Most runs in Welcome to the Game III are lost before the real investigation even begins. Players usually die because they ignore the basics like leaving doors unlocked, missing warning sounds, or activating dangerous mechanics too early. The game doesn’t forgive careless mistakes, especially during the first night.
When you build a good routine, it makes a much bigger difference than rushing through darknet websites. Spend some time preparing your motel room, learn where important locations are, and collect useful equipment before focusing on progression. Once these habits become part of your every run, surviving the later hours feels much easier.
This Welcome to the Game 3 walkthrough follows the game’s progression from start to finish, including first-night priorities, website schedules, hacking minigames, enemy behavior, DOS farming methods, motion-sensor placements, and other mechanics you’ll encounter during a playthrough.
Welcome to the Game 3 Beginner Walkthrough (First Night Guide)
Your first night isn’t about solving every puzzle. You have to prepare yourself before the game starts giving threats to you. If you spend the first 20–30 minutes setting up properly, the rest of the night will be much easier.
Lock Your Motel Room First
The moment you gain control of your character, lock your motel room door.
Take a few seconds to learn where everything is inside the room:
- Panic button
- Light switch
- Computer
- Peephole
- Back door
You’ll return here constantly, so knowing the layout can save time during emergencies.
Search Every Motel Room
Before sitting at the computer, make sure to explore the motel.
Your main objective is to collect useful supplies that will help you survive later.
Things worth picking up include:
- One bag of meth for Cletus
- Motion sensors
- Security cameras
- Speed drugs
- Other useful loot
Only carry one meth bag. If you find another, leave it where it is and remember the location. Carrying multiple bags is usually a waste because Cletus will take every bag you’re holding.
Learn the Motel Layout
One of the easiest ways to die in Welcome to the Game III is to get lost.
Before progressing, make sure you know where these locations are:
- Electrical room
- Internet boxes
- Package pickup spots
- Safe routes around the motel
- Ace of Spades room for Tucker’s chase event
You’ll need to visit these places repeatedly throughout the game.
Install Motion Sensors
Once you’ve collected three motion sensors, place them before focusing on progression.
The safest setup is:
- Left side of the motel
- Right side of the motel
- Lucas’ back door
This setup will give early warnings for both Tanner and Lucas. This setup will also reduce the surprise attacks.
Start Browsing Dark Web Websites
After finishing your preparation, return to the computer and begin searching websites.
Focus on:
- Collecting hashes
- Finding clues
- Downloading useful files
- Unlocking new websites
Don’t rush into every website you discover. Some of them can introduce new dangers.
One website you should avoid early is The Bomb Maker. Whenever you visit it, a new threat is triggered that can slow your progress if you’re still trying to build your setup.
Keep Your Door Locked
Every time you return to your motel room, lock the door immediately.
Before stepping outside:
- Listen for lockpicking sounds.
- Check the peephole.
- Make sure the area is safe.
These few seconds can save an entire run.
Watch the Time
Several websites only appear during specific time windows.
If you miss one you usually have to wait until the next hour to get back in it.
While you’re browsing, check the clock so you don’t waste valuable time.
Don’t Panic During Threats
Every killer gives some kind of warning before attacking.
It might be a sound, a visual cue, or a specific event.
Don’t respond randomly to warnings, learn what each warning sign means. Once you spot those patterns, it’s a lot easier to survive.
Early-Game Priorities
Follow this order during your first night:
- Lock your motel room.
- Find one meth bag.
- Learn the motel layout.
- Collect motion sensors.
- Install the sensors.
- Start browsing websites.
- Avoid activating The Bomb Maker.
- Continue progressing while checking timed websites.
Avoid these mistakes during your first few runs:
- Carrying multiple meth bags.
- Forgetting to lock motel room doors.
- Visiting The Bomb Maker too early.
- Sprinting everywhere outside.
- Ignoring timed websites.
- Leaving a motel room without checking the peephole.
- Forgetting where important locations are.
Learn the Important Sound Cues
Most threats can be identified before they reach you if you know what to listen for.
| Sound | Threat |
|---|---|
| Quiet rustling grass | Tanner |
| Lockpicking sound | Lucas |
| Old-time music | Tucker |
| Quiet ticking | Bomb Maker |
| Short motion sensor beep (around 2 seconds) | Tanner |
| Long continuous motion sensor beep (5–6 seconds or longer) | Lucas |
Playing with headphones can make these sounds much easier to recognize.
