This article is a draft page for the page Tinderbox. It will replace the information that can currently be found on that page when it is finished.
Tinderboxes are tools used to ignite light-sources such as wax candles, torches, lamps and fires in Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Amnesia: Justine Tinderboxes can be found all around Castle Brennenburg, but they are usually found in chests and drawers, or on the floor. There are a total of 151 tinderboxes in The Dark Descent, and 5 in Justine.
Collecting all the tinderboxes in The Dark Descent rewards the player with the Achievement "Illuminatus" on the PC or Xbox One, or a gold trophy on the PS4. The Xbox One achievement is worth 60G.
While tinderboxes are much more common than lamp oil, they can only be used to light stationary light-sources, such as torches or candles. Tinderboxes should be used in areas the player travels around regularly, so as to make the most of them. Once a tinderbox has been used, the light-source will stay on indefinitely and will stay lit even if the area is left and returned to later.
Tinderboxes may be used as a means of helping with navigation. In areas with a very low light level, the player can use tinderboxes to light torches - not only as a means to light up the area but also as a way to remind the player if the room has already been visited. This is especially useful in the prison and Choir.
In Hard Mode for Amnesia: The Dark Descent, the total number of tinderboxes has been reduced. Autosaving has also been disabled, and manual saving costs 4 tinderboxes. The achievement/trophy Illuminatus can not be achieved on Hard mode. The spawning locations and the amount that spawn in Hard Mode appear to be random, but usually around 20-30 tinderboxes will spawn throughout the game.
Tinderbox locations[]
This is an exhaustive list of all tinderboxes in Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Amnesia: Justine. It is a useful guide if you are going for the Illuminatus achievement/trophy. Following are some tips to make sure you don't miss any:
Stick to the guide. It is easy to lose track of where you are if you decide to stray from the guide. All the tinderboxes are listed in the order that make them the most convenient to pick up.
Don't use any tinderboxes. Finishing the game without using any tinderboxes makes it way easier to see if you are missing any.
Check your tinderbox count before exiting each level. Compare it to this guide and make sure the numbers match. This is to make sure you are not missing any before entering a point of no return.
Check your tinderbox count every time you die. Dying not long after picking up a tinderbox may result in the game not registering you picking up the tinderbox. Therefore, it is important to compare the number of tinderboxes you are carrying with the amounts on this page. If you are missing one, it should still be where you last picked it up.
Make sure you don't mix up levels. The Nave level and the Chancel levels must be cleared out on your first visit, and then again once you arrive at the Nave for a second time after your trip to the Cells. After this, the levels will be restocked with new tinderboxes that must be collected. You can not pick up any missed tinderboxes from your first visit on your second trip through the area.
On top of a shelf in the room that can be entered through a door underneath the stairs, in the area where the Grunt can be seen walking off to after picking up the Laudanum.
1.
25.
On the middle of a shelf, near to #24.
2.
26.
Turning around from #25 and walking forward into the next room, the tinderbox can be found at the bottom of a shelf filled with bottles.
3.
27.
On the other side of the wall the shelf where #27 can be found is leaning against, a tinderbox can be found on a shelf in the corner.
4.
28.
At the top of the shelf where the Orpiment can be found.
5.
29.
In a shelf in the room where the Calamine can be found (the room with the oil barrel).
6.
30.
On a desk in the same room as #29.
7.
31.
In a chest in the room before Wilhelm's note and the Aqua Regia.
On the work bench in the middle of the first room, near a candle.
1.
49.
On a shelf in the first room at the left, where the first drill part can be found.
2.
50.
Next to #49.
3.
51.
On another shelf in the same room as #49 and #50.
4.
52.
Heading into the area labelled "Equipment", in the first room to the right, a tinderbox can be found on the floor underneath the Regarding Explosive Mixture note describing how to create the explosive.
5.
53.
In the second room to the right of the Equipment area (looking from the entrance), on a shelf on the left side of the room.
6.
54.
Near to #53, on another shelf in the wall.
7.
55.
On a shelf on the right side of the same room.
8.
