All answers are from official sources unless otherwise stated IE: Information labelled "Speculation."

This is an unofficial F.A.Q. because I am not employed by Dontnod, Deck Nine, or Square Enix.

Episode Release Dates: - All episodes have been released.

Episode 1 - Awake: August 31st, 2017
Episode 2 - Brave New World: October 19th, 2017
Episode 3 - Hell Is Empty: December 19th, 2017
Deluxe Edition Bonus Episode - Farewell: March 5th, 2018. (Included in physical editions)

(MacOS & Linux versions released September 13th, 2018)


(8-10 weeks was the officially stated release goal and was subject to change pending patch certification, production delays, and acts of various Deities)

NOTE: Some information will be left here for legacy purposes IE: When "Life Is Strange 2" is released, this can be a source of information for possible release timings and speculation. (Square Enix publishes all "Life Is Strange" titles)


Q: What Is “Life Is Strange: Before The Storm”?
A: “Life Is Strange: Before The Storm” is an episodic story-driven adventure game developed by Deck Nine Games and is a prequel to the original “Life Is Strange” that was developed by Dontnod Entertainment. Square Enix publishes both games.

Q: Is this Life Is Strange 2?
A: No, this is a separate prequel. Dontnod Entertainment is developing “Life Is Strange 2” separately.

Q: Wait, Dontnod is not making “Life Is Strange: Before The Storm”?
A: No, Deck Nine Games has been chosen by the publisher (Square Enix) to create this prequel game.

Q: Does Dontnod own “Life Is Strange”?
A: No, the publisher (Square Enix) owns the rights to the “Life Is Strange” franchise and can do whatever they want with the franchise.

Q: What is Dontnod’s involvement?
A: Dontnod did play "Life Is Strange: Before the Storm: Episode 1" and give feedback.

"Though Dontnod offered feedback at this later stage of the development, Garriss confirmed to us that “in terms of design of Before the Storm, from early conception to what’s polished in episode one now and future episodes has been entirely Deck Nine working alongside the team at Square Enix”. -Techradar

" From the first concept through production until now, before The Storm was entirely Deck Nine, working separately from Dontnod. We're working with a core team at Square [the publisher] that worked on the first game as well, the designers and producers there. And the same VO director worked with us as well." -GameSpot

Q: Why make a prequel?
A: "Returning to Arcadia Bay was a direct response to fans telling Square that they wanted to go back to Arcadia Bay, for sure. But when it comes to who we might play this time around, we looked at a wide range of characters, but we kept coming back to Chloe. Her mix of aggressive strength and fragile vulnerability was too interesting, too real. Those qualities, plus the opportunity to meet the mythic Rachel Amber through Chloe's eyes, ultimately made the decision for us."

Q: How long is “Life Is Strange: Before The Storm”?
A: The developers have said it will be a six to nine hour experience. There are three episodes in the “Normal Edition” and an additional episode with Max Caulfield if you own the “Deluxe Edition.”

The length of the bonus episode, depending on playstyle, is a half hour to an hour and a half.

Q: When I buy the game, do I own all three episodes?
A: For all editions you will own all three episodes. The Bonus episode is exclusive to the "Deluxe Edition" and the physical editions. (The bonus episode releases March 6th, 2018)

Q: Is there a physical edition or limited edition?
A: The physical edition was released in March 2018 in three editions. (6th for US, 9th for PAL territories)

Vinyl Edition: "The Vinyl Edition includes an exclusive vinyl set of the original soundtrack; a physical artbook featuring art from Life is Strange: Before the Storm plus the original soundtrack on CD." (It does not contain the physical game disc, only a digital code - this edition is only available through Square Enix stores.)