Welcome to the Game III Website Guide
It’s just as important to know when a website is available as it is to find it. Some sites are up all night, others are only around for a short window of time. If you miss one, you will have to wait until the next cycle to check again.
This section lists every website by availability, followed by a quick schedule you can use while playing.
Always Available Websites
These websites can be accessed at any time during the night.
- Blushing Brides
- Cavity Lease
- Crisis Calls
- Doctor Murder
- Dont Waste It
- Doughy
- Encrave
- Forever Friend
- Jakobs Sink
- LostTapes
- Oneless
- Prohibited Stockpile
- Red Triangle
- Ring Ring
- Symphoros Chosen
- Synapse Decay
- Tango Down
- Thanks For Visiting!
- The Bomb Maker
- The Hole
- The Light Within
- The Loogaroo
- Time Sharing
- TRACK06
- VoluVision
- World Wide Workers
Timed Websites
These websites only appear during specific parts of each hour.
Available from :00 to :14
- FindLove
- Forsaken Gifts
- Mors N More Market
- Order Of Nine
- The Prey
Available from :00 to :29
- Blackhat Post
- Drug Tickets
- Kill For Me
- MamaBruguglio
- Red Handed
- ViaMarisRoute
Available from :15 to :29
- Building A Future
- Eat My ♥♥♥♥
- Overnight Success
Available from :30 to :44
- Bizzare Propagation
- Crystal Guild
- I Am Here
- Keep Sake
- Shelter
- You There?
Available from :30 to :59
- Chevron
- finalStanding
- Lab Monkey
- The Grey
Available from :45 to :59
- The Hall
Permanently Dead Websites
These websites can no longer be accessed during a normal playthrough.
- Abyssal Chat
- Backrooms
- Bathroom Cams
- Bone Altar
- Carrion Stage
- Corpses For Sale
- Crimson Bazaar
- Crimson Relay
- Dread Signal
- Drone Spy
- Dusk Haven
- Echo Vault
- Eternal Loop
- Evidence Locker
- Father Donald
- Flicker Stream
- Foot Doctor
- Forgive Me
- Ghost Proxy
- Gloom Archive
- Hollow Key
- Iron Ledger
- Iron Mask
- Is Evil
- Lost Signals
- Murk Lair
- Mutilation
- My Gut
- Noir Gallery
- Obsidian Trade
- Pale Market
- Phantom Lot
- Red Veil
- Roses Destruction
- Rust Network
- Secure Drop
- Shade Broker
- Shadow Cache
- Silent Auction
- Specter Hub
- The Black Waves
- The Butcher
- The End Of NY
- Veiled Eyes
- Void Library
- Wraith Cam
Quick Website Schedule
Use this quick reference whenever the in-game clock changes.
| Time | Websites to Check |
|---|---|
| :00 | FindLove, Blackhat Post, Drug Tickets, Kill For Me, MamaBruguglio, Red Handed, ViaMarisRoute, Forsaken Gifts, Mors N More Market, Order Of Nine, The Prey |
| :15 | Building A Future, Eat My ♥♥♥♥, Overnight Success |
| :30 | Bizzare Propagation, Crystal Guild, I Am Here, Keep Sake, Shelter, You There?, Chevron, finalStanding, Lab Monkey, The Grey |
| :45 | The Hall |
Welcome to the Game III Hacking Guide
Hacking attempts become more frequent as you progress, and ignoring them isn’t an option for you. Every successful defense protects your computer and rewards you with DOSCoin, which you’ll need for upgrades later in the game.
Each hacking minigame works differently, so learning the basics early can make them much less stressful.
K3RN3LC0MP1L3R
Objective: Type the highlighted line exactly as it appears on the screen.
Tips
- Focus on accuracy instead of typing as fast as possible.
- Use Backspace if you make a mistake.
- Later versions ask you to type multiple lines before the attack ends.
- A few correct entries are much better than rushing and making several mistakes.
memDEALLOCATER
Objective: Move through the memory block while avoiding every red section.
Each key press moves the memory block down by one row and adds a new row at the top.
Controls
- A / Left Arrow – Left side is safe.
- D / Right Arrow – Right side is safe.
- Spacebar – Both sides are safe.
Instead of waiting for the next prompt, read a few rows ahead and plan your inputs in advance. This gives you more time to react when the speed increases.
Correct inputs fill the progress bar, while wrong inputs reduce it. Harder versions remove the key prompt completely, so memorizing the controls becomes even more important.