56.
In a chest near to #55.
9.
57.
In the room down center of the Equipment area (looking from the entrance), on a box.
10.
58.
In the same room, near the drill part.
11.
59.
In the room to the left of the Equipment area (looking from the entrance), on a bookshelf.
12.
60.
On top of the same bookshelf as #59.
13.
61.
Heading back to the starting area and proceeding down the path labelled "Machine Parts" up until the collapsed section, a tinderbox can be found on the floor near the rubble.
14.
62.
In the area that becomes accesible after clearing the rubble using the explosive mixture, on a shelf at the right side of the room.
15.
63.
In the same room, in a chest behind some barrels on the left of the room.
16.
64.
Next to #63.
17.
65.
On the massive work bench in the middle of the large room labelled "Food Storage".
18.
66.
At the storage area on the left side of the room (looking from the entrance), near some sacks.
19.
67.
On a bookshelf at the right side of the room, between the two doors.
20.
68.
In a bookshelf in the first room to the right, looking from the entrance (the one with the hanging pig carcasses).
21.
69.
On the floor of the second room to the right, looking from the entrance. Note that there is a Servant Grunt in this room – This grunt will de-spawn if it is allowed to kill the player once, allowing safe access to the room.
22.
70.
In the same room, on a shelf nearby.
23.
71.
On the same shelf as #70.
24.
72.
At the very end of the level, on the floor at the far back of the room where the two rods can be found.
Follow the corridor until you get to an intersection, then take a right. Follow the corridor to the end. The tinderbox is on the ground near some rubble blocking the path.
1.
87.
After picking up #86, head into the cell that was just passed. A tinderbox can be found on the ground next to a fallen-over chair.
2.
88.
Head back to the intersection and take a left this time (looking from where the intersection was first accessed). Follow the corridor until an area with cells on either side is reached. The tinderbox can be found hidden inside of a bucket in the cell to the left.
3.
89.
Heading back to the intersection and up the stairs, avoiding the Servant Grunt and following the corridor down to the right until another intersection is reached. The tinderbox can be found on the ground down the path to the right, near some rubble and a bottle of Laudanum.
4.
90.
Head back out, and take a right, down the stairs to the locked gate. The tinderbox is on the ground in front of the gate.
5.
91.
Head back up the stairs and take the first right. Then head straight until you come to another intersection and a cell right in front of you. Enter the cell and you will find the tinderbox on the ground along with an oil canister.
Crawl out of the crawlspace and follow the sign labelled "Kitchen". Once you reach the kitchen, check on a shelf on the right side of the room for two tinderboxes.
1.
93.
Crawl out of the crawlspace and follow the sign labelled "Kitchen". Once you reach the kitchen, check on a shelf on the right side of the room for two tinderboxes.
2.
94.
Exit the kitchen, go past the crawlspace and up the stairs. Follow the corridor until you see a sign labelled "Cell Area III", then head right, following the sign labelled "Storage". When you reach the next fork, take a right and then head into the first cell on your right side. A tinderbox and a diary entry can be found in here on a bedside table.
3.
95.
Head into the cell opposite the one you were just in. Be wary, though, as there is a Servant Grunt in here. If you get killed by him you will respawn in the cell. The tinderbox is in a corner on top of a pile of filth in a small sub-room of the cell.
4.
96.
Head back out and to your left, towards Cell Area IV. Go right at the fork and down the stairs, and you will reach the storage just around the corner. In the storage, you can find a whole four tinderboxes: Two on a shelf on the right side, and two in a chest on the left side with an oil canister.
5.
97.
Head back out and to your left, towards Cell Area IV. Go right at the fork and down the stairs, and you will reach the storage just around the corner. In the storage, you can find a whole four tinderboxes: Two on a shelf on the right side, and two in a chest on the left side with an oil canister.
6.
98.
Head back out and to your left, towards Cell Area IV. Go right at the fork and down the stairs, and you will reach the storage just around the corner. In the storage, you can find a whole four tinderboxes: Two on a shelf on the right side, and two in a chest on the left side with an oil canister.
