Walkthrough - Courtyard & Outside Areas
Welcome to the treacherous Courtyard! This area marks a significant shift in the mansion's environment, introducing new threats and puzzles. Be prepared for some open-air exploration and keep an eye on your health. The enemies here are agile and can be quite dangerous if you're not careful.
Entering the Courtyard
After solving the various puzzles within the mansion and obtaining the necessary keys, you will eventually find yourself exiting the mansion into the Courtyard. The transition is usually from the rear of the mansion, often near the dog kennels or the back entrance from the dining room area.
- Initial Entry Point: Typically, you'll emerge from a door on the mansion's ground floor, leading directly onto a paved path.
- Immediate Threat: Be aware of the Cerberus (Zombie Dogs) that patrol this area. They are fast and can quickly close the distance. Consider using your Shotgun for a quick dispatch, especially if you're low on health or want to conserve handgun ammo.
Courtyard Exploration
The Courtyard is a relatively open space with several key points of interest. Your primary goal here is to access the Guardhouse, but there are important items and pathways to discover first.
Main Path and Fountain
Follow the main path. You'll soon come across a large, decorative fountain in the center of the courtyard. This is a good landmark.
- Item Location: Check around the base of the fountain. You might find some Handgun Ammo or a First Aid Spray depending on your character and difficulty.
- Enemy Encounter: More Cerberus often lurk around the fountain. Engage them carefully, using the environment to your advantage if possible.
Shed and Metal Door
To the east of the fountain, you'll spot a small, dilapidated shed. This shed is crucial for progression.
- Shed Interior: Enter the shed. Inside, you'll find a Crank. This is an essential item for draining the pond later.
- Metal Door: Near the shed, there's a large, rusted metal door. This door leads to the Guardhouse, but it's locked. You'll need to find a way to open it.
The Pond and Bridge
To the north of the fountain is a large, stagnant pond. Initially, you won't be able to cross it.
- Initial State: The pond is too deep to cross. You'll need the Crank you found in the shed to drain it.
- Using the Crank: Locate the mechanism near the pond's edge (usually a small, rusty handle). Use the Crank on this mechanism to lower the water level.
- Crossing the Pond: Once drained, a small bridge will become accessible, allowing you to cross to the other side.
Path to the Guardhouse
After draining the pond and crossing the bridge, you'll be on a new path leading towards the Guardhouse.
- New Enemies: This path often introduces new types of enemies, such as more aggressive Cerberus or even the occasional Crow, which can be a nuisance.
- Guardhouse Entrance: Follow the path until you reach a set of stairs or a small incline leading to the Guardhouse entrance. The door here is usually unlocked, granting you access to the next major section of the game.
Important Tip: The Courtyard can be a resource drain. Try to conserve your powerful ammunition for the Guardhouse and beyond. If you're low on health, consider using a healing item or returning to a safe room in the mansion if you've unlocked a shortcut.