Limited Edition: "The Limited Edition will be available from participating retailers and will include the physical artbook featuring art from Life is Strange: Before the Storm plus the original soundtrack on CD." (It does not contain the physical game disc, only a digital code)

Standard Edition: "Standard Edition will be available too if you'd prefer to have just the game on disc to add to your game collection. This will initially only be available in the US and will launch in other territories at a later date." (Contains Physical game disc)

Note: Figurines of Chloe and Rachel were available if you pre-ordered from participating retailers.

"All three editions also include the following digital content:
Bonus Episode: ‘Farewell’ - play one last time as a young Max Caulfield in a special bonus episode...
Mixtape Mode – Design your own playlist from the Life is Strange licensed soundtrack and listen to it alongside a cinematic scene from the game
Outfit pack – Change up Chloe's look with three new complete outfits. Includes the Punk Doe, Hawt Dawg Man & Illuminati outfits
Episode 1 from the first Life is Strange season"

Q: What is the difference between the “Normal Edition” and the “Deluxe Edition”? (Digital Releases)
A: The “Normal Edition” includes all three episodes. The “Deluxe Edition” includes all three episodes, the bonus episode “Farewell” starring Max Caulfield, an outfit pack that includes three complete outfits, and a mixtape mode, which allows you to design your own playlist from the licensed tracks to listen to alongside cinematic scenes from the game.
The outfits are not modular.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbFBVFL7sq8

Q: May I purchase episodes individually?
A: There are no announced plans to sell episodes individually on Steam. (December 20th, 2017)

Q: May I purchase the "Classic Chloe pre-order outfit?"
A: Yes! http://ad.gamersky.info/@store.steampowered.com/app/644900/Life_is_Strange_Before_the_Storm_Classic_Chloe_Outfit_Pack/

Q: What Platforms will “Life Is Strange: Before The Storm” be released on?
A: Xbox One, PS4, Windows, MacOS & Linux

Q: Will there be an art book?
A: There are no plans at this time.
Speculation: The limited edition of “Life Is Strange” came after the full digital release. It is possible that this route will be used if the sales are strong.

Q: What about merchandise?
A: https://www.insertcoinclothing.com/life-is-strange/
http://www.hottopic.com/pop-culture/shop-by-license/life-is-strange/



Q: What is “Life Is Strange: Before The Storm” about?
A: The story follows the creation of the friendship between Rachel Amber and Chloe Price three years prior to the events of “Life Is Strange.” The setting is Arcadia Bay just as in “Life Is Strange.”

Spoilers: From Store Page: “When Rachel learns a secret about her family that threatens to destroy her world, it is her newfound friendship with Chloe that gives her the strength to carry on.”

Q: Should I play the original "Life Is Strange" or the prequel "Life Is Strange: Before The Storm" first?
A: "It's really intentional for us that no matter which title you come to first, you can play through it, enjoy it, and then go play the other title. Nothing in our game will spoil anything from the original game."

Q: Who is the player character?
A: Chloe Price at age sixteen. She was nineteen in “Life Is Strange.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JT4vHBBJQo (Chloe & Rachel - Includes interviews with the new voice actor for Chloe Price)

Q: Where is Max Caulfield, the main character of “Life Is Strange”?
A: Seattle. She will be referenced throughout the game by Chloe Price and will appear in a special episode if you own the “Deluxe Edition.”

Q: What is Max’s special episode or bonus episode?
A: It is titled “Farewell” and you will play as Max Caulfield.
It is not part of the main three episodes. It is meant as a bonus. "Farewell" takes place three days before Max Caulfield's move to Seattle. (Two years before "Life Is Strange: Before The Storm" & five years before "Life Is Strange")

Q: What is the timeframe of each episode?
A: Approximately one day per episode spanning consecutive days.

Q: Is the cast where appropriate returning?
A: Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike against video game developers, Ashly Burch, the voice of Chloe Price, will not be reprising her role for the main three episodes. (The strike concluded during production of Episode 3.)

Ashly Burch was asked to reprise her role in late 2016 but due to her union obligations, (the strike started October 2016), she was unable to do so. She has worked on “Life Is Strange: Before The Storm” as a consultant to the writing team to help maintain as much consistency as possible for the character of Chloe Price.

