The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes is a 2021 survival horror game developed by Supermassive Games and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Like the other games in the Dark Pictures series, it was released on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
While the game is generally considered to be an improvement over its predecessors, The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes was met with mixed reviews from critics. It currently holds a 72 score on Metacritic, with praise coming in for its characters, particularly Salim. However, the general lack of immersion led to most of the criticism, with the game struggling to balance the video game and movie elements.
The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes Premise
The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes is a game where player choice is paramount, above all else. The decisions you make throughout the game while playing as any of its five protagonists impact who lives and who dies. No one is safe, which is why The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes is so thrilling.
The story of the game takes place during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, with five characters embroiled in the ground conflict falling into an ancient temple. Once there, vampire-esque creatures hunt down the characters one by one, as they put aside their differences in an attempt to escape during this horror title.
The gameplay itself is played from a third-person perspective, where you’ll move from scene to scene, taking part in quick-time events and making choices on behalf of the characters, the consequences of which play out through cutscenes. At times, it feels closer to a movie than a video game!
There are a few features which are certainly worth mentioning. Unlike other iterations in the series, The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes introduces difficulties such as Forgiving, Challenging, and Lethal. These are for the purposes of the quick-time events, adding a new layer of challenge to the experience. The “pictures” mechanic also returns from previous games. These “pictures” trigger visions of potential future events, which gives you a hint as to how your choices will impact the story. This is great, as it helps you shape the story a certain way, if you so desire. You can always ignore them if you want a fully-blind experience!
The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes Main Characters
As The Dark Pictures games focus so heavily on story, the characters are absolutely essential to their success. If you don’t relate to or care for them, it’s hard to immerse yourself in the experience. Each game in the series focuses on brand-new characters too, so even playing previous releases won’t help you here. The switching between five different protagonists ensures that you get plenty of time with each, which helps the
What is arguably most interesting about the series is how it brings in star actors and actresses to play the lead roles. The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes is no different, adding Ashley Tisdale to the cast to play one of the protagonists, Rachel King. The other four protagonists in the game are played by lesser-known actors, including Spartcus‘ Nick E. Tarabay.
Here’s what you need to know about the five characters you play as in The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes:
Five Protagonists of The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes
- Rachel King: Rachel is a CIA Field Officer, who has a close relationship with both Eric and Nicolas. When she plunges into the Akkadian temple, her relationships become more strained than ever with the people around her.
- Salim Othman: Salim is a Lieutenant in the Iraqi Ground Forces. He’s a believer in the good inside people, and a pacifist at heart. His desire to return home to his son fuels his desire to escape the Akkadian temple.
- Eric Edmund King: Eric is a Lieutenant Officer in the US Air Force. He has to form unlikely alliances to survive his fall into the Akkadian temple, alongside Rachel, his ex-wife.
- Jason Kolchek: Jason is a First Lieutenant of the US Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance. He’s fiercely loyal to those he perceives as allies, which is a trait that comes to the forefront during his time in the Akkadian temple.
- Nicolas Kay: Nicolas, or simply Nick, is a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance. He’s also Rachel’s current lover, which complicates matters when it comes to Eric.
The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes Titles in the Series
The Dark Pictures series is an anthology of games intended to pay tribute to the horror genre. Each release tells its own story, with a fresh cast of characters to make things feel fresh.
As of right now, the plan is to separate the franchise into two Seasons. Season One contains the games Man of Medan, Little Hope, House of Ashes, and The Devil in Me, with Switchback VR serving as a spin-off. Season Two has been announced, beginning with the upcoming Directive 8020, although no release date has been confirmed up to now. It remains to be seen if the series will continue to adopt The Dark Pictures as its title, or if that’ll be reserved for games in Season One.
- The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan (2019)
- The Dark Pictures: Little Hope (2020)
- The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes (2021)
- The Dark Pictures: The Devil in Me (2022)
- The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR (2023)
- Directive 8020 (TBA)
The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes Cheat Codes
It’s rare that games as story-heavy as The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes feature actual cheat codes for you to use. In this particular release, we just don’t see what benefit cheats could bring. Since it’s such a serious story, any type of just-for-fun cheat code would be immersion-breaking too, so we understand why they’ve not been included. There aren’t even any third-party mods or cheats created by the community that you can use, either.
