (diner), Chapter 4 (resort), Chapter 7 (mines with Chris), Chapter 9 (lodge with Chris), Chapter 10 (finale).


• Recommended Equipment/Items: No combat items; focus on collectibles. The camera can take pictures for clues. The key to the drawer (Chapter 3) reveals a secret. Use the hide mechanic frequently.


• Team Synergy: Strong pairing with Chris; they support each other emotionally. If left alone, she is at high risk. Sam can help calm her.


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7. Chris (Christopher “Chris” Hartley)



• Background: The witty, loyal best friend of Josh. Chris is a comedian and the moral compass of the group. He has a crush on Ashley but is also protective of Josh.


• Strengths: Resourceful; he can use tools and improvise. He is a good shot with a gun if necessary. His humor can diffuse tense situations.


• Weaknesses: Not very athletic; he gets tired quickly in chases. His loyalty can make him a target. He is indecisive when forced to choose between friends.


• Playstyle: Balanced – use dialogue to build trust, then act decisively. In combat, use firearms but conserve ammo. Help Ashley and Josh when needed.


• Available Chapters: Chapter 1 (prologue), Chapter 3 (diner), Chapter 4 (resort), Chapter 7 (mines with Ashley), Chapter 9 (lodge with Ashley and Josh), Chapter 10 (finale).


• Recommended Equipment/Items: Pistol (Chapter 9 – if you choose to take it). The ax (Chapter 7) can break obstacles. No specific armor.


• Team Synergy: Perfect partner for Ashley; they work well together. He can also support Josh by refusing to play along with the psycho trap. Avoid leaving him alone in the dark.


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8. Josh (Joshua “Josh” Washington)



• Background: The charismatic, troubled mastermind behind the prank. Josh is the older brother of the twins Hannah and Beth. He suffers from severe mental illness due to grief and guilt. He is not a typical playable character.<!-- Until Dawn -->


• Strengths: Intelligent and manipulative; he knows the mountain’s secrets. He can set traps and control situations. He has knowledge of the wendigo.


• Weaknesses: Unstable; his mental state deteriorates throughout the night. He cannot be fully controlled for long. He is physically weak and prone to breakdowns.


• Playstyle: Not directly playable except for brief segments (Chapter 5 as Josh’s “psycho” disguise, Chapter 10 as the “stranger”). The player controls him only in cutscenes or limited interactions. His survival depends on choices made by others.


• Available Chapters: Chapter 1 (prologue), Chapter 4 (meeting the group), Chapter 5 (as the psycho), Chapter 6 (reveal), Chapter 8 (in the shed), Chapter 10 (finale).


• Recommended Equipment/Items: None applicable; his fate is sealed by the end. If he is left in the shed with Hannah (a wendigo), he will be killed. The diary (Chapter 8) can be found to understand his motives.


• Team Synergy: Works as an antagonist/ally hybrid. His actions affect relationships between other characters. If the group forgives him, they may help him survive, but it is difficult.

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Summary Table

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Final Tips for Team Composition

• No fixed classes – each character’s fate is tied to player choices, not stats. However, understanding each character’s innate traits helps make better decisions.


• Synergy matters – keeping characters together (e.g., Chris+Ashley, Mike+Sam) improves survival odds. Splitting up often leads to deaths.


• The only way to “unlock” a character’s full potential is to keep them alive and make choices that align with their strengths. For example, letting Mike take the flamethrower makes him nearly invincible; letting Sam use her stealth saves her in the final chase.


• Remember: Every character can die permanently. No character is essential to complete the game, but their deaths affect the story ending and trophy unlocks.