As of Episode 3: Hell Is Empty, none of the returning characters have been voiced by their original voice actors.

For the Bonus Episode "Farewell", Ashly Burch will reprise her role as Chloe Price alongside Hannah Telle reprising the role of Max Caulfield. (Announced November 30th, 2017)

Side point: Deck Nine referenced Ashly Burch as a consultant to the writing team and not on the writing team. She was sent the first episode’s script for an opinion and she subsequently requested to aid Deck Nine in any way possible, as she was excited about the project. She has given cues on how Chloe speaks, what she would and would not say, as well as characterization. She received a separate writing credit for her efforts.

Q: Could there be a DLC with Ashly Burch reprising her role as Chloe Price or could the game be delayed to wait for the strike to end?
A: The developers (Deck Nine) considered cancelling the game in January 2017 but decided against it. They believe the fans want to see this story. The new voice of Chloe Price is also the motion capture actor. Her name is Rhianna DeVries. This will be her first voice-acting role.
There was no direct answer about a DLC with Ashly Burch when the developer was asked. They have requested the community give the new voice actor a chance.
(The strike officially ended November 8th, 2017.)

Side point: There is no indication from Square Enix (Publisher) as to who had final say in this decision.

Speculation: Such a DLC is extremely unlikely.

Q: What characters are returning from “Life Is Strange”?
A: Chloe Price, Rachel Amber, Nathan Prescott, Joyce Price/Madsen, David Madsen, Victoria Chase, Samuel, Michelle Grant, Juliet Watson, Principal Wells, Hayden Jones, and hawt dog man are confirmed to be returning.

The developers have stated that we will see a lot of returning characters “characters people love.” They want to introduce new characters as well.
The developers have also stressed that some of the returning characters will be different simply due to the timeline and their development. IE: Nathan will be shown in a different light as he has yet to become unhinged as he appeared in “Life Is Strange.”

Q: What characters are not returning from “Life Is Strange”?
A: The developers have stated that Mark Jefferson will not be returning as he has yet to take his position at Blackwell Academy. Kate Marsh will not return.

Q: Will there be multiple endings?
A: Yes.

Q: Will we see (LiS 1 Spoiler) Rachel Amber in the dark room?
A: No. This story will end three years before the events of “Life Is Strange.” Mark Jefferson will not appear on screen.



Q: Will the gameplay be like “Life Is Strange”?
A: Yes.

Q: Will there be rewind or time powers?
A: No, that is unique to Max. The developers have stated it would make no sense for Chloe to have these powers.

Q: What is the "backtalk" feature that Chloe will use?
A: "Certain dialogue choices, marked with sweary speech bubbles, trigger a backtalk sequence. It’s a minigame of sorts in which Chloe, without the time-twisting powers of her friend Max, exercises her most potent ability: aggressive sarcasm. Chloe and her target trade insults, and there are ‘correct’ choices to make, picked out by figuring out the response that most directly plays with the previous line of dialogue." -Rock Paper Shotgun

"Certain dialogue options are only available if you’ve picked up on environmental cues by having Chloe investigate them, which might add some complexity, and there’s no actual fail-state, just a different outcome." -Rock Paper Shotgun

Q: Will there be a journal?
A: Yes. However, it will not be a traditional diary like Max’s as they are different characters and the developers felt that Chloe would not be the tradtitional diary writing type.
Chloe's Journal will be in the form of her writing letters to Max throughout. However, Max will never reply which is in keeping with what is established in “Life Is Strange.”

Q: Will there be a collectible feature like Max's photography in "Life Is Strange"?
A: Yes. Chloe will have the choice of what to write on particle objects or walls. (Graffiti) She will either write a phrase of the player's choosing or draw a sketch of how she feels. The writing will remain for the rest of the playthrough and can be revisited.