7.
99.
Head back out and to your left, towards Cell Area IV. Go right at the fork and down the stairs, and you will reach the storage just around the corner. In the storage, you can find a whole four tinderboxes: Two on a shelf on the right side, and two in a chest on the left side with an oil canister.
8.
100.
Head back out and back up the stairs, take a left and follow the corridor past the two cells and then take a right at the fork. Keep heading straight at the next fork, around the bend, and then take a right at the next fork. Follow the corridor until you reach an area with cells on either side of you. Head into the cell on your right and you will find a tinderbox on the ground underneath a small table.
9.
101.
In the other cell opposite this one, a tinderbox can be found near the dead man.
10.
102.
Going back out the cell, and back left at the fork, and then another left at the next fork, and then straight ahead, you will find yourself at the gate to the cistern entrance. A tinderbox can be found on the floor near the gate.
11.
103.
Taking the last fork before the gate to the cistern entrance, and following the corridor all the way to the end, the final tinderbox of the Prison can be found on the floor near a locked gate and a couple of boxes and barrels.
In the first room to your right, with the pipe and the control panel, a tinderbox can be found on a box at the far end of the room.
1.
105.
In the room opposite the previous one, another tinderbox can be found on a box at the left side of the room.
2.
106.
After opening the gate and proceeding to the next part of the control room, head into the room to your right. The tinderbox is on a small table next to a note.
Taking the left path in the corridor will lead you to the room where you find the copper tube. In here, a tinderbox can be found on the floor in the middle of a fallen-over shelf.
1.
110.
Two tinderboxes can be found in the room with the dead body from where you get the vaccine. One of them is in a bookshelf and the other is in a desk.
2.
111.
Two tinderboxes can be found in the room with the dead body from where you get the vaccine. One of them is in a bookshelf and the other is in a desk.
Take the first right as soon as you enter the Sewer, and follow the corridor until you see a large pipe sticking out of the wall. The tinderbox is inside the pipe.
NOTE: These tinderboxes must be gathered on the first visit to the Nave, before returning from the Cells.
No.
Location
Relative number
113.
Behind the well at the very start of the level.
1.
114.
On the floor of the small blocked-off corridor to the right of the well.
2.
115.
On a table in the room with all the levers that can be entered through the door to the left of the well.
3.
116.
Head down the large spiral staircase and check underneath it. One tinderbox can be found on the floor near a rope, and two more can be found further in on a box.
4.
117.
Head down the large spiral staircase and check underneath it. One tinderbox can be found on the floor near a rope, and two more can be found further in on a box.
5.
118.
Head down the large spiral staircase and check underneath it. One tinderbox can be found on the floor near a rope, and two more can be found further in on a box.
6.
119.
In the corridor leading to the Choir Entrance, there is a side room to the left. In this side room, a tinderbox can be found in a desk, and another can be found in a bookshelf
7.
120.
In the corridor leading to the Choir Entrance, there is a side room to the left. In this side room, a tinderbox can be found in a desk, and another can be found in a bookshelf.
8.
121.
In the large cell area right before the chancel a tinderbox can be found on a shelf to your immediate left as you enter the room.
9.
122.
In a corner of the first cell on the right on the bottom floor.
10.
123.
In the top-right cell on the second floor, another tinderbox can be found.
NOTE: These tinderboxes must be gathered before all Orb pieces have been gathered from the Choir and the Transept.
No.
Location
Relative number
124.
Going left at the intersection, to the room with the tar, a tinderbox can be found at the top of a shelf.
1.
125.
Heading downstairs towards the machinery that power the lightning tunnel, a tinderbox can be found on the floor.
2.
126.
If you instead take a right at the intersection, you will find yourself in a small room with a strange altar further in. The tinderbox sits on a bookshelf to the immediate right of the entrance.
Two tinderboxes can be found in the room to your right as you enter the Choir Entrance. One is on a table to the left, and another is in the corner on the floor to your right.
1.
128.
Two tinderboxes can be found in the room to your right as you enter the Choir Entrance. One is on a table to the left, and another is in the corner on the floor to your right.
