
In the second episode of Life is Strange 2, Mushroom, an innocent and harmless puppy, meets a tragic end. Mushroom is an easily excitable and friendly dog that the Diaz brothers, Sean and Daniel, take in from Bear Station. She quickly becomes a fan favourite, with her playful and affectionate nature, winning over the hearts of players. However, her fate in the game is a shocking and manipulative blow to both the characters and the players. Mushroom's death serves as a pivotal moment in the game, exploring themes of responsibility, maturity, and the emotional impact of loss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of Death | Killed by a wild cougar |
| Circumstances | Let outside by Sean Diaz |
| Timing | Beginning of Episode 2 |
| Location | Outside an abandoned cabin |
| Owners | Sean and Daniel Diaz |
| Breed | German Shorthaired Pointer |
| Colouring | White with brown spots and a brown and white head |
| Temperament | Friendly, excitable, fond of Daniel |
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What You'll Learn
- The death of Mushroom was foreshadowed by her wearing Brody's old red bandana
- Mushroom's death was a common trope used to manipulate the player's emotions
- Players felt that Mushroom's death was too early in the game
- Mushroom's death teaches Daniel responsibility and maturity
- Players can choose whether to let Daniel avenge Mushroom by killing the cougar

The death of Mushroom was foreshadowed by her wearing Brody's old red bandana
The death of Mushroom in Life is Strange 2 was a tragic and shocking moment for players, who had quickly grown attached to the puppy. The death occurs in Episode 2, when Sean lets Mushroom outside, and she is killed by a wild cougar. Daniel, her owner, discovers her body and grieves, showing a level of maturity that is rarely seen from him.
The bandana could also be seen as a warning to the players, a subtle hint that Mushroom's life is in danger. Players who are familiar with the games may have picked up on this subtle foreshadowing, creating a sense of dread and anticipation as they awaited Mushroom's fate. The red bandana, a seemingly innocuous accessory, becomes a powerful symbol of the unpredictability and tragedy that unfolds in Life is Strange 2.
The death of Mushroom affected players deeply, and the use of the red bandana as foreshadowing adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. It highlights the developers' attention to detail and their willingness to engage in emotional storytelling. While some players may have been caught off guard by Mushroom's death, the red bandana hints at the tragedy to come, creating a sense of inevitability that mirrors the larger themes of the game.
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Mushroom's death was a common trope used to manipulate the player's emotions
The death of Mushroom in Life is Strange 2 is a common trope used to manipulate the player's emotions. Mushroom, an excitable and friendly puppy, is introduced at the end of Episode 1 and quickly becomes a fan favourite. The player witnesses her playful and affectionate interactions with Daniel Diaz, to whom she is particularly attached.
However, at the start of Episode 2, the player discovers that Mushroom has been killed by a wild cougar. This unexpected and violent death serves as an emotional shock to the player, as it occurs early in the game and in a graphic manner. The death of a beloved animal companion is a well-known trope in storytelling, often used to evoke sadness and empathy in the audience.
The writers of Life is Strange 2 likely employed this trope to heighten the emotional impact of the game and to develop Daniel's character. Mushroom's death foreshadows the challenges and hardships that Daniel will face due to his powers, highlighting the theme that despite his choices, happiness will always be fleeting for him. Additionally, Mushroom's death teaches Daniel responsibility and maturity in the grieving process, as he does not blame his brother Sean for letting her outside.
While some players may find the use of this trope effective in evoking strong emotions, others may view it as a cheap tactic to manipulate their feelings. Nonetheless, Mushroom's death serves a narrative purpose, adding depth to the story and characters of Life is Strange 2.
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Players felt that Mushroom's death was too early in the game
In the game Life is Strange 2, Mushroom is a dog that Sean and Daniel Diaz adopt. Mushroom quickly becomes a beloved member of the family, with Daniel in particular growing very attached to her. However, despite the players' wishes, Mushroom meets an untimely demise early in the game.
Mushroom's death occurs in Episode 2 of the game. As Sean and Daniel are about to embark on their journey towards their grandparents' house, they notice that Mushroom is missing. Sean soon finds Mushroom's bandana lying in the snow, along with a trail of blood, leading him to discover Mushroom's lifeless body. The puppy has been killed by a wild cougar.
