Get quick and convenient access to just the hints you need for Scratches, without staying on our website. Just download a free trial
version of our UHS Reader software and
a copy of these hints. You will get the
same gradual hints you see here -- unlike ordinary cheats or a
walkthrough that can spoil your game.
You can also buy the full version of the UHS Reader
for Windows or macOS. For just $14.95, you get full access to hints for
hundreds of games and 1 year of free updates. You can also search, decode, or print an entire
game's worth of hints at once.
Ask the Author
If you have questions about a puzzle that aren't answered
anywhere in these hints,
you may contact the author.
Scratches Hints
I don't get it -- there's nothing in the box!
1 of 16: At first glance, it would seem that the box is empty. But notice that the inside of the box appears much smaller than the outside of the box. Perhaps there's more than meets the eye.
2 of 16: Examine the box carefully, looking especially for "hot spots" where you might be able to take some action.
3 of 16: You should find three active spots inside the box.
4 of 16: There is a small piece of wood in the middle that you can "pivot" by clicking on it.
5 of 16: At each side of the box -- left and right -- there is a small piece of wood that seems to be active.
6 of 16: However, clicking on the small pieces of wood may not, in fact, result in any action at all.
7 of 16: You'll need to find out what does make the pieces of wood move.
8 of 16: Experiment with the pivot in the middle of the box.
9 of 16: Does the position of the pivoting piece of wood in the middle of the box affect either of the two smaller pieces at the two sides?
10 of 16: It turns out that the pivot is used to determine which side piece can be moved at any time.
11 of 16: Turn the pivot so that the top is leaning toward one side or the other. Then click on the piece of wood on the side that the top of the pivot is leaning toward.
12 of 16: When you have moved either of the two side pieces, they will lock in place, and cannot be moved again.
13 of 16: The solution is simply to get both side pieces locked into place.
14 of 16: Therefore, move the pivot to point to one side, then click that side; then move the pivot to point to the other side, then click that side.
15 of 16: When both side pieces are locked in place, click anywhere inside the box to lift out the insert, and reveal a secret hiding place.
16 of 16: Take the "heavily adorned" key from the box. you may wish to read the note from Christopher, as well, to continue to build the story.
