The Talos Principle 2 boasts a variety of hidden elements, with one particularly intriguing aspect being the special additional puzzles scattered throughout each of the game's 12 primary regions. Upon exploring extensively, you will stumble upon impressive statues dedicated to the game's three spectral characters: Pandora, Prometheus, and the Sphinx. Deciphering the solutions to these enigmatic challenges results in the acquisition of stars, which play a crucial role in accessing some of the game's most captivating secrets.
While the puzzles associated with the Sphinx statues may not be as formidable as those linked to the Pandora statues, they still possess their fair share of complexity. Generally, these puzzles necessitate pinpointing specific locations within the region and employing spatial reasoning skills. The task of determining the precise destinations can prove perplexing, particularly due to the absence of an overarching map to assist you in navigating your way through.
East 2
To help you navigate the puzzles and unlock everything the game has to offer, here's a comprehensive guide on solving all the Sphinx monuments.
East 2
When you arrive, make your way to the no. 3 puzzle room and look to the right of the transit system. You'll spot the Sphinx monument in that vicinity. On the front of the monument, there is a plaque with the numbers 2, 4, 7, and 8 clearly marked on it.
On the back of each sign that designates a numbered puzzle room, you will find a switch. These switches are present on every single sign, but you should only activate the ones mentioned on the monument: 2, 4, 7, and 8. Once you have flipped all four switches, make your way back to the monument to claim your star.
East 3
Located near the puzzle room number 4, you will find the Sphinx monument. On its plaque, there is an illustration of a massive human statue and the tower in the center of the area, shaped like a star. The exact location to solve the puzzle is marked with an X.
Located to the left of your arrival point from the transit system, near the island's coastline, is the captivating human statue. Your destination lies a short distance up the hill from the statue, just beyond the quaint pond that encircles it.
As you ascend the hill with the statue behind you and the terminal in front, seek out a petite overlook area adorned with a palm terminal. To your left, you will notice a pair of concrete pillars, reminiscent of the ones positioned directly below the terminal.
You'll find a switch to flip on one of these pillars that will solve the puzzle for you.
North 1
Look for the Sphinx monument located at the mountain summit behind the puzzle room number 7. The plaque attached to the monument displays a map of the surrounding area. Adjacent to three specific regions on the map, you will notice the letters T, A, and C inscribed. These letters correspond to cube-like switch configurations that are located on the external walls of three puzzle rooms. This particular puzzle can be perplexing due to the flipped orientation of the map, which offers little assistance. Surprisingly, the top of the map, indicated by the letter C, actually represents the south direction rather than the north, and the tower symbol is reversed when compared to its actual alignment in the area ahead of you.
Begin by visiting puzzle room number 7. As you descend the mountain, follow the path along the right-hand side wall. Eventually, you will come across a series of nine protruding gold cubes arranged in a square shape. Push in all three cubes in the top row and all three cubes in the middle column, creating the shape of the letter T. You will know you have successfully completed this step when you aim at any of the cubes and the message "Pattern is already solved" appears on your screen.
Make your way to the eighth puzzle, dropping down to the right of the room. Look for a bonus room in this area. To progress, you will need to navigate around this bonus room by circling the outer edge of the puzzle room on the right side. Be prepared to jump over some rocks along the way. This particular set consists of twelve cubes. Activate all three cubes on the top row, as well as the cubes in the left and right columns. Additionally, activate the middle cube in the third row, creating an A-shaped pattern.
The final pattern is located at the southern end of the tower, on the wall of another bonus puzzle room.
Make your way to the rear of the puzzle, taking caution to navigate the rocky terrain and steer clear of the steep cliffs. In the far corner of the puzzle room, you'll come across the cube puzzle.
North 2
In order to complete the puzzle, arrange all three cubes from the top and bottom rows, and position the remaining cube from the left column to create a "C" shape.
Your Sphinx monument is situated directly in front of the transit station upon your arrival. There is a plaque on the monument that indicates three specific locations on the map. These locations contain switches that need to be flipped.
Locating the first switch is a straightforward task. Begin by entering the no. 1 puzzle room and identifying a pathway that curves along the outer wall on the right side of the room. Proceed northwards along this pathway and then make a turn to the east, leading you towards the water's edge. At the end of this path, you will encounter a statue. Activate the switch located on the statue to successfully complete the initial phase of the puzzle.
To find the second switch, head to the easternmost section of the area. Locate the monorail track of the transit system. Stand beneath the track and face away from the transit system. Make your way towards the right side of the track until you come across a pathway through the woods. Turn left and follow this path southwards, parallel to the monorail track, which will lead you away from the transit system. Continue along the path until you reach the water's edge, where you will discover another statue featuring a switch.
In order to access the third switch, it is necessary to solve the puzzles in this particular area and construct a tetromino bridge that will lead to the tower. Once you have crossed the bridge, direct your attention towards the right side of the tower, where you will notice a small island featuring a monument tower.
To reach this island, utilize the sandbar that extends from the beach you are currently situated on.
Search for the switch located on a statue.
South 1
Discover the Sphinx monument positioned in the water beside the tower, near your starting point in this area. The plaque showcases a series of cubes, with some filled in with solid gold while others remain empty.
