Strange Antiquities is a shop-based investigation game in which the player manages a collection of unusual relics and assists townspeople who arrive with specific requests. The setting is the town of Undermere, a place known for its long history of unexplained events and strange objects. Each day begins with new customers, each carrying a question, a problem, or a cryptic note that hints at the item they need. The player evaluates their words, compares details to reference materials, and searches the shop for the correct artifact.

Daily Structure And Item Identification

Most of the gameplay in Strange Antiquities revolves around examining objects on shelves, tables, and drawers throughout the shop. Every relic differs in appearance, description, and associated lore, requiring the player to study them carefully. When a customer describes a property or symbol, the player consults reference guides that document the characteristics of known artifacts. Matching the description to the correct object allows the day to progress, while mistakes lead to confusion, lost time, or additional clues that must be verified.

Core Loop And Player Tools

Strange Antiquities relies on a defined set of systems that guide how the player interacts with the environment:

•         Searching the shop for items linked to clues
•         Using codices and notebooks to confirm object identities
•         Labeling artifacts to track knowledge gained
•         Following customer leads to new discoveries
•         Exploring the town for hidden relics or additional notes

These tools help structure the process of identifying objects and support the gradual accumulation of information across multiple in-game days.

Exploration Outside The Shop

In addition to managing the shop interior, the player can visit specific locations around Undermere using a map interface. These trips offer opportunities to obtain new artifacts, uncover written notes, or locate landmarks referenced by customers. Each successful outing expands the shop’s inventory and provides additional context for earlier requests. Locations often connect to one another through clues found in previous conversations, reinforcing the sense that Undermere’s history is intertwined with its relics.

Progression And Narrative Development

Over time, the player begins to see patterns in the objects requested and the stories told by customers. Recurring symbols, shared histories, and linked events reveal broader mysteries about Undermere and the origins of the relics. As more artifacts are identified, the shop’s collection grows into a record of the town’s past. The player’s task is to interpret connections between these items and the information delivered by visitors, slowly building an understanding of how the town’s traditions, people, and objects interact.