Part 2: Castle Dimitrescu
Welcome, brave survivor, to the opulent yet terrifying halls of Castle Dimitrescu. After the harrowing ordeal in the village, this grand fortress serves as your next major challenge and the lair of Lady Alcina Dimitrescu and her three bloodthirsty daughters. This section of our guide will meticulously walk you through every treacherous corridor, solve every intricate puzzle, and help you survive the relentless pursuit of the castle's vampiric inhabitants.
Your primary objectives within Castle Dimitrescu are to locate the four masks required to open the Hall of the Four, acquire the Dagger of Death's Flowers, and ultimately confront Lady Dimitrescu herself. Along the way, you'll uncover crucial lore, collect valuable resources, and face off against new, formidable enemies. Prepare for a blend of tense exploration, challenging combat encounters, and environmental puzzles that will test your wits and your nerve.
This chapter is a sificant step up in difficulty from the village, demanding careful resource management and a keen eye for detail. We'll highlight key item locations, provide strategies for dealing with the Daughters of Dimitrescu, and guide you through the castle's labyrinthine layout to ensure you emerge victorious, albeit perhaps a little bloodied.
Entering the Castle
Upon entering the castle grounds, you'll first navigate a short path leading to the main entrance. Be wary of the few Moroaică (winged creatures) patrolling the exterior. They are relatively weak but can be annoying if you're not careful. Head straight through the massive doors into the Foyer.
In the Foyer, take a moment to admire the grandeur, then proceed through the large archway on your right to the Main Hall. Here, you'll encounter your first major puzzle: the "Maiden of War" statue. Interact with it to trigger a cutscene and your first encounter with Lady Dimitrescu. After the scene, you'll be captured and taken to the Dungeon.
The Dungeon Escape
You'll awaken in a cell within the Dungeon. Your immediate goal is to escape. Look for a small opening in the wall near the back of your cell. Crouch and crawl through it. You'll find yourself in a dimly lit corridor. Proceed cautiously. There will be a few Moroaică here; use your knife to conserve ammo if possible, aiming for headshots.
Follow the linear path, picking up any available resources like Handgun Ammo and First Aid Med. You'll eventually reach a room with a large, ornate door. This door requires a specific key, which you don't have yet. Instead, look for a small, destructible wooden barrier on the left side of the room. Break it with your knife or a shot and crawl through to a new area. This leads to the Wine Cellar. Navigate through the Wine Cellar, collecting the Sanguis Virginis bottle, which is a key item. This will lead you back to the Main Hall.
Exploring the Main Hall and Dining Room
Back in the Main Hall, you'll now have more freedom to explore. Your next objective is to find the first of the four masks. Head through the double doors on the north side of the Main Hall to enter the Dining Room. Be prepared for a brief encounter with one of Dimitrescu's Daughters here. She is invulnerable to normal attacks until you expose her to cold. For now, focus on evasion and finding the exit.
In the Dining Room, look for a fireplace. To the right of the fireplace, there's a small passage leading to the Kitchen. Inside the Kitchen, you'll find some valuable resources and a key item: the Courtyard Key. This key will grant you access to the Courtyard, a crucial area for progression. Before leaving the Dining Room, ensure you've picked up the Castle Map (Ground Floor) from the table.
Return to the Main Hall and use the Courtyard Key on the large double doors on the east side. This leads to the Courtyard, where you can find the Duke and a safe haven for a moment.