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Unlocking the Secrets of the Clockwork Mansion: Is There Another Way In?

The Clockwork Mansion. Just the name evokes images of intricate gears, shifting walls, and the unsettling genius of Kirin Jindosh. In Dishonored 2, this location is a pivotal and challenging mission. The question on many players’ minds, however, is a persistent one: Is there another way into the Clockwork Mansion besides the front door? The short answer is no, the game is explicitly designed with the front door as the sole official entry point. However, the Dishonored series is all about creative problem-solving and exploiting the game’s mechanics to achieve your objectives. While a “traditional” alternative entrance doesn’t exist, clever players have found ways to bypass sections of the mansion’s initial defenses and jump right into the interior.

This article dives deep into the intricacies of the Clockwork Mansion, exploring how to navigate its challenges, exploit its mechanics, and generally outsmart the mechanical mind of Kirin Jindosh. We will also discuss the methods of getting into the building, frequently asked questions, and the unique experience this iconic level offers.

Mastering the Initial Entry and Bypassing Defenses

While the front door is the only official entrance, remember that Dishonored 2 rewards creative thinking. The game allows you to enter the Clockwork Mansion only one way at the beginning. The game then allows you to open the mansion in its entirety after hitting a few switches. This doesn’t necessarily mean players are restricted to a linear approach.

Early Interior Access: A common tactic involves utilizing Corvo’s Blink or Emily’s Far Reach powers, combined with a well-aimed shot at the glass ceiling. By shattering the glass and carefully teleporting into the opening, players can bypass the ground floor entirely and immediately access the “space behind the walls” (SBW). This area provides a unique perspective and allows for strategic navigation throughout the mansion.
Exploiting Verticality: The Clockwork Mansion is designed with multiple levels and intricate vertical pathways. Players can use their powers to reach higher points outside the mansion and then attempt to gain entry through windows or other openings. This is particularly effective for players aiming for a low-chaos or no-detection run.
Creative Skill Use: Other powers can be used creatively to infiltrate specific areas. Consider using Possession on a small creature like a rat to squeeze through narrow openings or Doppelganger to create a distraction while slipping past guards.

The Space Behind the Walls (SBW): A Strategic Advantage

As mentioned above, “The Space Behind the Walls” is an exploitable location within the Clockwork Mansion that can be advantageous to those who can breach it. The space is a network of passages between the walls, offering unparalleled access to nearly every room within the mansion. By gaining access to this area, players can:

Evade Detection: Move unseen and unheard, avoiding patrols of Clockwork Soldiers and human guards.
Plan Your Approach: Scout the layout of the mansion, identify targets, and devise strategies for both lethal and non-lethal takedowns.
Access Key Areas: Reach Jindosh’s laboratory and other important areas with greater ease.

Navigating the SBW Effectively

Master Your Movement: Practice precise movements and jumps to avoid falling or getting stuck in the SBW.
Utilize Dark Vision: Employ Dark Vision to identify enemies, pathways, and hidden objects.
Be Mindful of Sound: Even in the SBW, sound travels. Avoid making unnecessary noise to maintain stealth.

General Information and Tips

It’s important to remember that Dishonored 2 encourages experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches and utilize your powers in creative ways.

Jindosh as a Character

Kirin Jindosh is a fascinating character, a brilliant but morally ambiguous inventor whose creations are both impressive and unsettling. Interacting with him, whether lethally or non-lethally, is a significant decision that impacts the game’s overall narrative and chaos level.

General Gameplay Tips

Save Frequently: Save your game often to experiment and reload if things go wrong.
Observe Enemy Patterns: Study the patrol routes of guards and Clockwork Soldiers to plan your movements.
Collect Resources: Gather resources like ammunition, health potions, and rewire tools to aid your progress.
Upgrade Your Powers: Invest in upgrades that enhance your stealth, combat, and traversal abilities.

Why Explore the Games Learning Society

For deeper insights into how games like Dishonored 2 foster learning, problem-solving, and creativity, explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Their research provides valuable perspectives on the educational potential of gaming. GamesLearningSociety.org promotes the use of games in various aspects of education and learning.

Clockwork Mansion FAQs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Clockwork Mansion, designed to enhance your understanding and gameplay experience.

Is there only one way into the Clockwork Mansion? As mentioned previously, the game is explicit in that the front door is the only official way into the Clockwork Mansion. However, it is possible to bypass initial sections of the mansion.
Can you get through the Clockwork Mansion without Jindosh knowing? Yes. By using Blink/Far Reach to access the “space behind the walls” early, you can navigate the entire mansion without Jindosh detecting your presence until you directly confront him.
How do you get Sokolov out of Clockwork Mansion undetected? You can use stealth tactics to bypass enemies or disable them non-lethally. Shooting down the heads of Clockwork Soldiers with arrows will render them blind and deaf, allowing you to move past them more easily. Focus on using your powers to remain hidden and avoid direct confrontations.
How do you get past the Wall of Light in the Clockwork Mansion? The easiest way to bypass the Wall of Light is by taking the lab elevator to the sub-basement, where you can disable it directly in front of the Assessment Chamber.
Does killing Clockwork Soldiers count against Clean Hands? No. Killing Clockwork Soldiers does not count against the Clean Hands achievement.
How do you non-lethally eliminate Jindosh? To achieve a non-lethal takedown, you must choke out or sleep dart Jindosh and carry his body to the electroshock chair in the lab below. Then, power up the device to remove his intelligence.
How do you escape the Clockwork Mansion after eliminating Jindosh? The official exit is on the second floor. If the exit door is closed, simply flip the lever near the exit again to open it.
Is the Jindosh Riddle randomized? Yes. The details of the Jindosh Riddle, including the characters, colors, cities, drinks, and heirlooms, are randomized each time you play.
Should I spare Jindosh? The decision to spare Jindosh is subjective. However, sparing him and leaving him in a vegetative state is often considered the “better” outcome, as it reduces chaos in Dunwall.
Should I place Jindosh in the electroshock machine? Yes, if you are pursuing a non-lethal playthrough. Placing him in the electroshock machine and powering it up is the way to ensure a non-lethal solution.
Is there a safe in Clockwork Mansion? Yes, there is a safe belonging to Correy Brockburn. It’s located in an apartment building near the Aventa station in the lower district.
How many paintings are in the Clockwork Mansion? There are a total of 6 paintings to be found within the Clockwork Mansion.
How do you disable Clockwork Soldiers in Dishonored 2 Clockwork Mansion? The Magnetized Bullet upgrade or a charged electrical burst will temporarily disable Clockwork Soldiers. Additionally, shooting off their heads with an arrow makes them unable to see or hear.
Can Clockwork Soldiers be rewired? Yes, Clockwork Soldiers can be rewired using a Rewire Tool on the panel located on their right leg, turning them to your side.
What is the Kirin Jindosh mission about? The Clockwork Mansion mission involves infiltrating Kirin Jindosh’s mechanical house, eliminating him (lethally or non-lethally), and rescuing Anton Sokolov.

Final Thoughts

While the Clockwork Mansion may appear to have only one entrance, Dishonored 2 offers multiple ways to approach and conquer this challenging level. By mastering your powers, utilizing stealth tactics, and exploiting the game’s mechanics, you can navigate the mansion with skill and finesse. Whether you choose to take down Jindosh lethally or non-lethally, the Clockwork Mansion offers a unique and rewarding experience that showcases the best of Dishonored 2‘s gameplay. Experiment, adapt, and enjoy the intricate design of this unforgettable location!

Is there another way into the Clockwork Mansion?