Let me tell you something – when I first encountered the chess puzzle in Tormented Souls 2, I was completely stumped. I spent hours running around the Convent, trying to figure out what the heck I was supposed to do with all these chess pieces and that mysterious cryptex. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry! I’ve got your back with this comprehensive guide that’ll walk you through every single step of solving this brain-teaser.
What You’ll Need Before Starting?
Before we dive into solving the chess puzzle, there are several key items you’ll need to collect. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after backtracking countless times because I missed something obvious. Here’s everything you need to gather:
| Item | Location | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Chess Mat | Calefactory | Found on the table in front of the fireplace |
| Handsaw Frame | Refectory | Move the trolley to reach a squeeze-through area |
| Handsaw Blade | Cloister | Pull the lever on the elevated cage, then use Pliers |
| Pliers | Staff Room (F1) | Found early in the game |
| Lighter | Bell Tower (bottom) | Use Pliers on the cage with the corpse |
| Frozen Hand | Kitchen | Use Rusty Handsaw on the corpse in the freezer |
Step 1: Finding and Understanding the Chess Mat
The first thing you need to do is locate the Chess Mat. I remember wandering around for what felt like forever before I finally found it in the Calefactory room. It’s sitting right there on a table in front of the fireplace – pretty obvious once you know where to look!
When you pick up the Chess Mat, make sure to examine it in your inventory. Here’s the trick that took me way too long to figure out: you need to flip it over! On the back, you’ll find a series of symbols that represent how different chess pieces move. This is basically your cheat sheet for solving the cryptex later.
If you’re not familiar with how chess pieces move (and let’s be honest, most of us aren’t chess masters), you can find a booklet in the library that explains everything. Personally, I just looked it up online – much faster than running all the way to the library!
Step 2: Getting the Handsaw
This part drove me crazy until I figured it out. You need to create a Rusty Handsaw by combining two parts: the frame and the blade.
Finding the Handsaw Frame
Head over to the Refectory (that’s the dining area, for those of us who don’t speak monastery). You’ll need to move a trolley out of the way to access a small squeeze-through area. The Handsaw Frame is waiting for you at the furthest point south from the Calefactory.
Getting the Handsaw Blade
This one’s a bit more involved. Make your way to the Cloister and look for an elevated cage made of metal and wood. There’s a lever nearby – pull it, and you’ll send a corpse down to the Basement. Now head down to the Basement (using the stairwell on the southern side of the Cloister, opposite the elevator) and use your Pliers to pull the Handsaw Blade out of the corpse.
Combining the Parts
Once you have both the frame and the blade, combine them in your inventory to create the Rusty Handsaw. I felt pretty accomplished when I finally figured this out – like a true survival horror pro!
Step 3: Obtaining the Frozen Hand
Now it’s time to head to the Kitchen. Fair warning: this area is crawling with those creepy spider-like creatures. I recommend using the Nailer here unless you want to take unnecessary damage (and trust me, you don’t).
In the Kitchen, find the freezer nearest the stairwell. Inside, you’ll see a frozen corpse. Use your newly crafted Rusty Handsaw on it to obtain the Frozen Hand. It’s gross, but hey, that’s survival horror for you!
Step 4: Melting the Frozen Hand
You’re not done with the Kitchen yet! Head downstairs and find the stove. Open the door and use Caroline’s Lighter to ignite the dry wood inside. Now, place the Frozen Hand on top of the stove to melt it. I know it sounds bizarre, but out pops the Cryptex!
When I first did this, I was honestly surprised it worked. The game doesn’t really give you a clear hint that this is what you’re supposed to do, so I’m saving you that frustration right here.
Step 5: Solving the Cryptex Puzzle
Alright, here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for – solving the actual Cryptex puzzle! Remember those symbols on the back of the Chess Mat? This is where they come into play.