The puzzle described on this plaque can be discovered by following the winding path downward from the transit station and proceeding east through the water. Look for a collection of stone pillars emerging from the ground, positioned on a secluded beach away from everything else.
Once you locate them, stand with your back to the water and face north to align yourself with the pillars in the same configuration as depicted on the plaque. Utilizing the plaque image as a reference (which can be accessed on your PDA), roam around and "activate" the pillars that are filled in on the plaque image. This action will cause those specific pillars to descend into the ground. In the first row, specifically the northernmost one, it corresponds to the middle pillar; in the second row as you move south, it refers to the leftmost pillar and the third pillar from the left; in the third row, it pertains to the two rightmost pillars; and in the fourth row, it relates to the third pillar from the left. Once all the correct pillars have been lowered, the puzzle will be successfully solved.
South 3
Once again, discover the guidance of the Sphinx monument as it reveals a detailed map indicating the locations of switches. Keep an eye out for the monument near the no. 3 puzzle room.
The challenge lies in aligning yourself with the plaque, which accurately portrays the dispersed puzzle rooms in the vicinity but can be disorienting. The initial two switches are situated on the upper level of the area, while the final one can be found in the valley encircling the tower itself.
The first switch can be found on the southern side of the exterior wall in puzzle room 1. Look out for the prominent big angled concrete pillars. Specifically, search for the switch nestled onto the one on the right when facing towards the puzzle room.
To locate the second switch, explore the southern exterior wall of puzzle room no. 2. It may be challenging to spot due to the ridges in its design. The switch is positioned at the end of the wall near the entrance, between two large concrete angles.
To find the third switch, descend via the gravity lift to the lower portion of the area. Unlike the previous switches, this one is not located on the walls of the puzzle room. Instead, it can be found on a large concrete structure that is connected to the central tower. Look for a palm terminal extending over a pond near puzzle room no. 5. By standing on it, you will have a clear view across the water and be able to locate the switch on the wall.
Activate the switch to successfully solve the Sphinx puzzle and retrieve your star.
West 1
Make your way to puzzle room number 7 to locate the nearby monument, partially concealed by trees. This particular monument showcases another set of cube diagrams, some filled in while others remain empty.
For the stone pillars associated with this puzzle, head over to room number 6. As you face the entrance, proceed to the back of the puzzle room. You will easily spot the pillars situated directly behind the puzzle room itself.
To solve this puzzle, locate the pillars shown in the diagram and activate the solid ones to lower them, while leaving the empty ones untouched. To properly align yourself with the plaque image, ensure that you are facing east. Begin by activating the lone pillar positioned furthest east. Then, among the two pillars to the right of the previously activated one, activate the easternmost pillar closest to the first one. Moving to the left of the first pillar, you'll come across another pair of pillars. Activate the pillar on the right, which is the southernmost of the two. Lastly, activate the westernmost pillar among the two pillars positioned furthest west.
West 3
Towards the northern end of this area, you will discover the final Sphinx monument. Look out for a pair of large statue hands emerging from the ground, gripping onto a ridge. The Sphinx is situated atop, nestled between these hands. On the plaque of the Sphinx, you will find an image marking an X within one of the circular regions, close to another set of colossal statue hands.
The location you're looking for can be found easily—it is the area surrounding puzzle room no. 8. To get there, simply turn around and face the direction you came from after entering. Take note of the amphitheater-like ring that encircles the puzzle room. This ring is divided at intervals by a large angled piece of concrete that extends down to the path, creating distinct sections. Your desired destination is the next section to your left, with the puzzle room behind you.
After reaching the correct section, venture into one of the empty spaces within the outer ring. Here, hidden against the wall, you will discover the switch.
Having successfully activated the last switch, you have now solved all of the Sphinx puzzles in The Talos Principle 2. Nevertheless, there are additional stars awaiting discovery. To acquire further assistance, consult our Pandora monument puzzles guide. Additionally, do not miss our review of The Talos Principle 2 for an in-depth analysis.
Editor's P/S
The Talos Principle 2 is a mind-bending puzzle game that will test your skills and intellect. The game features a variety of hidden elements, including special additional puzzles scattered throughout each of the game's 12 primary regions. These puzzles are associated with the Sphinx statues, which are dedicated to the game's three spectral characters: Pandora, Prometheus, and the Sphinx. Solving these puzzles will earn you stars, which are crucial for accessing some of the game's most captivating secrets.
The Sphinx puzzles are not as formidable as the Pandora puzzles, but they still possess their fair share of complexity. Generally, these puzzles necessitate pinpointing specific locations within the region and employing spatial reasoning skills. The task of determining the precise destinations can prove perplexing, particularly due to the absence of an overarching map to assist you in navigating your way through.
I really enjoyed the challenge of solving the Sphinx puzzles. They were difficult but not impossible, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I finally solved them. I also appreciated the way the puzzles were integrated into the game's environment. They felt like a natural part of the world, rather than just a tacked-on extra. Overall, I thought the Sphinx puzzles were a great addition to The Talos Principle 2 and helped to make the game even more enjoyable.