Quick Tip: Look ahead instead of reacting one row at a time.
shiftSEQ
Objective: Destroy every infected node before the attack reaches your home node.
You’ll begin inside the home node. From there, move through the network, clear infected nodes, and return home to recharge whenever your energy gets low.
Controls
- W – Move Up
- A – Move Left
- S – Move Down
- D – Move Right
- Spacebar – Attack an infected node or recharge while standing inside the home node.
Each infected node takes multiple hits to destroy, so don’t waste all your energy on distant targets.
Tips
- Recharge whenever you pass the home node.
- Clear nearby infections first.
- Never leave your home node exposed for too long.
- Watch the center of the network. If an attack reaches it while you’re away, your connection health drops.
stackPUSHER
Objective: Push every stack node into the popper.
This puzzle is more about planning than speed.
Tips
- Look at the entire layout before making your first move.
- Avoid trapping a stack where it can’t be moved.
- Never push a node onto a laughing skull.
TOKENINE
Objective: Rebuild the authentication token by selecting the correct pieces before time runs out.
The puzzle starts out simple but becomes much harder later because visual effects make the pieces difficult to recognize.
Tips
- Always make a selection before the timer expires.
- Don’t overthink your first choice.
- Later versions are easier if you focus on the overall shape instead of small details.
General Hacking Tips
Every successful hack defense rewards DOSCoin, so these attacks aren’t completely bad news. As long as you complete the minigames consistently, you’ll earn extra money while keeping your system safe.
If you’re struggling with a particular hack, spend a few runs learning its pattern instead of trying to brute-force it. Most of them become much easier once you understand how they work.
Welcome to the Game 3 Threat Guide
Most deaths in Welcome to the Game III happen because players don’t recognize the warning signs. Every major threat gives you a chance to react, but only if you know what to look or listen for.
Here’s how to survive every major enemy you’ll encounter.
Noir (Myra)
Warning Sign
Myra suddenly appears in front of your desk while you’re using the computer.
How to Survive?
Don’t stand up.
Turn your view away from her and wait until she says:
“Good boy.”
Once she speaks, she’ll disappear on her own.
Extra Tips:
- Keeping your lights off increases the chance of Myra appearing.
- However, darkness also makes Lucas search your room less often, so you’ll need to balance the risk.
Lucas
Warning Sign
A squeaking lock means Lucas has started picking your motel room door.
How to Survive?
Always keep your motel room locked.
If you’ve unlocked the shortcut between the electrical room and the computer room, lock both doors whenever you pass through.
The longer Lucas spends picking the lock, the more time you have to prepare.
The Kidnapper
Warning Sign
A white van begins driving around the motel.
How to Survive?
As soon as you spot the van, keep watching it until it leaves.
Leaving certain safe areas while the van is active can instantly end your run.
Extra Tips
- Two security cameras aimed at utility poles make the van much easier to track.
- Without cameras, you can sometimes spot it through the motel’s front windows.
- The Kidnapper doesn’t appear to spawn during red Internet or Power outages.
Tanner
Warning Sign
A very quiet rustling sound coming from the grass.
How to Survive?
Always lock motel room doors behind you.
Before opening any motel room door, check the peephole first.
If Tanner is waiting outside, stay inside until he walks away.
Desk Attack
If Tanner charges your motel room door:
- Press the panic button once.
- During the first attack, he’ll slam into the door and fall down.
- Later encounters end with Tanner pointing his finger before leaving.
Don’t spam the panic button. Recent updates added a penalty for excessive use.
Tucker
Tucker becomes dangerous around power boxes, Internet boxes, and during his music chase event.
Power Room
Whenever you enter the electrical room, lock the outside door behind you.
Internet and Power Boxes
After repairing or slapping a box:
- Stay where you are.
- Listen for Tucker arriving.
- Wait until you hear him leave.
If nothing happens after around 15 seconds, it’s usually safe to continue.
Music Chase
If you hear an old-time song playing, stop whatever you’re doing.
Run straight to the motel room marked with the Ace of Spades.
You only have a short amount of time before Tucker catches you.
Cletus
What Does He Want?
Cletus only wants meth.
How to Prepare?
Search motel rooms early in the night.
Carry exactly one bag.
If you find more, leave them where they spawned and remember their locations.
Holding multiple bags doesn’t help because Cletus takes all of them.
The Breather
When Does He Appear?
Usually while you’re wandering too far away from the motel, especially during package deliveries.
How to Survive?
Don’t sprint unless you have to.
