The mysterious tower and the door requiring three square keys in the first area of Hell is Us are classic examples of the game’s commitment to non-linear, exploration-driven progression. If you’re running in circles unable to find the items to open them, you haven’t missed anything—this is by design. This guide will explain how these puzzles work and what you need to do to eventually solve them.
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Are the Tower and the 3-Key Door Connected?
No, these are two separate puzzles. Opening one does not directly unlock the other. However, they are both part of the game’s larger metroidvania-style progression system, meaning they require abilities or items found in later areas.
- The Tower: This large structure is a major landmark. Its door is sealed shut and cannot be opened with the square keys.
- The 3-Key Door: This is a smaller door located in a building, requiring three distinct Square Key items to unlock.
The Most Important Thing to Know: Come Back Later
You are not supposed to open these doors immediately. The core gameplay loop of Hell is Us involves:
- Exploring an area as far as your current tools allow.
- Moving forward to a new area on the main path.
- Finding new key items, weapons, or abilities in that new area.
- Returning to previous locations to unlock previously inaccessible paths and secrets.
You have not soft-locked yourself. The game intentionally gates these early puzzles behind progression. The square keys and the means to open the tower are found in subsequent regions.
What You Should Do Now: Progress the Story
Your instinct is correct. To find a more “coherent story” and the tools you need, you must move on to the next area.
- Leave the Starting Village: The main path leads you out of the initial village and into a new environment. Focus on following this critical path.
- Explore the Next Area Thoroughly: As you explore the next town and the areas beyond, you will naturally acquire new items. Keep a sharp eye out for any Square Key items or other unique key objects.
- Use Fast Travel: Once you unlock new areas, you can fast travel back to previous locations. You can return to the starting village via the APC fast travel point at any time to check if you’ve found the necessary items.
What to Look For in Later Areas
While exploring, be on the lookout for these types of items that will allow you to return and conquer those early puzzles:
- Square Keys: These are likely hidden in chests, off the beaten path, or as rewards for defeating minor bosses in areas beyond the first village.
- Specialized Tools: The tower likely requires a specific item or weapon ability obtained later in the game to breach its entrance, such as an explosive charge or a tool that can cut through specific materials.
Pro Tip: Embrace the Exploration
The “walking in circles” feeling is part of the game’s intended design to encourage thorough exploration and mental map-making. Instead of seeing it as a flaw, try to:
- Note Landmarks: Mentally mark doors you can’t open yet. The tower itself is a perfect landmark.
- Trust the Design: The game is designed for you to backtrack. If a path seems completely blocked, it probably is until you get a new tool.