We can still help you out, though. In The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes, there are a bunch of numbered Secrets for you to discover while playing through the Theatrical Cut of the game. 50 of them, in total. We’re going to help you find every single one. It’s not as fast as a cheat code, but it’s the closest thing you’re getting in this game.
The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes Secrets
The order the Secrets in The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes are numbered is not necessarily the order you’ll find them in-game. We’re presenting them here in the order they’re numbered, with a brief mention of when exactly you’ll be able to find them.
Secret 1: Bandit Briefing
- Scene: The Briefing
- Character: Eric
- Order Found In-Game: 1
In the briefing room while playing as Eric, there is a desk with a mug over a document. Move the mug to find the Bandit Briefing secret.
Secret 2: Mythology Book
- Scene: The Raid
- Character: Salim
- Order Found In-Game: 2
Enter Zain’s room while playing as Salim. Head over to his desk, to find the ‘Mesopotamian Mythologies’ book. To fully unlock this Secret, you must first open the book, and move to the next page with the right stick.
Secret 3: Expedition Map
- Scene: The Signal
- Character: Nick
- Order Found In-Game: 32
When you’re trying to fix the radio in the chasm, look over to a desk near the crates. There will be another mug on top of a document. Shift the mug out of the way to find the Expedition Map in The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes.
Secret 4: Pocket Watch
- Scene: Brothers
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 41
After you’ve found the Cocoon Secret, you’ll be able to see a corpse along the left of the wall. Move past it to find the Pocket Watch on the floor.
Secret 5: Staked Woman
- Scene: Bloodbath
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 19
The Staked Woman is hard to miss – once Nick and Jason begin their adventure through the catacombs, you’ll see her on the floor. Simply inspect her to get this The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes Secret.
Secret 6: Bloodless Corpse
- Scene: Bloodbath
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 20
In the same room that you find the Staked Woman, you’ll also find the Bloodless Corpse Secret, dead on the floor for you to inspect.
Secret 7: Gas Mask
- Scene: The Raid
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 4
In the second hut you explore while looking through the shepherd’s hut, you’ll be told to go down a hallway. Instead, turn left into another room. In there, you’ll find this pile of Gas Masks in the corner.
Secret 8: Science Notes
- Scene: Bloodbath
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 26
After Rachel climbs through to the second section of the pit and picks up a torch to light the way, look out for a large wheel. To the right, you can find the Science Notes.
Secret 9: Vampire Speculations
- Scene: The Signal
- Character: Nick
- Order Found In-Game: 29
While playing as Nick near the chasm, head to the very edge. You’ll find a crate with the Vampire Speculations sat on top.
Secret 10: Cocoon
- Scene: Brothers
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 40
After exiting the elevator in Brothers, head away from the intended path, past the big tree. You’ll find the Cocoon secret in The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes.
Secret 11: Plastic ID Card
- Scene: Bloodbath
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 23
In the bloody water immediately after you first play as Rachel in the pit, you’ll be able to find the Plastic ID Card Secret.
Secret 12: Cuneiform Tablet
- Scene: The Temple
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 10
While in the generator room in The Temple, you can pick up the Cuneiform Tablet on a crate along the wall. The darkness makes this more difficult, so it could take a little while to find. It’s there – we promise.
Secret 13: Randolph’s Journal – Part 2
- Scene: After The Fall
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 16
Avoid the tripwires after repairing the generator twice. You’ll be in a new room after these cutscenes – Part 2 of Randolph’s Journal can be found on the floor here.
Secret 14: Randolph’s Journal – Part 3
- Scene: Slayer
- Character: Nick
- Order Found In-Game: 18
During Slayer, Nick will hear voices, and go looking for Joey. You’ll reach a point where you find some blood – after this, you’ll find the third part of Randolph’s Journal on the floor to the right.
Secret 15: Randolph’s Journal – Part 9
- Scene: Brothers
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 42
Keep going after picking up the Pocket Watch Secret and you’ll find Part 9 of Randolph’s Journal to the left.
Secret 16: Randolph’s Journal – Part 7
- Scene: Enemy Of My Enemy
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 34
Along the wall to the right near the sarcophagus is the seventh part of Randolph’s Journal.
Secret 17: Pagan Effigy
- Scene: The Raid
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 3
At one point during The Raid, you’ll be looking right at the Pagan Effigy, which is hanging from above. Make sure you select the “Curious” option when presented with it, to unlock this Dark Pictures: House of Ashes Secret.
