The Pact of Smoke

Deep within the time-looping chaos of Blackreef, a peculiar phenomenon known as the Pact of Smoke presents itself as a series of clandestine devices emitting tell-tale wisps of smoke. These devices, often hidden in plain sight or tucked away in less-trafficked corners of each district, are not merely environmental curiosities. They represent a unique side activity that rewards careful exploration, keen observation, and a touch of puzzle-solving. Successfully disarming each device provides immediate, tangible benefits and, more significantly, contributes to a larger, overarching objective that culminates in a highly desirable, unique reward.

Understanding the Pact of Smoke

The Pact of Smoke devices are small, spherical contraptions adorned with cryptic symbols and a faint, rhythmic hum that can be heard when you are in close proximity. Their most obvious identifier is the thin, dark smoke trail they continuously emit, rising into the air. There are a total of six Pact of Smoke devices scattered across Blackreef, with two in each of the main districts: Updaam, Karl's Bay, and The Complex. There are no devices in Fristad Rock.

Your objective is simple: locate each device and disarm it. Disarming a device requires a brief interaction, after which it will cease its smoke emission and provide an immediate reward. The true value, however, lies in disarming all six devices across multiple loops. This cumulative effort unlocks a powerful, unique item that can significantly alter your approach to future loops.

General Strategy and Tips

Listen Carefully: While the smoke trail is the primary visual cue, the devices also emit a subtle, high-pitched hum. Train your ears to pick up this sound, especially in cluttered environments or when visibility is poor.
Explore Thoroughly: These devices are often placed in areas that aren't directly on the critical path of Visionary assassinations. Dedicate specific loops to methodical exploration of each district, especially rooftops, alleys, and interiors of less-frequented buildings.
Time of Day Matters: While the devices themselves are static, the accessibility of certain areas or the presence of enemies might vary depending on the time of day. Consider revisiting districts at different times if you're struggling to find a device.
Mark Them: Once you locate a device, even if you don't disarm it immediately, use your character's ability to mark it. This will place a persistent marker on your HUD for the remainder of that loop, making it easier to return.
Cumulative Progress: The game tracks your disarmed devices across loops. You don't need to disarm all six in a single loop. However, the final reward only unlocks once all six have been successfully disarmed at least once.

Rewards for Disarming Pact of Smoke Devices

Each individual device you disarm grants a small, immediate reward. These are typically useful resources for your current loop.

Individual Device Rewards:

Residuum (500-1000 units): Essential for infusing gear and abilities, allowing you to carry them over between loops.
Random Trinket (Weapon or Character): A common or uncommon trinket that provides minor stat boosts or utility.
Aether Slab Charge: Replenishes a portion of your Aether Slab's energy, useful if you're low.
Health Vial: A small health boost, always welcome in a firefight.

The true prize, however, is the cumulative reward for disarming all six devices:

Cumulative Reward (All 6 Devices Disarmed):

Upon disarming the sixth and final Pact of Smoke device, you will unlock the "Fourpounder" Unique Weapon Skin for the Fourpounder pistol. This isn't just a cosmetic change; it often comes with a pre-infused, powerful set of perks, making it a highly desirable variant of an already potent weapon. The specific perks can vary slightly, but it typically includes enhancements like increased damage, improved accuracy, or a unique effect like "Vampiric" (health on hit) or "Open Wounds" (damage over time).

Pact of Smoke Device Locations & Walkthrough

Here's a detailed breakdown of where to find each of the six devices, along with step-by-step instructions.

Updaam (Morning/Noon/Afternoon/Evening)

Updaam hosts two Pact of Smoke devices, often requiring some vertical traversal.

