Monument Valley Walkthrough [Guide]

In Monument Valley, nothing is what it seems. Up becomes down, and paths appear at a simple push of a button or a spin of the wheel. Everything that you know about logic gets thrown out of the window as you guide Ida across different pathways that transcend rationale and reality. The game has a very simple mechanic, but players will definitely be challenged with the many twists and turns that the game has to offer. Here’s our guide on this mentally taxing game, and how to complete the ten levels contained within.

Gameplay
Monument Valley is a path finding puzzle game where in players must guide the character named Ida towards the goal for each stage, and this is done by manipulating the environment so that the right path can be found. Each map defies logic, as pathways can be created at a press of a button or at a flick of a switch. It is also important to work your way around different characters that might block your way, turning the game into a stealth mission of sorts. Succeeding one level will allow players to go to the next stage, and completing all levels will in turn complete the game.

Chapter 1 – Tutorial
Chapter 1 is more or less a tutorial on how the game works. Players can tap at where they would like their character to go, and she will move towards the position if a path is available. In order to clear this stage, players must simply hold and rotate the only wheel within the structure so that a path towards the top would be created.

Chapter 2 – The Garden
Rotate the crank so that a path would be created to the left corner of the structure where a button can be found. Descend the ladder and press the button by walking over it. This will cause a new path with another button to rise from the ground. Get back up and rotate the crank so that you can return to your original position. Rotate the crank again so that you will have a walkway towards the newly created area. Take note that you cannot rotate paths if Ida is standing on it.

Press the button on the right side, and this will cause the area with the crank to rise to the second level of the structure. Don’t mind this, as rotating the path will create a way for you to reach this new area. Simply walk towards the goal and you will be able to clear this stage.

Chapter 3 – Hidden Temple
This stage will introduce players to objects that can be moved towards other spots, and Ida can also go along for the ride. These objects have protruding circles on them, so always watch out for these platforms whenever you feel stuck.

Here, players will start from the bottom left side of the structure, and they must work their way towards the top. In order to do this, ascend the first ladder you see, and then slide the panel that looks like a wall towards you. Climb aboard it so that you can reach the next ladder. Slide that panel towards the left side and then go through the door which would automatically transport you up another level. Slide the wall down and then ride it like an elevator so that you would be able to reach the highest level of the left tower.

Pressing the button will cause the two peaks to turn towards each other, creating a new path. Ascend the short ladder and walk towards the door at the right tower. Going in will transport you to a new location. Simply climb up until you meet the glowing figure at the top. After a short cut scene, players will be transported to a new location with the target destination found at the very top.

In order to reach this, step on the platform that will rise once the leftmost moveable object is slid down. This will provide you with a walkway that you can use to climb two more short ladders. Slide the rightmost panel down so that the reacting panel will be level with you. Ride this panel up until you are able to walk across the right panel, and then ride the rest of the way up until you are able to press the button at the top. Pressing the button will create a flight of stairs that will allow you to reach the top of the structure and end the round.

Chapter 4 – Water Palace
This stage introduces Ida and the players to Crow People. To begin, rotate the crank until it forms a pathway upwards. Walk up the two flights of stairs, and then step to the middle of the structure. This walkway can be rotated, and players must use this to reach the other side where in a button can be pressed. Move back to the center of the structure and rotate the path again so that you can navigate yourself towards the newly created walkway. Move to the center again and rotate 180 degrees so that you can reach the door at the other side.

From where you came out of, walk across the bridge that rose from the waters until you reach the other side. Press the button on the floor, and this will cause the ground to tilt until you are walking on the side of the structure. Slide the panel with the circles on them outwards and use the stairs to navigate your way towards another button.

Pressing this button will rotate you towards the sides of the building again, and would also allow the entire structure to be rotated. Turn the structure around so that you’ll have a better perspective, and have Ida walk towards the end of the path. Slowly turn the structure counter clockwise until the gap completely disappears, and you will be able to cross unhindered. Walk up two levels and press the button at the top.

A new bridge would then be created, and walk across it until you are able to reach the structure at the other end. Walk towards the pink horizontal beam and rotate it until it is vertical. This will allow you to climb up the wall that the beam now connects to. Rotate the pink beam to its original position so that the corresponding pathway in front of you would be formed. Move until you reach the end of this area. Rotate the beam again until you are able to reach the pink pathway where you will be up close with a Crow Man. Rotate the area with circular protrusions at the base until you are able to walk up the stairs to go into the doorway.

In this new area, walk towards the glowing figure once more, and then go through the door at the end of the path. You will be transported to the previous area, albeit in a different location and with a slightly transformed façade. Rotate the pink beam once again until a path towards the final destination is formed.

Chapter 5 – The Spire
In this stage, Crow Men will make their presence more felt by moving around the stage. While they can’t hurt you in any way, Crow Men blocking your path will not allow Ida to move any further. Time your movements so that they are out of your way. With this in mind, make your way towards the button on the left and press it. This will cause a crank to be revealed. This, when turned, will affect two areas within the stage. Move and adjust so that you would be able to walk towards the other button in the area. Pressing the second button will provide you with a stairway which would lead you towards another section of the stage.

In this new area, take note that moving away from the differently colored floors will allow you to control the crank at the side of the structure. You will be allowed to move this even if there are Crow Men on it, but not if Ida herself is there. Turn the crank so that the Crow Man will be under the beam, and this will allow you to walk towards the button at the end of the path unhindered.

Pressing the button at the end of the path will transform the top section of the building. Players will now have to walk back towards the first set of stairs and wait until the Crow Man to the right is on top of the pink floors. Rotate the crank so that he will now be walking inside the building, allowing Ida to freely climb the stairs to the right.

