Navigating the infamous Ashtray Maze in the game Control is not a conventional puzzle you solve through mapping or directional choices. Instead, successfully traversing it is tied directly to your progression within the main story.
Understanding the Ashtray Maze Challenge
When you first encounter the Ashtray Maze, attempting to navigate it will result in being sent in a large circle, seemingly with no exit or correct path. This is by design and not a puzzle to be brute-forced through traditional maze-solving methods.
- Early Attempts: Trying to find a way through the maze before the right time in the story will invariably lead you back to where you started.
- It's Not a Navigation Puzzle: The maze's structure shifts and is intended to prevent early passage. The solution isn't about finding the correct turn, but meeting specific game requirements.
The Solution: Story Progression and a Key Item
According to the provided reference, the only way to beat the Ashtray Maze is to return way later in the game.
The Ashtray Maze solution isn't really a puzzle you need to solve. If you encounter it on your own, it will send you in a big circle. The only way to beat is to come back way later as the story progression unlocks this path (and an item is needed before you can progress).
This means the path through the maze is unlocked not by player navigation skill, but by reaching a specific point in the main narrative and acquiring a required item or ability.
Steps to Navigate the Ashtray Maze Successfully
- Attempt Early (Optional): Experience the maze's looping nature if you encounter it before the story is ready. This highlights that it's not a standard puzzle.
- Progress the Main Story: Continue playing through Control's main missions. The game will eventually guide you to the point where the Ashtray Maze becomes passable.
- Acquire the Necessary Item/Ability: As stated in the reference, story progression will lead to obtaining a crucial item or ability that is essential for opening the path through the maze.
- Return to the Ashtray Maze: Once you have reached the appropriate story point and possess the required element, revisit the Ashtray Maze. You will find that the way forward is now accessible.
The Ashtray Maze serves more as a story gate than a traditional environmental puzzle, requiring players to advance the narrative rather than solve a complex layout.
