The Crimson Manor in Phantom Blade Zero is an intriguing location accessible via a suspicious elevator ride in the Weeping Creek Valley. While players can reach the manor early in the game, entry is barred by a puppet-shaped lock that requires a unique key. Unlocking the Crimson Manor is a side objective that offers deeper insight into a central character and is crucial for achieving the game's true ending. To gain access, players must obtain the Puppet's Tongue.
The Puppet's Tongue
The Puppet's Tongue is acquired by completing the side quest "The Heralds Illusion." This quest involves visiting the Three-Eyed Puppet on three separate occasions. Access to the Three-Eyed Puppet is exclusively through Spectral Gates, which are special portals located in different areas of the game.
Spectral Gate #1: Village of Lu
The first Spectral Gate is found in the Village of Lu, the game's third region. Players must first complete the main quest "Heartless Remnants" to unlock the well in this area. Jumping into the well leads to a new zone, the Puppet Testing Grounds, where the boss Yuzan, No. 3 Musician Puppet, resides. After defeating this boss, players should proceed to the door with the puppet lock. The Spectral Gate is located in an opening to the left of this door. Interacting with it allows players to visit the Three-Eyed Puppet and open its first eye.
Spectral Gate #2: Mandate's Encampment
The second portal is situated within the final boss arena building of the Mandate's Encampment. Access to this encampment is gained through the Village of Lu after defeating Gu Wanyue in Pangzhen and finding a key beneath the well in that area. Once inside the Mandate's Encampment, players must defeat its final boss, Yubi, No. 21 Swordfighter Puppet. The portal can then be found within the large building adjacent to the bell.
Spectral Gate #3: Mountain of Imprisonment
To reach the third Spectral Gate, players must first defeat the final boss of the Mountain of Imprisonment. This area is accessible via the Weeping Mistgate on the northeastern side of Meigu Lake. However, several prerequisites must be met. Players need to unlock access to Meigu Lake by defeating Flame, the Mask-Bound Lion Dance Grandmaster in Pangzhen, and then obtaining the Flame Mane phantom edge. This allows players to burn away roots blocking the path to the lake's docks. Additionally, the "Illusory Pipa" side quest must be completed to obtain the Illusory Pipa phantom edge, which is necessary to dispel the mist blocking the Weeping Mistgate. Once these conditions are met, players can enter the Mountain of Imprisonment and defeat its final boss, Huangxing, the Kunlun Renegade. The Flying Guillotine phantom edge, awarded after this fight, opens a path underground. Following this path leads to Chord, and after a dialogue sequence, players can return to Chord's room to find the portal behind the chair. This portal leads to the Three-Eyed Puppet, allowing players to open its third eye and complete "The Herald's Illusion" side quest, earning the Puppet's Tongue and the Crystal Puppet Eye [Yin].
Inside the Crimson Manor
Upon entering the Crimson Manor, players will discover documents pertaining to the Herald, offering context about the character. The manor's true rewards are found deeper within. Descending through the manor leads to an arena beneath it, where players face a secret boss, the Puppet Scavenger, who is later joined by another boss, the Acolyte Hansui. Defeating them yields the Alloyed Scythe Blade, the Crystal Puppet Eye [Yang], and Hansui's Frost Mask. The latter two items are essential for unlocking Phantom Blade Zero's true ending.
