Fears to Fathom Wiki
Your complete guide to Scratch Creek and every Season 1 episode — walkthroughs, co-op tips, achievements, lock codes, maps, and survival choices.
Overview
Fears to Fathom is an episodic psychological horror anthology by Rayll (Rayll Studios). Each episode tells a short survival story narrated by someone who lived through it — grounded in mundane settings where ordinary people face extraordinary threats.
Season 1 (2021–2024) delivered five standalone chapters: Home Alone, Norwood Hitchhike, Carson House, Ironbark Lookout, and Woodbury Getaway. Season 2 opens with Scratch Creek — the series' first online co-op episode under the Fears to Fathom [Together] label.
Gameplay across the series blends walking-simulator exploration, environmental storytelling, NPC text messages, and survival decision-making. Later episodes add driving, mini-games, fishing, and microphone-triggered events. There is no combat — survival means hiding, running, and making the right choices at the right time.
Scratch Creek shifts the formula: two players control Tessa Langley and Marcus Reed in mandatory online co-op, using proximity voice chat and in-game texting to coordinate. The VHS film aesthetic and "based on true events" framing remain series hallmarks.
Release Date & Platforms
Scratch Creek launched on June 10, 2026 on Steam for Windows at $7.99 USD. It requires an internet connection and a co-op partner (friend invite or in-game matchmaking).
Home Alone remains free on Steam and serves as the series entry point. The Season 1 bundle offers a discount on paid episodes. Scratch Creek supports English (full audio), French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Spanish (Spain), and Simplified Chinese for interface and subtitles.
PlayStation 5 and iOS releases exist for select episodes, but PC Steam is the primary platform for new content including Scratch Creek.
| Title | Date | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Fears to Fathom: Scratch Creek | June 10, 2026 | Steam (Windows) |
| Fears to Fathom: Woodbury Getaway | September 12, 2024 | Steam (Windows) |
| Fears to Fathom: Ironbark Lookout | October 20, 2023 | Steam (Windows) |
| Fears to Fathom: Carson House | January 9, 2023 | Steam (Windows) |
| Fears to Fathom: Norwood Hitchhike | January 6, 2022 | Steam (Windows) |
| Fears to Fathom: Home Alone | July 2, 2021 | Steam (Windows, Free) |
System Requirements
Official minimum specs vary by episode. Scratch Creek adds network and co-op requirements.
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit or later |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5 / AMD equivalent |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM recommended |
| Graphics | DirectX 11 compatible GPU |
| Storage | 2–4 GB per episode |
| Network | Broadband internet (required for Scratch Creek co-op) |
| Microphone | Strongly recommended — proximity voice and achievement triggers |
| Additional | Steam account; co-op partner or matchmaking for Scratch Creek |
Controls
Controls are consistent across most episodes. Scratch Creek adds co-op communication layers.
Several achievements require microphone input — cough, speak, or clap loudly when prompted. If you lack a mic, some missables cannot be earned. Left-click skips intro text in most episodes.
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Move | W A S D |
| Look / interact | Mouse |
| Stand up / confirm | Space |
| Pause / menu | Esc |
| Interact / use item | Left Click |
| Drink / secondary action | Right Click |
| Sprint | Shift (when available) |
| Open phone / messages | In-game prompt |
| Proximity voice (Scratch Creek) | Microphone (automatic) |
| Text co-op partner (Scratch Creek) | In-game phone UI |
Co-op & Matchmaking
Scratch Creek is exclusively online 2-player co-op at launch. There is no offline or single-player mode on release day — developer Rayll has mentioned a possible single-player version later.
At the title screen, choose to play as Tessa Langley or Marcus Reed. Invite a Steam friend or use Duo Matchmaking to pair with a random survivor. Both players experience the story from their character's perspective while coordinating through proximity voice chat and in-game texting.