Q: Can I replay an episode and still save my previous decisions?
A: Yes. In the options/settings menu, pick an empty save slot. There are three to choose from.


Q: Will there be an option to preload "Life Is Strange: Before The Storm"?
A: There was no preloading for Episodes 1-3 or the bonus episode "Farewell" on Steam.


Q: Is the Soundtrack included with the purchase of "Life Is Strange: Before The Storm"?
A: Neither of the digital releases includes the Soundtrack. Two of the three physical editions will. (Due March 2018 - 6th for US, 9th for PAL territories)

Q: Who is composing the Soundtrack?
A: "English indie band Daughter have written the entire score for Life is Strange: Before the Storm and will also be releasing their work as a standalone album entitled Music from Before the Storm."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivoUAjd_Clw

Q: Will there be other artists featured on the Soundtrack?
A: Yes, just like "Life Is Strange." For Example: Pretty Vicious - Are You Ready For Me and Speedy Ortiz - No Below.

Q: When and where can I buy "Music from Before the Storm"?
A: You can purchase "Music from Before the Storm" from various digital retailers. http://smarturl.it/DaughterMFBTS

Note: This is not the entire soundtrack simply the music created by "Daughter" for "Life Is Strange Before The Storm." The original soundtrack is separate.

Q: Will there be a complete release of the soundtrack including the other licensed artists?
A: It will be released as part of two of the three physical editions in March 2018. (6th for US, 9th for PAL territories)



Q: Why is Chloe in the car when William dies?
A: It is a dream/nightmare sequence.

Q: What is the name of the song that is used in the announcement trailer?
A: Numbers by Daughter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-fD3PIRSO8


Q: Is it using the same game engine as “Life Is Strange”?
A: No, it will not be using the “Unreal 3” engine. "Life Is Strange: Before The Storm" was developed within "Unity" and uses "Storyforge": a Deck Nine in-house designed toolset for Unity.

Q: What are the system requirements?
A:

Windows:
MINIMUM:
OS: Windows 7 or above (64-bit Operating System Required)
Processor: Intel Core i3-2100 (3.1GHz) or AMD Phenom X4 945 (3.0GHz)
Memory: 3 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 250 (2GB) or NVIDIA Geforce GTX 650 (2GB)
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 14 GB available space
Additional Notes: Please note that 32-bit operating systems will not be supported.

RECOMMENDED:
OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i3-6100 (3.7GHz) or AMD Athlon X4 845 (3.5GHz)
Memory: 6 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 460 (4GB) or NVIDIA Geforce 1050 (4GB)
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 14 GB available space
Additional Notes: Please note that 32-bit operating systems will not be supported.


MacOS:
Minimum:

OS: Mac OS X 10.13.5
Processor: Intel Core i5 2.0 GHz
RAM: 8GB
Hard Disk: 28GB
Graphics: 1GB Nvidia 650M or better, 2GB AMD Radeon R9 M290 or better, 1.5GB Intel Iris 5100 or better

Recommended:
Mac OS X 10.13.6 or higher

Linux:

Minimum:
OS: Ubuntu 18.04 (64bit)
Processor: Intel Core i3-4130T 2.9 GHz
RAM: 4GB
Hard Disk: 28GB
Graphics: 2GB AMD R9 270 or better, 2GB Nvidia GTX 680 or better
Input: Keyboard, Keyboard & Mouse

Recommended:

OS: Ubuntu 18.04 (64bit)
Processor: 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7-4770 3.2 GHz
RAM: 8GB
Hard Disk: 28GB
Graphics: 4GB Nvidia GTX 970 or better, 4GB AMD RX 470 or better
Input: Gamepad

Further information for MacOS & Linux: https://store.feralinteractive.com/en/mac-linux-games/lisbeforethestormdeluxe/


Q: Why are the requirements higher than the original "Life Is Strange"?
A: "Life Is Strange: Before The Storm" uses a different engine (Unity) and is running DirectX 11 instead of DirectX 9. It has far more advanced lighting and shadows amongst other graphical enhancements and thus has higher requirements. The goal is to have the minimum requirements run at 30fps at all times. Anything below the requirements will not be officially supported but may work.