Players have expressed their dismay and disgust over Mushroom's untimely death. Some felt that the writers could have handled her death with more sensitivity, and that it occurred too early in the game, leaving them with little time to form an emotional attachment to the puppy. One player commented that they expected Mushroom to die later in the game, allowing her to develop into a more complex character that players could become attached to, making her death more impactful.
The unexpected loss of Mushroom not only affects the players but also serves as a stark reminder of the dire situation faced by Sean and Daniel, who are running from the law. Mushroom represents the family life and stability that the brothers crave but cannot attain due to their circumstances.
While some players understand the narrative purpose of Mushroom's death, they still found it difficult to accept. The emotional impact of her death is undeniable, leaving players with a sense of sadness and dissatisfaction.
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Mushroom's death teaches Daniel responsibility and maturity
In Life is Strange 2, Daniel Diaz adopts a puppy named Mushroom, who quickly becomes a fan favourite. Mushroom is an easily excitable and friendly dog who grows attached to Daniel, following him everywhere and sleeping in his arms. Daniel is responsible for naming her Mushroom, as he feels she resembles one.
Mushroom's death occurs in Episode 2 when she is killed by a wild cougar. Sean, Daniel's brother, lets Mushroom out to do her business, and the two brothers later notice her disappearance. Sean finds her bloodied bandana and her body, with Daniel standing over her. The death of Mushroom is a pivotal moment in the game, teaching Daniel responsibility and maturity.
Daniel is faced with the responsibility of caring for Mushroom, and her death serves as a harsh lesson in the challenges of pet ownership. It is a moment that forces him to confront the realities of loss and mortality. Daniel's reaction to Mushroom's death demonstrates a level of maturity beyond his years. Instead of lashing out in anger or blaming Sean, he grieves her loss quietly and reflects on the happy memories they shared. This maturity is a notable development in Daniel's character, showcasing his ability to process grief in a thoughtful and compassionate manner.
The death of Mushroom also has a significant impact on Daniel's powers. Players are given the choice to either let Daniel avenge Mushroom by killing the cougar or to let the animal escape. This decision influences Daniel's powers and the course of the game. If players choose revenge, Daniel snaps the cougar's neck, an act of violence that may impact his moral compass and future decisions. Alternatively, if players opt for mercy, Daniel's powers may develop in a more peaceful direction, reflecting his capacity for forgiveness and restraint.
The inclusion of Mushroom in Life is Strange 2 adds depth to Daniel's character and provides an opportunity for players to explore the complexities of responsibility, maturity, and emotional development. While her death is tragic and shocking, it serves as a pivotal moment that shapes Daniel's journey and encourages players to contemplate the weight of their choices.
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Players can choose whether to let Daniel avenge Mushroom by killing the cougar
In Life is Strange 2, players can choose whether to let Daniel avenge Mushroom's death by killing the cougar that took her life. Mushroom is a puppy that Sean and Daniel Diaz took in and named in the first episode of the game. She is an excitable and friendly dog who quickly becomes a fan favourite.
At the beginning of the second episode, Sean and Daniel notice that Mushroom is missing. Sean soon finds her bandana lying in the snow and follows a trail of blood, eventually discovering her dead body. She has been killed by a wild cougar. The player, as Sean, is then given a choice: they can either let Daniel avenge Mushroom by snapping the cougar's neck, or they can interfere and cause the cougar to flee with Mushroom's body.
The choice of whether or not to let Daniel kill the cougar has an impact on Daniel's character development. As Mushroom's owner, Daniel is responsible for her and feels a deep sense of grief at her death. However, he does not blame Sean, showing a level of maturity beyond his years. By allowing Daniel to kill the cougar, players enable him to take revenge for his loss. On the other hand, if players choose to stop Daniel, they may feel that they are teaching him to control his powers and his emotions.
The death of Mushroom is a significant moment in the game, and the player's choice of whether or not to let Daniel avenge her death can shape their experience of the story and their understanding of Daniel's character.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom is killed by a wild cougar.
Some players have speculated that Mushroom's death was a cheap and nasty way for the game developers to tug on players' heartstrings. Others have suggested that it was a way to teach Daniel responsibility and maturity through the grieving process.
Yes, Mushroom quickly becomes a fan favourite. She is important as she teaches Daniel Diaz responsibility and is his source of happiness.
Players were shocked and upset by Mushroom's death, with some calling it "barbaric" and "despicable".

























