Dredge, the atmospheric fishing adventure game from developer Black Salt Games, has captivated players with its dark, mysterious world and the secrets waiting to be uncovered beneath the waves. One of the most intriguing side quests in the game involves tracking down the dog tags of a long-lost airman in the treacherous Twisted Strand region. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll provide step-by-step instructions for locating all four dog tags, explore the hidden story behind the airman‘s fate, and discuss how this quest fits into the larger narrative of Dredge‘s enigmatic archipelago.
The Twisted Strand: A Region Shrouded in Mystery
The Twisted Strand is a foreboding area located in the northwestern part of Dredge‘s map, characterized by its jagged cliffs, swirling whirlpools, and eerie, mist-shrouded islands. According to in-game lore, this region has a dark history, with tales of shipwrecks, lost expeditions, and mysterious disappearances dating back centuries.
As you explore the Twisted Strand, you‘ll encounter hostile creatures, treacherous currents, and long-abandoned ruins that hint at the area‘s troubled past. It‘s here, amidst the crumbling structures and rusted wreckage, that you‘ll find the first clues leading to the airman‘s missing dog tags.
The Airman‘s Tale: Piecing Together the Clues
The dog tags belong to a WWII-era airman who, according to legend, crash-landed somewhere in the Twisted Strand decades ago. The exact circumstances of his disappearance remain a mystery, but as you recover each of the four tags, you‘ll uncover fragments of his story etched into the metal.
The inscriptions on the tags are faded and worn, but with careful examination, you can make out a name, rank, and service number, as well as a chilling phrase: "TAKEN BY THE DEEP." This cryptic message has led to much speculation among players about the airman‘s ultimate fate.
Some theories suggest that he was dragged down to a watery grave by one of the monstrous creatures that inhabit Dredge‘s seas, while others believe that "the deep" may be a metaphor for something even more sinister – perhaps an ancient, eldritch force that lurks beneath the archipelago‘s surface.
Regardless of the truth behind the airman‘s disappearance, collecting his dog tags and piecing together his story adds a layer of depth and intrigue to Dredge‘s already immersive world.
Finding the Dog Tags: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the background of the airman and the significance of his dog tags, it‘s time to dive into the details of where to find them. Below, you‘ll find a step-by-step guide to locating each of the four tags, complete with images and detailed descriptions of each location.
Dog Tag #1: Northeast of Kickety Pontoon
The first dog tag can be found in the waters northeast of Kickety Pontoon, a decrepit old dock in the western part of the Twisted Strand. To reach this location, head west from the main port until you reach the Pontoon, then steer your boat to the northeast, weaving through the rocks and whirlpools.
The dog tag is located in a small, sandy alcove beneath a jagged overhang. You‘ll need to maneuver your boat carefully to avoid damaging it on the rocks, then use your fishing line to snag the tag from the sea floor. Once you‘ve retrieved it, examine the tag to find the first clue about the airman‘s identity.
Dog Tag #2: North of the Abandoned Camp
The second dog tag is located north of an abandoned camp on one of the larger islands in the Twisted Strand. To find this camp, head east from Kickety Pontoon until you spot a dilapidated wooden structure on the shore of a misty island.
Anchor your boat at the camp‘s dock and explore the surrounding area. The dog tag is hidden among the seaweed and driftwood on the beach, just a few meters north of the camp. You may need to use your flashlight to spot the glint of metal in the sand.
Once you‘ve collected the tag, take a moment to examine the camp itself. You‘ll find scattered remnants of the airman‘s presence, including a faded photograph and a scrawled note that provides more insight into his story.
Dog Tag #3: Northwest of the Abandoned Camp
To find the third dog tag, you‘ll need to venture even further into the Twisted Strand‘s treacherous waters. From the abandoned camp, steer your boat to the northwest, past jagged cliffs and through narrow, rocky channels.
The dog tag is located in a small, hidden cove that can only be accessed by navigating through a series of underwater caves. You‘ll need to use your sonar and diving equipment to find the entrance to the caves, then carefully maneuver your way through the dark, winding passages.
Once you emerge in the cove, you‘ll find the dog tag resting on a rocky ledge just above the water line. Retrieve it and examine the inscription to uncover more of the airman‘s harrowing tale.
