How to Use the Hint System

The Mermaid Mask provides entirely free hinting across three channels—puzzle keyhole hints, map hotspot hints, and suspicion contradiction nudges—reflecting SFB Games commitment to frictionless detective stories. No premium currency or limited hint tokens exist. Sally Spears occasionally verbalizes hints when idle timers detect stagnation, overlapping but not replacing UI systems below.

Keyhole Puzzle Hints

Active on any puzzle screen via upper-right keyhole icon—confirms correctness AND escalates hints after failed confirm or idle. Tier one vague, tier two directional, tier three near-explicit. Does not affect story unless pursuing optional Hintless achievement. Detailed in puzzle completion guide.

Map Hints

On world map, press hint bulb icon to pulse next unresolved hotspot in current zone—cycles through magnifying glass icons on inn, town, or submarine layers. Unlimited uses; respects completed rooms. Ideal when Evidence Checklist shows missing clue but visual search fails—common in Cargo Hold crate stacks or town square morning vendor window.

Suspicion Hints

Suspicion tab includes "Who knows more?" hint button after two failed evidence presentations on same suspect—suggests alternate room to explore or different clue category (Motive vs Means). Does not name killer. Pair with Suspicion Tracker to avoid hint spam on already-maxed tracks. Accessibility menu adjusts hint escalation speed 60s default to 30s or 120s.