Axes & Pickaxes

Begin your adventure in Rue Valley with our comprehensive guide to Axes & Pickaxes. Learn essential starting tips, character setup, and early game objectives to master the game from the very beginning.

This guide covers the initial steps in Rue Valley, focusing on character personality setup, understanding the game's loop, and completing early 'Intentions' such as fixing the vending machine and investigating the transformer. It also details how to unlock achievements like 'Tap Out!' and 'The Escape Failed Successfully', and introduces key characters like Dr. Finck, Robin, Riley, and Jason Burns.

Walkthrough:

1. Define your character's personality using 9 points. Traits influence dialogue and can unlock or block tasks (Checks).
2. Wake up and talk to Dr. Finck. Choose any dialogue options.
3. Exit the office and attempt to talk to the woman by the vending machine (you'll have 'Total Lack of Motivation').
4. Enter the motel reception and talk to Robin. If you have +1 Extraverted, you'll pass the Social Check. Choose any dialogue options.
5. Obtain your room key card and go upstairs. Interact with the suitcase; your character may put it away.
6. Sit on the bed or chair to pass time. You'll receive a phone call; accept or reject, dialogue choices don't matter.
7. Review your 'memories' by clicking icons.
8. After the dream sequence, an icon appears. You'll need 'Hold to Recall' later.
9. When leaving your room, witness a truck hitting a transformer.
10. Achievement: Tap Out! Go to the bathroom in your room and drink from the tap.
11. Go downstairs and interact with the vending machine. Press the 'reddish button' for water and drink it to lose 'Thirsty' status.
12. The sky turns red; you wake up in Dr. Finck's office. He gives you a Purple Pill.
13. Repeat the process: get key card, go to room, attempt to put suitcase away (character refuses). Take the purple pill or not. Sit on the chair to pass time.
14. Review memories again. You'll get your first 'Intention':