Getting Started in Kill the Shadow

## Before You Start
Try the free demo first -- it's been available since October 2024 and remains a genuinely representative, well-reviewed slice of the investigation system ahead of the full release.
Decide early how you want to build Lucas -- charisma-focused talk-through-danger builds and Strength-focused builds that allow violence are both viable, but they lead to genuinely different narrative consequences, not just different combat stats.
## Using the Shadow Correctly
Remember the Shadow lets you observe and reconstruct crime scenes as they actually happened -- it doesn't let you change the past. Treat it as an investigation tool for comparing evidence and catching contradictions, not a time-travel mechanic for altering outcomes.
## Exploring Dark Tide City
Since the city is divided into distinct, freely explorable districts (including Factory and Shipwreck Wharf) each tied to different cases and history, take time to explore thoroughly rather than beelining for the next main story marker.
## Common Mistakes
* Assuming this is a purely non-violent detective game like Disco Elysium -- Strength-focused violent options exist and carry real narrative weight if you choose them.
* Rushing through districts without exploring -- each area is confirmed to reveal more of Dark Tide City's decade-old fractured history.