Silent Hill f is a game that thrives on unsettling atmospheres and subtle storytelling, and few puzzles capture this eerie charm like the Scales puzzle. Hidden in the Shimizu Residence II, this puzzle may seem simple at first glance, but its solution varies depending on the ending you’re pursuing. Successfully completing it rewards players with the Scales Plate, a critical item for the My Room puzzle.
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to solving the Scales puzzle in Silent Hill f, with insights into all possible endings and gameplay considerations.
In This Post:
Scales Puzzle Location
You’ll find the Scales puzzle in Shimizu Residence II, specifically in the upper-left portion of the map. Look for a half-open door at the end of a hallway near the sewing machine room. Entering this room triggers the puzzle, where five of Hinako’s old dolls await your attention.
The dolls involved are:
- Hinako Doll
- Fox Mask Doll
- Headless Doll
- Old Doll (kimono, gray hair, topknot)
- Broken Doll (half mask, bowed head)
These dolls represent subtle narrative cues about Hinako’s relationships and personal values, adding a layer of story depth to what might otherwise be a simple weight puzzle.
Understanding the Puzzle
The note attached to the wall provides a poetic hint:
“I’m always alone so I’m okay with playing by myself. That means I have the right dish and the left dish aaall to myself. I like to play with kokeshi dolls a lot. I’m extra careful to share them with left Hinako and right Hinako so it’s fair to both of them.”
This tells you that balance is key. Your task is to arrange the five dolls on the two sides of the scale so that they even out. The specific arrangement changes depending on the ending you are on track to achieve.
Pro Tip: If this is your first run, you’ll likely be pursuing Ending 1: Coming Home to Roost. In New Game+ runs, doll “weights” can change, reflecting Hinako’s evolving perception of those around her.
Scales Puzzle Solutions by Ending
Here’s a clear breakdown of doll placements for each ending. Keep in mind that the left and right sides are interchangeable, so focus on which dolls are grouped rather than exact placement.
| Ending | Left Side | Right Side |
| Coming Home to Roost | Broken Doll | Hinako Doll, Fox Mask, Headless Doll, Old Doll |
| Fox’s Wedding | Bowing Doll, Broken Doll | Hinako Doll, Fox Mask, Old Doll |
| The Fox Wets Its Tail | Broken Doll, Fox Mask, Old Doll | Hinako Doll, Bowing Doll |
| Ebisugaoka in Silence | Hinako Doll | Bowing Doll, Broken Doll, Fox Mask, Old Doll |
These groupings ensure the scale balances correctly and allow you to obtain the Scales Plate, essential for progressing the My Room puzzle.
Puzzle Strategy and Tips
- Experimentation Works: The puzzle’s core logic is simple. If you’re unsure, try moving one doll at a time and observing how the scale reacts.
- First-Time Play: Focus on Ending 1 solutions if you haven’t triggered other endings yet.
- New Game+ Variations: In subsequent runs, doll weights can shift slightly depending on your prior choices, adding a subtle narrative reflection to the puzzle.
- Narrative Insight: Each doll carries symbolic weight, representing people in Hinako’s life. The way you balance them mirrors the relationships she values most.
Puzzle Rewards
Completing the Scales puzzle grants the Scales Plate, one of three essential components for the My Room puzzle. Missing this step can prevent you from unlocking the final stages of the residence-based puzzles, so prioritize this early in your exploration.
To Sum it All Up
The Scales puzzle in Silent Hill f is an insight into Hinako’s psyche, layered within an unsettling and beautifully crafted environment. Whether you’re pursuing your first ending or experimenting in New Game+, understanding how to balance the dolls is key to unlocking the story’s secrets and obtaining crucial items.
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