Penumbra Black Plague first puzzles: coin, vent, soda and door 236
Concrete solutions for the opening cell and first shelter route.
Edition covered
The 2008 Black Plague campaign, which continues Penumbra: Overture. Requiem is a separate puzzle expansion and is not covered. Images come from Frictional’s Black Plague Steam listing. Later story sections contain spoilers.
Opening puzzle solutions
Black Plague often combines an inventory item with a physical object. Inspect the room before assuming an apparently ordinary prop has no use.
| Obstacle | Required item or object | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cell vent | Coin from the locker | Flatten it in the vise, then use it on the vent |
| Fragile vent floor | Loose plank | Lay the plank across the weak section |
| Steam in the vent | Soda can | Use the can on the freezer thermostat, then move promptly |
| Door 236 | First accessible computer | Run DOORLOCKS.EXE and enter 1167 |
Opening inventory purposes
These items solve specific game puzzles. Having the right object is not enough unless it has been prepared or used at the correct interaction point.
| Item | Preparation | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Coin | Flatten in the vise | Unscrew the first vent cover |
| Soda | Retrieve from the machine | Trigger the thermostat change |
| Syringe | Combine with the alcohol | Take the doctor’s sample for the scanner puzzle |
| CD | Retrieve in the Mess Hall | Use with the computer for orientation information |
Read Password Changes on the computer
The door password is documented locally, rather than being a random number. The file identifies 1167 for door 236; other listed numbers belong to different doors.
Move promptly after changing the thermostat
The vent’s safe passage is temporary. Before using the can, remember the route back so the timer is spent travelling rather than searching.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Penumbra: Black Plague publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Official Black Plague manual | shared.fastly.steamstatic.com |
| Black Plague puzzle and document reference | gamefaqs.gamespot.com |
| Frictional Games Penumbra | frictionalgames.com |
| Narrative analysis and character context | media.gdcvault.com |