Step-by-Step Guide to All Puzzles in Life is Strange

14 July 2025

If you’re here, chances are you’ve already dived into the emotional rollercoaster that is Life is Strange. This episodic adventure game isn’t just about making tough choices or unraveling an intense story. Nope, it’s also packed with puzzles that make you scratch your head. Whether you’re rewinding time to fix mistakes, analyzing clues like a detective, or solving environmental challenges, the game keeps you on your toes. But hey, that’s what makes it so fun, right?

Still, there’s no shame in admitting some puzzles left you frustrated, questioning whether you’ve missed something. Trust me, we’ve all been there. To save you from the agony of aimlessly wandering around Arcadia Bay, I’ve crafted this step-by-step guide to all the puzzles in Life is Strange. Let’s dive in and sort this out together!

Episode 1: Chrysalis

Puzzle 1 - Opening the Broom Closet (Get the Tools for the Camera)

Right off the bat, you’re tasked with fixing Max’s camera. You’ll head into the garage to look for tools, but they’re annoyingly out of reach. Classic, right?

Here’s how to solve it:
1. Spot the tools on the high shelf? You’ll need to bring them down.
2. Grab the cardboard box nearby and push it under the shelf to create a safe landing spot for the tools.
3. Use Max’s rewind ability after the tools have dropped. This way, you can go back to before they landed and pull the box into position.

Boom! Problem solved, and you’ve got the tools without breaking a sweat.

Episode 2: Out of Time

Puzzle 1 - Chloe’s Gun Range Bottles

Ah, yes. The infamous bottle-collecting mission. I’m not even going to lie—this one’s a pain. Chloe’s decided you’re her personal assistant, and she needs bottles for shooting practice.

To collect all five bottles:
1. The first bottle is in plain sight next to the car wreck you come across while exploring the junkyard.
2. Bottle #2 is on top of a fridge (because of course). Use some nearby crates to climb up and grab it.
3. The third one’s hanging out inside a boat (yes, really). This one’s easy; just hop inside and pick it up.
4. Bottle #4 is on a stack of tires. You’ll need to position yourself carefully to grab it, so don’t rush this one.
5. The final bottle is near the campfire. Look for burned logs and ashes, and you’ll spot it.

Pro Tip: Make sure to save often! This section’s easy to mess up, and nobody wants to repeat the entire hunt.

Puzzle 2 - Saving Kate (The First Big Choice)

This isn’t exactly a “puzzle” in the traditional sense, but saving Kate from the rooftop is a challenge. To succeed, you need to say the right things. Focus on empathy and understanding. Avoid being preachy or overly logical—it’s not what she needs right now. Take a deep breath, and let your instincts guide you… but maybe look up a quick dialogue guide if you’re really struggling. We’ll call it “insurance.”

Episode 3: Chaos Theory

Puzzle 1 - Breaking Into the Principal’s Office

Breaking and entering—because that’s how Max and Chloe roll. To get past the locked door to the principal’s office, you’ll need to create a makeshift bomb. Yes, a bomb.

Here’s what to gather and where to find it:
1. Sugar: Check the science lab. There’s a jar of sugar on one of the tables.
2. Sodium Chlorate: Look for a big yellow box of chemicals near the janitor’s cleaning supplies.
3. Duct Tape: Found in the art room. Should be on a shelf or table.
4. Soda Can: A vending machine in the science room has what you need.

Once you’ve got everything, Chloe will handle the explosion. All you need to do is stand back and watch the sparks fly. Rewind time afterward to make it look like nothing ever happened.

Episode 4: Dark Room

Puzzle 1 - Decoding the Clues

Oh boy, this one’s a doozy. You’re neck-deep in Nathan’s mess, trying to piece together clues about the dark room. This puzzle is like playing detective, but don’t worry—I got you.

Here’s how to break it down:
1. Organize the evidence by focusing on Nathan’s phone, his GPS coordinates, and the dates listed in his notes.
2. Match the locations from Nathan’s GPS with the photos he’s taken. Cross-reference these with the text messages on his phone to find the dark room location.
3. Start small! Eliminate irrelevant info first, and you’ll quickly narrow it down.

It’s tedious but oh-so-satisfying once you crack it.

Episode 5: Polarized

Puzzle 1 - Restarting the Photographic Memory Sequence

This episode’s puzzles are emotionally charged, and rewinding time to save Chloe takes center stage. At one point, you’ll need to focus on a particular photograph to jump back. Adjust the focus until the image is perfectly sharp.

Here’s a handy trick: Rotate both thumbsticks (or mouse) slowly until you see the image come into focus. Don’t rush it; patience is key. Once you’re “in,” you’ll travel back to the critical moment.

Tips for Mastering Life is Strange Puzzles

1. Use Your Rewind Power Wisely: Rewinding isn’t just for getting out of trouble; it’s also a tool for solving puzzles more efficiently. If you mess up or miss something, rewind to fix it.

2. Explore Everything: Sometimes the answer is just sitting in plain sight, waiting for you to look around.

3. Don’t Overthink It: Life is Strange puzzles aren’t meant to break your brain. If you feel stuck, take a deep breath and remember—Max’s powers are your ultimate cheat sheet.

4. Trial and Error Isn’t a Bad Thing: The game encourages experimentation. Use your rewind to test solutions until you stumble upon the correct one.

Why These Puzzles Matter

The puzzles in Life is Strange aren’t about solving Rubik’s cubes or deciphering advanced cryptography. They’re about pulling you deeper into the narrative and forcing you to think like Max. They challenge you to slow down, observe the world around you, and connect with Arcadia Bay on a deeper level.

From finding bottles to saving lives, these puzzles make you feel like an active participant in Max’s story. It’s not just about “winning”; it’s about experiencing every emotion the game throws your way. And that’s what makes Life is Strange so special.