If The Breather appears, immediately run back toward the motel.
Reaching the parking lot is usually enough to escape.
Speed drugs make this chase much easier.
The Bomb Maker
What Activates Him?
The Bomb Maker doesn’t become active until you visit his website.
That’s why many players delay opening it until progression requires it.
Bomb Mechanics
Once activated, a bomb is hidden somewhere around the motel.
Find it before the timer expires.
Enter the correct code to disarm it.
Common Bomb Locations
- Empty motel rooms
- Behind motel buildings
- Near Wi-Fi boxes
Listen carefully for a quiet ticking sound. You’ll usually need to get fairly close before you can hear it.
If you’re searching around the parking lot and don’t hear anything, check behind the buildings next.
Extra Tips
- Keep your motel room lights on before disarming a bomb. Otherwise your flashlight turns off while entering the code.
- Try to keep at least 50 DOS available for emergencies.
- Tucker can still ambush you while you’re looking for bombs.
General Survival Tips
Following a few simple habits makes every run much safer.
- Lock every usable door whenever possible.
- Check the peephole before leaving your room.
- Use security cameras to monitor the Kidnapper.
- Remember that lights on reduce Myra encounters differently than lights off affects Lucas.
- Always know where at least one spare meth bag is located.
- Keep some DOS available in case you need emergency purchases.
Welcome to the Game III DOS & Money Guide
DOS is the main currency in Welcome to the Game III. You’ll need it to buy motion sensors, security cameras, software, and other upgrades that can make surviving much easier.
Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to earn DOS without relying on luck.
Sell Dark Web Links
Every time you discover a new darknet website, save it in your Notes app.
NPCs on CryptChat occasionally ask for website links and will pay DOS in return.
Why It’s Worth Doing?
- Easy source of income
- No risk involved
- Earn money while progressing naturally
If you regularly save new websites, you’ll almost always have something to sell when a request appears.
Sell Downloaded Files
Some websites contain downloadable files through ShadowFetch.
These files are often requested by NPCs, and they usually pay more than they do for website links.
Why It’s Worth Doing?
- One of the best ways to earn DOS
- High payouts compared to most other methods
- Fits naturally into normal progression
Whenever you find a downloadable file, keep it unless you have a reason to delete it.
Mine DOSCoin
After hacking into VirtMesh users, you can mine their computers for DOSCoin.
Higher-tier users generate DOS much faster than beginner accounts, so upgrading your targets is worth the effort.
First-Tier Mining Rates
| User | DOSCoin |
|---|---|
| WebTyk | 1.84 |
| UserJyx | 1.80 |
| NetVorn | 1.45 |
| CloudFuz | 0.88 |
| SysBlip | 0.87 |
| DevQuix | 0.64 |
| DataRax | 0.30 |
Second-Tier Mining Rates
| User | DOSCoin |
|---|---|
| Pheonix | 4.79 |
| OpsHex | 3.23 |
| GameDrux | 2.57 |
| PrintYiv | 2.43 |
| FileNuz | 1.84 |
| VM_Wekl | 1.74 |
| BlackShiv | 1.49 |
| LabBzop | 0.42 |
If you have multiple mining targets available, prioritize the highest-paying systems first.
Defend Against Hacking Attacks
Every successful hacking defense rewards you with DOSCoin.
Instead of treating hacks as interruptions, think of them as free opportunities to earn extra money.
Keeping your security software updated also prevents expensive setbacks later.
Gambling
The slot machine can sometimes reward a large amount of DOS, but it’s extremely inconsistent.
Pros
- Chance to win big
Cons
- High risk
- Easy to lose everything
- Unreliable income source
It’s best to gamble only when you have more DOS than you currently need.
Best Shopping Priorities
Buying the right upgrades early has a much bigger impact than saving your money.
Buy First
These upgrades provide the biggest improvement to your survival.
- Motion Sensors
- Security Cameras
- Earbuds
- Security Software
They make it much easier to detect enemies, hear warning sounds, and defend against hacking attempts.
Buy Later
Once your basic setup is complete, start investing in upgrades that improve hacking efficiency or help locate puzzle pieces faster.
Lowest Priority
Luxury items and gambling should come last.
Focus on survival tools before spending DOS on anything optional.
Money-Saving Tip
Avoid buying upgrades the moment you can afford them. Keeping a small emergency fund is always a good idea, especially after activating threats like The Bomb Maker. Having around 50 DOS available can save your run when an unexpected expense appears.
