In Hell Is Us, “Mysteries” are side quests offering substantial in-game rewards. While some are brief, involving only a few steps, others, like the Captain’s Office, unfold across multiple acts of the game.
The Captain’s Office mystery exemplifies this. Players can initiate it upon reaching Jova, one of the game’s earliest locations. However, a crucial item needed to progress remains inaccessible until much later in the storyline.
Stuck on the Captain’s Office mystery? You’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide details how to start, complete, and claim the rewards associated with this intriguing side quest.
Unlocking the Captain’s Office Mystery
Your introduction to the Captain’s Office happens upon arriving in Jova, within the Acasa Marshes. You’ll encounter a drunken soldier in the backyard of Vitalis’ residence, who claims to possess the captain’s office key. He’s willing to part with it only in exchange for a bottle of mead.
While exploring Jova, locate a house on the southwest side, recognizable by the deceased individuals inside, and check the fridge for a half-empty bottle of mead next to an old well.
Unfortunately, this won’t satisfy the soldier, who will demand a full bottle instead. This triggers the start of the Captain’s Office mystery.
Securing the key requires a full bottle of mead, but this is unobtainable until Act 2 of Hell Is Us.
Solving the Captain’s Office Mystery in Hell Is Us
Completion of this mystery is locked until you advance to Act 2 and guide Abbot Jaffer to Lake Cynon.
Convincing Abbot Jaffer to relocate to Lake Cynon involves interacting with him at Pathem Abbey in Acasa Marshes, a location previously inaccessible in Act 1 but opened in Act 2.
Within Pathem Abbey, you’ll encounter Abbot Jaffer along the main path. Engage him in conversation, exhausting all dialogue options. This prompts him to move to Lake Cynon upon your next visit.
Once Jaffer is at Lake Cynon, he’ll be found near the sole wooden house. He’s standing beside a crate of alcohol with a glowing yellow item. Looting the crate awards you the crucial full bottle of mead.
This crate of alcohol will not appear unless you successfully bring Abbot Jaffer to Lake Cynon.
Now armed with the full bottle of mead, return to the intoxicated soldier in Jova, now identified as Serge Sneff, and trade him the mead. An overjoyed Sneff rewards your efforts with the captain’s office key.
The final step: use the obtained key to unlock the captain’s office door. This concludes the Captain’s Office Mystery in Hell Is Us.
To locate the office, ascend the ladder on the large white building close to Victor’s forge in Jova. Pass through the attic and descend onto the balcony leading to the office door.
Claiming the Captain’s Office Mystery Rewards
Successfully completing the Captain’s Office Mystery grants access to the office’s contents. The rewards include:
- Recording – Vaas’ Plan
- Collar of Grief – Bargaining (Defensive Gear)
- Cap – Sabinian
- Prison Manifest (Research Item)
The Collar of Grief stands out with its +1,500 endurance bonus, 15% damage absorption, and health restoration when using Lymbic Energy.
The Recording – Vaas’ Plan is also valuable, providing insight into the captain’s true nature and questionable trustworthiness.
Hell Is Us
- Released
- September 4, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Number of Players
- Single-player