The Typewriter Puzzle is one of the trickier symbol-based puzzles in The Mermaid Mask because it doesn’t ask you to simply copy what you see. Instead, you need to understand how the symbols rotate before you can recreate the correct pattern.
If you’ve been turning the dials randomly and getting nowhere, don’t worry—once you know the trick behind the puzzle, it becomes much easier.
Where to Find the Typewriter Puzzle
You’ll find the Typewriter Puzzle in Dirk & Wirman’s Bunk.
Interacting with the typewriter starts the puzzle, where you’ll see three rotating dials and a reference strip showing several symbol patterns.
Successfully completing the puzzle rewards you with the Handwritten Letter, an important story item.
How the Puzzle Works
At first glance, it looks like you’re supposed to recreate one of the patterns shown on the reference paper.
That’s only partially true.
The important detail is that every pattern on the paper is actually a rotated version of the others.
Instead of copying the pattern directly, you must create the correct rotation in the center display.
Each rotation changes the symbol positions by 45 degrees, so every adjustment slightly shifts where each symbol should face.
Understanding the Three Dials
The puzzle consists of:
- Three rotating dials
- Five different symbols
- A center display that updates as you rotate the dials
Each dial controls part of the final pattern, meaning you’ll usually need to adjust all three before everything lines up correctly.
A good strategy is to work with one dial at a time instead of spinning all of them randomly.
Recommended Strategy
The easiest way to approach the puzzle is:
- Start with the right dial.
- Compare its symbols with the reference images.
- Rotate until the symbol placement looks closest to the solution.
- Repeat the process for the middle dial.
- Finish by adjusting the left dial.
Once all three dials are close, make small adjustments until the center image matches the required rotated pattern.
The Key to Solving It
The biggest clue is hidden on the solution slip itself.
The center image isn’t identical to the images beside it—it represents the correct rotated version between them.
Keep these points in mind:
- Every displayed pattern is related.
- Each version rotates by 45 degrees.
- The center display is the one you actually need to create.
- Don’t try to copy the left or right image exactly.
Understanding this rotation mechanic is much more important than memorizing symbol positions.
Reward
Completing the Typewriter Puzzle unlocks the Handwritten Letter, allowing you to continue progressing through the game’s story.
If the symbols seem close but the puzzle still won’t solve, you’re probably only one rotation away. Instead of resetting everything, make small adjustments to a single dial and watch how the center pattern changes. Once you recognize that every image is simply a rotated version of the others, this puzzle becomes far less intimidating than it first appears.