In a bold departure from traditional gameplay mechanics, Silent Hill f introduces a unique twist to the puzzle-solving aspect of its narrative. Unlike previous iterations, where puzzle difficulty remained static, the challenges in this title vary depending on the chosen ending—providing a dynamic experience that changes based on player choices (with the sole exception that certain keywords are highlighted in Story mode).
This innovative approach is particularly noteworthy within the horror genre and Silent Hill series, making it a standout entry. One of the significant puzzles is known as the My Room puzzle, encountered at the Shimizu Residence around the midpoint of the game. Players must solve this puzzle to access Hinako’s bedroom, which involves finding three distinct crests to unlock the door.
The layout of the Shimizu Residence is intricately designed, featuring confusing layouts that loop back on themselves in a disorienting fashion. Completing the quest for the crests leads players to the riddle that ultimately governs the unlocking of the door, which varies according to the specific ending you are aiming for. Fortunately, the difficulty of the puzzle fluctuates only as a product of the chosen narrative route, rather than its inherent complexity.
This article discusses the various endings of Silent Hill f, which play a crucial role in the overall puzzle mechanics. Spoilers ahead!
|
Ending |
Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Coming Home to the Roost |
Complete the game on a standard playthrough; this is the default ending |
|
The Fox’s Wedding |
Avoid red capsules, purify the Sacred Sword (or do not acquire it), and obtain the Agura no Hotei-sama |
|
The Fox Wets Its Tail |
Avoid red capsules, obtain the Sacred Sword but do not purify it |
|
Ebisugaoka in Silence |
Achieve at least two endings, avoid red capsules, purify the Sacred Sword, and offer the Fox Pin to the jizo statue prior to entering the Shimizu House |
Coming Home to the Roost
The Standard Puzzle Everyone Starts With
Every player experiences the same ending during their initial playthrough, irrespective of their actions concerning red capsules. In one attempt, I focused solely on this route by abstaining from all pills, and the outcome was consistent, missing only the impactful cutscene showing Hinako’s near overdose in front of her sister, Junko. This outcome remains unchanged unless players actively pursue alternative endings.
The default progression of the My Room puzzle is universally accessible right from the start. After locating all three crests, players will confront this riddle near the bedroom door:
“The Sword and Fox fought, battling upon a set of scales. The heavens themselves shuddered at the ferocity of their struggle. Day after day, the sun rose behind the Fox’s back, and set behind the Sword’s, but their fight knew no end. The scales upon which they fought, however, were no more, having been destroyed long ago.”
It’s worth noting that some crests have a duality, exhibiting front and back sides, while others reveal nothing upon flipping. The challenge lies in recognizing which crests correspond to the riddle’s clues.
In solving this puzzle: the Heavens remain in their designated top position, while the Scales are flipped over to reveal their blank side, placed at the bottom. The Swords occupy the left slot, with the Fox taking its rightful position on the right. The final arrangement should look as follows:
The Fox’s Wedding
A Happy Day…Or Is It?
The Fox’s Wedding is an ending where Hinako takes a step toward marriage, seeking the coveted Agura no Hotei-sama. While this scenario presents a facade of happiness—illustrated by her demeanor in the cutscenes—the real challenge looms in her unresolved fears of potentially inheriting her mother’s struggles.
In Hinako’s room, the riddle reflects her internal conflict:
“The Sword and the Fox fought, battling upon a set of scales. After a long and vicious fight, the Sword was defeated, and the Fox reigned supreme. Taking the Black Bird’s right hand, the Fox showed her the scales in his other hand.‘Now, you must choose, Black Bird. Have you made a decision?’ Upon one side of the scales was the Fox, and on the other, nothing.”
Given the Fox’s triumph, it will be positioned at the top slot. Then, the placement of the Black Bird, following the Fox’s hand choice, leads it to the right position, while the left slot remains for nothingness. The final arrangement should resemble:
The Fox Wets Its Tail
Goodbye, and Goodnight
The Fox Wets Its Tail depicts a crucial turning point where Hinako abandons the idea of marriage, choosing instead to prioritize her relationships with Shu and her friends. However, this ending casts a shadow, as the threat of divine retribution forces the evacuation of Ebisugaoka, uprooting Hinako and her companions.
The riddle associated with this ending serves as a foreshadowing tool:
“The Sword and the Fox fought, battling upon a set of scales. After a long and vicious fight, the Fox fell to the Sword. In the aftermath, their seal upon the land vanished without a trace. The Sword raises itself heavenward, the scales now dedicated to the rising sun.‘Now go, White Bird. Fly away and never come back!’ The White Bird took to the air and flew towards the horizon, becoming a silhouette against the setting sun. Now, nothing remained upon the land.”
The Sword’s elevation positions it atop the scale. The concept of the scales facing the rising sun indicates that they should be positioned to the right. The implication of the White Bird flying away necessitates its placement on the left, while the bottom slot is filled with nothingness, achieved by flipping the heavens once more.
The layout should appear as follows:
Ebisugaoka in Silence
What Freedom Truly Means
The ending titled Ebisugaoka in Silence is arguably the most profound, symbolizing Hinako’s decision to step back from both pursuing and fleeing from marriage. This choice signifies her thoughtful consideration alongside her fiancé, untethered from the constraints of external expectations. By embodying her own dualities, Hinako embraces the possibility of a hopeful resolution.
The central theme here emphasizes the freedom of choice, which is further illustrated in the riddle:
Contrasting symbols of White and Black represent the opposing forces of the characters, where neither must capitulate to divine pressure.
Accordingly, the White Bird is positioned in the left slot, whilst the Black Bird occupies the right. The Heavens take a backseat on the bottom, as the birds are intentionally distancing themselves from divinity. Thus, the final crest is flipped to facilitate this configuration.
The arrangement should resemble this:
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