Quick Answer

Start with the first case in Detective: Saints & Sinners, focus on gathering clues efficiently, and don't let The Chisel's misdirection derail your investigation.

Why The Chisel Changes Your Approach

In Detective: Saints & Sinners, one player takes on the role of The Chisel, actively working against the LAPD detectives. This means your investigation isn't just about solving puzzles—it's about managing a human adversary who can mislead you.

Unlike pure cooperative games, you need to weigh every piece of information The Chisel provides. Some leads are genuine, others are traps. This tension is what makes the game exciting, but it can trip up first-time players who assume every clue is reliable.

The Trade-off: Immersion vs. Efficiency

The game is narrative-driven, set in 1940s Los Angeles, and rewards you for paying attention to the story. However, you also have limited time and resources. If you spend too long role-playing, you might miss key evidence; if you rush, you might overlook important connections.

Balance is key. Read the case files carefully, but keep an eye on the clock and your objectives. The game is designed to be replayed, so don't expect to solve everything on your first try.

Diagnosing Your First Playthrough

  • Symptom: Overwhelmed by the open world: You have the whole city to explore, but not enough time to see everything. Prioritize leads that seem most directly connected to the case's core mystery. Focus on the main storyline first; side leads can wait for a second playthrough.
  • Likely cause: The Chisel's misdirection: The Chisel can feed you false information. Cross-check clues from multiple sources before acting on them. Build a habit of verifying every clue with at least one other piece of evidence.
  • Corrective action: Use the case file actively: Treat the case file as your hub. Revisit it after each interview or clue discovery to update your mental map of the investigation. After each scene, ask: 'What do I now know, and what do I still need to prove?'
  • Stop or choose another option: If you're not enjoying the adversarial dynamic with The Chisel, consider playing with a cooperative mindset or choose a fully cooperative detective game instead. Know your group's preference before starting; it's fine to switch games if the tension isn't fun.

Product Spotlight

  • Detective: Saints & Sinners: Detective: Saints & Sinners is an expansion for Detective: City of Angels, featuring three new cases set in 1940s Los Angeles. Knowing it's an expansion, ensure you own the base game before diving in, and you'll get three distinct mysteries to test your detective skills.

    Detective: Saints & Sinners

    Detective: Saints & Sinners