Walkthrough - Guardhouse
Welcome to the Guardhouse, a pivotal location that often separates the prepared from the unprepared. This area is teeming with new threats and crucial items needed to progress. Stay alert, conserve your resources, and follow these steps carefully.
Entering the Guardhouse
After navigating the treacherous path from the courtyard, you'll find yourself at the entrance to the Guardhouse. The first room is usually a small foyer. Take a moment to assess your surroundings.
- Immediate Threat: Often, a single Zombie will be shambling directly ahead or to your immediate left/right. Prioritize a headshot with your Handgun or a quick Shotgun blast if you're feeling generous with ammo.
- Item Check: Look for any immediate pickups. Sometimes a small amount of Handgun Ammo or a Green Herb can be found on a nearby shelf or table.
The Main Corridor
Proceed into the main corridor. This area is typically a long, L-shaped hallway with several doors leading to other rooms. This is where things can get tricky.
- First Encounter: Expect at least two Zombies in this corridor. One might be feigning death on the floor, so be wary of approaching too closely without confirming.
- Door on the Left (Storage Room): This door often leads to a small storage area.
- Enemies: Usually one or two Zombies are present.
- Key Items: You'll typically find a Small Key here, which is essential for unlocking various drawers and cabinets throughout the Guardhouse. Keep an eye out for a First Aid Spray or Shotgun Shells as well.
- Door Straight Ahead (Bathroom): This is a common location for a surprise.
- Enemies: A Zombie often bursts out of the shower or from behind the toilet. Be ready to react quickly.
- Key Items: Check the bathtub or sink for a Guardhouse Key (002). This key is vital for unlocking the next major section of the Guardhouse. You might also find a Red Herb here.
The Dormitories
Using the Guardhouse Key (002), unlock the door at the end of the main corridor to access the dormitory section. This area is characterized by multiple small rooms.
- Dormitory 1 (Left):
- Enemies: Expect one or two Zombies. They might be slumped over beds or emerging from closets.
- Key Items: Search the nightstands and dressers. You'll often find a Memo detailing some of the Guardhouse's history or a clue, along with Handgun Ammo.
- Dormitory 2 (Right):
- Enemies: Similar to Dormitory 1, anticipate a couple of Zombies.
- Key Items: This room frequently contains a Shotgun if you haven't acquired it yet, or additional Shotgun Shells. Also, check for a Green Herb or Blue Herb.
- The Central Locker Room: Between the dormitories, there's often a small locker room.
- Enemies: Occasionally, a Zombie will be lurking here.
- Key Items: Use your Small Key on any locked lockers. These often contain valuable Magnum Rounds or a First Aid Spray.
The Laboratory Access
Once you've explored the dormitories, look for a door that leads deeper into the Guardhouse, often marked with a different symbol or color. This usually requires a specific key or puzzle solution.
- Puzzle Hint: A common puzzle involves a series of numbered lockers or a pressure plate sequence. Refer to any Memos you've found for clues.
- Final Key: The ultimate goal in this section is to acquire the Laboratory Key. This key is typically found in a secure safe or behind a complex lock, often requiring a specific item found elsewhere in the Guardhouse or even back in the Mansion.
- Preparation: Before proceeding to the Laboratory, ensure you have sufficient healing items and your strongest weapon equipped. The next area is significantly more dangerous.