Proximity voice means enemies and NPCs can hear you if you speak too loudly near them — a core tension mechanic. Use whispers in risky areas and text your partner for silent coordination.
Co-op tips: stay on voice even when silent so you can react instantly; agree on who reads NPC texts aloud; if matchmaking fails, retry during off-peak hours or use the Steam LFG community hub; one player dying may reset progress — communicate before risky exploration.
- Requires stable internet — desync can break scripted events
- Both players must own Scratch Creek on Steam
- Controller fully supported alongside keyboard and mouse
- Achievements unlock individually per Steam account
Scratch Creek Guide
New
After noticing disturbing parallels to a Fears to Fathom episode they watched, Oregon couple Tessa Langley and Marcus Reed share their story. A road trip detour leads them to the decaying town of Scratch Creek — where survival depends on collective choices.
This guide follows a phased survival framework. Detailed step-by-step community verification is ongoing post-launch — expand the sections below as you play.
Phase 1 — Arrival & Setup
- Select your character (Tessa or Marcus) and connect with a co-op partner via invite or matchmaking.
- Complete the intro drive sequence — stay in voice chat to coordinate any dialogue choices.
- Read all NPC text messages on your phone; story-critical hints appear as texts from locals and each other.
- Explore the town center carefully — interact with storefronts, signage, and environmental clues.
Phase 2 — Investigation
- Split tasks efficiently: one player watches for threats while the other reads messages or searches areas.
- Keep voice volume low near suspicious NPCs — proximity audio can alert hostile characters.
- Document lock codes, keys, and item locations for your partner via in-game texting.
- Follow road and alley paths systematically; Scratch Creek rewards thorough exploration before night events.
Phase 3 — Survival & Escape
- When danger escalates, prioritize hiding over confrontation — the series never offers combat.
- Coordinate hiding spots: one distracts via noise while the other reaches a safe zone only if the script allows.
- If one player dies, expect a restart — there is no manual save system.
- Make collective choices at story branches; both players should agree before committing to a path.
Episode Walkthroughs
Season 1 episodes have no manual saves. Death returns you to the main menu — replay from the start or chapter select when available. Follow each sequence precisely for the Survivor achievement.
Episode 1 — Home Alone
- Wake up, turn off alarm, press Space to get up. Check phone chats via Esc.
- Go downstairs, use oven, watch TV on couch, read book upstairs, go to bed.
- After the text message, peek out the front window — a man stands outside.
- Cough or speak into mic for the Loud achievement (missable).
- Hide under bed when window breaks. Close your bedroom door or story won't advance.
- When parents' door opens, rush back to your room, close door, hide under bed until police siren.
Episode 2 — Norwood Hitchhike
- Drive the interstate sequence; follow on-screen prompts at the gas station and motel.
- Interact with motel staff and explore rooms for story beats.
- When threatened, follow hiding prompts — stay in designated safe spots until audio cues signal safety.
- Complete the night sequence without triggering early detection for Survivor.
Episode 3 — Carson House
- House-sit for media personality; explore kitchen, studio, and garage cameras.
- When power fails, do NOT check behind garage. When power returns, do NOT enter studio — check kitchen only after viewing camera 3.
- When antagonist Cara confronts Noah, hide in laundry room and stay silent until she searches another room.
- Sprint when text prompt tells you to run — timing is strict.
Episode 4 — Ironbark Lookout
- Settle into fire tower; monitor park via cameras and explore surrounding trails.
- Wait until cultist leaves after unwelcoming message at door.
- Final night: hide under bed when cultist rushes tower. Sprint downstairs when he reaches opposite staircase.
- Hide in portable toilet — stay quiet (mute mic). When cultist enters shed, run to Billy's office path, sprint to RV, close door, enter driver seat.
Episode 5 — Woodbury Getaway
- Office: make coffee with creamer (achievement), optionally beat Type Invader with 70+ HP.
- Pizzeria: talk to every NPC. At cabin, enter lockbox code from Rick's text.
