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Begin your journey through the mysterious island of Dear Esther. This guide covers the starting level, The Lighthouse, and its unique mechanics.

Dear Esther features four distinct levels, all of which must be experienced in chronological order to fully grasp the game's narrative. A key characteristic of these levels is the dynamic nature of certain items and dialogues, which can spawn or change upon map reloads, offering a unique perspective on the story with each playthrough. However, some elements remain fixed to ensure crucial plot points are always accessible.

Levels:

1. The Lighthouse

2. The Buoy

3. The Caves

4. The Beacon

Trivia:

• The 2012 version allows players to select their starting chapter, though beginning with the first is recommended for the initial experience.
• Internal map files are named after the four main characters: Donnelly (The Lighthouse), Jakobson (The Buoy), Esther (The Caves), and Paul (The Beacon). The significance of these names is not definitively known.