Zoochosis, released in 2024 by indie studio Clapperheads, takes players into a nightmarish zoo where danger lurks behind every enclosure. As Paul, a zookeeper on his first night shift, you uncover the terrifying truth about the zoo: its animals are infected by parasitic creatures born from an ancient entity known as Mother. Throughout the game, you’re tasked with curing the animals, surviving the infected, and making choices that lead to various endings. The story of Zoochosis is a dark journey through survival, ethical dilemmas, and the thin line between scientific curiosity and madness.
The Role of Mother and Dr. Oliver’s Experiments
The central figure in the zoo’s horrors is Mother, an ancient creature uncovered from Arctic ice. She produces parasites that infect both animals and humans, transforming them into bloodthirsty, mutated creatures. This transformation is the result of parasites entering the host’s body—whether through injection or natural infection—and wreaking havoc from within.
The unethical experiments surrounding Mother are conducted by Dr. Oliver, a key antagonist. Oliver is obsessed with the potential of the parasites, viewing them as a gateway to infinite energy and biological advancement. He sees Mother not as a threat but as a research opportunity, sacrificing human and animal lives alike in the name of science. His calm demeanor in the face of such brutality adds a layer of chilling indifference to the story.
Gameplay Mechanics: What You Do and Why It Matters
The gameplay in Zoochosis focuses heavily on managing infections, collecting resources, and making critical decisions that shape the story’s outcome. Here’s a breakdown of some of the core activities you’ll encounter as Paul:
1. Caring for the Animals
As a zookeeper, your primary responsibility initially seems simple: feed the animals, clean their enclosures, and monitor their health. However, as the night progresses, you quickly realize that some animals have been infected by parasites. You’re tasked with diagnosing their conditions, collecting blood samples, and crafting cures to stop the infection from spreading. Failing to take appropriate action results in some animals mutating into more aggressive versions of themselves, forcing you to either tranquilize or kill them.
2. Collecting Parasites
Parasites are a key element of the game’s narrative and gameplay. After subduing mutated animals, you extract parasites from their bodies, which can be analyzed to create antidotes or further your understanding of Mother’s life cycle. The parasites are also central to the research being conducted in the zoo, as scientists like Dr. Oliver attempt to harness their energy-transforming abilities. Collecting parasites and properly disposing of them helps prevent further outbreaks.
3. Exploring Enclosures
Each enclosure in Zoochosis presents a different challenge, and the species you encounter change with each playthrough. One playthrough may feature giraffes, while another might introduce gorillas or hippos. This variation keeps the game fresh, as you never know which animals will be infected next or how their mutations will manifest. For instance, infected giraffes take on spider-like qualities, while mutated penguins gain the ability to fly.
The animals you encounter can also differ based on your choices. Some species might appear harmless at first, but if left untreated, they could transform into hostile creatures, forcing you into high-stakes battles where your survival depends on swift decision-making.
4. Managing Paul’s Health
As Paul, you’re not immune to the infection. At certain points in the game, you’ll notice signs that the parasites are affecting you as well. Vomiting, hallucinations, and deteriorating health push you to find ways to cure yourself before it’s too late. These moments add a layer of urgency to your actions, making each decision feel like a race against time.
Multiple Endings: How Your Choices Shape the Outcome
Zoochosis features several different endings, each determined by the actions you take throughout the game. These choices revolve around how you handle the infected animals, interact with key characters like Sarah, and whether or not you manage to stop Mother.
1. Bad Ending – Paul’s Death
- How to get it: Neglect key objectives like curing animals or healing yourself. Failing to manage Paul’s infection results in his death at Mother’s hands. If you ignore clues or miss out on crafting vital cures, Paul succumbs to the parasites, and Mother claims him.
- Outcome: Paul dies, leaving the infection unchecked and the zoo’s fate uncertain. This is the most tragic outcome, where Paul’s inaction leads to his demise.
2. Good Ending – Paul and Sarah Survive
- How to get it: Work closely with Sarah Watkins, an investigative journalist, to uncover the truth about Mother and the organization behind her. Along the way, you must ensure Paul’s health, create the antidote, and make the crucial decision to poison Dr. Oliver instead of Sarah.
- Outcome: Paul and Sarah manage to survive, expose the organization, and neutralize Mother. However, Paul’s wife, Lily, is killed by the organization, adding a bittersweet note to the victory.
3. Sarah’s Sacrifice Ending
- How to get it: Choose to inject Sarah with the poison meant for Mother. To reach this point, you need to work with Sarah initially but betray her at the final moment.
- Outcome: Paul survives, but at the cost of Sarah’s life. The infection is not stopped, and the organization’s research continues unchecked. This ending leaves a sense of unresolved horror.
4. Paul’s Heroic Sacrifice
- How to get it: Opt to inject Paul with the poison instead of Sarah or Dr. Oliver. This self-sacrifice stops Mother’s influence but results in Paul’s death. To trigger this ending, you must prioritize helping others throughout the game.
- Outcome: Paul dies, but his sacrifice puts an end to the parasitic threat. Sarah is left to continue her investigation, with Paul’s actions ensuring that Mother’s reign is over.
5. Neutral Ending – Paul Escapes Alone
- How to get it: Prioritize Paul’s survival without addressing the larger issues in the zoo. By focusing on staying alive but ignoring the infection and the organization’s role, Paul can escape.
- Outcome: Paul leaves the zoo, but the infection remains active. This leaves an unsettling sense of unfinished business, as the parasites and the research organization continue their work.
Conclusion: The Complex Web of Choices in Zoochosis
Zoochosis masterfully intertwines its story and gameplay, forcing players to confront difficult choices in a high-stakes environment. The gradual unveiling of the zoo’s dark secrets—especially the origins of Mother and the ethical sacrifices made in the name of science—adds depth to what could have been a simple survival horror game. The animals you encounter aren’t just obstacles; they represent the consequences of unchecked ambition, and every decision you make changes the course of Paul’s night.
That’s all there is to it!