Secret 18: Pazuzu
- Scene: Pazuzu
- Character: Eric
- Order Found In-Game: 6
During the Pazuzu scene, Eric and Rachel are in a room alone. You’ll know you’re in the right room when there’s a giant hole in the floor. The Pazuzu statue is on the floor, and pretty hard to miss.
Secret 19: Creature Life Cycle
- Scene: Strange Aeons
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 48
Near the water, you’ll see a noticeboard. Pull down the folded corner to find the Creature Life Cycle Secret.
Secret 20: Creature Features
- Scene: Strange Aeons
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 9
After powering up the generator for the first time, head over to the statue in the big room. You’ll find a secret passage, which takes you to another room. In this room, is a desk, which has a picture on it. Pick it up and rotate it to get the Creature Features Secret.
Secret 21: Star Map
- Scene: After The Fall
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 15
After passing the tripwire QTEs, you can find the Star Map secret on a table, near the movable crate.
Secret 22: Finds Catalogue
- Scene: The Signal
- Character: Nick
- Order Found In-Game: 27
As soon as you control Nick in the chasm, find the book on the right immediately. This is the Finds Catalogue.
Secret 23: Randolph’s Journal – Part 4
- Scene: Bloodbath
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 21
While in the circular room in the catacombs, you’ll find Part 4 of Randolph’s Journal on the floor. It’s easy to miss, so keep a keen eye out!
Secret 24: Randolph’s Journal – Part 1
- Scene: The Temple
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 13
The first part of Randolph’s Journal is found after turning on the generator in The Temple. While in the tent, you can find it sitting on a table.
Secret 25: Randolph’s Journal – Part 6
- Scene: The Signal
- Character: Nick
- Order Found In-Game: 31
On the left side of the Chasm, head beyond the tent. There, you’ll discover Part 6 of Randolph’s Journal.
Secret 26: Randolph’s Journal – Part 8
- Scene: Enemy Of My Enemy
- Character: Salim
- Order Found In-Game: 38
In the second archaeologist’s cell on the right, you’ll find Part 8 of Randolph’s Journal.
Secret 27: Fossilized Lifeforms
- Scene: The City
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 45
After avoiding the popping vines, find the skeletons directly ahead. Inspect them to find the Fossilized Lifeforms Secret.
Secret 28: Parasite Notes
- Scene: Enemy Of My Enemy
- Character: Salim
- Order Found In-Game: 35
While in the archaeologist’s cells again, head to the middle of the room. On the table, you’ll see a mug on top of a set of documents. Move these to receive the Parasite Notes Secret in The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes.
Secret 29: Holed Stone
- Scene: Slayer
- Character: Salim
- Order Found In-Game: 17
After fighting off the enemy during Slayer, you’ll find yourself in darkness. Light the way using your lighter, and walk through the tunnel. On the floor is the Holed Stone Secret, which is quite easy to miss if you’re not paying attention to the in-game prompts.
Secret 30: Black Onyx
- Scene: Enemy Of My Enemy
- Character: Salim
- Order Found In-Game: 37
While in the archaeologist’s cells, head to the right of the final cell door. You’ll find a box, on top of which is the Black Onyx Secret.
Secret 31: Cylinder Seal
- Scene: Bloodbath
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 22
After the circular room, you’ll come across a crate. On top of this, inspect the item on top for the Cylinder Seal Secret in The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes.
Secret 32: Curse of Akkad
- Scene: The Temple
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 11
In the generator room, look on one of the desks to find the Curse of Akkad Secret.
Secret 33: Randolph’s Journal – Part 5
- Scene: Bloodbath
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 25
The fifth part of Randolph’s Journal can be picked up by finding the bones sticking out of the ground during Bloodbath. Next to these bones is the journal piece.
Secret 34: Expedition Members
- Scene: The Temple
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 12
Look on the left side of the tent, on a desk for a black and white photo. Inspect it to find the Expedition Members Secret in The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes.
Secret 35: Aline’s Letter
- Scene: The Temple
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 8
Aline’s Letter can be found just prior to using the radio, once you’ve managed to fix the generator for the first time. Next to the radio you’ll see Aline’s Letter. All you have to do is inspect it!
Secret 36: Randolph’s Journal – Part 10
- Scene: Strange Aeons
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 49
In the Star Chamber, on a table next to the round statue, you can pick up the tenth and final part of Randolph’s Journal.