- Fishing: crankbait for Northern Pike (RNG-heavy); cheese bait for carp. Feed cat carp in attic before second hide-and-seek round.
- Basketball hoop for Kobe dunk achievement. Hide in woodshed when prompted.
- Night visitor: yell into mic at front door for Loud achievement before opening.
- Final chase: basement nook under stairs → upstairs closet → attic via stepstool when safe (listen for "woosh" cue). Answer phone, wait for friends at door.
Achievements
Most episodes award Survivor for completing the story and several missable extras. Woodbury's Zero Deaths must be earned on a fresh playthrough without dying in the final chase.
| Episode | Achievement | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Home Alone | Survivor | Complete Episode 1 |
| Home Alone | Loud Missable | Cough or speak into mic when man is outside |
| Norwood Hitchhike | Survivor | Complete Episode 2 |
| Carson House | Survivor | Survive by correct hiding and routing choices |
| Carson House | Mustard Man Missable | Help old lady find mustard at Knucks store — choose dialogue options 1 or 2, not 3 |
| Ironbark Lookout | Survivor | Complete escape sequence via RV |
| Woodbury Getaway | Checked In | Enter the cabin with lockbox key |
| Woodbury Getaway | Survivor | Complete Episode 5 |
| Woodbury Getaway | Talkative Missable | Talk to all NPCs in pizzeria |
| Woodbury Getaway | Type Master Missable | Beat Type Invader mini-game with 70+ HP |
| Woodbury Getaway | Loud Missable | Alert hiker with mic at front door |
| Woodbury Getaway | Caffeinated and Creamy Missable | Add creamer to coffee at office |
| Woodbury Getaway | Purr Missable | Feed the cat |
| Woodbury Getaway | Kobe Missable | Execute a basketball dunk |
| Woodbury Getaway | Reel Success Missable | Catch a Northern Pike while fishing |
| Woodbury Getaway | Zero Deaths Missable | Complete Episode 5 without dying — requires fresh run |
| Scratch Creek | TBD | Steam achievements listed at launch — check in-game overlay |
Endings & Choices
Most episodes have one true survival ending. Woodbury Getaway includes a notable secret ending.
Woodbury Getaway — Secret ending: While driving to Woodbury at the start, choose to turn back instead of continuing. The game ends early with an alternate outcome — no Survivor achievement on this path.
Carson House — Survival path: Avoid garage when power fails; skip studio after power returns; hide in laundry during confrontation; run only when prompted.
Ironbark Lookout — Survival path: Full tower escape sequence through toilet hide, shed distraction, and RV getaway — any noise during toilet hide fails the sequence.
Scratch Creek — Multiple collective choices branch the co-op narrative. Both players' decisions matter; replay with a partner to explore alternate outcomes post-launch.
Lock Codes
Keypad and lockbox codes appear in NPC text messages during gameplay. Never share false codes — always use in-game texts.
| Episode | Location | Code | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodbury Getaway | Lockbox at 241 Woodbury Blvd cabin | Sent via Rick Wilson text message | Slide cover, dial each digit, pull lever. Code is unique per playthrough text — read your phone. |
| Carson House | Various keypad doors | Story-triggered | Codes appear through narrative progression and camera clues — no fixed universal code. |
| Scratch Creek | Town locks and safes | Co-op text messages | Share codes with partner via in-game texting. Community cataloging in progress. |
Items & Interactions
Interactive objects drive story progression. Missing optional interactions loses achievements but usually not survival.
