- On Thin Ice chapter 4 concludes Kate and Murphy’s investigation at Sticks’ hideout.
- Gate code: Read the bullet-hole signs and enter 991224.
- Hideout clue: Align the three rings with the etched letter pattern.
- Generator puzzle: Use syrup to distract Colt before taking the fight manual and taser.
- Final fight: Consult the manual and counter each move across the bridge.
On Thin Ice chapter 4: Opening Route
On Thin Ice chapter 4 begins at the entrance to Sticks’ hideout. Kate and Murphy must clear the snowy approach, unlock the metal gate, and pass through a drone-controlled area. Search every visible object before moving forward because several clues and tools are needed later.
Video Highlights:
- Opening the frozen gate panel with vodka
- Decoding the bullet-hole signs
- Collecting all five markers while avoiding drones
- Reaching the hidden hideout beyond the ice wall
Start by pulling away the spikes blocking the tarp. Brush the snow from the area to reveal the signs and the rubble pile. The vodka is hidden among the rubble and is required for the frozen control panel.
| Area | Required action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Tarp entrance | Pull out the spikes | Access to the snowy approach |
| Snowy ground | Brush away the snow | Reveals signs and rubble |
| Rubble pile | Take the vodka | Tool for the frozen panel |
| Metal box | Use the vodka | Reveals the gate lock |
| Gate lock | Enter 991224 | Opens the route to the drones |
The gate combination comes from the three signs marked by bullet holes:
| Bullet holes | Number | Code position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 99 | First pair |
| 2 | 12 | Middle pair |
| 3 | 24 | Final pair |
Enter 991224 without spaces. After the gate opens, move into the drone section. Kate and Murphy need to collect five markers while staying out of the drones’ flight paths. Watch the marker positions and wait for a drone to pass before crossing an exposed area.
Collect the markers patiently rather than rushing between them. Use cover, observe the drone pattern, and move when the next lane is clear.
After all five markers are collected, the ice wall is destroyed and the path to the secret hideout becomes available.
Hideout Bridge and Ring Puzzle
Inside the hideout, Murphy becomes trapped and Kate must build a temporary bridge. Move the curtain to find the hammer, then collect the two beams near the door. The hammer can also be used outside to remove additional wooden planks.
Hammer
Use it to remove planks and later secure the bridge with spikes.
Three Rings
One ring comes from Murphy, one from the fireplace, and one is taken with the skylight rod.
Skylight Rod
Take it from above the mantelpiece and use it to reach the hidden ring.
Follow the bridge sequence carefully:
Collect the bridge materials
Take the hammer and the two beams inside the hideout. Go back outside and pick up the fallen sign.
Remove the remaining planks
Use the hammer to pull the other signs away. Collect the extra planks and inspect the clue revealed underneath.
Build the crossing
Return inside, place the two beams and five planks, then use the spikes as nails. Hammer them into place.
Reach Murphy
Cross the completed bridge. Murphy provides a gold ring and points out the ring mechanism on the mantelpiece.
Find the last rings
Take the ring from the fireplace. Then use the skylight rod above the mantelpiece to retrieve the final ring.
Place all three rings on the mantelpiece. Rotate them until they match the etched letter pattern found outside. The correct alignment exposes the number 7427, framed by the letter V.
| Puzzle object | Clue source | Correct result |
|---|---|---|
| Gate lock | Bullet-hole signs | 991224 |
| Mantelpiece rings | Exterior etched letters | Match the displayed pattern |
| Framed number | Letter V on the aligned mechanism | 7427 |
Once the rings are aligned, use the fireplace entrance to descend into the hidden lower area.
Do not enter 7427 at the gate. The number belongs to the later hideout mechanism and appears only after the rings are aligned correctly.
Generator, Colt, and Caspia
The lower hideout contains several connected objectives. Explore the area, then return to the upper level when you need the chisel and hammer. These tools open the round globe-like object and reveal the items needed to distract Colt.
