Complete guide to finding all 17 Troubled Man’s notes in The Medium with expert strategies and collectible tips
Introduction to The Troubled Man’s Notes
Bloober Team’s psychological horror masterpiece, The Medium, features numerous hidden collectibles that expand the game’s rich narrative, with The Troubled Man’s notes representing one of the most compelling sets to discover. These 17 handwritten documents provide crucial insights into Thomas, the enigmatic guide who assists protagonist Marianne throughout her supernatural journey. Collecting these notes not only enhances your understanding of the game’s complex storyline but also reveals hidden aspects of character motivations and backstory elements that would otherwise remain obscured.
As you explore the haunting environments of Niwa Resort, you’ll find these notes strategically placed in various locations, each offering fragments of Thomas’s troubled psyche and personal history. The good news for completionists is that these collectibles are generally accessible without requiring complex puzzle solutions, though their placement demands thorough exploration of each area. Unlike some collectibles that become permanently missable after progressing through story segments, most notes remain available for collection throughout your playthrough.
Early Game Notes (1-5)
The initial five Troubled Man’s notes are located within the Niwa Resort complex during the early stages of Marianne’s investigation. These documents establish foundational elements of Thomas’s character and set the stage for the psychological depth that unfolds throughout the narrative.
Pro Tip: When collecting these early notes, systematically clear each area before progressing. The resort’s labyrinthine layout can make backtracking tedious, so develop a habit of checking every side room and investigating environmental details that seem out of place. Many players miss Note 4 by proceeding directly through the Dayroom without exploring the peripheral spaces.
Red House Collectibles (6-10)
The Red House sequence contains five critical Troubled Man’s notes that delve deeper into Thomas’s psychological struggles and his connection to the property’s dark history. This section requires careful exploration of both exterior and interior spaces, including the notoriously confusing basement area.
Advanced Strategy: The Red House basement can be disorienting, so methodically check each room before progressing. Note 10 requires the security code 1966, which many players struggle to find. Remember that this code appears earlier in environmental clues, so pay attention to dated documents and calendar markings throughout the Red House. When collecting Note 7, use your spirit vision to help distinguish the note from the surrounding decorative elements.
Late Game Notes (11-17)
The concluding set of Troubled Man’s notes spans both the spiritual and normal worlds, requiring strategic movement between dimensions and careful evasion of the terrifying Maw entity. These final documents bring closure to Thomas’s character arc and resolve lingering narrative questions.
Maw Evasion Tip: When collecting Note 13 during the Maw chase sequence, don’t rush directly toward the note. First, ensure you’ve activated the electrical shock mechanism, then use environmental cover to approach the note location cautiously. The Maw’s patrol patterns are predictable once you understand its movement logic, allowing for safe collection even during intense sequences.
Advanced Collection Strategies
Mastering Troubled Man’s note collection requires more than just knowing locations—it demands strategic playthrough planning and awareness of common pitfalls that hinder completionists. These professional techniques will streamline your collection process and ensure you don’t miss any crucial narrative elements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Many players overlook the importance of systematic area clearing, resulting in unnecessary backtracking later. The game’s fixed camera angles sometimes obscure collectibles, so always rotate your perspective thoroughly in each room. Another frequent error involves progressing through story triggers before checking peripheral areas, potentially locking you out of earlier note locations. Always exhaust exploration opportunities before advancing main objectives.
Efficiency Optimization: Group notes by geographic proximity rather than collection order. For example, collect all Red House exterior notes (6) before entering, then systematically clear each floor from top to bottom. Use your map to mark collected items, though note that the game doesn’t provide built-in tracking for these collectibles. Consider maintaining a physical checklist if you’re pursuing completionist achievements.
Completion Rewards: While collecting all Troubled Man’s notes doesn’t unlock tangible gameplay benefits or special items, the narrative payoff is significant. These documents collectively form a heartbreaking portrait of Thomas’s psychological deterioration and his desperate attempts to understand and control the supernatural forces affecting him. The complete story revealed through these notes provides context that fundamentally changes your understanding of the game’s ending and character motivations.
The Medium is accessible on PC platforms (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG) and Xbox Series S|X consoles, offering slightly different collection experiences across platforms due to loading times and control schemes.
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