Updaam Device #1: Library Rooftop
- Time of Day: Any.
- Location: On the rooftop of the large library building, near the central plaza.
- Walkthrough:
  1. From your tunnel exit, head towards the central plaza.
  2. Locate the large library building on the left side of the plaza (when facing the main archway).
  3. Look for a series of ledges, pipes, or open windows on the side of the library building that allow you to climb. The easiest access is often via the alleyway to the left of the library's main entrance.
  4. Use your Shift Slab or careful platforming to ascend to the rooftops.
  5. Once on the main library roof, search the various levels and ledges. The device is typically found on a slightly elevated section, often near a ventilation shaft or a small, enclosed area.
  6. Listen for the hum and look for the smoke trail.
Updaam Device #2: Otto's Workshop Alleyway
- Time of Day: Any, but easier to access before Otto's Workshop explodes in the afternoon.
- Location: Tucked away in a narrow alleyway behind Otto's Workshop, near the main street leading to the Archives.
- Walkthrough:
  1. Head towards Otto's Workshop (the building with the large, distinctive antenna on top).
  2. Instead of entering the workshop, go around to the back or side.
  3. Look for a narrow alleyway or service path that runs alongside the workshop building.
  4. The device is often hidden behind some crates, a dumpster, or a small alcove in this alley. It's quite discreet, so rely on the hum and smoke.

Karl's Bay (Morning/Noon/Afternoon/Evening)

Karl's Bay's devices are often found in its more industrial and less-trafficked zones.

Karl's Bay Device #1: Hangar 2 Rooftop
- Time of Day: Any.
- Location: On the rooftop of Hangar 2, one of the larger hangars in the district.
- Walkthrough:
  1. From your tunnel exit, proceed into Karl's Bay.
  2. Locate Hangar 2. It's one of the more prominent hangars, often with a large, open bay door.
  3. Look for a way to get onto the roof. This usually involves climbing crates, using a nearby building as a stepping stone, or finding a ladder on the side of the hangar. The area around the "Forever Young" art installation often provides good access points.
  4. Once on the roof, navigate across the various platforms and structures. The device is typically situated on a higher section or a small, isolated platform.
Karl's Bay Device #2: Underneath the "Fia's Fortress" Bridge
- Time of Day: Any.
- Location: Hidden beneath the elevated bridge/walkway that leads towards Fia's Fortress.
- Walkthrough:
  1. Head towards the area that leads to Fia's Fortress (the heavily guarded bunker).
  2. Before you reach the main entrance or the bridge leading directly to it, look for the underside of the elevated walkway.
  3. There's often a small, dark alcove or a series of pipes and platforms directly beneath this bridge.
  4. The device is cleverly concealed here, requiring you to drop down or carefully navigate the underbelly of the structure.

The Complex (Morning/Noon/Afternoon/Evening)

The Complex's devices are often in more secluded, scientific-themed areas.

The Complex Device #1: Wenjie's Lab Exterior
- Time of Day: Any.
- Location: Outside Wenjie's main laboratory building, often on a lower ledge or service area.
- Walkthrough:
  1. Proceed towards Wenjie's main lab complex.
  2. Instead of entering the main building, circle around the exterior.
  3. Look for lower ledges, maintenance platforms, or areas accessible by dropping down from higher ground.
  4. The device is typically found on a secluded platform or tucked away behind some machinery on the outer perimeter of the lab.
The Complex Device #2: Power Station Rooftop
- Time of Day: Any.
- Location: On the rooftop of the large power station building, near the central research area.
- Walkthrough:
  1. Locate the large, industrial power station building within The Complex. It's often identifiable by its large cooling towers or generators.
  2. Find a way to ascend to the rooftop. This might involve using a nearby cliff face, a series of crates, or a ladder on the side of the building.
  3. Once on the roof, navigate the various structures and ventilation systems. The device is usually on a higher, exposed section of the roof, offering a good view of the surrounding area.

Common Pitfalls and Missables

Rushing: Don't try to find all devices while simultaneously pursuing Visionaries. Dedicate a loop or two purely to exploration.
Ignoring Sounds: The hum is your best friend. If you're in an area and hear a faint, unusual sound, investigate!
Overlooking Verticality: Deathloop's maps are highly vertical. Many devices are on rooftops, under bridges, or in elevated positions. Always look up and down.
Forgetting Progress: While the game tracks your disarmed devices, it's easy to lose track yourself. Make a mental note or even a physical one of which ones you've found.
Not Infusing the Reward: Once you unlock the unique Fourpounder skin, remember to infuse it with Residuum if you want to keep it across loops. Otherwise, it will be lost at the loop's end.

The Pact of Smoke offers a rewarding diversion for players who enjoy exploration and uncovering Blackreef's many secrets. The unique Fourpounder skin is a powerful incentive, making this side activity well worth the effort.

The Pact of Smoke — Deathloop Walkthrough