How to Save Matt in Until Dawn

Keeping everyone alive in Supermassive Games' horror classic requires navigating a web of interconnected choices known as the Butterfly Effect. Among the cast, Matt is notoriously easy to lose due to a sequence of seemingly logical decisions that can backfire terribly during a sudden crisis. Understanding how to guide Matt safely through the long night requires special attention to key choices made chapters before his ultimate survival encounters.

The Fire Tower Choice and Flare Gun Mechanics

One of the most critical turning points for Matt occurs during Chapter 6 when he and Emily explore the radio tower in search of a rescue signal. Emily will find a flare gun inside the locker, triggering an immediate choice of who should carry the defensive tool. If you intend to help Emily when the tower collapses later, you must ensure Matt has a functional weapon to defend himself from hidden threats.

However, simply giving Matt the weapon is not enough because his personal relationship stats can cause him to waste the single shot immediately. To prevent Matt from firing the flare gun into the sky right away, he must actively disagree with Emily's plan to visit the fire tower during Chapter 5. Disagreeing ensures he keeps the loaded tool stowed safely away for when his life depends on it later that evening.

Navigating the Collapsing Tower Crisis

When the radio tower falls down the mountain, players face a fast-paced choice to either try to save Emily or jump to safety. Trying to pull Emily up twice shows immense bravery but puts Matt in direct path of a deadly ambush in the mines below. If Matt does not have a saved flare gun in his inventory at this moment, attempting to save Emily will lead directly to his brutal demise.

Alternatively, players can choose to have Matt jump to safety on the ledge during either the first or second prompt. Jumping immediately removes Matt from immediate danger, ensuring his safe escape regardless of his relationship status or inventory choices. This tactical retreat keeps Matt alive for his remaining scenes while allowing Emily separate paths to manage her own survival.

Surviving the Mines with Jessica

If Matt survives the collapsing tower incident, his final trial occurs late in Chapter 10 when he navigates the deep underground mines. During this segment, he will reunite with a severely injured Jessica, and the pair must work together to hide from a hunting Wendigo. Success here relies heavily on your reflexes during multiple rapid-fire Quick Time Events and intense Dont Move segments.

When the creature pursues them, choosing to hide together rather than abandoning your companion is the safest path forward. You must keep the controller perfectly still during the hiding sequence to avoid alerting the creature to your exact location. Completing these physical challenges successfully guarantees that Matt will survive until dawn breaks over Blackwood Mountain.