Use the following order to avoid backtracking:
| Objective | Item or clue | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Open the globe-like container | Chisel and hammer | Break open the round object |
| Obtain the fuel item | Syrup and broken bottle | Take both from inside |
| Distract Colt | Syrup | Pour it into the generator |
| Prepare for the encounter | Fight manual and taser | Take them from Colt’s backpack |
| Free Caspia | Handcuff key | Use it after Colt is subdued |
The syrup is the key item for the generator. Pour it into the machine to create a distraction, then take the fight manual and taser from Colt’s backpack. Study the manual before using the taser, because the next section depends on understanding the combat counters.
Use the taser on Colt and take the handcuff key. The key releases Caspia, Dan’s daughter, from captivity. After Caspia is free, Sticks appears with her and threatens her on the bridge.
Chapter 4 Objectives:
- Open the globe-like container with the chisel and hammer
- Take the syrup and broken bottle
- Pour syrup into the generator
- Take the fight manual and taser from Colt’s backpack
- Use the handcuff key to free Caspia
Before stepping onto the bridge, make sure Caspia is free and the fight manual has been examined. The manual provides the matchup rules for the final encounter.
For an additional written reference, compare this On Thin Ice Chapter 4 walkthrough guide while checking the puzzle order.
Final Bridge Fight Strategy
The final confrontation takes place on the bridge and is resolved through a sequence of combat choices. Each round requires selecting moves based on the matchup rules shown in the fight manual.
The core relationships are:
| Your move or counter | Beats or counters | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Punch | Kick | Select when the opponent commits to a kick |
| Kick | Elbow | Useful against an elbow attack |
| Elbow | Punch | Use against a punch |
| Dodge | Avoids many direct attacks | Choose when the opponent’s move is difficult to read |
| Block | Defensive response | Use when the manual identifies a blockable attack |
| Stop | Strong interruption | Follow the manual’s specific counter |
The encounter is divided into rounds, with three choices made in each round. Avoid selecting moves randomly. Watch the opponent’s action, consult the manual’s relationships, and choose the counter that matches the displayed rule.
A practical decision flow is:
- Identify the opponent’s attack.
- Check whether the manual recommends a punch, kick, elbow, dodge, block, or stop.
- Select the counter and continue observing the next exchange.
- Repeat until the round ends.
- Use the same process for the remaining rounds.
The walkthrough sequence emphasizes defensive timing early in the fight, followed by the appropriate strike when the opponent is exposed. If a selection fails, reread the manual instead of treating the previous choice as a fixed combination.
The fight is a counter puzzle, not a damage race. Match each response to the opponent’s move and use dodge or block when the manual calls for defense.
| Fight phase | Recommended focus | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| First exchange | Read the opening attack | Choosing a strike without checking the manual |
| Middle exchanges | Apply the punch, kick, and elbow counters | Repeating the same move automatically |
| Defensive moments | Use dodge, block, or stop when indicated | Treating every attack as strikeable |
| Final exchange | Follow the last matchup carefully | Skipping the manual before the final choice |
After winning the bridge fight, continue through the ending sequence. The case is resolved, Sticks is defeated, and Kate and Murphy’s relationship receives a lighter closing moment after the crisis.
Once the final fight is won, let the ending scenes play through. There are no additional chapter puzzles after the bridge encounter.
Chapter 4 FAQ
Q: What is the On Thin Ice chapter 4 gate code?
The gate code is 991224. It comes from the signs showing one bullet hole as 99, two bullet holes as 12, and three bullet holes as 24.
Q: How many markers must Kate and Murphy collect near the drones?
You must collect five markers while avoiding the drones. Move between safe openings and wait for the flight path to clear.
Q: How do I solve the mantelpiece ring puzzle?
Place all three rings on the mantelpiece and rotate them to match the etched letter pattern found outside. The aligned mechanism reveals 7427.
Q: How do I defeat the final bridge opponent?
Use the fight manual to counter each attack. Punch beats kick, kick beats elbow, and elbow beats punch; use dodge, block, or stop when the manual indicates.
The two most important numbers are used in different locations: 991224 opens the outside gate, while 7427 is revealed by the interior ring mechanism.