There isn’t an official “Weird Route” in Chapter 3 like Snowgrave, but there is a hidden, route-like side path involving a secret boss, a powerful cloak, and some deep lore teases... and it’s weird enough to count.

Here’s exactly how to find and finish the secret path through the Shadow Mantle storyline in Chapter 3.

How to Start the Secret Route

S-Rank or Bust

You’ll need to earn an S Rank during Round 1/2 evaluation to unlock the backstage room. This is non-negotiable. Once you do, you can access a secret SNES-style minigame using Kris alone.

Play the Backstage Game... 3 Times

You’ll return to this game multiple times across the chapter. Here’s what to do during each session.

First Backstage Game (After Round 1)

Chop Trees and Break Out

Level up in the minigame by defeating enemies until your sword can cut down trees. Once you’re strong enough, chop through the trees forming the outer boundary. You’ll eventually find a chest with the Ice Key.

Second Backstage Game (After Round 2)

Sail North with the Ice Key

Return to the backstage room and replay the game. This version has a raft section. Use the raft and head straight north across the ocean. At the end, you’ll find an ice door and unlock it with the key from the first visit.

Inside this area is another chest. It holds the Shelter Key.

Third Backstage Game (Final Round)

Fight Tenna and Claim the Shadow Mantle

This third version plays normally at first. Use your Shelter Key to open the final locked path. You’ll face Tenna, a secret boss with nasty tricks and heavy lore hints.

Win the fight and you’ll earn the Shadow Mantle, a unique item that some players believe was mentioned by the cat shopkeeper in Chapter 2.

Getting the Shadow Crystal

The Shadow Mantle does not give you the Chapter 3 Shadow Crystal.

To get the crystal, you must reload your autosave after the Tenna fight, equip the Shadow Mantle, then face the Roaring Knight again. Without the mantle, you’re forced to lose (which is the default progression path). This fight is much easier with the Shadow Mantle equipped, so doing the secret route helps you earn the item that lets you earn the crystal.

Does the Weird Route Affect Anything?

Yes... and no. The actual path through the Shadow Mantle is the same regardless of your past actions, but:

Some dialogue with Tenna changes if you did Snowgrave in Chapter 2, but most of the path plays out the same
Nothing else in Chapter 3 shifts, but Chapter 4 changes a lot if you’re continuing from a Snowgrave file and always choosing Noelle-related options.

So while Chapter 3’s path is mostly linear, your past choices still echo forward if you’re paying attention.

Final Blurb

Chapter 3 may not have a proper Weird Route, but it absolutely has a secret path... and it’s one you don’t want to miss. The backstage games, secret keys, Tenna fight, and Shadow Mantle reward all make this path feel like a route-within-a-route.

Also, with Tenna’s creepy fourth-wall moments and vague identity games, it’s safe to say the weirdness isn’t gone... it’s just playing under a different name now.