How the island unlocks
Big Walk Walkthrough
Big Walk is exploration-led, so the main path is a chain of keys: solve puzzles, collect gourd-shaped rewards, forge keys, and open the next area. This page gives the overview; each section links to a dedicated guide.
Main Puzzle Chain
- Starting area and the red drawbridge. The first big puzzle asks your group to find four gourd-shaped collectibles, place them into slots, and forge a key that lowers the red drawbridge. See Red Bridge.
- Red Tower. Past the bridge, the upside-down cone tower on the hill requires five puzzle pieces before it gives up a key and a full map. Completing the map room unlocks the Big View achievement. See Red Tower.
- Green Tower. Five puzzles around the tower reward control panel pieces that combine into a green key, which powers the chairlift next to the tower and opens the mountain path. See Green Tower and Chairlift.
- Coordinate puzzle. A sign with numbers such as 4166 / 1899 is actually a set of map coordinates; players need to interpret them across the map. See 4166 / 1899 Puzzle.
Note: player counts change puzzle scale. According to Screen Hype, Big Walk only scales for 2, 3, and 4 players; higher counts simply add extra targets such as switches or point requirements.
What Drives Progress
Game8's review describes progress through bean-shaped collectibles and keys: collectibles scattered around the island contribute toward forging new keys, and each new key unlocks another section of the island or a new system to interact with.
Exploration matters more than a scripted route. The island has forests, cliffs, and interactive stations that teach mechanics by doing. Once the sun sets, darkness makes lanterns and flashlights essential tools.
Recommended Order for New Groups
| Order | Objective | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Learn tools at the interactive starting stations | Beginner Tips |
| 2 | Find four gourds and open the red drawbridge | Red Bridge |
| 3 | Complete Red Tower and get the map | Red Tower |
| 4 | Complete Green Tower and unlock the chairlift | Green Tower |
| 5 | Use map coordinates to solve late-game signs | Coordinate Puzzle |
Sources
- Game8 review: https://game8.co/reviews/big-walk/big-walk-review
- Gamerant Yellow Maze guide: https://www.gamerant.com/big-walk-yellow-maze-puzzle-solution-red-tower/
- Screen Hype chairlift guide: https://www.screenhype.co.uk/how-to-unlock-the-chairlift-in-big-walk/
- Polygon: how to unlock the ski lift: https://www.polygon.com/big-walk-ski-lift-how-to-unlock/