Download Hints

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

How do I learn about the previous inhabitants?

  • 1 of 11: There are a few sources of written information.
  • 2 of 11: One in particular can be found in the living room.
  • 3 of 11: Another can be found in the study.
  • 4 of 11: Once you have learned a bit about the previous inhabitants, by reading the two journals, you will be ready to investigate further, by asking a few questions.
  • 5 of 11: Call Jerry again -- he knows a bit about the previous inhabitants.
  • 6 of 11: This still isn't enough information.  For ideas of what else to try, think about the information you already have.
  • 7 of 11: Jerry mentioned a specific month and year of particular interest.
  • 8 of 11: Can you think of a place where you can do further research -- now that you have a specific date in mind?
  • 9 of 11: If you haven't searched the attic thoroughly yet, this would be a good time to do so.
  • 10 of 11: Once at the attic, move all the way to the back.  Look down -- what do you see?
  • 11 of 11: Go into a close-up of the newspapers, then click on them to see a date at the bottom of the screen.  Click on the date to find the newspaper with the same date.