Resident Evil 7: Biohazard reintroduced survival horror in a gritty, terrifying fashion, bringing players into the shoes of Ethan Winters as he searches for his missing wife. Among the most chilling parts of the game is the confrontation with Marguerite Baker, one of the corrupted members of the Baker family. Fighting and ultimately killing Marguerite in Resident Evil 7 is a key moment that tests the player’s nerves, resource management, and tactical ability. The battle is gruesome, intense, and vital to progressing the storyline, especially as Marguerite evolves into something inhuman and monstrous.
Understanding Marguerite Baker
The Baker Family Transformation
Marguerite Baker was once an ordinary woman living with her husband Jack and their son Lucas in the Dulvey, Louisiana estate. After the arrival of Eveline, a bioweapon disguised as a little girl, the Baker family slowly descends into madness and physical mutation. Eveline’s mold infection twists Marguerite’s body and mind, turning her into a grotesque creature with insect-like traits and a terrifying hunger for control.
Marguerite’s Role in the Game
Marguerite is encountered in the Old House section of the game. She serves as a major antagonist, hunting Ethan through decaying hallways and using her control over bugs to attack and intimidate. Her influence in this area creates one of the most disturbing and challenging sections of Resident Evil 7. Her transformation is both psychological and physical, with her behavior growing more erratic as she succumbs completely to Eveline’s infection.
Preparing to Kill Marguerite
Weapons and Resources
The boss fight with Marguerite is demanding, so preparation is crucial. You’ll want to have the following items ready:
- Shotgun or Grenade Launcher
- Ample shotgun shells and flame rounds
- Strong First Aid Meds
- Burner (very effective against her insect swarms)
- Plenty of ammo for your handgun
Inventory management is key. Make sure you have healing items and high-damage weapons. The Burner is essential, especially for clearing the smaller insects and interrupting her bug attacks during the fight.
Crafting Before the Fight
Before triggering the boss battle, make sure to craft as many useful items as possible. Chem Fluid and Strong Chem Fluid can be used to create First Aid Meds and enhanced ammo. Don’t waste resources on low-impact items. You will need every advantage once the battle begins, especially considering the close-quarters nature of the fight.
The Boss Fight: How to Kill Marguerite
Triggering the Encounter
The encounter begins after obtaining the Crow Key and entering the Altar Room in the Old House. Marguerite ambushes Ethan, shoving him down a long hole that leads into a decrepit greenhouse. From there, the real nightmare begins. Marguerite mutates into a grotesque, spider-like form with elongated limbs and a massive abdomen, capable of spawning swarms of insects.
Combat Strategy
To kill Marguerite in Resident Evil 7, players need to adopt a strategy of constant movement, precise aiming, and controlled aggression. Here are key tactics:
- Target Weak Spots: Aim for the glowing sack on her abdomen. This is her main weak point and deals massive damage when shot.
- Use Fire: Marguerite is highly vulnerable to fire. The Burner and Flame Rounds are your best tools to weaken her quickly.
- Avoid Close Quarters: She moves quickly and can sneak up on you. Avoid staying in tight rooms for too long keep repositioning.
- Watch the Ceiling and Walls: Marguerite can crawl on surfaces, including above you. Always check your surroundings and listen for her shrieking sounds that signal an incoming attack.
- Burn the Nests: Destroy any bug nests she spawns to avoid being overwhelmed by swarms.
The boss arena is multi-level, so make use of the vertical space. Go upstairs to reload and regroup, but be prepared for Marguerite to follow. Healing at the right time is crucial don’t wait until you’re almost dead.
After the Battle
The Aftermath of Marguerite’s Death
Once you’ve dealt enough damage to her weak points, Marguerite will collapse and decay into a mold-covered pile. This signals the end of her reign of terror in the Old House. You’ll now gain access to the Lantern, which is necessary to solve the shadow puzzle and continue into the next section of the game involving Eveline.
Marguerite’s death provides a brief moment of relief, but also drives home the tragic horror that has consumed the Baker family. Unlike typical video game villains, she wasn’t born evil she was corrupted, twisted by something beyond her control.
Psychological Impact
Resident Evil 7 excels at mixing action with horror, and the battle with Marguerite is a prime example. Her insectile transformation, erratic movements, and blood-curdling screams create lasting psychological tension. Killing her doesn’t feel like victory in the traditional sense. It’s necessary, yes, but it leaves players shaken, reflecting the grim tone of the game’s narrative.
Tips for Surviving the Fight
Even experienced players can struggle with this encounter. Here are some practical survival tips:
- Use audio cues to track her movement.
- Always keep the Burner equipped to counter her bug attacks.
- Conserve Flame Rounds for direct hits to her abdomen when she pauses.
- Don’t let yourself get cornered move quickly between rooms and levels.
- Collect every item in the Greenhouse before starting the fight to avoid distractions later.
Additionally, keep calm. The jump scares and erratic behavior are designed to intimidate. Staying focused and following your strategy will help you push through.
Narrative Importance of Killing Marguerite
Advancing Ethan’s Journey
Killing Marguerite isn’t just about survival it’s a turning point in Ethan’s journey. It marks his transformation from a desperate husband into a survivor willing to confront monstrous threats. The intensity of the battle also ramps up the game’s momentum, preparing the player for the horrors yet to come.
Deeper Themes
Resident Evil 7 explores themes of infection, family, and control. Marguerite’s downfall illustrates how corruption affects even those who were once nurturing. Her twisted version of motherhood birthing insect swarms and protecting her home becomes a nightmarish distortion of care. Killing her severs that warped maternal presence and highlights the perverse influence Eveline has had on the Bakers.
The decision to kill Marguerite in Resident Evil 7 isn’t really a choice it’s a brutal necessity for survival. Yet the encounter stands out as one of the game’s most horrifying and memorable moments. Through a mix of atmosphere, strategy, and psychological horror, it forces players to overcome fear and adapt to unpredictable threats. Marguerite may fall, but the scars of the battle remain, lingering as a reminder of the decaying horror at the heart of the Baker estate. For players seeking the full experience of Resident Evil 7’s terror, few moments are as defining as the death of Marguerite.