Is that not one of the longest stretches any anime-based game has ever gone before showing us its opening theme? It’s got to be, right? Chapter 0 lasted a good three hours, and the Prologue was another 40 minutes of dialogue. Pretty impressive stuff,Master Detective Archives: Rain Code!

RELATED:Master Detective Archives: Rain Code - Massacre On The Amaterasu Express Deduction Denouement

Rain Code Chapter 1 Main Office Mirror

But now, at last, the game begins in earnest. Chapter 1: The Nail Man Killings is considerably deeper than the Massacre on the Amaterasu Express, but worry not - we won’t leave you hanging. Below is our overview of the first portion, followed by a more in-depth look at the Mystery Labyrinth.

Nail Man Killings, Part One: Discoveries

Following the introductory scenes, you’re in charge of Yuma and given the first chance to search the room here. Take full advantage of that, asthere are several interactive objects worth Detective Points. Never forget just how much the game will reward players over time for poking their (Koko)head around every corner - even looking at the chief’s bed gets you the standard ten points.

Have Yuma wash his face at the kitchen sinkwhen you’re ready to move on. You’ll soon be given the first opportunity to explore Kamasaki Ward, albeit in a limited fashion. Shinigami will ensure you snag your firstMemory Shard, but we’ll want to keep an eye out for these in the future. Plus, we get 25 Detective Points for these - sometimes even more. Nice.

Vivia laying beneath a piano in Rain Code

Make forUnderground Sectorand get into the habit of chatting with every NPC who has a text bubble over their heads for easy points (and occasionally more). You can have Yuma eat some meat buns at the food stall near the hotel, though surprisingly, no DP is rewarded for doing so.

Chat with the hotel employee near the entrance.You’ll find Vivia nearby, resting beneath a piano. Answer his question however you like. (We said the girl likes the protagonist.) Vivia suggests checking the restaurant for the others;it’s right past him in the next room. Desuhiko and Fubuki are here.

Halara bracing to strike her foes in front of Kanai Ward’s purple and blue background

On your way out, Vivia will request you find a book for him. This is the game’stutorial on requests, AKA side quests. We have a complete guide to these in progress (include link here), so we won’t stuff up the chapter walkthroughs with all their intricacies here. Regardless, do be sure to fulfill Vivia’s request.

Shinigami will soon yank Yuma’s quite literal chain to a new part of the Ward, and it’s time toask around. You’ll also learn about the game’s fast travel system - the bus. In true Rain Code fashion,it’s best to chat with everyone you can find, starting with the lady near the starting point who discusses an art gallery.

Art Gallery Rain Code

The ‘Spirited Away’ request is also in this area. You can always consult your mini-map for thegreen spots with exclamation marksdenoting requests, so we’ll refrain from mentioning every last one you’ll find in the future.

Nail Man Killings, Part Two: Teaming Up With Halara

Move ahead far enough in this area and Shinigami will direct you to the next screen,where the clocktower can be found. After the scene, we’ll return to Ginma Ward. Seek out the NPCs marked with yellow exclamation marks on the mini-map to continue the story.

Return to the clocktower, and when you regain control,be sure to thoroughly investigate everything in this ghastly room, including the window. When all is said and done, you’ll get two Solution Keys out of this scene. You’ll get a third Solution Key via the door, and then a couple more from the kid outside. Watch the scenes, and you’ll soon be able to find more requests throughout Kamasaki Ward. We’reheaded back to the subnow, though.

Second Mystery Labyrinth Four Crime Scene Trees Rain Code

We got a little confused our first time going back to the sub, so just in case this happens to you, here’s the lowdown. Kamasaki Ward -> Underground Sector -> look around until you find the staircase descending toRiver Bank.

Exiting the area willtransport you directly to the church. Thoroughly chat with all four, and then ask all four questions provided to you afterward to continue on.Leave the church via a staircase to your left.This sets up another investigation scene, at the club where the first murder was committed. Examine everything, speak with ‘Hellara’ as Shinigami calls her, and we’re onward and upward!

Second Labyrinth Continuous Attack Rain Code

From your current location, look for thebridge leading to Ginma Districtand cross it to the area. Descend the staircase and hang a quick left.Investigate the objective marker mansionand witness some nice kicking prowess. Make sure you’re examining every object in these places, by the way, since they’re limited-time locales.

Theart galleryis essentially more of the same. It’s a play-by-play, look-at-everything, much like most investigation scenes - good fun, but not worth obsessing over in a guide like ours. There is, however, an altercation this time.A man will demand to know who Yuma is, and you’ll have the choice of answering you’re a ‘Peacekeeper’ or a ‘Detective’. Selecting’Detective’appears to provide a more optimal result.

Chapter 1 shinigami puzzle rain code

Mystery Labyrinth Part One: Four Trees

We enter our second Mystery Labyrinth with a surprise guest in tow - unfortunately, Halara can’t quite help us blitz the dungeon. (Then again, that wouldn’t be much of a gameplay segment if we could.) Now we’ll start withTree Four, as advised. Let’s get to work, Master!

“Where did the culprit flee from?”

Chapter 1 recreation rain code

Continuous Attack #1

You’ll need tododge incorrect answers by pressing and holding the Y button, but the timing is pretty unforgiving for this, at least in our anecdotal opinions on the matter. Thankfully, you only need to endure a couple of seconds of Yuma saying he “can’t dodge it!” before getting another crack at it.

Reasoning Death Match #1

We chose the second locked room next. If you’d like to follow our guide as cleanly as possible, do the same - but if you have a preference toward a different order, just come back to this next part whenever you’re ready.

“Because of the culprit, what happened to the key?”

Reasoning death match four chapter one rain code

Shinigami Puzzle #2

Question

“Why was the cause of death made to look like strangulation?“Answer: The work of a copycat.

Reasoning Death Match #6

God Shinigami Rush

Again, a massive Mystery Labyrinth climaxes with everyone’s favorite Death God transforming into a crown-bearing kaiju. Let’s run!

“You didn’t even check the crime scenes back then!”

Copycat killler rain code

Correct Response:Halara’s Forte

“What you saw is only what I saw the moment the corpse was discovered!”

Correct Response:Paint on floor

Phew. Two killers in one chapter. Nice twist, Spike Chunsoft. Read on with the link below to enter the Deduction Denouement stage and wrap things up with a bow!