Anchorhead

“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear,
and the oldest and strongest kind of fear

is fear of the unknown.”
– H.P. Lovecraft

Anchorhead is a critically acclaimed interactive fiction game created by Michael S. Gentry, first released in 1998. Set in the eerie coastal town of Anchorhead, the player assumes the role of a nameless woman who, alongside her husband, moves into a mansion inherited from distant relatives. What begins as a mundane relocation quickly spirals into a chilling narrative steeped in Lovecraftian horror, where the protagonist uncovers dark secrets and unsettling occurrences that challenge her sanity. The game is renowned for its rich, atmospheric writing and intricate storytelling, drawing heavily from the Cthulhu Mythos and offering players a deeply immersive experience.

The gameplay unfolds over three days, with players solving puzzles that are seamlessly woven into the narrative, enhancing the sense of urgency and dread. Anchorhead has been praised for its masterful prose and engaging plot, making it a standout title in the realm of text-based games. In 2018, Gentry released an illustrated edition that expanded on the original, featuring refined writing and new puzzles, ensuring that this haunting tale continues to captivate both new and returning players alike.

Resources - 1998 Version

Walkthrough

Aeron Pax’s full Walkthrough for the 1998 version of Anchorhead. Beware of spoilers.

Playthrough

Visual walkthrough in 19 parts for the 1998 version of Anchorhead by Mr Folderol on YouTube.

Guided Tour

Downloadable package of documents and maps to help you navigate the 1998 version of Anchorhead.

Map

My map for the 1998 version. My score was 97/100 so there may be some areas missing. Beware of spoilers.

Map

GUEmap file for 1998 version of Anchorhead. You need to have GUEmap viewer software installed to view.

Hints

Invisiclues hints for the 1998 version of Anchorhead. Paste each line into rot13.com to avoid spoilers.

Resources - 2018 Version

Walkthrough

Walkthrough for the 2018 version from the blog of computer programmer Daniele Raffo.

Map

Map for the 2018 version of Anchorhead from the Interactive Fiction Archive. Beware of spoilers.

Hints

Invisiclues hints for the 2018 version of Anchorhead. Click each line to reveal hints.

Anchorhead Tips

Save often! There are several ways to die.
Make a note of names and numbers — you may need to refer to them again later in order to solve puzzles.
Be aware that this is a Lovecraftian-style horror game that includes violence, gore, and monsters. There are sexual references which include rape and incest. There is also religious content, including references to cults, Native North American spiritual practices, and Demonology.
Remember that these text-based games were made in a different time. Be patient and enjoy the experience. Look around. Try different things. It may take longer to finish these games than you’re used to, but it’s a great experience!