Life Is Strange: Double Exposure brings Max Caulfield back as its protagonist in a supernatural murder mystery set at Caledon University. After her friend Safi is found dead, Max discovers a way to move between two parallel timelines—one where Safi has been murdered and another where she is still alive and in danger. The game was developed by Deck Nine Games and published by Square Enix.
Does Max Caulfield return in Double Exposure?
Yes. Max is the central character, years after her earlier story. In the June 2024 reveal, Square Enix described her as an artist-in-residence at Caledon University. Xbox Wire’s reveal article adds that she has spent years traveling and photographing desolate places while keeping people at a distance; at Caledon, she begins rebuilding a community and forming friendships. Safi, a poet, is one of those friends.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Life Is Strange: Double Exposure (PS5) | $13.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Life is Strange: Double Exposure - Standard Edition - Xbox Series X|S [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41BmCqo0sFL._SL160_.jpg)
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Life is Strange: Double Exposure - Standard Edition - Xbox Series X|S [Digital Code] | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Life is Strange Vol 1: Dust - Deluxe Edition | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Life is Strange: Welcome to Caledon University | $19.87 | Buy on Amazon |
Andrew James, Square Enix’s Senior Brand Manager for Life Is Strange, wrote in Xbox Wire’s June 11, 2024 reveal: “And long-time fans will be thrilled to know that our original star, Max Caulfield, is making a return.” The announcement also positioned the story for newcomers, saying it would provide enough background to follow Max’s past and emotional journey. That is Square Enix’s announcement-era framing, rather than an independent assessment of how much prior knowledge the game requires.
What is the story and Max’s new power?
The mystery begins when Max finds Safi dead in the snow. She then opens a parallel timeline in which Safi is alive, but still in danger. Max’s new ability is called Shift: she can move between the two realities as events progress in sync. The investigation asks her to uncover what happened and try to prevent the same murder across both timelines.
#1 Best Overall
- TWO TIMELINES. ONE IMPOSSIBLE MYSTERY. When Max Caulfield finds her friend Safi dead in the snow, she tears open the way to a parallel timeline. Here, Safi is still alive - and still in danger! With her new power to Shift between two timelines – can Max solve and prevent the same murder?
- ORDINARY GIRL, EXTRAORDINARY POWER. Max is thrust into a thrilling supernatural murder mystery – more dangerous than ever before!
- TRAVERSE TWO TIMELINES. Forge allies and pursue suspects across two versions of reality, shaping both timelines through unforgettable choices.
- RACE AGAINST TIME. A relentless detective has Max in his sights, and Safi’s killer grows closer with every clue uncovered. Can Max survive long enough – to do the impossible?
- DECIDE THE FATE OF CALEDON. Explore two versions of a vivid winter campus, each packed with clues, secrets, and tough decisions.
Two versions of the same winter campus
Rather than treating the alternate reality as a separate setting, the game uses the two versions of Caledon to give Max different circumstances in which to pursue clues and suspects. Square Enix’s store description says player choices shape both timelines. The official listing classifies the game as an adventure or narrative adventure and advertises an original score, new songs, and licensed tracks.
Platforms and release dates
Square Enix’s regional announcements gave different dates and platform details. The US announcement, published June 14, 2024, set October 29, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, with Switch details to follow. Square Enix’s Asia news portal, dated June 10, 2024, listed October 30, 2024 for PS5, Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC, and November 20, 2024 for Nintendo Switch. These are region-specific announcement dates, not one universal release date.
Rank #2
- TWO TIMELINES. ONE IMPOSSIBLE MYSTERY. When Max Caulfield finds her friend Safi dead in the snow, she tears open the way to a parallel timeline. Here, Safi is still alive - and still in danger! With her new power to Shift between two timelines – can Max solve and prevent the same murder?
- ORDINARY GIRL, EXTRAORDINARY POWER. Max is thrust into a thrilling supernatural murder mystery – more dangerous than ever before!
- TRAVERSE TWO TIMELINES. Forge allies and pursue suspects across two versions of reality, shaping both timelines through unforgettable choices.
- RACE AGAINST TIME. A relentless detective has Max in his sights, and Safi’s killer grows closer with every clue uncovered. Can Max survive long enough – to do the impossible?
- DECIDE THE FATE OF CALEDON. Explore two versions of a vivid winter campus, each packed with clues, secrets, and tough decisions.
| Source and region | Platforms listed | Release date stated |
|---|---|---|
| Square Enix US announcement, June 14, 2024 | Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC; Nintendo Switch announced with details to follow | October 29, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC; no Switch date in that announcement |
| Square Enix Asia announcement, June 10, 2024 | PS5, Steam, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Nintendo Switch | October 30, 2024 for PS5, Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC; November 20, 2024 for Switch |
The Square Enix US store listing also gives October 29, 2024 and identifies PS5 and Xbox Series X|S product variants. The official announcement and store details establish platform availability, but do not provide a like-for-like technical comparison of performance or resolution across versions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who made Life Is Strange: Double Exposure?
Deck Nine Games developed Life Is Strange: Double Exposure, and Square Enix published it. Square Enix’s store listing identifies both companies in those roles.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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