RE9 Endings: Should You Destroy or Release Elpis?
Resident Evil 9: Requiem features two distinct endings that hinge on a single critical choice near the finale. Understanding the RE9 ending options is essential before you commit, because each path locks you out of specific content, trophies, and even the true final boss. This guide covers both the Destroy Elpis and Release Elpis outcomes in full detail so you can make an informed decision on your playthrough.
How the Ending Choice Works
After completing the final laboratory section, Leon and Grace reach the Elpis containment chamber. Elpis is not a virus. It is an anti-viral cure originally created by Oswell Spencer to counteract latent T-Virus strains, including Raccoon City Syndrome. The game presents you with a terminal prompt where you must type a command to determine the fate of Elpis.
⚠️Point of No Return
Once you interact with the terminal, there is no going back. Create a manual save before entering the containment chamber so you can experience both endings without replaying the entire game.
Release Elpis (Good Ending)
To trigger the good ending, type "HOPE" at the terminal prompt. This is the canon ending and the one most players should choose on their first playthrough.
What Happens
When you release Elpis, Grace retrieves the cure and injects Leon to treat his advancing Raccoon City Syndrome. The cutscene shows Leon recovering as the anti-viral takes effect. Grace and Leon escape the facility together, and the epilogue confirms that Elpis is distributed to treat other latent T-Virus carriers worldwide.
Rewards for Releasing Elpis
- Unlocks the "Hope and Requiem" trophy/achievement
- Triggers the true final boss fight against the mutated Commander
- Unlocks extended epilogue cutscene
- Required for 100% completion
If you are working through the boss guides, note that the Commander's final form is exclusive to this ending path. You cannot fight this boss if you choose to destroy Elpis.
Destroy Elpis (Bad Ending)
To trigger the bad ending, type any command other than "HOPE" at the terminal. The game interprets any alternative input as a destruction command.
What Happens
Destroying Elpis eliminates the only known cure for Raccoon City Syndrome. Leon's condition continues to deteriorate, and the ending cutscene is significantly shorter and darker. Grace escapes alone, and the epilogue implies the world loses its best chance at eradicating latent T-Virus infections.
Consequences of Destroying Elpis
| Aspect | Release Elpis | Destroy Elpis |
|---|---|---|
| Trophy | Hope and Requiem | None |
| Final Boss | Commander (Mutated) | Skipped |
| Epilogue | Extended (3 min) | Short (45 sec) |
| Canon Status | Canon ending | Non-canon |
| NG+ Impact | Full unlock | Partial unlock |
| Leon's Fate | Cured | Unknown |
Which Ending Should You Choose First?
For your first playthrough, we strongly recommend Release Elpis. It provides the complete narrative experience, the true final boss encounter, and the trophy. If you are chasing infinite ammo unlocks and need Challenge Points from the Commander fight, you must choose this ending.
On a second playthrough, choose Destroy Elpis to see the alternate cutscene and fill out your story completion percentage. This pairs well with an Insanity difficulty run where you are already replaying the game for NG+ content.
💡Save Scum for Both Endings
Save at the terminal, choose one ending, watch the cutscene, then reload and choose the other. Both endings register in your completion log from a single save file.
What Is Elpis? Story Context
Many players are confused about Elpis because the game drip-feeds its lore across dozens of files. Here is the short version:
- Elpis is an anti-viral compound, not a bioweapon
- It was created by Oswell Spencer as a failsafe cure for T-Virus exposure
- Raccoon City Syndrome is a latent T-Virus strain with no previously known survivors
- Leon contracted Raccoon City Syndrome due to his exposure during the Raccoon City incident
- Elpis is the only substance capable of neutralizing the latent strain
For more story context, follow the Care Center walkthrough where key files about Elpis are first discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get both RE9 endings in one playthrough?
Yes, if you create a manual save before the terminal choice. After watching one ending, reload your save and type the other command. Both endings will register in your completion log.
What do you type to release Elpis in RE9?
Type "HOPE" at the terminal prompt. Any other input triggers the Destroy Elpis ending. The prompt is case-insensitive, so "hope", "Hope", or "HOPE" all work.
Does the RE9 ending affect New Game Plus?
Both endings unlock New Game Plus, but the Release Elpis ending grants additional Challenge Points from the final boss fight and full access to all best weapons in the Special Content shop.
Which RE9 ending is canon?
The Release Elpis ending is the canon ending. This is confirmed by the extended epilogue, the "Hope and Requiem" trophy name matching the game's subtitle, and developer interviews post-launch.
Do you miss anything by choosing Destroy Elpis?
Yes. You miss the true final boss fight against the mutated Commander, the extended epilogue, the "Hope and Requiem" trophy, and bonus Challenge Points. The Destroy Elpis path is shorter by approximately 20 minutes.
Now that you understand both RE9 endings, head back to our beginner tips for a full overview of game mechanics, or check the walkthrough hub to replay specific chapters and find all the lore files that flesh out the Elpis storyline.