Your first mansion expedition
Choose a scenario, learn fixed-camera movement and establish a safe return route.
Original 1996 PlayStation release. The 1997 Director's Cut Arranged/Advanced layout, 1998 DualShock soundtrack, Saturn additions, Deadly Silence modes and 2002 remake mechanics are outside this guide. Regional presentation and difficulty can differ.
Start with Jill’s extra space
Jill is a useful first character because her eight slots give you more room for ammunition, healing and puzzle items. Chris has six slots and a different starting situation, so do not follow Jill's route expecting identical help or pickups. Watch the opening events, explore the main hall and dining room, and identify the doors and stairways that connect them before making a long expedition.
Move relative to the character
Forward moves the character in the direction they face; left and right turn them. A camera change does not change that facing direction. Practice turning, moving and backing away in an empty room until you can follow a doorway through two camera angles. Before shooting, ready the equipped weapon and face the threat. Running blindly toward the edge of the screen can bring you into an enemy you have not yet seen.
Save progress with a plan
Saving uses an Ink Ribbon at a typewriter, and storage boxes let you set down items for later. Save after a useful stretch of exploration or before an unfamiliar dangerous objective, then store the remaining ribbons instead of carrying them into every corridor. On original hardware, confirm that your memory card has space. Return to a storage room when your inventory is full rather than abandoning a useful pickup permanently.
Treat the first safe room as your base: store supplies, choose the next door and leave space for its reward.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.