This page covers the habits that matter most in the first hours: saving, stamina, ammunition and inventory space. It does not spoil the story. Each claim comes from the sources listed at the bottom of the page, and the page marks the points where those sources are thin.
Saving
Saving happens at payphones. The walkthrough sources describe putting a coin in the phone, then calling Mr Jackman at 77221 from your address book. One source notes that the coin slot often gives the coin back.
Early habits
Pick up the Utility Knife once you are outside. The walkthrough sources list it as an early weapon. It is a melee option, so it spares your ammunition for enemies that need a gun.
Every area has a map, and the first one is near the start. You can also attach photographs to map locations as reminders. One video guide describes this, and the walkthrough sources repeat the map system.
Fights and ammunition
Melee weapons wear out over time, and guns use limited ammunition. Before each encounter, decide whether the fight is worth the resources or whether you should move past it.
Running uses the run input (LB on a controller) and does not drain stamina. Dodging does. One video guide suggests running to cover ground and saving dodges for fights. Only that one video gives this detail, so treat it as a tip to check in play.
Coffee raises your maximum stamina. The same video notes that the supply is limited.
Inventory space
The official Steam page states that inventory space is limited, and that each bullet, medicine and upgrade has to be collected. Plan around that from the start.
Items that can be combined highlight in blue in your inventory. Storage containers are spread around town, a layout one reviewer compares to Resident Evil.
The optional shotgun
The shotgun in the Crimson Bear Motel gift shop is optional. A developer said on June 7, 2026 that the game may be rough without it. Another developer statement, dated October 1, 2026, says many players miss the motel shotgun. The locker code and the way to reach it are on the demo shotgun code page.
Where to go next
Use the walkthrough when you need the story route. Use the puzzles page for codes and locks, and the inventory guide for storage and item decisions.
What these sources do not cover
The sources give no enemy-by-enemy timing data, so this page does not say how long an enemy’s attack window lasts. One video says you can interrupt some enemy attacks. Without a second source, do not rely on that for a specific enemy.