Q: Will other languages be supported?
A: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Mexican Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and simplified Chinese will be supported.

English is for audio and subtitles.
Japanese audio and subtitles released June 6th, 2018. (Japanese Region Only)

Q: Will a Russian translation be added?
A: Added (November 17th, 2017) - Russian language modification
http://tolma4team.ru/life-is-strange-before-the-storm/
"Please note: This is not an official translation and Square Enix has not tested or verified it. Download and Installation of the modification is done at your own risk. Please contact the Tolma4 Team if you have any questions or concerns."

Q: What is the simplified Chinese translation for "Chloe"
A: "We chose to adapt the character name to 歌露儿 to keep the spirit of the character herself: tough as a rock song on the outside but delicate, kind and beautiful on the inside."

Q: What if any DRM will be used?
A: Steamworks. Denuvo was removed with the release of Episode 2.

Q: Is 21:9 supported?
A: This was officially promised prior to release but was never added. There are workaround guides available on the Community Hub on Steam.

Q: Where are the save files located?
A: C:\Users\UsernameHere\AppData\LocalLow\Square Enix\Life is Strange_ Before the Storm\Saves

Note: Checked on Windows 10 & Windows 8.1.


https://www.twitch.tv/videos/151803274?t=03h44m57s (Thanks to "DR GOO" for the link.)
(This deals with the near cancellation of game, why Ashly Burch is not returning, her consulting role, Physical Edition, Linux, etc.) Most of the answers come from this stream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G07OmeYHogU (Alternative E3 link courtesy of Inexorabilis: The Community Manager of Square Enix Europe & Life Is Strange) - This link has timestamps for specific questions. Added June 22nd, 2017.

https://www.reddit.com/r/lifeisstrange/comments/6gof4n/life_is_strange_before_the_storm_has_been/
------------------------

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GONk9c3MLjA
(This deals a bit more with Ashly Burch's role and the background development of the game. Warning: There are spoilers in this if you watch the video as the development tools are shown which go scene by scene through Episode 1. IE: Trailer question)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zak-garriss-8b96565 (The Lead Writer's resume)

https://www.linkedin.com/company/deckninegames?trk=ppro_cprof (Deck Nine's LinkedIn page. You will need an account or a Facebook account to read many of the resumes)

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm8093700/ (Rhianna DeVries' IMDB page to show that it is her first "Completed" role)

http://www.techradar.com/news/the-original-life-is-strange-team-have-played-the-newly-announced-prequel (Dontnod's involvement)

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/life-is-strange-prequel-devs-explain-why-its-only-/1100-6452312/ (Dontnod's involvement or lack thereof)

http://lifeisstrange-blog.tumblr.com/post/163941848585/revealing-the-composers-of-the-score-for-before (Music from Before The Storm Press Release)

http://www.somosxbox.com/en/life-is-strange-before-the-storm-interview-with-deck-nine-games/751071 (Multiple Endings)

https://www.reddit.com/r/lifeisstrange/comments/6stl1e/all_ama_with_deck_nine_games_live_at_4pm_bst/?sort=confidence (Reddit Ask Me Anything)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ordYD6ETvh0

https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/08/22/life-is-strange-before-the-storm-is-a-coming-of-age-tragedy/

http://lifeisstrange-blog.tumblr.com/post/166466753030/for-our-russian-speaking-fans

