The Cargo Pinboard Puzzle is one of the more interesting puzzles in The Mermaid Mask because it tests how closely you’ve been paying attention to the story rather than your ability to solve a traditional logic puzzle.
If you’ve been moving portraits around randomly without success, you’re not alone. The trick isn’t guessing where everyone belongs—it’s remembering where each character currently is on the ship.
This guide explains how the puzzle works and shows you the correct solution.
Where to Find the Cargo Pinboard Puzzle
You’ll find the Pinboard inside the Cargo Hold.
Before you can interact with it, you’ll need to speak with Mariana Moon, who unlocks the puzzle during the story.
How the Puzzle Works
The board is essentially a rough map of the ship.
Each character portrait must be moved to represent their current location, not where they were earlier in the game or where they normally stay.
The puzzle is based entirely on the events happening at that point in the story, so exploring the ship and talking to everyone provides the clues you need.
How to Solve the Pinboard Puzzle
The simplest way to approach this puzzle is to visit every room and take note of where each character currently is.
If you don’t want to search the entire ship, you can use the solution below.
Correct Character Locations
| Character | Correct Location |
|---|---|
| Mariana Moon | Cargo Hold |
| Sally | Cargo Hold |
| Grimoire | Cargo Hold |
| Magnus | Off the board (not on the ship) |
The important detail is Magnus.
Since Magnus is no longer aboard the ship, his portrait should not be placed anywhere on the map. Instead, leave it off to the side.
Once every portrait is in its correct location, the puzzle will be completed.
Reward
Completing the Cargo Pinboard Puzzle rewards you with the Moon Photo, which is required for progressing through the story.
Tips
If you’re attempting the puzzle without using the solution:
- Listen carefully to Mariana Moon’s dialogue, as it provides important clues.
- Explore the ship before interacting with the board.
- Remember that the puzzle asks where characters are right now, not where they usually live.
- Don’t forget that one character is intentionally missing from the ship.
The Cargo Pinboard Puzzle is less about logic and more about observation. Players who pay attention to conversations and regularly explore the ship will usually have everything they need to solve it without much trial and error. The biggest clue is remembering that the board reflects the current state of the ship, making Magnus the only portrait that belongs outside the map altogether.