What to know

  • The Secret Box puzzle is found on the second floor of Ebisugaoka Middle School.
  • Solve three layers by matching symbols to clues in Rinko's letters.
  • Each layer focuses on a unique theme: fruit, journals, and sakura.
  • Completion unlocks the classroom key needed to progress.

After entering the locked classroom, the Secret Box is your gateway out. Solving it combines story clues and visual logic, with each layer needing a unique approach. Below you'll find a step-by-step guide for all difficulties.

Understanding where and what the Secret Box is

The Secret Box puzzle blocks your exit from a second-floor classroom in Ebisugaoka Middle School.

Rinko’s letters beside the box contain the only clues for each layer.

You must move sliding panels on both sides of the box to show—and only show—the symbols mentioned in the letter. All extra icons must be hidden before confirming.

How the box works and layers explained

Each layer consists of two faces, each with several sliding tiles carrying motifs like fruit, books, and sakura blossoms. Carefully reveal only those motifs referenced in the current letter. If one wrong panel is exposed, the layer remains locked.

Layer Theme Required Symbol(s)
Layer 1 Fruit Cake Cake, Strawberry, Cherry
Layer 2 Journals (Books) Book icons (all panels with books)
Layer 3 Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Blossom branch (one specific panel)

How to solve the Rinko Secret Box step-by-step

Step 1

Pick up the unsealed envelope near the box to activate the puzzle. Read Rinko’s first letter for clues. In Story mode, the words are highlighted; in Hard mode, you must deduce them.

Step 2

Approach the box. For the first layer, expose the three symbols: cake (second row from bottom on the front), strawberry (top row on back), and cherry (bottom row on the back).

Step 3

After opening the first layer, read the next letter snippet.

This time, expose all panels with book icons—typically two on the front, one or two on the back. Confirm to unlock the second layer.

Step 4

For the third and final layer, reveal the panel with a sakura blossom branch (usually second row from the bottom on the front). Make sure all other symbols are hidden.

Step 5

When all layers are solved in sequence, the box pops open and rewards you with the classroom key. A short cutscene follows; you’re now free to continue your progress.

How to handle mistakes and difficulty differences

If stuck, check the clues in Rinko’s letters again—the motifs are always on the panels described. On higher difficulties, none of the hints are highlighted, so you must interpret her text carefully.

Secrets behind the box

The Secret Box puzzle is a classic Silent Hill test of observational logic and patience. Thoroughly study Rinko’s clues, match symbols meticulously, and ensure each exposed tile fits the story theme for that layer. Completing it is not just about progression—it’s deeply tied to Silent Hill f’s narrative approach.