- Home Alone — Water bottle (fridge), TV remote, phone messages, bed hide spot
- Norwood Hitchhike — Car keys, motel room items, gas station products
- Carson House — Shopping basket, mustard bottles (Mustard Man achievement), security cameras
- Ironbark Lookout — Binoculars, tower cameras, RV keys, portable toilet hide
- Woodbury Getaway — Coffee pod and creamer, pizza slices, fishing crankbait and cheese bait, basketball, cat food (carp), stepstool for attic
- Scratch Creek — Road trip supplies, phones for NPC/co-op texts, environmental keys — catalog expanding post-launch
Map & Locations
Each episode is a self-contained map. Key locations for navigation and hide spots:
- Home Alone — Suburban two-story house: bedroom, parents' room, living room, kitchen, front window
- Norwood Hitchhike — Interstate, gas station, Norwood Valley motel
- Carson House — Celebrity mansion: garage, studio, kitchen, laundry room, Knucks convenience store
- Ironbark Lookout — Fire tower, Ironbark State Park trails, Billy's office, wood shed, RV parking
- Woodbury Getaway — Consulting office, Moe's Pizza, 241 Woodbury Blvd cabin, backyard woodshed, fishing pond, attic
- Scratch Creek — Decaying small town: main street, back alleys, roadside arrival zone — full map catalog in progress
Episode Tier List
Community consensus ranking by atmosphere, mechanics, scares, and polish. Personal taste varies — Home Alone is short but essential; later episodes refine the formula.
Peak production value, strongest character writing, varied gameplay (office, fishing, hide-and-seek), memorable antagonist.
Excellent isolation atmosphere, cult horror theme, tense multi-stage escape finale.
Strong mid-series leap in quality; store sequence and camera mechanics add depth.
Solid motel horror with effective pacing; shorter than later entries.
Important series intro and still effective — tech-demo length but iconic scares.
Too new for firm ranking — co-op innovation and Scratch Creek town atmosphere show strong potential. Revisit after community settles.
Characters
Every episode stars an ordinary protagonist against a grounded threat.
| Episode | Protagonist | Antagonist | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Alone | Unnamed teen | Intruder (window stalker) | Home alone while parents are out |
| Norwood Hitchhike | Holly Gardner (19) | Norwood Valley threats | Interstate driver stranded at motel |
| Carson House | Noah Baker (18) | Cara | House-sitting for media personality |
| Ironbark Lookout | Jack Nelson (24) | Cultists | Fire lookout at Ironbark State Park |
| Woodbury Getaway | Sydney Harper (23) | Rick Wilson (imposter landlord) | Weekend rental with college friends |
| Scratch Creek | Tessa Langley & Marcus Reed | Scratch Creek townsfolk (TBD) | Oregon couple on road trip detour — co-op duo |
FAQ & Tips
Are there promo codes or Trello links for Fears to Fathom?
No. This is a premium Steam anthology — not a Roblox or mobile gacha game. Beware fake code sites. There are no official redeem codes.
Does Fears to Fathom have a save system?
No manual saves in most episodes. Death typically returns you to the main menu. Woodbury Getaway offers chapter select after completion, but Zero Deaths requires a fresh run.
Can I play Scratch Creek solo?
Not at launch. Scratch Creek requires online 2-player co-op via friend invite or matchmaking. A single-player mode may come later per developer comments.
Do I need a microphone?
Strongly recommended. Several achievements and story triggers use voice detection. Proximity voice in Scratch Creek is core to co-op tension.
What order should I play the episodes?
Release order is best for narrative evolution: Home Alone → Norwood Hitchhike → Carson House → Ironbark Lookout → Woodbury Getaway → Scratch Creek. Each episode is standalone.
How long is each episode?
Roughly 30–90 minutes depending on exploration and achievements. Woodbury Getaway and Ironbark Lookout run longest. Scratch Creek length TBD — budget 1–2 hours with co-op coordination.
Why did I fail the Ironbark Lookout finale?
Noise during portable toilet hide, leaving too early, or wrong sprint timing fails the sequence. Mute your mic and wait for audio cues before moving.
Is Scratch Creek connected to other episodes?
Yes — Tessa and Marcus were inspired by watching a Fears to Fathom episode. Expect meta references and the same grounded horror tone.