Silent Hill 2 Remake: The Mary/Maria Ending Explained

One of the most iconic endings in Silent Hill 2 is all about Maria, Maria, and more Maria! The Maria Ending is a pivotal conclusion that highlights James’ relationship with Maria in a dark, twisted way. If you’re aiming to unlock this ending and snag the corresponding trophy, there are some key steps you need to follow. Here’s everything you need to know to make it happen!

Getting Started with the Maria Ending

With several detailed requirements, the Maria ending isn’t something you stumble upon by accident. You’ll need to carefully manage your interactions with Maria throughout the game, so it might be best to start a fresh playthrough with her in mind. This finale shines a spotlight on Maria, pushing Mary into the background.

Spoilers ahead for Silent Hill 2! Proceed with caution if you want to avoid them.

 

 

Key Requirements for the Maria Ending

Here’s what you need to keep in mind throughout your playthrough to trigger the Maria ending:

    1.    Stay fully healed at all times. Even the smallest injury needs to be patched up.
    2.    Avoid examining any Personal Items, especially those tied to Mary, like her letter and photo.
    3.    Use the Woman Coin as the final solution to the Coin Box Puzzle in Wood Side Apartments.
    4.    Focus on Maria: pay attention to her through secret cutscenes and optional dialogue.
    5.    Keep Maria safe from enemies and avoid letting her get hurt.
    6.    Use the Ripe Apple for the Mirror Puzzle in the Lakeview Hotel.
    7.    Choose the Scarlet Door after the Pyramid Heads’ boss fight.

Ignore Personal Items for the Right Ending

From the moment you start the game, it’s crucial that you ignore all Personal Items in your inventory, such as Mary’s Photo, her Letter, and Angela’s Knife. If you examine these, you’ll accidentally trigger one of the other endings. By ignoring them, the game signals that James is in denial about Mary’s condition, putting you on the path toward Maria.

Stay Healed and Alert

To show James’ desire to survive and keep moving forward, you’ll need to ensure that you’re always at full health. Anytime you see bloodstains on James’ jacket, it’s a sign to heal up. Stock up on Healing Items and use them frequently to stay in peak condition, proving that James is determined to live.

Solve the Coin Box Puzzle: Woman Coin for the Win

In the Coin Box Puzzle, select the Woman Coin for the final solution. The riddle asks, “Who carries blame for what fate had in store?” By choosing the Woman Coin, you suggest that James deflects responsibility for Mary’s death. This is an important step in shifting his attention to Maria and denying his guilt.

Keep Maria Close and Safe

Once you meet Maria in Rosewater Park, stick with her. Make sure she stays safe from enemies, and don’t let her get hurt! This shows that James cares more about Maria than Mary. Checking in on her regularly also helps build that connection.

 

Also Read: Silent Hill Remake 2: How To Defeat Mary/Maria and Pyramid Heads

 

Hidden Cutscenes and Extra Dialogue

Look out for secret cutscenes and optional dialogue that further cement James’ bond with Maria. Here’s where to find them:

    •    Jacks Inn: Break the window in Room 108, let Maria in, and have a conversation about her outfit from the original Silent Hill 2.
    •    Baldwin Mansion: After finding the Gate Key, ask Maria if she’s okay for another dialogue moment.
    •    Brookhaven Hospital (Room C5): After acquiring a bracelet for the Director’s Office Puzzle or the Rooftop Key, check on Maria in C5 for two special cutscenes that show James’ concern for her.

The Final Boss and the Scarlet Door

After defeating the two Pyramid Heads, place the Scarlet Egg in the door. This symbolizes James seeking purity and ignoring the burden of his past. Walk through the door and make your way to the end of the corridor, ignoring Mary’s narration as you go. If you’ve followed the steps correctly, you’ll be on track for the Maria ending.

In this ending, when James meets Mary, the confrontation quickly turns sour, and after the final boss fight, he leaves Silent Hill with Maria instead. But things aren’t happily ever after—Maria coughs, hinting at a sickness similar to Mary’s. James, cold and uncaring, simply says, “You better do something about that cough.” It’s a brutal, cyclical ending where James hasn’t changed at all, repeating his emotional disconnect and guilt-free attitude. The journey has meant nothing.

And there you have it! If you’ve followed the steps carefully, you’ll unlock the Maria ending—a grim look at James’ inability to move on from his darker instincts.