How to Complete Herald’s Illusion and Enter Crimson Manor in Phantom Blade Zero

Players will first discover Crimson Manor after acquiring the Sha-Chi Tower Base Key, which grants access to the northeastern side of the map. Here, you can explore for additional items and collectibles before heading down a path and turning left to find a metal wall. This wall can be broken using the endlessly spawning Powderkegs found further ahead.

Once the path is open, you can access an elevator that takes you into the depths of the Sha-Chi Tower, where you will find Crimson Manor. However, the door to the Manor will be locked when you arrive, and opening it requires significant story progress. This guide covers everything you need to do to enter Crimson Manor.

How to Unlock the Crimson Manor Door in Phantom Blade Zero

Acquiring the Puppet’s Tongue

Crimson Manor is entirely optional and is not required to finish the main story. However, this and several other side activities can significantly affect the game’s ending. To enter the Manor, you will need the Puppet’s Tongue, but obtaining it requires you to complete another quest first.

First Portal: Village of Lu

After defeating the boss at the Puppet Testing Grounds in the Village of Lu, look to the left to find a path leading up to a portal. Entering this portal starts The Herald’s Illusion quest, which requires you to enter all three portals scattered throughout the game. You will find a hanging puppet inside these portals, but you cannot do much with it just yet.

Second Portal: Mandate Encampment

The second portal is located at the end of the Mandate Encampment. After acquiring the Training Grounds Key, make your way to the northwestern part of the map and fight the final boss of this region. You will find the second portal further ahead. Enter it to progress the Herald’s Illusion quest before continuing through the main story.

Third Portal: Mountain of Imprisonment

The third and final portal is located at the end of the seventh region, Mountain of Imprisonment. This region is only accessible after you have restored the Illusory Pipa and use it north of Meigu Lake. Progress through the Mountain and defeat its final boss. After a cutscene involving a major NPC, you can exit through the portal and proceed to the next portal ahead, which takes you back to the hanging puppet.

Speak to the puppet, and it will provide more information before giving you the Puppet’s Tongue along with the Crystal Puppet Eye [Yin]. With this item in your possession, you can finally return to Crimson Manor.

Opening the Crimson Manor Door

Once you have the Puppet’s Tongue, return to Crimson Manor and interact with the locked door. Use it to unlock the entrance and enter the Manor. You can now explore the area, challenge the secret boss hidden inside, and also get the final Acolyte Mask.

Systems

Released

October 29, 2026

Developer(s)

S-Game

Publisher(s)

S-Game