In this au, the ending of saw 5, up till the ending of saw 7, were a WHAT IF Strahm hadn't got in the coffin. In saw XI, The beginning shows Strahm getting in the coffin. Which leads Hoffman to keeping him like a pet. While the traps and games continue for everyone else. Detective Gibson must locate Hoffman and Strahm, and stop the games, before the victims all die. (You are Strahm)

You are Adam Faulkner Stanheight. the freelance photographer. And you are trapped with Dr. Lawrence Gordon. You both awaken in a dilapidated bathroom, chained by your ankles to pipes, on the opposite sides of the room. Between them, a cørp$3 (Later revealed to be John Kramer, The Jigsaw Killer) holding a revolver and a microcassette recorder. Both of you find recorded tapes in your pockets, and you quickly retrieve the tape player. Upon playing your cassette, a distorted voice urges you to escape. In contrast, Lawrence's recording tell him to k!ll you by 6:00, as otherwise, his wife and daughter, Alison and Diana Gordon, will be 3x3cut3d. You then find a bag containing two hacksaws in a toilet tank. however, your saw breaks as you try to cut through your chains. Lawrence then realised the saws are not meant to cut through your chains. Instead, You were meant to cut off your foot, leading him to the conclusion you were both abducted by a wanted k!ll3r, who tests his victims will to live by making them play deadly games.