Secret 37: Ruptured Skull
- Scene: The City
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 44
As you’re heading into the underground nest, you’ll be presented with the opportunity to head either left or right – choose right. You’ll find a statue, next to which is the Ruptured Skull Secret.
Secret 38: Alien Parasite
- Scene: Strange Aeons
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 50
To find the Alien Parasite Secret, a few things must be true: Eric must be alive, Rachel must be infected in the sacrificial chamber, and Eric must know how UV affects enemies. As Rachel, plead for your life twice, after which the UV light will be used to get rid of the parasite. You can find the Alien Parasite Secret by inspecting it on the floor afterward.
Secret 39: Infection Symptoms
- Scene: The Signal
- Character: Nick
- Order Found In-Game: 30
While in the chasm, head to the corner, near the Vampire Speculations Secret. Continue further, to find the Infections Symptoms on a desk.
Secret 40: Finds Ledger
- Scene: Brothers
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 39
Turn left at the bottom of the elevator. You’ll eventually come to a desk, with the Finds Ledger on top. Simply scroll through it to completely unlock this secret.
Secret 41: Mysterious Artifact
- Scene: The City
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 43
Immediately after the cutscene between Jason and Salim after avoiding the popping vines, you’ll find the Mysterious Artifact on the floor.
Secret 42: Reference Book
- Scene: After The Fall
- Character: Jason
- Order Found In-Game: 14
The Reference Book can be found when looking for whoever sabotaged the generators. Follow the right set of wires, where you’ll find a book called ‘Gods of Sumer.’ Scroll through it to unlock the secret.
Secret 43: Mary’s Notes
- Scene: Strange Aeons
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 46
In the Star Chamber, head over to Nick. Next to him is a piece of paper on the table – this is Mary’s Notes.
Secret 44: Dynamite
- Scene: The Temple
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 7
Head to the sandpit in the generator room, and inspect the hammer to unlock the Dynamite Secret.
Secret 45: Van Huyten’s Confession
- Scene: Strange Aeons
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 47
On the left side of the Star Chamber, you’ll find Van Huyten’s Confession on a crate, alone.
Secret 46: Autopsy Notes
- Scene: Enemy Of My Enemy
- Character: Salim
- Order Found In-Game: 36
As soon as you enter the archaeologist’s cells, on the desk at the left you can pick up the Autopsy Notes Secret.
Secret 47: Punctured Skull
- Scene: Underworld
- Character: Nick
- Order Found In-Game: 5
You’ll find the Punctured Skull Secret underneath the stone hand statue. The Secret might be easy to miss, but the hand isn’t.
Secret 48: Ancient Helmet
- Scene: Bloodbath
- Character: Rachel
- Order Found In-Game: 24
After grabbing the Plastic ID Card, head along the right wall. You should come across the Ancient Helmet Secret.
Secret 49: Battle Tablet
- Scene: The Signal
- Character: Nick
- Order Found In-Game: 28
Keep heading right after grabbing the Finds Catalogue. You’ll come across the Battle Tablet, on top of a crate.
Secret 50: Ritual Tablet
- Scene: Enemy Of My Enemy
- Character: Salim
- Order Found In-Game: 33
Just after Salim and Jason escape the sacrificial chamber, you’ll enter a room with a sarcophagus directly in front of you. The Ritual Tablet is right on top for you to grab.
The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes Cheat Code FAQs
Are There Any Cheat Trainers For The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes?
No. Most games have the option to download third-party trainers that allow you to change the settings like a cheat code would, but sadly that isn’t the case with The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes. It’s a game that is seemingly impossible to cheat in.
Can You Save Everyone in The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes?
You certainly can, and you don’t even need cheat codes to do it! There are a few steps you must take to ensure everyone survives The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes. Let’s take a look at what to do:
- Ensure Eric cuts the rope when being chased by Dar.
- Find out that the enemies are vulnerable to UV light.
- Abandon Clarice in the pit.
- Remember exactly where you set the charges as Jason, and instruct Rachel and Eric to avoid them later on.
- While playing as Salim, shoot the enemy jumping towards you rather than the one shooting at Rachel. Don’t worry – Rachel will survive the encounter.
- When Jason looks like he’s going to shoot Rachel, plead for your life twice. This will result in Rachel being saved by using the UV light (assuming you learned its importance earlier).
- Go back for Salim when Nick sets the charges.
- Survive the final wave of quick-time events.
If you’ve followed the above steps in the correct areas, you will have saved everyone in The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©BANDAI NAMCO.