The Anchorite - Complete Walkthrough Guide
Game Introduction
The Anchorite is an award-winning point & click mystery game with horror elements, developed in two weeks for the Adventure X Jam 2024. The game has received widespread acclaim, earning a remarkable 4.8/5 rating from 198 players and winning the AGS Short Game of the Year 2024.
In this atmospheric tale, you play as a young boy who awakens in mysterious rooms atop a tower. As the newly appointed Anchorite, you must follow three sacred commandments:
- Thou shalt complete the daily tasks
- Thou shalt not look upon the sullied
- Thou shalt not leave the tower
Game Mechanics
Controls
The game uses simple point & click controls:
- Use the mouse to interact with objects and navigate
- Left-click to interact with items and the environment
- Items you collect will be stored in your inventory
- Click on inventory items to use them or combine them with the environment
Daily Tasks
Each day brings a set of tasks that must be completed to maintain your role as the Anchorite. These tasks become increasingly significant as the story unfolds and mysteries deepen.
Walkthrough Guide
Spoiler Warning: This guide contains story spoilers. If you want to experience the mystery firsthand, we recommend playing through the game once before consulting this guide.
Day One - Getting Started
- Explore your room and familiarize yourself with the environment
- Check the daily task list near your bed
- Complete basic maintenance tasks: fill the water bucket, tend to the fire
- Pay attention to any unusual sights or sounds - they may become important later
Key Items and Their Uses
- Water Bucket - Essential for daily tasks and maintaining your living space
- Firewood - Keep the fire burning to stay warm
- Daily Task List - Guides your required activities
- Personal Items - May reveal more about your character's past
Important Story Choices
As you progress, you'll encounter moments that challenge the commandments. Your responses to these situations will influence the story's direction. Consider carefully whether to:
- Strictly follow the commandments
- Question your role and purpose
- Investigate mysterious occurrences
- Trust or doubt those who communicate with you
Advanced Tips
Puzzle Solutions
Many puzzles in the game have multiple solution paths. Consider these strategies:
- Examine everything in your environment thoroughly
- Pay attention to subtle changes in your surroundings
- Remember that some solutions may challenge the commandments
- Think about the symbolic meaning of your tasks and surroundings
Story Exploration
To fully understand the game's narrative:
- Read all available texts and documents carefully
- Observe changes in the environment over time
- Consider the deeper meaning behind the commandments
- Pay attention to the psychological aspects of isolation
Common Questions
Game Length
The game typically takes about 30 minutes to complete, though this may vary depending on your puzzle-solving speed and how thoroughly you explore the story.
Save System
The game includes a save system, allowing you to take breaks and return to your progress later. Make sure to save your game regularly, especially before making important choices.
Multiple Endings
While the game has a consistent conclusion, your journey and interpretation of events can vary based on how you approach the story and your choices throughout the game.