Welcome to the Game 3 Motion Sensor Guide
Motion sensors are one of the best investments you can make. A good setup gives you enough warning to react before Tanner or Lucas reaches your motel room.
If you only have three sensors, use the layout below. It’s reliable and avoids the issues some players have reported with a fourth sensor.
Best 3-Sensor Setup
Sensor 1 – Right Side of the Motel
Purpose: Detects Tanner approaching from the right side.
This sensor gives you enough time to get back inside and prepare before Tanner reaches your door.
Sensor 2 – Left Side of the Motel
Purpose: Detects Tanner approaching from the left side.
With sensors covering both sides of the motel, you’ll know which direction Tanner is coming from instead of being caught by surprise.
Sensor 3 – Lucas’ Back Door
Location: The back door shown after Wade’s introduction cutscene.
Purpose: Detects Lucas before he starts picking your lock.
This early warning gives you enough time to:
- Turn off the lights.
- Hide if needed.
- Prepare before Lucas reaches the door.
This is why the back door is considered the best location for your third sensor.
Should You Use a Fourth Sensor?
Some players place a fourth sensor near the dumpster beside the fence and network boxes.
Advantage
- Detects Lucas slightly earlier than the standard setup.
Drawback
Several players have reported that this location can cause Lucas to attack much more frequently.
While this isn’t guaranteed to happen every run, it’s generally safer to avoid this placement unless a future update fixes the issue.
How to Tell Tanner and Lucas Apart
The motion sensor doesn’t identify enemies by name, but the alert duration usually tells you who’s nearby.
Short Beep (Around 2 Seconds)
This almost always means Tanner.
When you hear it:
- Get inside your motel room if possible.
- Lock the door.
- Be ready to use the panic button if he rushes you.
Long Continuous Beep (5–6 Seconds or More)
A long alert usually means Lucas.
You’ll normally have enough time to:
- Turn off the lights.
- Stay inside.
- Wait for him to begin lockpicking.
Unlike Tanner, Lucas doesn’t charge your room immediately, so there’s no need to panic.
If You’re Using Four Sensors
The dumpster sensor also produces a short alert, which can make Lucas sound similar to Tanner at first.
If you’re unsure:
- Check the front entrance.
- If Tanner isn’t there, assume the alert is for Lucas.
- You’ll still have enough time because Lucas has to walk from the dumpster to your back door before attempting to pick the lock.
Motion Sensor Quick Reference
| Sensor Location | Detects | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Right side of the motel | Tanner (Right) | ✅ |
| Left side of the motel | Tanner (Left) | ✅ |
| Lucas’ back door | Lucas | ✅ |
| Dumpster near the fence | Early Lucas warning | ⚠️ Not Recommended |
Three motion sensors are all you need for a safe setup. Cover both sides of the motel and Lucas’ back door, then learn the difference between the short and long alerts. Once you recognize those sounds, you’ll have much more time to react before either threat reaches you.
Welcome to the Game III FAQ
Even after learning the basics, a few questions come up during almost every playthrough. Here are the answers to the ones players ask most often.
Is Gambling Worth It?
Usually, no.
The slot machine can occasionally pay out a large amount of DOS, but the odds aren’t in your favor. It’s too unreliable to use as your main source of income.
If you’re trying to save money for upgrades, you’re better off selling website links, downloaded files, or mining DOSCoin.
Should I Always Carry Meth?
Yes, but carry only one bag.
Keeping a single bag on you means you’ll be ready when Cletus appears. Carrying multiple bags doesn’t provide any extra benefit because he’ll take every bag you’re holding.
If you find additional bags, leave them where they spawned and remember their locations for later.
Should I Visit The Bomb Maker Early?
No.
The Bomb Maker stays inactive until you visit his website for the first time. Once activated, you’ll need to deal with hidden bombs while continuing your normal objectives.
Unless the story requires it, it’s usually better to postpone activating this threat until you’ve collected useful upgrades like motion sensors and security cameras.
Do I Need to Check Website Source Code?
Yes.
Some websites hide important clues, puzzle pieces, or progression items inside their source code. Skipping it can leave you stuck later in the game.
Whenever you discover a new website, make checking its source part of your routine.
Can I Pause While Using the Computer?
No.
The game doesn’t pause while you’re browsing websites. Enemies can still move around the motel, hacking attempts can begin, and other threats continue to progress in the background.
Stay alert while using the computer, especially if your motion sensors or cameras report activity.