The Cryptex has seven dials, each representing a different chess piece. You need to set them in the correct order based on how each piece moves. Here’s the solution that worked for me:
| Position | Chess Piece | Movement Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knight | L-shaped movement |
| 2 | Rook | Horizontal and vertical |
| 3 | Bishop | Diagonal |
| 4 | Queen | Horizontal, vertical, and diagonal |
| 5 | King | Small horizontal, vertical, and diagonal |
| 6 | Pawn | Forward and diagonal |
| 7 | Knight | L-shaped movement |
Set the dials in this exact order: Knight, Rook, Bishop, Queen, King, Pawn, Knight. If you’ve done it correctly, the Cryptex will open with a satisfying click, revealing the Crown Key!
Step 6: Using the Crown Key
Now that you have the Crown Key, you might be wondering where to use it. Head to the north side of the Basement, near the Crematorium (where you first meet that old man who wants you to find a book for him). There’s a locked door there that requires the Crown Key.
Using the key will take you to the Prison area. Fair warning: this section doesn’t have a map, but it’s pretty small, so you shouldn’t get too lost. I found it to be a tense but manageable area once I knew where I was going.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on my experience (and my many failures), here are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:
- Forgetting to flip the Chess Mat – I can’t tell you how long I stared at the front of that mat before realizing the clues were on the back!
- Not combining the Handsaw parts – Make sure you actually combine the frame and blade in your inventory. They won’t work separately.
- Missing the Library clues – While you can solve it without the library, the booklet there does help if you’re not familiar with chess.
- Getting the chess piece order wrong – Double-check that you have the pieces in the exact order I listed above. One wrong piece and it won’t open!
Why This Puzzle Works So Well?
I have to give credit to the developers – this puzzle is brilliantly designed. It’s not just about memorizing a code; it’s about understanding the logic behind it. The way they integrated chess mechanics into a survival horror game is genius. It reminds me of the classic Resident Evil puzzles but with a fresh twist.
When I finally solved it, I felt this incredible sense of accomplishment. It’s not often that a game makes you feel genuinely smart for figuring something out, but Tormented Souls 2 definitely delivers in that regard.
My Personal Tips for Success
Here are some additional tips I picked up during my playthrough that might help you:
- Take notes – Seriously, write down the chess piece movements or take a screenshot. You’ll thank me later.
- Save often – This should go without saying in a survival horror game, but especially before attempting the puzzle solution.
- Explore thoroughly – If you’re missing an item, chances are you haven’t explored enough. Every area has secrets.
- Don’t rush – Take your time to understand each step. Rushing will only lead to frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to solve the chess puzzle?
Honestly, it depends on how quickly you find all the items. The puzzle itself only takes a minute once you have everything, but collecting all the components took me about an hour my first time through.
Do I need to know how to play chess?
Not really! While knowing chess helps, the game gives you all the clues you need. The library booklet explains everything if you’re unfamiliar with chess piece movements.
What happens if I get the cryptex combination wrong?
Nothing bad happens – you just can’t open it. Keep trying until you get the right combination.
Can I skip this puzzle?
Unfortunately, no. This puzzle is required to progress through the game, so you’ll need to solve it eventually.
Is there a penalty for using this guide?
Not at all! Games are meant to be enjoyed, and if you’re stuck, there’s no shame in getting a little help. I’m all for making games more accessible.
Conclusion
Solving the Tormented Souls 2 chess puzzle might seem daunting at first, but with this guide, you’ll have it figured out in no time. Remember to collect all the necessary items, pay attention to the chess piece movements, and take your time with the cryptex combination.
I hope this guide helps you progress through the game and enjoy all the terrifying delights that Tormented Souls 2 has to offer. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of solving a complex puzzle in a survival horror game, and this one is definitely one of the more memorable ones I’ve encountered.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other horror game content, including our guide on 99 Nights in the Forest codes for more survival horror action. And don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference – you never know when you might need to come back to it!
Happy gaming, and may your puzzle-solving skills serve you well in the terrifying world of Tormented Souls 2!