Unveiling the Secrets: Mastering the Study's Bookcase Ascension in Layers of Fear 2023

Layer's of Fear (2023) is packed with numerous mind-bending puzzles to challenge players, one of which is the telephone puzzle located in the study of the Painter's Story. This puzzle becomes accessible after the fifth iteration of the magnum opus is unveiled.

To solve this particular puzzle, players must search for a set of hidden codes within the study and then enter these codes into the phones positioned throughout the area. All the while, they must carefully navigate the bookcases to reach the top of the room. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to successfully solve the telephone puzzle.

Ascending the Study

After unlocking the fourth cabinet in the art studio and gathering the painted gears, players will be transported to the Painter's study. The distinguishing feature of this room is a spacious desk, adorned with the mesmerizing Babyface painting that hangs above the fireplace. While there are multiple cabinets to explore within the study, the sole item of interest is located in the bottom drawer on the right side of the desk: a personal note penned by the painter, reflecting on his artistic journey.

The First Code

As players enter this room, they are startled by the sound of a ringing phone, even though no phones are visible. Upon closer examination of the bookshelf positioned between the windows, players discover a hidden compartment behind one of the upper shelves. Inside this secret compartment, a telephone continues to ring persistently. Answering the phone will expose players to a ghostly message left by the Painter's wife.

After hearing the message, interact with the phone once again. Dial the numbers written on the note held up in the Babyface portrait: 3-6-3. Another phone will start ringing from somewhere in the study. As players turn around and look up, they will notice that the ceiling has disappeared, revealing a seemingly endless tower of bookshelves and a creepy doll descending from above.

Return to the compartment behind the bookcase to discover that the phone has vanished, replaced by a door. Enter through the door and proceed down the corridor towards the door at the end of the hallway. Initially, the door will be locked, but upon turning around, the hallway will have vanished. Attempt the door once more, and it will now open.

The player will ascend to a higher level on top of one of the bookcases upon returning to the study. Proceed cautiously along the left path, exit the study through the door, and continue up the stairs until reaching the next door. Once again, players will enter the study at an even higher point. Traverse the pathway on top of the bookcases towards the nook where the second phone is located. Upon answering the phone, another message from the Painter's wife will be heard.

The Second Code

To progress further, players must carefully navigate the area, ensuring they don't slip off the ledges of the bookshelves. Eventually, they will stumble upon a numerical code painted in white on the back of a toppled bookcase in the study: 8-5-3. Once the code is dialed on the phone, players can turn around and push over the obstructing bookcase, allowing them to continue their ascent through the study.

This time, the pathway consists of a series of randomly open drawers that extend at varying lengths. Players must proceed with caution to avoid falling off. As they navigate the ledge, they can interact with the candelabra to gain some extra lighting. Additionally, they need to push down a plank to safely cross the room. However, the door directly in front of them will be locked, compelling players to follow the path to the right. Along this path, they will come across a third ringing phone, which delivers yet another somber message from the wife.

The Third Code

To discover the third code, players must observe the three paintings adorning the wall behind the phone. In the study, directly across the room, there are five paintings, each associated with a number. Identifying the paintings that correspond to the three hanging above the phone, players should dial the numbers in the order they are displayed on the wall from left to right. The code for this stage is 3-5-4.

Exit the study by grabbing the collectible item from the desk and continue along the pathway to the right, following it around the ledges. Proceed into the next hallway and keep moving forward until the path brings you back to the study again. This time, the pathway will lead you forward over suspended wooden pallets towards the final ringing phone. As you step onto the pallets, they will start to break, causing the phone and the Painter to fall to the ground. Once the Painter collects himself, interact with the phone to listen to the final message from the wife.

Layers of Fear (2023) is available now on PC, Playstation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series S|X.