The “Challenge” trophy in The Witness is widely regarded as one of the hardest trophies in the game. This guide will provide a structured approach to help you complete this final, timed puzzle sequence efficiently, including strategies for maximizing your time and using external tools like screenshots and rest mode to give yourself an advantage.

Unlocking the Challenge Area

To access the Challenge area, you must activate a hidden puzzle box by selecting the secondary power option on the elevator panel near the end of the game. If you’ve completed the game before, you can load your last autosave, which places you right at the final elevator, saving you time.

Once activated, you’ll encounter a three-diamond puzzle—these require you to trace lines around three edges of a given box. Solving this puzzle grants access to a secret door leading to the challenge area.

Understanding the Challenge Mechanics

The challenge consists of 14 randomized puzzles, meaning you cannot rely on a step-by-step guide for each puzzle’s solution. However, the structure and puzzle types remain the same across playthroughs. The sequence includes:

• Rotating pillar puzzles (diamond-based puzzles that require careful tracing)
• Maze puzzle with hidden orange dots
• Randomized Tetris and star puzzles
• Timed sequence ending in two pillar puzzles

The challenge begins at the music box. Once activated, the music starts playing, serving as your timer. If the music ends before you finish, you fail the challenge and must restart.

Using Rest Mode to Pause the Timer

One major difficulty is the fact that pausing the game does not stop the timer. However, entering PS4 rest mode does pause the game, allowing you to take as much time as needed to analyze and solve puzzles before continuing.

How to Use This Strategy Effectively:

1. Take a Screenshot – As soon as a difficult puzzle appears, use your phone or console to capture an image.
2. Enter Rest Mode – Press the PS button, navigate to power settings, and put your console into rest mode.
3. Analyze the Puzzle – Solve it using external tools like Microsoft Paint or drawing apps to map out the solution.
4. Restart and Solve Quickly – When ready, restart your PS4 and input the solution before moving on.

Walkthrough and Key Strategies

1. The Rotating Pillars

• The first major challenge is solving diamond puzzles on rotating pillars.
• Move slowly to avoid spinning the pillar too fast, making it difficult to track your solution.
• If you struggle, consider taking multiple screenshots or recording a short video.

2. The Maze Room

• This area features a fourth puzzle containing a maze with orange dots.
• Take a screenshot of this puzzle, as it provides the solution to the maze puzzle later.
• Once in the maze, use your screenshot to guide your movement toward the puzzle’s correct location.

3. Randomized Puzzles (Tetris and Star Challenges)

• These puzzles appear in four fixed locations, though the active puzzle is randomized.
• There are four puzzle types in rotation: Tetris blocks, star puzzles, Pac-Man dots, and more.
• Screenshot each one, solve it externally, and enter the solution quickly.

4. The Final Three Puzzle Sequence

• The last phase consists of two pillar puzzles and a three-screen selection puzzle.
• Two out of three screens will be decoys—only one contains a solvable puzzle.
• Again, use rest mode liberally here to avoid wasting time on unsolvable screens.

5. The Last Pillar Puzzle

• Unlike static puzzles, this wraparound pillar puzzle requires you to walk around while solving.
• Instead of screenshots, take a short video recording to review solutions from multiple angles.
• After reviewing your video, enter rest mode, solve the puzzle on paper, and return to complete it.

Final Tips for Completing the Challenge

1. Use the Music Timer Wisely – The challenge lasts as long as the music plays (~7 minutes). Plan rest mode breaks strategically.
2. Optimize Cursor Speed – Zooming in slows cursor movement; zooming out makes it faster.
3. Practice the Puzzle Types – While the solutions vary, mastering the puzzle rules will speed up your attempts.
4. Use External Help – If stuck, post screenshots on forums or ask friends to assist in finding solutions.

Conclusion: Earning the Challenge Trophy

Completing The Witness’s Challenge trophy is a true test of patience, puzzle-solving, and strategy. By utilizing rest mode, screenshots, and structured problem-solving, you can greatly improve your chances of success. Once completed, this will likely be the last trophy needed for Platinum—congratulations!

For further assistance, check out walkthroughs and puzzle-solving communities online. Good luck, and happy puzzling!