Silent Hill 2 Remake: Complete Collectibles Guide, Puzzles and Secrets to Unlock Every Trophy

AlinaOctober 16, 2024

Silent Hill 2 Remake has captured the hearts of fans new and old, but the journey through its eerie and twisted environments isn’t just about survival. Hidden in every shadow and around every corner are collectibles and puzzles waiting to be uncovered, unlocking trophies and providing deeper insights into the game’s dark narrative. In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to find every collectible, solve every puzzle, and achieve all the game’s trophies.

Why Are Collectibles Important in Silent Hill 2 Remake?

The allure of Silent Hill 2 Remake doesn’t just lie in its tense atmosphere or terrifying creatures; it’s also in the many collectibles scattered across its haunting locations. But why go through the trouble of finding every last memo or photo? Simple: They provide additional story depth and unlock key trophies for completionists.

Throughout the game, James Sunderland, the main character, picks up various items that you can store in his magically spacious jacket (seriously, where does he keep it all?). These collectibles offer context, clues, and sometimes even callbacks to the original game. If you’re someone who loves exploring every nook and cranny, these little gems are waiting for you. Let’s dive into what these items are and why they’re essential for anyone looking to uncover the full story of Silent Hill 2.

All Collectibles in Silent Hill 2 Remake

There are 120 unique collectibles scattered throughout Silent Hill 2 Remake. They come in three distinct forms: memos, Glimpses of the Past, and Strange Photos. Collecting these items is crucial for achieving 100% completion and unlocking specific trophies.

Memos: These are narrative-driven notes that give hints about the story, puzzles, or the next destination. Collect all 68 memos to unlock the Archivist Trophy.
Glimpses of the Past: These interactable scenes are a homage to the original Silent Hill 2, providing nostalgic moments for veteran players. Witness all 26 Glimpses of the Past to earn the Echoes Trophy.
Strange Photos: These photos are a new addition to the remake and offer glimpses into James’ life before arriving in Silent Hill, along with key plot elements. Collect all 26 Strange Photos to unlock the Pieces Unarranged Trophy.

Pro Tip: You’ll need to gather all collectibles of a certain type within a single playthrough, whether it’s in New Game or New Game Plus, to unlock the corresponding trophies.

All Types of Collectibles in Silent Hill 2 Remake

Here’s a closer look at each type of collectible and how they enhance the Silent Hill experience.

Memos: Pieces of the Past and Puzzle Solutions

Memos are scattered throughout Silent Hill 2 Remake, often tucked away in dark corners or pinned on the walls. These notes are more than just narrative fluff. They serve as puzzle hints, direct you toward key locations, and provide context for the eerie world James finds himself trapped in. Without them, you might find yourself aimlessly wandering the misty streets, missing out on crucial plot points.

Not only that, but many of these memos are tied to puzzle solutions, meaning you’ll want to pay close attention to them. Ignore them at your peril!

Glimpses of the Past: Nostalgia Meets Narrative

For long-time fans of the series, Glimpses of the Past are a touching tribute to the original Silent Hill 2. These scenes offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane and reward players with a sense of accomplishment for uncovering these Easter eggs. While they may not directly affect gameplay, these moments are pure fan service and show the developers’ dedication to staying true to the series’ roots.

Each time you trigger a Glimpse of the Past, a subtle musical cue will play, offering a calming respite in the otherwise tense atmosphere.

Strange Photos: Uncovering James’ Hidden Story

Strange Photos are perhaps the most cryptic of all the collectibles. These Polaroids hint at key elements of James’ past and provide insight into his mental state. Some are straightforward, showing moments of his life before Silent Hill. Others tread into spoiler territory, revealing subtle clues about the game’s deeper, more mysterious plotlines.

Even if you’re not the type to piece together every story detail, collecting these Strange Photos is a must if you’re aiming to unlock every trophy and complete the game fully.

The Role of Puzzles in Silent Hill 2 Remake

If you’ve played the original Silent Hill, you’ll know that puzzles are a huge part of the gameplay. They’re back in the remake, sometimes more challenging than before, forcing you to backtrack, explore, and dig deep into your inventory for that elusive key item.

Puzzles in Silent Hill 2 Remake come in many forms, ranging from simple combination locks to more elaborate setups requiring multiple steps and items. Solving these is essential for progressing through the game, but more importantly, they add an extra layer of tension to your journey. After all, nothing says “Silent Hill” like the fear of being attacked while trying to figure out the next combination!

Major Puzzle Solutions by Location

Here’s a breakdown of key puzzles in the game and how to solve them:

South Vale

Grand Market Keypad: The solution lies in a note found on a dead body near Neely’s Bar.
Neely’s Bar Jukebox: Collect Neely’s Bar Coin, a Broken Vinyl Record, and the Jukebox button. Repair the vinyl and play it on the Jukebox to solve the puzzle.

Wood Side Apartments

Unlock Safe in Apartment 206: Follow the clue written on the wall and input the correct sequence into the safe’s dial.
Coin Puzzle in Reception: Place the coins in the proper order based on the clues given in a story.

Blue Creek Apartments

Clock Puzzle: Gather the hour and minute hands from different rooms and set them on the clock.
Moth Puzzle in Room 202: Count the moths and symbols, then input the correct combination into the padlock.

Brookhaven Hospital

Key Locker Puzzle: Use the paintings in the hallway as clues to the padlock combination.
X-Ray Puzzle: Align the radiographs to reveal the code to unlock Room D1.

Toluca Prison

Weights and Scales Puzzle: Place the correct weights on the scales to open locked doors.
Gallows Puzzle: Match the Roman numerals with the innocent verse to select the right noose.

Lakeview Hotel

Room 202 Mirror Puzzle: Fix the mirror, rearrange the broken plate, and use the Ripe Apple to complete the puzzle.
Music Box Puzzle: Align the figurines and rotate them to match the lines on the plate.

Silent Hill 2 Remake Trophies: How to Unlock Them All

Besides solving puzzles and collecting items, unlocking trophies is a major aspect of Silent Hill 2 Remake. Here’s a list of some important trophies and how to get them:

Archivist Trophy: Collect all 68 memos.
Echoes Trophy: Witness all 26 Glimpses of the Past.
Pieces Unarranged Trophy: Gather all 26 Strange Photos.

These trophies are essential for any completionist aiming for the Platinum Trophy.

Weapons and Items: Finding Tools for Survival

While Silent Hill 2 is known for its psychological horror, you still need weapons to defend yourself from the grotesque creatures lurking in the shadows. Here’s where to find the best gear in the game:

Handgun: Located in Wood Side Apartments.
Shotgun: Found in Brookhaven Hospital.
Rifle: Locked away in Toluca Prison.

Other key items like the Crimson Ceremony Book and Dog Key are crucial for unlocking secret endings.

FAQs About Silent Hill 2 Remake

Q: How many endings are there in Silent Hill 2 Remake? A: There are eight different endings, including secret and joke endings. Your choices and actions throughout the game determine which ending you receive.

Q: Can I go back and collect missed items? A: Unfortunately, once you leave a location, you won’t be able to return. Make sure to thoroughly explore each area before moving on.

Q: What are Glimpses of the Past? A: These are nostalgic scenes that reference moments from the original game. They’re non-essential but provide an extra layer of fan service for returning players.

Q: Do collectibles impact the story? A: While they don’t change the main storyline, collectibles offer additional narrative depth and unlock trophies.