Point camera, earn Gamerscore
It’s always great when a game’s Achievements exploit the mechanic or feature that the title does best. That’s what Life is Strange‘s set does — at least for the first episode. Almost everything in episode one can be unlocked through exploration. The sole exception is an Achievement for simply finishing.
The Achievements that might prove difficult are for taking ten optional photos. Life is Strange has a chapter select feature that tells you how many photos in each section remain to be collected. However, make sure to select the option to “play this chapter in collectible mode” which will allow you to hunt without changing any choices you’ve already made.
Everything from here on out may contain spoilers. Even the images for the Achievements are spoilers in that they give away what needs to be done. I’ve listed them in the order in which they appear, but I highly recommend playing through once at your own speed before using a guide to clean up.
With all the formalities out of the way, an easy 200 Gamerscore’s right around the corner!
Chrysalis: Finish Episode 1: Chrysalis
This is the only Achievement that’s earned through story progression. Just finish the first episode. It shouldn’t give you any trouble at all.
Macro Eyes: Find optional photo #1 in Episode 1: Chrysalis
After Max gets up from her desk in the classroom, “Rachel Amber <3 4 Ever” is scrawled into the desk in front of her. Just take a picture of it.
Wide Angles: Find optional photo #2 in Episode 1: Chrysalis
After some plot developments take place, Max will be forced to go to Blackwell Academy’s outside courtyard. Directly in front of her is a statue in the center of a fountain. Walk around so you can see its face and snap a photo.
Telephotogenic: Find optional photo #3 in Episode 1: Chrysalis
This is the first photo that takes a bit of trial and error. In the courtyard, there will be a group of skaters. Talk to Justin. After he calls you a “poser,” rewind time and tell him that you came here to noseslide. When he asks what trick you want to see, select a tre flip. Trevor attempts it and, well, things don’t go great. Take a picture of him in agony. Then, maybe rewind time because that looks like it hurt.
Close-Ups: Find optional photo #4 in Episode 1: Chrysalis
Outside of the dormitories, there will be some football players playing catch. Next to them is Kate sitting on a bench. Across from Kate is a tree that’s hiding a cute little squirrel with a can. Grab a picture to snag the Achievement.
Red Eye: Find optional photo #5 in Episode 1: Chrysalis
In Max’s dorm room, there’s a mirror on the wall next to her door. Just take a selfie for this Achievement.
Focused: Find optional photo #6 in Episode 1: Chrysalis
When going through Victoria’s room, notice the collage of photos next to the door. Select to mess them up, and Max arranges them into an…umm…”creative” design. Snap a photo of Victoria’s new decor.
Zoomed In: Find optional photo #7 in Episode 1: Chrysalis
After leaving the dorms, one of the jocks will spike a football and hit Alyssa in the head. Rewind time and warn her to move out of the way. The football will bounce past her and break a window. Take a picture of the damage.
Focal Pointed: Find optional photo #8 in Episode 1: Chrysalis
There’s a giant, filthy RV in the school’s parking lot. Go up to it and write “Clean me” in the dirt on the window. Snap a picture of your harmless graffiti for an Achievement.
Maximum Aperture: Find optional photo #9 in Episode 1: Chrysalis
This is the most nuanced of episode one’s Achievements (and even it isn’t too bad). Inside Chloe’s house, wander into her parents’ room when you’re on the hunt for tools. A bird will smack into a window and injure itself. Rewind time to open the window. If you did it right, the bird will fly into the room and land on top of the large wardrobe opposite the bed.
Then, when you and Chloe are in the woods walking toward the lighthouse, that same bird will be perched on top of a rock. Take a picture and bask in the warm fuzzies knowing that you probably saved that little guy’s life.
Light Leak: Find optional photo #10 in Episode 1: Chrysalis
Right next to the lighthouse, Chloe takes a seat on a bench overlooking the bay. Simply take a picture of her from behind.
Visionary: Find all optional photos in Episode 1: Chyrsalis
This unlocks as soon as you find the tenth optional photo. Two Achievements for the price of one!
