Return of the Obra Dinn — Hints & Tips

Cheat Codes:
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Submitted by: David K.

Analyse Clothing, Accessories, And Placement In Illustrations

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Many characters won’t be openly given a name or nationality in dialogue, 
but they just might be wearing something that gives away their identity. 
For example, crew members will be wearing the same uniform as their peers, 
and higher-ups will be wearing fancy hats. This is all you really need to 
know to separate the high-ranking officers from their lowly stewards.

In addition to this, crew members will be depicted next to their peers in 
the illustrations you can find within the book, so if you correctly 
identify one of a group, the others should fall into place.

Using The Ship Memories Map

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The book you receive at the beginning of the game will be a key item 
that you should regularly be returning to. Here you’ll be given hints 
at which character identities are easiest to figure out with the 
information you currently have on hand, and where you can find each of 
the relevant memories on the ship so you can easily go back and double-
check your findings.

If you find a character in the book with a single triangle above their 
portrait, this indicates solving it should be simple with the information 
you have available. Use the memories map to find the fates which depict 
this character, and take note of where they are on the ship, what they're 
holding, who they’re with, etc.

Hints and Tips

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* Before attempting to piece together everything, go through every memory 
  in the game. You can exit the Obra Dinn and restart from the end if you 
  desire.
* After experiencing all the memories, restart from the beginning. Mark 
  every cause of death — and be specific. You have to select the weapon 
  used.
* Some crewmates will have multiple options for cause-of-death. If you 
  don’t know for sure, try different options.
* If a crew mate falls overboard, make sure to list that they fell 
  overboard. You don’t need to say if they drowned.
* Check the crew manifest and read the glossary. Crew will almost always 
  stick to their assigned deck — seaman work below deck, officers near 
  the top, and topmen usually stick to their assigned positions.
* You can often tell who-is-who by looking at uniforms, nationalities, 
  and who they’re standing near. The Stewards are often standing next to 
  their boss — for example.
* You’ll need to slowly piece together identities, one at a time. Listen 
  to their language — that’s an easy clue for an identity.
* You won’t always have complete information. Make guesses and assign names
  early, then unravel the identities — once you have three correct crewmen 
  marked, they will lock into place.
* After completing all memories, start from the beginning (chronologically) 
  and work your way through the events for a much easier understanding. 
  With most of the fates marked, it will be easier to guess identities and 
  secure confirmed correct matches.
* During memories, make sure to check everywhere. Sometimes, you’ll be able 
  to explore upper or lower decks — check your map and see where crewmates 
  are standing. The offices are usually assigned to specific rooms.