Quern – Undying Thoughts for Mac: A Complete Walkthrough

Double-click the application icon to launch Quern. After entering the main menu, you will see the following options:

• New Game: Click to begin a brand-new puzzle adventure.
• Continue: Automatically loads the most recent save file.
• Load Game: Manually select a specific save file.
• Settings: Adjust graphics, sound, and control options.
• Quit: Exit the game.

Use the mouse to click and select, or use the arrow keys to navigate and then press the Return key to confirm.

Once the game begins, you will find yourself in the initial scene.

• Movement: Use the W, A, S, and D keys to move forward, backward, left, and right.
• Camera Control: Move the mouse to look around.
• Sprint: Hold the Shift key while moving to sprint faster.
• Jump: Press the Space key. Note: Jumping is of limited use in the game and is mainly for specific paths.
• Crouch/Stand Up: Press the C key.

This is the core of puzzle solving.

• Pick Up Items: Aim the interaction cursor at a pickable object (the cursor turns into a hand shape) and left-click the mouse. The item will automatically go into the item bar at the bottom of the screen.
• Observe/Read: Aim at an object or document (the cursor turns into an eye shape) and left-click the mouse to observe or read it closely. For notes, you usually need to click again to close the reading interface.
• Controls: Aim at levers, dials, etc. (the cursor turns into a gear shape), hold down the left mouse button and drag to operate them.
• Using items: Open the item bar (Tab), click to select an item, and its outline will be highlighted. Then close the item bar, aim the cursor at the target location where you need to use it, and click the left mouse button. If the combination is invalid, the item will automatically return to the item bar.
• Drop/Discard items: After selecting and highlighting an item in the item bar, click on the game scene area (the ground) outside the item bar to place it at that position.

The game has autosave, but manual management is recommended.

• Manual save: Press Esc to bring up the menu, and select “Save Game”. You can choose an empty save slot or overwrite an existing save, then click “Save”.
• Load save: Press Esc to bring up the menu, and select “Load Game”. Choose a save from the list and click “Load”.
• Quick save/load: The game does not support the traditional F5/F9 quick save. Please rely on manual menu operations.

The progression is linear and area-locked.

1. Explore the current area: Carefully examine every corner, pick up all visible items, and read all documents.
2. Analyze items and clues: Inspect item details in your inventory and combine them with your notes to understand their purpose and hints.
3. Operate puzzle devices: Apply clues to the various mechanisms, symbols, light beams, and other puzzles in the scene. This usually requires combining items, adjusting the sequence of mechanisms, or cracking codes.
4. Unlock new areas: After successfully solving a core puzzle, you will usually open a door, activate a bridge, or power up a teleportation device, leading you into the next area. Repeat this process until the game ends.

Quern’s “export” refers to completing the game and watching the ending.

• When you solve all the final puzzles, the game will enter the ending story sequence.
• After the story sequence finishes, the screen will usually display the credits.
• After the credits end, you may return to the main menu. At this point, the “Continue Game” option may load the state just before the final puzzle, allowing you to relive it.
• Your game achievements and progress are saved in the system’s save files, located in the ~/Library/Application Support/Quern/ directory (this path is a general inference; the actual save location may vary).