- Call of the elder gods the first chapter serves as a standalone prologue where progress carries over to the full 2026 release.
- Key Mechanics: Observation-based puzzles involving Latin translations and environmental exploration.
- Main Characters: Switch between Evangeline Drayton (student) and Professor Harry Everhart (Dean of Archaeology).
- Critical Puzzle: The Garden Statue rotations and the Library Book ordering are the primary obstacles in this chapter.
- Achievement Alert: Don't miss the switchblade in the garden and the flowers for Norah's grave.
Introduction to Call of the Elder Gods the First Chapter
Our journey in call of the elder gods the first chapter begins at the mysterious Everhart Manor. The story intertwines the lives of Evangeline Drayton, a student plagued by recurring nightmares, and Professor Harry Everhart, a man haunted by "oily shadows" and the loss of his wife, Norah. This chapter introduces the core observation-based puzzle mechanics that fans of Call of the Sea will find familiar, now enhanced by Unreal Engine 5.
Video Highlights:
- Narrative Intro: Introduction to Evie's amnesia and her nightmare journal.
- Therapy Session: Harry's encounter with a mysterious psychiatrist and his hypnotherapy experience.
- Scavenger Hunt: A look into the 1930s memory of Harry and Norah.
- Puzzle Teasers: Brief glimpses of the library and garden mechanics.
Completing this chapter allows you to carry over all your achievements and progress to the main game. Ensure you interact with all journal entries to have a complete record for the full experience.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protagonists | Evangeline Drayton and Harry Everhart |
| Setting | Everhart Manor, Boston (1950s) |
| Puzzle Type | Logic, Translation, and Environmental |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Voice Cast | Yuri Lowenthal and Cissy Jones |
Entering the Everhart Manor
The gameplay officially starts with Evangeline arriving at 5 Prospect Road. Since the front door is locked and the professor isn't answering, you must find an alternative entrance.
The Entry Point
Walk to the right side of the manor to find an open window. Interact with it to climb into the house and begin your investigation.
The Library Clues
Once inside, navigate to the library. This room is the central hub for the chapter's final puzzle.
Inside the library, you need to gather specific clues that will be recorded in your journal. Look for a portrait with the Latin phrase Non Possumus and a postcard near a skull. These provide the necessary context for the chronological order of the Everhart family history.
Evie's journal acts as your hint system. If you feel stuck, check the notes. The game automatically records Latin phrases and symbols once you inspect them closely.
| Item | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Library Key | Harry's Office (Left Drawer) | Unlocks the stairwell door in the library |
| Ripped Portraits | Storage Room (Under Stairs) | Required for the book ordering puzzle |
| Driver's License | Balcony Bench | World-building / Lore entry |
| Flashlight | Garden Shed | Essential for dark interior segments |
The Garden Statue Puzzle
The most complex segment of call of the elder gods the first chapter takes place in the back garden. To reach the Mausoleum, you must bypass the Moon Gate, which is locked by five mechanical statues representing different emotions.
Video Highlights for Garden Exploration:
- Statue Locations: Finding the Crying, Happy, Angry, Scared, and Sleepy faces.
- Environmental Cues: Using the well, the greenhouse, and the gazebo as landmarks.
- Norah's Memorial: The emotional core of the garden.
The Crying Statue
Located across the right bridge. Go to the nearby well and pull up the bucket. Rotate the statue to face the Fish Symbol on the bucket.
The Happy Statue
Found near the left bridge. Rotate this statue to face directly toward the Greenhouse.
The Angry Statue
Go up the stone stairs to the gazebo. Rotate the statue to face the Stone Circle on the central pedestal.
The Scared Statue
Cross the bridge to Norah's memorial. You must rotate it to face the Tree Stump. Use the photo from the piano in the house to confirm the symbol.
The Sleepy Statue
Located near the gate itself. Rotate it to face the Moon Symbol on the locked gate to trigger the opening mechanism.
The stone staircase near the greenhouse can be hard to navigate in the rain. Move slowly to ensure you don't miss the gate leading to the gazebo.
The Mausoleum and Greenhouse
Once the Moon Gate is open, enter the Mausoleum to find the final pieces of the narrative puzzle. Here, you will find the Greenhouse Key and a portrait of a child, John Everhart Jr., which provides the first Latin phrase for the library puzzle.
| Location | Critical Item | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Mausoleum | Greenhouse Key | Pick up from the central table |
| Greenhouse | "Futura" Book | Found on the back workbench |
| Greenhouse | Flowers | Pick up for the "Norah's Favorite" achievement |
After obtaining the "Futura" book, return to the house. You now have all the components needed to unlock the secret passage in Harry's office.
Take the bouquet of flowers from the greenhouse and place them on the bench at Norah's grave before returning to the house to unlock a secret achievement.
The Final Library Puzzle: Book Ordering
The climax of call of the elder gods the first chapter involves arranging eight books on the shelf in Harry's office. The order is determined by the Latin phrases found on portraits throughout the manor, arranged from the youngest to the oldest person depicted.
Portrait Phrases to Find:
- Praeterita (Infant portrait)
- Mutare (Young child portrait)
- Non (Teenager portrait)
- Possumus (Young adult portrait)
- Providere (Middle-aged portrait)
- Debemus (Mature adult portrait)
- Sed (Elderly portrait)
- Futura (The book from the greenhouse)
| Order | Latin Title | Age Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Praeterita | Infant John Everhart |
| 2 | Mutare | Young Boy |
| 3 | Non | Adolescent Harry |
| 4 | Possumus | Young Professor Harry |
| 5 | Providere | Dean Harry Everhart |
| 6 | Debemus | Senior Faculty Member |
| 7 | Sed | Elderly Patriarch |
| 8 | Futura | The Future / Finality |
Once the books are placed in this exact order, the fireplace will slide open, revealing a hidden room.
Entering the hidden room triggers the final cutscene where Evie finds Harry unconscious next to a shattered statuette. This cliffhanger sets the stage for the global expedition in the full game.
FAQ
Q: How do I find the code for the safe in the 1930s memory?
The code is found by observing the environment during the scavenger hunt. The numbers 7-3-4-2 are hidden in the drawings and objects Norah interacts with, while the final safe code is 1-4-6 based on the symbols.
Q: Is there a way to change the difficulty of puzzles in Call of the Elder Gods?
Yes, the game features adjustable difficulty settings. You can toggle hints, icons, and journal entries to make the puzzles more or less challenging depending on your preference.
Q: What is the significance of the statuette in the first chapter?
The statuette is a Lovecraftian artifact uncovered a decade ago. It is the source of Evie's dreams and Harry's visions, serving as the primary catalyst for the game's plot.
Q: Can I play the first chapter on Steam Deck?
Yes, Call of the Elder Gods: The First Chapter is Steam Deck Verified, allowing you to experience the mystery of Everhart Manor on the go with optimized controls.