I’ve played quite a few Detective Duck maps, and The Hideout definitely feels different from the usual formula. It isn’t particularly difficult once you know what you’re doing, but the map loves making you carry items for several minutes before they finally become useful. The biggest reason players get stuck isn’t because of the guards. It’s because they forget where an item came from or where they’re supposed to use it later.
If you’re trying to clear The Hideout without running around in circles for half an hour, follow the Detective Duck The Hideout Guide below and you’ll reach the ending without missing any important items.
Detective Duck The Hideout Guide – Walkthrough, All Puzzles
The very first thing you should grab is the sponge sitting near the starting area.
It looks insignificant, and honestly, the first time I played this map I completely ignored it because it didn’t seem important. That turned out to be a mistake because you’ll eventually need it much later for one of the final sections.
Once you’ve picked up the sponge, pay attention to the guard’s patrol path. Don’t rush. Wait for him to move into position and steal his keys when the opportunity appears.
With the keys in hand, unlock the nearby cell and move through.
Disabling The Security Cameras
After entering the next section, stay aware of the guard’s movements before crossing the room.
Your goal here is the computer station.
When you reach the PC, you’ll notice a raccoon image displayed on the screen. Click the image five times.
This unlocks access to the computer system and shuts down the red camera detection zones around the hideout.
This is one of the most important steps early on because moving around becomes much safer once the cameras are disabled.
Collecting The Batteries
Now that the cameras are no longer a problem, start looking for batteries.
You’ll need two in total.
Grab the first battery, then search for the second one before continuing. Don’t worry about progressing until both are in your inventory.
After collecting both batteries, head over to the power device and install them.
Once the batteries are inserted, activate the nearby lever.
The mechanism powers up and unlocks a new door.
Tool Room Loot
Inside the newly opened room you’ll find several tools that are required for later puzzles.
Pick up:
- Hammer
- Steel Rope
- Pipe Wrench
Don’t leave anything behind.
Every single one of these items will be used later in the run.
Once you’ve collected everything, start making your way back toward the area where you began.
Breaking Into The Lower Area
Return to the original cell area and use the hammer on the glass barrier.
The glass will shatter, revealing a path downward.
Climb into the lower section and immediately grab the apple sitting nearby.
Just like the sponge, the apple doesn’t seem important at first, but you’ll eventually trade it for another key item later in the map.
Shutting Down The Lasers
The next obstacle is a laser security system.
To disable it, first collect the scissors nearby.
After grabbing them, head back upstairs because there are a few more things you need before returning.
You’ll find another wrench near this section. Pick it up.
Use the wrench to remove the bolts securing the electrical panel.
Once the panel is open, use the scissors to cut all three wires.
As soon as the third wire is cut, the laser system shuts down completely.
The Puzzle Hint Most Players Forget
Before leaving this area, inspect the nearby book.
This book contains the solution to a puzzle you’ll encounter later.
The color directions are:
- Green = Right
- Blue = Down
- Red = Left
- Yellow = Left
Don’t rely on memory if you don’t have to. Write it down somewhere because you’ll need the exact sequence later.
Opening The Underground Path
Head back down to the area where the lasers were previously active.
Since they’re disabled now, you can safely move through.
Use the steel rope on the lever mechanism.
This opens another chamber and gives access to a new item.
Inside you’ll find a pickaxe.
Take it immediately.
Breaking Through The Cave
Continue forward until you encounter a rock blockage.
Use the pickaxe to destroy the rocks and clear the path.
Once you’re through, you’ll arrive at the color puzzle section.
This is where the book clue becomes important.
Enter the directions exactly as follows:
- Green → Right
- Blue → Down
- Red → Left
- Yellow → Left
Entering the correct sequence unlocks the next area.
The Wheel Puzzle
Keep moving through the newly opened path.
Eventually you’ll encounter a damaged obstruction.
Use the pipe wrench to break it apart.
Now it’s finally time to use the sponge you picked up at the very beginning.
Use the sponge at the nearby location to reveal an extra wheel.
Collect the wheel and bring it to the nearby door.
The wheel acts as a replacement handle and allows the door to open.
Creating A Lockpick
In the next section you’ll find another pair of scissors.
Pick them up and use them on the plastic bottle nearby.
This creates a strip of plastic that can be used as a lockpick.
Use the makeshift lockpick on the locked door.
You’ll need to successfully complete the lockpick interaction three separate times before the door finally opens.
Don’t panic if the first attempt doesn’t fully unlock it. That’s intended.
Trading The Apple
Before progressing further, look for the bird sitting nearby.
Remember the apple from earlier?
Give it to the bird.
In exchange, the bird hands over a key.
Without this key, you won’t be able to finish the map.
Obtaining The Handcuffs
Use the bird’s key to unlock the nearby room.
Inside you’ll find the handcuffs.
This is the final major item required to complete The Hideout.
Once you’ve got them, it’s time for the longest backtrack in the entire map.
Returning To The Guard
Make your way all the way back through the hideout.
Navigate past the previously completed sections while avoiding guards along the route.
Eventually you’ll return to the guard area near the beginning of the map.
Approach the correct location and use the handcuffs.
As soon as the handcuffs are used, the ending sequence triggers.
The Ending
After the cutscene finishes, the map is complete and you’ll earn The Hideout badge.
Compared to some Detective Duck maps, The Hideout is less about difficult puzzles and more about remembering where every item belongs. Almost every major item gets used much later than when you first find it, which is why so many players end up wandering around wondering what they missed.
The easiest way to approach this map is to treat every item as important. If you see something you can pick up, grab it immediately. Following that mindset makes The Hideout much smoother and turns what initially feels like a confusing maze into one of the more enjoyable maps in Detective Duck.