Once you are on the top floor, wait for the Crow Man to get near you. Once he is walking back towards the doorway at the end, turn the crank so that he would walk right into the compartment that would rise from the ground. Once he is within the colored floors, drop the panel so that you can walk towards the door without any problems.

Players will now be transported at the bottom of a tower with multiple floors and with many Crow Men walking about. This section is simply about timing your movements so that Crow Men wouldn’t block you. Walk and climb until you are able to reach the doorway about two floors up.

Once inside, turn the crank so that the Crow Man would take the path perpendicular to you. Once he steps off the platform, turn the crank back towards you and leave him there. Use the same strategy on the next Crow Man that you meet, but have him walk up the walls instead. Go through the door which would lead you back outside.

Turn the structure slightly until the panels will form a stairway that you can climb once step at a time. Walk towards the end of every possible path and then turn the building slightly until paths are formed. Eventually, you will be able to climb two flights of stairs and, with a final turn, you will be able to create a path which would in turn lead you to the end of the round.

Chapter 6 – The Labyrinth
This chapter will introduce players to Ida’s friend Totem. To start things off, use the sliding panel to create makeshift stairs and work your way up. Once Totem has appeared, slide him towards the button that will then cause you to rise. Press the first two buttons on the right, and then leave Totem in order to alight the left section where there is a button. Drag Totem towards the rightmost area and then press the button. This will cause Totem to rise and give you access to the next area. Have Ida press the left most button and Totem the button near the center, and then slide Totem so that you can use him as a bridge towards the door. Lastly, use Totem to press the button that will appear once Ida is already inside.

In the next area, have Totem press the button so that Ida would appear. Turn the crank so that Ida can climb the stairs, and then ride Totem towards the left side of the structure and press the button. Have Ida press the left button near the spire while Totem presses the other one. In the new area, have Totem cross the bridge so that he could get to the left side, and then have Ida cross the bridge. From there, Ida can step up to Totem and you can turn the crank so that both Ida and Totem can reach the other side. Press the button to reveal a new area. Ride Totem again and have them board the crank so that they can both step onto the new platform. Finally, slide the panel down to lift you up so that you can now enter through the door which would lead you towards the goal.

Chapter 7 – The Rookery
In this new area, simply guide the walking Crow Man using the crank so that he would be able to press the button which would then cause Ida to appear. Once this happens, lead Ida back and have her climb the stairs towards the door. In the new area, slide the gray panels so that Ida can step on them. Do this until you are able to reach the far side. Press the first button and then use the movable floor so that you can go through the door again.

Press the button on your end, and slide the panel down so that a wall would come up on the opposite side. Work your way up the stairs and then enter through the doors that will open up. Once you’re in the new area, climb up the ladder and approach the glowing lady. After a few lines of dialogue, go through the doorway that is slightly hidden due to perspective in the center of the room.

By rotating this new area and changing the view of the structure, new paths would be formed. Work your way towards the button that will then form a ladder that you can climb to reach the goal.

Chapter 8 – The Box
This stage is a bit complicated as players will have to manipulate the environment at times without Ida. First, lift the box and have the Crow Man press the button on the second level. Next, have him disappear by having him enter the lowest level. Cover the box and lift the top so that the green area would appear. Have Ida press the button and then enter the second floor door. Lift the cover again to reveal the yellow area, and have Ida cross the bridge so that she could press the second button in the area. Return to the door and then go back to the green area and enter through the first floor doorway.

Open the other panel at the top of the box so that the orange area would be revealed. Navigate your way through the area and press the button at the center row. Life the far panel and turn the two cranks that will appear so that Ida would also show up. Pressing the buttons in succession will allow players to form new paths towards the goal. Simply follow them until the end of the stage.

Chapter 9 – The Descent
Climb your way down until you reach the leftmost area where the crank is. Turn the crank so that a ladder that will lead to the button can be accessed. Press the button and work your way back down. Use the crank again so that you can now climb down on the other set of the ladders. Repeat this step in the other ladder so that you can climb down and go up another one until you reach the area where you can now step on Totem. Slide across the other side and enter the door.

Pull the ring on the right side of the new area and pull up the sliding panel so that you can work your way down about three levels. Go to the far right side of the area and use the crank to create a path towards the button which you will now press. Go to the newly created area and use the movable flooring to go down again. Use the crank once more until a stairway to the bottom would be revealed.

Press all buttons in the immediate vicinity so that the flooring that will lead you to the next area would life up. Rotate the crank until a path is formed, then continue your descent. Reaching the end of the area will have Ida descending to a new location. Use the sliding panel to create the path for you and the white Crow Man adjacent to you and proceed with the descent. Talk to the glowing figure and continue going down until you reach the end.

Chapter 10 – Observatory
Manipulate the bottom of the structure until you are able to have Ida go through the doorway located at the bottom. This will transport you to the next area where you must align the movable floorings so that a new door would open up. You will have to walk through two doors in order to reach the area where in you will be able to press a button. This will further transform the structure and would allow you to walk through the newly lit door.

This will transport you back to the area where you first started. Use the same strategy from before to enter the door which would lead you to a new area. By twisting the structure, you can create new paths that would allow you to reach the top of the structure. Press the button at the very top and then work your way back to the door.

Go through the door in the original area and you will be transported to a new location. This new structure can be rotated so that players can work their way towards the interior of the structure and then press the button at the center. Go back through the door and then you will find yourself back in the starting area that will transform before your eyes. Use the old strategy from before to reach the goal and end the game.