Dev Blog #3: Investigate the truth behind an occult mystery
As you continue your investigation in Equinox: Homecoming, you’ll uncover unsettling clues that reveal the quaint island of Alderwood has chilling secrets of its own. It’s time to put our detective hats on and find out more as we begin to unravel an occult murder mystery…
Use Your Senses with the Investigation Mechanic
In the first chapter, you meet Kyle - the local park ranger - and help him track down a deer that’s behaving strangely. Tracking was one of your mother’s many lessons: you can investigate your immediate surroundings at any time by pressing the F button. This Investigation action lets Alex notice things that would otherwise be overlooked, and highlights interesting objects in your proximity like collectibles or clues!
Whenever you Investigate, you’re using all of your senses - sight, sound, and scent - to examine the environment carefully. As you continue your investigation, you’ll need to look beyond the surface to uncover the truth. Taking a closer look can reveal all sorts of secrets: footprints, drag marks and even blood splatters.
Forage for Materials and Collectibles
Alderwood is a bountiful island and a prime spot for foraging! It can be hard to find collectibles, so try Investigating whenever you’re out exploring. If you’re next to anything interesting, it’ll play a tone and highlight any collectible items in your vicinity. This can help you track down collectibles like Eagle Feathers, Deer Antlers and more!
Those collectibles can be brought to specific NPCs to improve your reputation with the islanders or to upgrade your gear at the Farrier. Investigating might also help you find and pick up treats for your horse such as wild blueberries.
Continue searching for the truth
In our second chapter, you’ll continue to search for the truth alongside your best friend Sarah. Visit the chilling scene of the crime and track down a mysterious presence lurking the island. You’ll need to use all of your senses to find every clue and get closer to understanding how all of these strange occurrences are connected by a single chilling thread.
Each new clue places more of Alderwood’s inhabitants in the web of intrigue, opening up side quests that may generate more questions than answers. Meet Ben Willis, the survivor of a horrific attack, learn more about your horse’s backstory, and find yourself diving into the town’s darker past.
Can Alex find a logical explanation for these events plaguing their home? Or could Sarah’s hunch be right: something supernatural is at work? You’ll be able to continue your search soon when Chapter 4 comes out in our next content update!
Our game’s story may be a mystery, but our development isn't! What updates do we have in store for you? Learn about them with our roadmap!