What’s This? Trophy Guide – Secret Key & Prototype Weapon Location in Code Violet

What to know

• The trophy “What’s This?” is earned by picking up the prototype weapon in Starbridge Mansion.​
• To access it, you must first get the Secret Key from the Bioengineering Lab early in the game.​
• The weapon itself is only reachable in the final area, so you can’t miss it if you have the key.​
• This is a story‑critical collectible; you don’t need a separate save, but you must keep the key until the end.​

The “What’s This?” trophy in Code Violet is a story-based achievement that hinges on picking up the Secret Key early and using it much later in the game. This guide quickly shows where to find the key, how to reach the prototype weapon in Starbridge Mansion, and how to avoid missing the trophy on your first playthrough.

How to get the Secret key

After completing the Testing Facility, continue the story until you reach the Bioengineering Lab. Shortly after the first corridor, you’ll enter a large room with tall glass windows and water flowing behind them.

On the right side of this room, break the glass windows by shooting it. Once all the water drains out, the Secret Key will drop onto the floor. Pick it up and keep it in your inventory, as it’s required later when you reach the mansion.

How to reach the Prototype weapon

Follow the steps below to obtain the Prototype Weapon and unlock the “What’s This?” trophy:

Step 1: Reach Starbridge Mansion

Progress through the story until you arrive at Starbridge Mansion, the final major area in the game.

Step 2: Go up the stairs and unlock the door

After entering the mansion, turn left and head up the main staircase. At the top, use the Secret Key to unlock the locked door.

Step 3: Collect the prototype weapon

Enter the next room, the prototype weapon is clearly visible inside. Interact with it to pick it up and instantly unlock the “What’s This?” gold trophy.​

How to avoid missing it

• Since most trophies in Code Violet are missable, it’s best to do this on your first playthrough.​
• If you accidentally skip the goat area or lose the Secret Key, you’ll need to replay from the start to get the trophy.​
• No extra side quests or upgrades are required; just make sure you grab the key early and keep it until the mansion.​

Trophy unlocked: What’s This?

Unlocking the “What’s This?” trophy is simple and entirely story-driven. Pick up the Secret Key in the Bioengineering Lab, then hold onto it until you reach Starbridge Mansion. Once there, use the key to open the locked door at the top of the left staircase and collect the prototype weapon inside. Just make sure you don’t miss the key, and the trophy will be yours as part of your natural progression through the game.

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