- Primary puzzle: The Mermaid Mask typewriter puzzle requires players to input a specific five-letter code to unlock the Captain's hidden compartment.
- Key suspects: Clues are tied directly to the names and rooms of Zacharias Zephyr, JD Warman, and Symmetry Silk Moth.
- Core solution: Inspect the missing typewriter keys and cross-reference them with the cipher sheet found in the Submarine Library.
- Critical warning: Ensure you input the code in the exact sequence, as incorrect attempts reset the mechanical tumbler.
- Final reward: Solving the puzzle grants access to the Captain's Logbook, advancing the murder investigation of Magnus Mortuga.
Puzzle Location and Overview
The mechanical typewriter puzzle is one of the primary roadblocks players encounter while exploring the cramped, mysterious submarine corridors. Located deep within the Captain's quarters, this puzzle stands between you and the crucial evidence needed to solve the murder of Magnus Mortuga. Before you can interact with the typewriter, you must search the surrounding cabins to collect the missing components and clues scattered across the vessel.
To help you get familiar with the atmospheric setting and the primary characters involved in this maritime mystery, review the official launch details below.
Video Highlights:
- Introduction of the submarine setting and the central murder mystery.
- Brief overview of the key suspects, including Zacharias Zephyr and Symmetry Silk Moth.
- Showcasing the atmospheric exploration elements of the vessel.
To begin your investigation, you must locate three essential items hidden across the deck. Use the table below to ensure you have gathered all necessary materials before attempting to type the code.
| Item Name | Location | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Brass Key | Captain's Quarters | Unlocks the typewriter desk drawers |
| Cipher Sheet | Submarine Library | Provides the base substitution code |
| Ink Ribbon | Symmetry Silk Moth's Cabin | Restores functionality to the typewriter keys |
Phase 1: Search
- Inspect suspect cabins
- Gather missing keys
- Locate the cipher sheet
Phase 2: Decode
- Align the letters
- Translate the cipher
- Determine the input order
Phase 3: Solve
- Insert the ribbon
- Type the decoded word
- Collect the evidence
Do not attempt to force the typewriter open without collecting the Ink Ribbon first. The keys will jam, forcing you to restart the current room exploration.
Deciphering the Suspect Clues
The core of the puzzle revolves around the suspects aboard the submarine. By examining the personal diaries of Zacharias Zephyr, JD Warman, and Symmetry Silk Moth, you can piece together the missing letters from the typewriter's keyboard. Each suspect's room contains a small piece of the puzzle, usually hidden in personal belongings or locked drawers.
The table below outlines the specific clues found in each suspect's cabin and how they contribute to solving the cipher.
| Suspect Name | Cabin Location | Key Clue Discovered |
|---|---|---|
| Zacharias Zephyr | Deck A, Room 3 | Logbook detailing the cipher key replacements |
| Symmetry Silk Moth | Deck B, Room 1 | Hidden diary entry containing the keyword hint |
| JD Warman | Deck A, Room 5 | Torn letter revealing the final input order |
As you analyze the clues, you will realize that the missing keys on the typewriter correspond to the letters M, A, S, and K. However, these letters cannot be typed directly. You must use the substitution cipher found in the Submarine Library to translate the suspects' initials into the correct mechanical inputs.
Some clues found in the crew quarters are red herrings designed to mislead you. Focus only on documents that directly reference the typewriter keys or key replacement logs.
Step-by-Step Solution to The Mermaid Mask Typewriter Puzzle
Once you have gathered the Cipher Sheet, the Ink Ribbon, and the clues from the suspect cabins, return to the Captain's quarters. Follow these instructions carefully to input the code and unlock the hidden compartment.
Prepare the Typewriter
Interact with the typewriter on the desk. Open the top cover and insert the Ink Ribbon into the dual spools. Use the Brass Key to unlock the bottom drawer, which reveals the mechanical gear mechanism.
Align the Cipher Gears
Rotate the gears underneath the typewriter to match the symbols on the Cipher Sheet. This aligns the internal tumblers, allowing the keys to strike the paper correctly without jamming.
Input the Decrypted Code
Type the word ZEPHYR using the substitution keys. Because the keys M, A, S, and K are substituted, you must press the corresponding keys based on the cipher translation table.
Retrieve the Evidence
Once the final letter is typed, the carriage return lever will slide to the right automatically. A hidden compartment behind the typewriter will pop open, revealing the Captain's Logbook.
To ensure you press the correct keys during Step 3, refer to the substitution table below. Pressing the wrong key sequence will lock the keyboard, requiring you to reset the gears.
| Missing Key | Substitution Letter | Decrypted Output |
|---|---|---|
| Key M | Z | First character of the final code |
| Key A | E | Second character of the final code |
| Key S | P | Third character of the final code |
| Key K | H | Fourth character of the final code |
If the keys lock up, pull the silver lever on the left side of the typewriter twice. This action resets the input mechanism without losing your overall puzzle progress.
Rewards and Progression Checklist
Solving the typewriter puzzle is a major milestone that unlocks the final acts of the submarine investigation. The documents secured from the hidden compartment provide the necessary proof to confront the primary suspect and secure the vessel.
Below is a checklist of the milestones you should aim to complete immediately after resolving the puzzle.
Next Steps in the Investigation:
- Retrieve the Captain's Logbook from the hidden compartment
- Analyze the coordinates listed on page 42 of the logbook
- Confront Zacharias Zephyr in the engine room with the new evidence
- Unlock the lower cargo hold using the engraved emblem
The rewards obtained from the typewriter desk are crucial for surviving the late-game encounters. Use the table below to understand the utility of each item you recover.
| Reward Item | Item Type | Investigation Value |
|---|---|---|
| Captain's Logbook | Document | Reveals the submarine coordinates during the murder |
| Engraved Emblem | Quest Item | Unlocks the lower cargo hold door |
| Magnus's Letter | Evidence | Confirms the motive behind the murder |
Securing the Captain's Logbook allows you to bypass the security checkpoint on Deck C, saving you significant time during the final escape sequence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions players ask when trying to solve this mechanical puzzle.
Q: Where is the missing Ink Ribbon for the typewriter puzzle?
The Ink Ribbon is located in Symmetry Silk Moth's cabin on Deck B. Search the vanity drawer under the vanity mirror to find it hidden beneath a stack of letters.
Q: What should I do if the typewriter keys lock up and won't move?
If the keys lock up, pull the carriage return lever on the left side of the typewriter twice. This resets the mechanism, allowing you to re-input the code from the beginning.
Q: Why is the final code not working even though I typed it correctly?
Make sure you have aligned the cipher gears in the bottom drawer first. If the gears are not aligned according to the Cipher Sheet, the typewriter will not register the inputs correctly.
Q: Can I skip The Mermaid Mask typewriter puzzle entirely?
No, this puzzle is a mandatory story progression point. The Captain's Logbook found inside the hidden compartment is required to unlock the lower cargo hold and progress the game.
Double-check all clues in your inventory menu if you find yourself stuck. The game log automatically highlights key code words in yellow once you have successfully scanned them.