Take an immediate left when you enter the Choir - Main Hall until you reach a corner. A tinderbox sits here on the ground next to a couple of boulders.
1.
130.
Turn back around towards the entrance and follow the wall all the way until you reach an endless pit. A tinderbox sits in the corner between the wall and the pit.
2.
131.
Cross the bridge nearby and head on straight. A tinderbox and an oil canister can be found on the ground near a couple of boulders.
3.
132.
From #131, follow the wall to the left until you reach a corner. A tinderbox sits on the ground here. Beware though, as a Brute lurks nearby.
4.
133.
Keep following the wall, around the bend and past the torture room until you reach a bottomless pit with a fallen pillar bridging the gap. The tinderbox is near the pit, by the pillar.
5.
134.
Jump up onto the pillar and walk across the pit. It can be a bit tricky, but it's possible - try spamming the jump button. When you've reached the other side, turn left and take a look at the corner of the pit and the wall - a tinderbox should be on the floor. If you can't make it up onto the pillar, you can walk all the way around. Try following the map found on the Choir - Main Hall page to find your way around.
6.
135.
Keep heading straight from the fallen pillar, and turn right when it's possible, to reach the Brazen Bull torture room. In here, a tinderbox can be found behind a pillar on the left side of the room.
7.
136.
Head out of the room with the Brazen Bull and head straight until it's possible to take a right. Near the wall and another bottomless pit there is another broken pillar on the ground. A tinderbox is on the ground nearby.
8.
137.
From #136, follow the bottomless pit to the left until you reach a bridge. Once you do, head right all the way until you reach the torture room with the iron maiden. In here, turn left into the first little protuberance in the room. The final tinderbox of the Choir sits here on the ground.
After escaping from your own cell, head into the cell in front of you. An event will trigger, and when you come to a dead body will be in front of you. One tinderbox can be found on the left side of the bed frame he is slouched over. Another one can be found on the opposite side of the room, behind a bunch of boulders on the floor.
1.
143.
After escaping from your own cell, head into the cell in front of you. An event will trigger, and when you come to a dead body will be in front of you. One tinderbox can be found on the left side of the bed frame he is slouched over. Another one can be found on the opposite side of the room, behind a bunch of boulders on the floor.
2.
144.
Another tinderbox can be found in the corner of the cell where you pick up the bucket.
This is the version of the Nave reached after escaping the Cells.
No.
Location
Relative number
145.
On a table to the left in the room with the well you get to after you get out of the cells, next to a diary entry.
1.
146.
On the well in the next room, the same well from which you first entered the Nave the first time around.
2.
147.
Through the door to the left of the well, on the ground next to some rubble.
3.
148.
After you've descended the spiral staircase and entered the corridor, go right into the newly opened laboratory. In here, a tinderbox can be found on a bookshelf.
4.
149.
On the floor at the entrance to another newly created room to the left of Agrippa - The room where you find the bone saw.
These tinderboxes aren't required for the Illuminatus achievement/trophy.
No.
Location
1.
Two tinderboxes can be found in the first room to your right as you enter the library.
2.
Two tinderboxes can be found in the first room to your right as you enter the library.
3.
Another two can be found in the room on the opposite side of the one described above.
4.
Another two can be found in the room on the opposite side of the one described above.
5.
The fifth and final tinderbox can be found in the room opposite of the room where Father David is trapped.
Trivia[]
Using a tinderbox to light the bonfire beneath the Brazen Bull in the Choir – Main Hall will trigger an event where the lid on the bull slams shut (if it is open) and it will sound like someone is banging from the inside of the lid, as well as terrified yells can be heard from inside of it, as well as mooing from the bull.
The only time a tinderbox can be used for anything else than lighting up an area, is in the Justine expansion, where a tinderbox can be used to light the projector in the Library level in order to solve a puzzle.
Tinderboxes are the most common item in Amnesia: The Dark Descent and the Justine expansion. By contrast, there are a mere 37 regular bottles of oil, the second most common item.
