Hell is Us expects a lot from players, asking them to investigate its world and solve its mysteries with very little hand-holding. And the first roadblock it places in your way is a giant stone door in the open area, Senendra Forest. Entering the ruins is a two-part affair, as you'll need to help out a nearby NPC, then solve a puzzle to crack that big door open. But you're up to the task, and we're here to help. Here's how to open the Senendra Forest ruins.
How to open the door to the Senendra Forest ruins in Hell is Us
When you first arrive at the Senendra Forest ruins, take note of an NPC propped up to the left of the door.
This wounded soldier is eager to speak with you because he's in desperate need of a medkit. Helping him out is in your best interest, so chat with him to learn that the medkit is located nearby.
Where to find the medkit in Hell is Us
While facing the door, head to your left up an incline to reach a forested area with a lot of trees marked with Xs. Follow the paths toward the tree with Xs, which is more straightforward than it appears at first glance.
You'll eventually spot a tent housing a few items. One of these items is the medkit requested by the wounded soldier.
Make your way back to the wounded soldier and choose the Trade option, then give him the medkit. He'll provide you with the Ancient Mechanism in return.
With the Ancient Mechanism in your possession, take the ladder behind the wounded soldier to the top of the ruins. Here, you'll find a slot where you can place the mechanism.
When you place it in, you'll spawn three small pillars with icons on each side. This is the puzzle that needs to be solved to open the door.
How to solve the Ancient Mechanism puzzle in Hell is Us
The three-sided pillars here need to be turned so that the icons on them are in the right order from left to right. You can look around the ruins here for clues to solving this puzzle, but we can save you a bit of time with the solution below.
Again, from left to right, the correct solution is: Crown, Eye, Pickaxe
When the pillars are in the right order, the door to the ruins will open below. Climb back down and enter the door.
Beware, though, that the entrance will collapse behind you and kill the wounded soldier. Moreover, you won't be able to return to this initial area until you've made it all the way through the ruins. Good luck!
