The Pulse of Fear in ULTRAKILL’s Secret Labyrinth
Your breathing quickens as you descend into the dark, foreboding corridors of ULTRAKILL’s Something Wicked. This first secret level, 0-S, is incredibly immersive, tearing you away from the gore-infested chaos you’ve grown accustomed to. For a moment, you are no longer the hunter but the hunted. The atmosphere is intense, and the game’s usual frenetic action is replaced with a creeping, panic-inducing tension. The level’s design is a masterful blend of horror and survival, making you feel as if you’re trapped in a nightmare with no escape.
How to Access Something Wicked (0-S)
Accessing Something Wicked requires a keen eye and some quick reflexes. It is one of ULTRAKILL’s many hidden gems, located within the second level of the first layer, 0-2: The Meatgrinder. As you progress through the main level, you’ll encounter a checkpoint after defeating a mob in a room that locks all exits upon your entry. Right before this checkpoint, there’s an open ventilation shaft on the ceiling. Many players miss it because, let’s be honest, we’re often too focused on the action below to look up. To reach this vent, jump and use the sprint mechanic to propel yourself upward. Once inside, you need to keep jumping while rotating the camera to effectively wall-bounce and ascend. At the top, you’ll find a blue skull. Pick it up, drop back down, and continue to the second checkpoint. Instead of proceeding through the checkpoint, turn left and enter the door to find a pedestal. Place the blue skull on it to unlock a secret door, which will lead you directly to level 0-S: Something Wicked.
Navigating the Dark Labyrinth
Upon entering Something Wicked, the Piercer revolver’s charged attack (right-click) becomes your best friend. It not only illuminates the dark corridors but also deters the nefarious creature that is hunting you. However, using the "F" key to frequently shake the skull you’re carrying is even more crucial. This refreshes the brightness, making it easier to see your surroundings and avoid the creature. The level is designed as a labyrinth, and the creature, much like the Minotaur, is drawn to the light of the skull you’re holding. You know it’s close when your screen fills with static, and the creature’s breathing can be heard through the speakers. Getting hit by this sole enemy will result in an instant game over, so staying alert and moving quickly is essential.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Something Wicked
To navigate the maze-like level successfully, follow these steps:
- Pick up the Blue Skull: Upon entering 0-S, head to the pedestal and grab the blue skull. The creature will be activated as soon as you pick it up, so be prepared to move fast.
- Enter the Right Corridor: From the entrance and pedestal, take the corridor to the right.
- Navigate the Ventilation System: Turn left, then right, and enter a large room. You’ll find a small pathway resembling a ventilation system in the corner. Hug the right wall to locate it, crouch, and sprint through the vent. Take a right at the first turn and continue until you can stand again. You will see a statue with a grid wall surrounding it.
- Follow the Right Wall: Go around the statue on the right-hand side and enter the corridor on the right when it splits off. This leads you to a large room with a short staircase on your right. Hug the right wall and follow it around until you find an empty pedestal.
- Place the Blue Skull: Use the "F" key to place the blue skull on the pedestal. A door will open behind you.
- Retrieve the Red Skull: Enter the newly opened door and pick up the red skull.
- Backtrack: With the red skull in hand, move forward in a straight line, past the staircase and down the ramp. You’ll find yourself in a large room with a half wall to the left and a panel on the floor. Look up toward the left corner to find an opening.
- Jump and Crouch: Jump up and immediately crouch while moving forward in a straight line. Place the red skull on the empty pedestal at the end of the long corridor, which is lined with columns.
The Horror Unveiled
While ULTRAKILL is known for its fast-paced, bloody combat, Something Wicked introduces a different kind of terror. The feeling of being watched and followed is palpable, and the static-filled screen adds to the suspense. The creature that hunts you is relentless and unpredictable, making every step feel like a life-or-death decision. The level’s design is deliberately disorienting, with narrow corridors and obscured pathways that force you to rely on your reflexes and the faint light from the skull. The atmosphere is so intense that it can be hard to breathe, and the constant threat of an instant game over keeps you on edge throughout.
The Reward: The First Testament
Completing Something Wicked isn’t just a test of skill and reflexes; it also rewards you with the first Testament. After placing the blue and red skulls on their respective pedestals, you’ll receive a cryptic message delivered on a television set: “Mankind is a failure. Free will is a flaw. Let the evil of their own lips consume them. Then I shall begin again, with my word as law.” This haunting message adds a layer of narrative depth to the game, hinting at the darker themes and the ultimate fate of humanity in ULTRAKILL’s universe. The Testament serves as a chilling reminder of the malevolent forces at play, making the level both a challenge and a significant story element.
Hidden Levels and the Thrill of Discovery
Just like finding the Agnes Gorge Trail, uncovering secret levels in ULTRAKILL is a rewarding experience. Each layer of the game contains hidden paths and secrets that add to the overall gameplay and narrative. Completing 0-S and obtaining the first Testament is just the beginning of your journey into the game’s darker, more mysterious elements. The thrill of discovery, combined with the intense horror, makes ULTRAKILL a game that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, the challenge and the payoff of navigating these secret levels are well worth the effort.