http://ad.gamersky.info/@steamcommunity.com/app/554620

https://store.feralinteractive.com/en/mac-linux-games/lisbeforethestormdeluxe/


EDIT: Included sources. Cleaned up language. Added corrections. (June 19th, 2017)
EDIT: Added an additional source link, the system requirements, & the Official F.A.Q. Reddit link. (June 22nd, 2017)
EDIT: Added additional engine detail. (June 27th, 2017)
EDIT: Added official information about Dontnod's involvement. (August 1st, 2017)
EDIT: Added official "Chloe & Rachel" video. (August 3rd, 2017)
EDIT: Pre-order bonus clarification. (August 5th, 2017)
EDIT: Placeholders added. Soundtrack information added. More story information added. Improved formatting. More sources added. (August 9th, 2017)
EDIT: Further down the thread there is the entire Reddit Ask Me Anything. (August 10th, 2017)
EDIT: Integrated common questions from the Reddit Ask Me Anything into the main F.A.Q. Full transcript is still further down in the thread. (August 11th, 2017)
EDIT: Added release dates, preload information, project information, and an answer about a Russian translation. Further down the thread there are "Overtime" answers from the Reddit Ask Me Anything. (August 13th, 2017)
EDIT: Added the Deluxe Edition Trailer. (August 16th, 2017)
EDIT: Further integration from the Reddit Ask Me Anything (August 21st, 2017)
EDIT: Added Gamescom Presentation Video. Added Story question. Added backtalk explanation. (August 22nd, 2017)
EDIT: Cleaned up the introduction. (August 25th, 2017)
EDIT: Information about possible Mac & Linux releases. (August 26th, 2017)
EDIT: Added warning about the pre-order outfit. (August 28th, 2017)
EDIT: Added Episode titles. (August 29th, 2017)
EDIT: Added DRM. (August 30th, 2017)
EDIT: Removed pre-order information and pre-sale information. Updated future preloading. (August 31st, 2017)
EDIT: Announcement Trailer question answered. Episode 1 information added. Added Multiple Save Files answer. Added a note about 21:9 support missing. (September 1st, 2017)
EDIT: Added Save Files location. Added individual sale answer. (September 3rd, 2017)
EDIT: Confirmed Windows 8.1 Save Location courtesy of "NateJunior." (September 5th, 2017)
EDIT: Maintenance. Cast information updated. (September 9th, 2017)
EDIT: Language tweaking. Tentative agreeement to end SAG-AFTRA strike. (September 28th, 2017)
EDIT: Episode 2 release date added. (October 12, 2017)
EDIT: Russian Translation information added. (October 16, 2017)
EDIT: Minor update for Episode 2. (October 20th, 2017)
EDIT: Classic Chloe purchase question added. Merchandise links added. Tweaking for Episode 2. (October 25th, 2017)
EDIT: DRM update. (November 2nd, 2017)
EDIT: SAG-AFTRA strike officially over and the new agreement is ratified. (November 8th, 2017)
EDIT: Russian language modification. (November 17th, 2017)
EDIT: Clarified 21:9 Support. (November 26th, 2017)
EDIT: Farewell and casting information updated. (November 30th, 2017)
EDIT: Episode 3 release date added. (December 5th, 2017)
EDIT: Episode 3 release times. (December 13th, 2017)
EDIT: Changes to reflect the release of Episode 3 on various questions. (December 20th, 2017)
EDIT: Requested tweak. (January 11th, 2018)
EDIT: Farewell release date and Physical Edition information added. (January 18th, 2018)
EDIT: Farewell release times. (February 26th, 2018)
EDIT: Farewell information added. General tweaking. (March 5th, 2018)
EDIT: Classic Chloe added to the store. (March 6th, 2018)
EDIT: MacOS & Linux versions announced. (March 14, 2018)
EDIT: Japanese release date added. (March 26, 2018)
EDIT: Japanese audio released. (June 6th, 2018)
EDIT: Linux & MacOS delay. (June 22nd, 2018)
EDIT: Spoiler tag for length of the game. (July 31st, 2018)
EDIT: MacOS & Linux releases & requirements. (September 7th, 2018)