I’ve run this route several times now, and the main thing to understand is that Day 2 is very strict on time. As long as you move with intention and avoid fighting shadow enemies, this route is very consistent.
Day 1 – Setting Things Up Smoothly
Start the day how you normally would:
- Get the Padlock Key
- Pick up early food + healing items
Once you’re stable, go up to Floor 2 and head into Jeanne’s house.
Make sure you recruit Leigh here — this is important. Leigh’s Cleave is what makes the Rat Baby section much easier later.
From here, go back down to Floor 1 by passing through Leyle’s home. I usually loot as I go just to avoid needing to backtrack later.
Once you’re on Floor 1, hug the left wall until you reach a hallway with a rat hole in it. Leave, re-enter, and repeat this path until the game rolls the Rat Baby Apartment.
Inside, use:
- Leigh → Cleaver / Cleave
- Sam → Mop or basic weapon
This keeps the fight controlled and avoids wasting medical items. The first time I did this without Leigh I got shredded — so trust me, Leigh matters here.
Once you have the Rat Child, exit and follow the electrical cord on the floor. It leads straight to Room 13.
Inside Room 13:
- Feed the Wall an arm
- Do NOT feed the Rat Baby
Feeding the child softlocks parts of this route and also just feels bad.
You’ll get the Earth Disc here.
Then, do a quick dodge around the Rat Freak to grab the Mars Disc. If you feel safe, grab the necklace too, but it’s optional.
Now head to the Ground Floor, pick up Pap, and trigger the bus crash at reception. After the crash, you can loot freely or just head home and sleep to begin Day 2.
Day 2 – Move Quickly
The timing here is tight, so I always start by taking care of everything in the apartment immediately:
- Feed Rat Baby (if he’s with you)
- Shower
- Brush teeth
- Eat
This keeps your character stable and avoids stamina issues later.
Next, go to Lyle’s apartment and open the safe.
Then go to Henderson’s apartment and loot everything — including the safe again.
Pay rent repeatedly until Henderson reaches Stage 4.
Around this point, you should get the Basement Key.
Once you have it, go straight to the Basement. Don’t wander.
If you don’t have enough bandages:
The Bug Apartment bathroom normally has four — grab those and return.
Pay your “Steve tax” in bandages, and head into the Sewers.
Follow the linear path until you reach Musette.
Important:
Even though Phillippe is nearby, don’t go fight him yet.
Right now, your damage output just isn’t there.
Parking Garage – Getting the Flamethrower
Head to the Parking Garage.
Stay calm and just run straight through fights.
When you get near the cop car, hug the right wall.
Its detection cone is short enough that you can slip past without triggering the alarm.
Pick up the Flamethrower, then head back to Musette.
Now, go into the Fungal Lair to start the Phillippe recruitment event.
Preparing for the Phillippe Fight
Here’s the loadout I find works best:
| Character | Weapon Setup | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Pap | Flamethrower | Consistent burn damage across turns |
| Leigh | Power Smash weapon | Helps break Phillippe’s defense |
| Sam | Bleed weapon or Power Smash | Adds ongoing pressure |
Make sure everyone has enough stamina for at least 3–4 turns.
During the fight:
- Use Power Smash whenever it’s available.
- Keep the burn damage active.
- Don’t skip through dialogue too fast — some choices matter.
Once you win, Phillippe joins your team.
After the Fight – Two Options
You now choose:
Option 1 – Go Home
Simple, safe, no surprises.
Option 2 – Rescue Ernest (Rat Hell)
This is easier if:
- You saved your Herbicide (only used earlier to reach the Grenade)
- You picked up a Pitchfork from the Mutts
The Pitchfork can one-shot the Rat Champion, which makes this whole section much less stressful.
Also, if you kept the Rat Baby alive through all this — I respect that.
Once you get used to the timing, this route becomes very smooth. Day 2 is the only part that requires urgency, but after a couple of attempts, the pacing starts to feel natural.