Dog Tag #4: Southwest of the Twisted Strand
The final dog tag is perhaps the most difficult to reach, located in a remote corner of the Twisted Strand that can only be accessed after you‘ve upgraded your boat with advanced equipment and reinforced hull plating.
From the hidden cove where you found the third tag, navigate your way back out to open water and head southwest. You‘ll need to brave fierce storms, avoid massive whirlpools, and fend off attacks from the monstrous creatures that inhabit these treacherous seas.
The dog tag is located in a deep underwater trench that runs between two towering cliffs. You‘ll need to use your diving suit and oxygen tanks to reach the bottom of the trench, where you‘ll find the tag half-buried in the silt.
As you retrieve the final tag and read the last fragment of the airman‘s story, a sense of unease settles over you. The implications of his fate, and the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface of Dredge‘s world, are both fascinating and deeply unsettling.
The Significance of the Dog Tags: Unraveling Dredge‘s Mysteries
Collecting the airman‘s dog tags is more than just a side quest in Dredge – it‘s a key part of unraveling the game‘s larger mysteries and piecing together the archipelago‘s troubled history. As you explore the islands and uncover more fragments of the past, you‘ll begin to see how the airman‘s story fits into the broader narrative.
According to lead developer Andrew Shouldice, the dog tags were designed as a way to encourage players to explore the Twisted Strand region more thoroughly and to reward them with a deeper understanding of the game‘s lore. "We wanted players to feel like they were uncovering a mystery as they played," Shouldice said in an interview with GameSpot. "The dog tags are just one small part of that, but they help to create a sense of history and depth to the world."
Players who have completed the dog tag quest have expressed similar sentiments. "Finding those tags and reading the airman‘s story really made the game world feel more alive to me," said Reddit user u/DredgeExplorer. "It‘s not just about fishing and upgrading your boat – there‘s this whole other layer of history and mystery to uncover."
The themes of environmentalism and the consequences of over-exploitation are also deeply interwoven with the dog tag quest and the larger story of Dredge. As you explore the archipelago, you‘ll encounter the remnants of past civilizations that have been destroyed by their own greed and disregard for the natural world. The airman‘s fate, and the dark forces that lurk beneath the waves, can be seen as a warning about the dangers of unchecked consumption and the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Tips and Tricks for Finding the Dog Tags
While the step-by-step guide above provides a detailed overview of where to find each dog tag, there are a few additional tips and tricks that can make the process easier and more enjoyable:
Upgrade your boat: Before attempting to reach some of the more remote dog tag locations, make sure you‘ve upgraded your boat with reinforced hull plating, improved engines, and advanced navigation equipment. This will make it much easier to brave the treacherous waters of the Twisted Strand.
Use your sonar: Dredge‘s sonar system is an essential tool for navigating the game‘s underwater environments. Make sure to use it frequently to avoid obstacles, locate hidden caves and passages, and spot valuable resources and artifacts.
Bring plenty of supplies: The Twisted Strand is a dangerous and unforgiving region, with long stretches of open water between islands and few opportunities to resupply. Make sure to stock up on fuel, food, and other essentials before embarking on your dog tag quest.
Talk to other characters: The residents of Dredge‘s archipelago often have valuable information and insights to share about the game‘s world and its mysteries. Take the time to talk to other characters and listen to their stories – you never know what clues or hints you might uncover.
Keep an eye out for other secrets: The dog tags are just one of many hidden secrets waiting to be discovered in Dredge. As you explore the Twisted Strand and other regions, keep an eye out for other artifacts, documents, and clues that can help you piece together the archipelago‘s history and unravel its mysteries.
Conclusion
Finding the airman‘s dog tags in Dredge is a challenging and rewarding quest that adds depth and intrigue to an already immersive and atmospheric game world. By following the steps outlined in this guide and paying close attention to the clues and fragments of lore scattered throughout the archipelago, you‘ll be able to uncover the dark secrets of the Twisted Strand and gain a deeper understanding of the game‘s enigmatic history.
But the dog tags are just the beginning. As you continue to explore Dredge‘s vast and mysterious world, you‘ll encounter even more secrets, challenges, and revelations waiting to be discovered beneath the waves. So grab your fishing pole, upgrade your boat, and set sail for adventure – the dark and fascinating depths of Dredge await.
