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The originalRiven, like its predecessor Myst, was a masterpiece of puzzles, atmospheric worldbuilding, and environmental storytelling. The only thing it was missing, really, was the ability to unlock Achievements or Trophies. With the 2024 remake, you’re able to now show off your puzzling prowess to prove that you truly have explored the Fifth Age to its fullest.
Like everything in Riven, the award descriptions can be a bit cryptic. If you’re not sure how to unlock a specific accolade, never fear - this guide has everything you need to get to one hundred percent.
Main Story Achievements / Trophies
These are unlocked simply by playing through the main story. The further you progress, the more you’ll get!
Requirement
The First Step Is Not Always Simple
Step out of the link-in cage at the very beginning of the game.
Monument To Hubris
Enter the Golden Dome on Temple Island for the first time.
Of Scheming And Schemata
He Who Numbers But Does Not Name
Finish the game (any ending).
Hidden Achievements / Trophies
These awards are optional, and must be sought out at specific locations or points in time.
Cho?
Immediately after leaving the link-in cage at the beginning of the game,look over the side of the cliffs to the right.When the unconscious guard is centered on the screen, the award will pop.
Visual History
In the rotating room on Temple Island,look at the golden scarabs on the wall.Pull the cord beneath each andlook through the window that appears.All five have a different image depicting the story of Gehn’s rise to power on Riven.
Viewing all five images on the same playthrough triggers theVisual Historyaward.
Collateral Damage
In the Golden Dome on Temple Island, take the stairs to the lower level andfollow the catwalk all the way to the end.You’ll find a door that leads to a raised drawbridge. Follow the cliff trail to the valve that controls the bridge.Turning it onwill destroy the bridge, earningCollateral Damage.
The bridge can’t be repaired, so you aren’t losing anything by destroying the bridge. However, Gehn’s journal in Age 233 will have different text depending on whether or not the bridge is intact.
Total Collapse Is Imminent
The first time you visit Jungle Island,look to your leftwhen you enter the clear-cut forest where the mine cart is hidden. You’ll see a miniature fissure suspended in the air.Approach itto unlock this award.
When you return to Jungle Island via the secret tramway on Survey Island, the fissure will be contained and you will no longer be able to inspect it on this playthrough.
The Watcher
In Gehn’s workshop on Boiler Island,turn on the marble polisherand watch it spin fora non-consecutive total of fifteen minutes on the same playthrough. You’ll need toperiodically pull the right-hand leverto keep the machine spinning.
Animal Instincts
In the Observation Chamber,turning on the red lightsummons a wahrk outside the window. Turning the light on and off six times willdrive the animal into a rage, unlocking this award.
Giving Chase
When you enter the Golden Chamber on Survey Island and startle Gehn’s acolyte,run down the corridor after him.If you arrive on the platform quickly enough tosee him depart via the tramway, you’ll earn this award once he’s gone.
The Sign Of Five
Once you may enter the village on Jungle Island,go to the house near the stairs to the water tower.It’s the only door in the whole town that you can interact with.
Using the door knocker five timeswill cause a villager to briefly open up before immediately retreating, and triggersThe Sign Of Fiveaward.
Not The Way You Remember It
In the remake, the password to enter Tay israndomized each time you start a new game.In the original 1997 version, however, it was the same every time. If you try to use the original five-part password -Riven, Tree, Frog, Bird, Wahrk, you’ll get this award as a fun Easter egg for longtime fans.
Hidden In Plain Sight
When you get back from Tay,read Catherine’s journalfor a shortcut back to the Moiety link chamber. In the caves of the deep jungle, look for achamber with a window overlooking the sea.Touch the fungus stalks in the order noted in the journal, and a secret passage will open.
You probably don’t need to go back to Tay for any reason, but opening the secret passage earns this award, so you need to do it at least once to complete your collection.
Perhaps It Would Be Best
When you meet Gehn in Age 233, he will insist that you enter the Trap Book first to prove that it’s safe. To unlock this award,enter the book without any hesitationthe first time he asks.
A Great Deal Of History
Gehn has an imager on his bedroom windowsill in Age 233 that contains recordings of the only three people he’s ever truly cared about; his wife, his father, and his mother. By default, the imager plays the recording of his wife when youturn the crank.
You can change which recording plays byopening the drawer on the pedestal below the imagerand lighting the buttons within in a specific order. The codes are listedon the very last page of the journal on Gehn’s nightstand.
Watching all three recordings through to the end on the same playthrough unlocks theA Great Deal Of Historyaward.
The Journey Of Another
To unlockThe Journey Of Another, you need to readall four journals in the gamefrom beginning to end on a single playthrough. If you’ve already read them separately on multiple runs, you’re able to get away with justclicking through the pagesuntil you reach the end. The journals and their locations are:
In your satchel from the beginning of the game.
Catherine
Given to you by the Moiety rebels on Tay; remains in your satchel for the remainder of the game.
Gehn 1
Found in Gehn’s workshop on Boiler Island. Cannot be added to your satchel.
Gehn 2
Found on Gehn’s bedside table in Age 233. Cannot be added to your satchel.
All Endings
Riven has multiple endings, most of which are grim. However, you’ll need to see all of them if you want to get every Achievement or Trophy.
Requirements
This Must Be The End For You
Trap yourself in the fake Linking Book at any time after retrieving it from Tay.
Finality
Repeatedly refuse to enter the Trap Book when commanded by Gehn. You’ll need to return to Age 233 each time you refuse.
