Welcome back, gumshoe. The trail has led us deep into the murky backwaters, far from the city’s deceptive lights. This chapter, “Swamp Oddity,” will test your resolve as you navigate a treacherous bog filled with hostile critters and the remnants of some crooked dealings. The air is thick, the ground is unsteady, and danger lurks behind every gnarled tree. Keep your wits about you and your trigger finger ready.
Main Objectives
Your primary goals in the Quagmire are laid out, but getting to them is another story. Here’s what you need to accomplish:
- Deal with the Crooked Squad
- Cross the Quagmire
- Investigate the strange cabin and find a way out
- Clear the area of remaining threats
- Pin the Quagmire clues to your evidence board
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Let’s dive headfirst into the muck. This swamp isn’t going to explore itself.
Dealing with the Crooked Squad
Right as you enter the level, you’ll be greeted by a welcoming party of the Crooked Squad. This isn’t a social call. Take cover behind the petrified logs and cypress knees. These goons are well-armed, so I recommend using your trusty Boomstick for any that get too close for comfort. Use your dash ability to move between cover and pick them off one by one. Once the initial group is handled, you can proceed deeper into the swamp.
Crossing the Quagmire
The “Quagmire” is aptly named. The path forward is a series of rickety wooden platforms and half-submerged islands. Watch your step, as falling into the murky water will cost you health and send you back to the last solid ground you were on. You’ll face more of the Crooked Squad here, often positioned on elevated platforms to take potshots at you. Your best bet is to use a long-range weapon to deal with them before you attempt to jump to the next platform. Take your time, as rushing will likely lead to a swampy bath.
The Strange Cabin
After a harrowing journey across the bog, you’ll come across a dilapidated cabin. It looks like it hasn’t seen a friendly face in decades. Head inside to investigate. The door will slam shut behind you, because of course it does. Your objective is to find a way out. Scour the interior for clues. You’ll likely need to solve a small environmental puzzle—perhaps interacting with objects in a specific sequence or finding a hidden lever. Check every nook and cranny; a place like this is bound to have secrets. Once you solve the puzzle, a hidden exit will reveal itself, leading you back outside, but likely into another ambush.
Clear the Area
Emerging from the cabin, you’ll find the remaining members of the Crooked Squad have you surrounded. This is the final major firefight of the level. Use the cabin and the surrounding environment for cover. There will be a mix of enemy types, so adapt your strategy accordingly. Keep moving, use your full arsenal, and don’t let them pin you down. Once the last goon is dealt with, the area will be secure.
Collectibles
While the exact locations are still being pinned down, a seasoned detective knows that no area is truly empty. Keep your eyes peeled for the following collectibles:
- Comics & Newspapers: These are often found in lived-in spaces. Even a decrepit cabin might have some old reading material lying on a table or a dusty shelf.
- Baseball Cards: Look for these in hidden alcoves or on the bodies of tougher enemies. Sometimes a collectible is your reward for exploring off the beaten path.
- Schematics: The swamp is a perfect place to hide things. Check behind waterfalls, inside hollow logs, and on high ledges that seem just out of reach. You might need to perform a tricky jump to get to them.
- Figurines: These are the rarest of all. A place as strange as the Quagmire might have one tucked away in the most unexpected spot. Think like the developers: where would you hide a secret?
Boss Fights and Tough Encounters
This mission doesn’t feature a traditional boss fight, but the final ambush after exiting the cabin serves as the climatic encounter. The key here is crowd control. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Prioritize the most dangerous enemies first—usually the ones with the biggest guns or those trying to flank you. Use the environment to your advantage, creating bottlenecks and using explosive objects if any are available. A well-placed grenade or a few shots from your Tommy Gun can make all the difference.
Once you’ve cleared the area and gathered your clues, it’s time to head back to the office and pin your findings on the board. Another chapter closes, but the case is far from over.