Getting Started

Getting Started with Inside

Welcome to Inside, a hauntingly beautiful 2.5D puzzle-platformer from the creators of Limbo. This guide is tailored for brand-new players, covering everything you need to survive your first hour, avoid common pitfalls, and set yourself up for a rewarding experience.

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First-Hour Walkthrough: What to Expect

The game opens with a young boy alone in a dark forest. There is no tutorial text or HUD; you learn by doing. Here’s a step-by-step of the critical first segment:

1. Move Right – Walk to the right through the woods. You’ll see a fence. Push against it; it will fall down. Continue right.
2. Pull the Cart – You encounter a wooden cart blocking a steep slope. Stand to the left of it, press the interact button (E on PC, A on Xbox, Cross on PlayStation, B on Switch) to grab it, then push it to the right, down the slope. It will smash through a barrier.
3. Enter the Barn – Follow the cart down and enter the barn. You’ll see a ladder leading up. Climb it (press up on the left stick/arrow key).
4. Jump Across Gaps – At the top, you’ll need to jump over broken floorboards. Jump by pressing the jump button (Space/LB/L1/L). Land on the next platform and climb another ladder.
5. Dislodge the Block – Finally, push a wooden block off a ledge to create a ramp, then jump onto it to reach the exit. You’ll be chased by a group of dogs – run right as fast as you can.
6. Hide in the Tall Grass – After a brief sprint, you’ll reach tall grass. Press crouch (Ctrl/LS-click/L3/left stick click) to hide. Wait until the dogs run past, then move on.

This sequence teaches you the core mechanics: movement, pushing/pulling, jumping, climbing, and hiding. Don’t panic; you have infinite lives, and the game auto-saves frequently.

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User Interface (UI) Overview

There is no on-screen UI in Inside. No health bar, ammo counter, or minimap. The game is intentionally minimalist:

• No HUD – All information is conveyed through the environment and the boy’s animations. If he stumbles, struggles to push, or looks around, that’s your feedback.


• Death/Respawn – When you die (e.g., crushed, drowned, shot), the screen fades to black and you restart at the last checkpoint. Checkpoints are marked by subtle environmental cues (e.g., a ladder, a door you opened).


• Loading – Only at the very start and occasionally between major areas. Otherwise, it’s seamless.

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Controls (All Platforms)

Inside uses simple, responsive controls. Here’s a full breakdown:

Note: On PC, you can also use the arrow keys for movement. The mouse is used only to look around in certain sections, but it’s not mandatory.

Pro Tips:

• Jump while moving – Your jump distance is fixed; you can’t change it mid-air.


• Interact context-sensitive – The boy will automatically grab ledges, climb ladders, and hold onto ropes when near them. You just need to move toward them.


• Crouch is essential – Use it to hide from enemies, move through low passages, and avoid detection.


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Essential Early Objectives



Your first hour has these overarching goals:

1. Survive the forest chase – Getting caught by dogs means instant death. Use hiding spots (tall grass, dark corners).
2. Enter the industrial complex – After the dogs, you’ll find a path leading to a factory-like area. Follow the pipeline.
3. Solve the first “light puzzle” – You’ll encounter a room with a spotlight. Move crates to block the light beam and sneak past.
4. Navigate the underwater section – You’ll soon find a body of water. Swim right, but surface occasionally to avoid drowning. There’s a hidden lever to open a gate.
5. Escape the laboratory – After the water, you’ll enter a lab with scientists. Use stealth and environmental objects (e.g., a ball to distract a guard) to get through.

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What to Do First vs. What to Avoid





✅ Do First:




• Explore every corner – The game rewards curiosity. Hidden paths often lead to collectibles (orbs) or shortcuts.


• Push/pull everything – If an object looks movable, try it. The cart in the first area is a prime example.


• Wait and observe – If you’re stuck, stand still for a few seconds. Enemies move on patrol patterns; you can study them.


• Use the environment – Breakable glass, levers, floating platforms – all are interactive.




❌ Avoid:




• Rushing – The game punishes recklessness. Taking a moment to assess is better than sprinting into death.


• Ignoring sound cues – Audio is critical. Footsteps, machinery hums, and growls warn you of danger.


• Assuming all paths are linear – Some areas have multiple ways to proceed. If one route seems impossible, backtrack and look for alternatives.


• Forgetting to save – The game auto-saves, but if you quit mid-level, you’ll restart from the last checkpoint. Save your progress by reaching a new area (often marked by a color change or door opening).


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Early Resource Priorities (There Are None!)



Inside has no inventory, currency, or upgrade system. The only “resource” is your knowledge. Therefore, your priorities should be:


• Learning enemy patterns – Memorize patrol routes and timings.


• Mastering hidden movement – Crouch-walking, tiptoeing, and staying out of light.


• Understanding physics – Boxes float, levers stay activated, and ropes swing realistically.


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Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)



1. Trying to fight enemies – The boy is not a fighter. You cannot attack; only run, hide, or manipulate the environment.
2. Jumping too early – Time jumps carefully. A mistimed jump into a gap or onto a platform can send you back to a checkpoint.
3. Not using crouch – Many early deaths occur because players stand in plain sight. Crouch when enemies are near.
4. Pushing instead of pulling – Some objects only work when pulled (e.g., a crate on wheels needs to be pulled free before pushing). Try both.
5. Ignoring the water hazard – You can swim, but you have a limited breath meter (shown as a visual bubble animation). Surface often or find air pockets.
6. Getting stuck on a puzzle – If you’re stuck for more than 2 minutes, look for a clue: a different colored switch, a loose board, or an object you haven’t moved yet.

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Day-One Checklist



Before you dig into your first session, ensure you have:


• [ ] Comfortable controller/keyboard setup – Rested hands, no glare on screen, volume up (headphones recommended for the atmosphere).


• [ ] At least 3 hours of uninterrupted play – The game is short (~4-5 hours), but the first session should be uninterrupted to maintain immersion.


• [ ] A dark room – The lighting is integral to the game’s mood. Play in a dimly lit room for best experience.


• [ ] No external distractions – The game has no pause menu for story events; minimize notifications.


• [ ] Read the basic controls once – Print or have this guide handy if needed.


• [ ] Start the game – Choose “New Game” from the title screen. There is no difficulty selection or character creation.

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You are now ready to begin Inside. Remember: every obstacle is a puzzle, and every death is a lesson. The world is dark, but your curiosity is your greatest tool. Good luck.