The Darkest Files Case Walkthrough Guide

TheGamesEdgeJuly 10, 20262 min read

The Darkest Files plunges players into detailed investigations where every witness testimony and piece of evidence can alter the course of a grim case. Navigating these intense legal drama moments requires sharp attention to dialogue and documents to unlock the full story behind shocking executions and accusations.

The Insurgent serves as the introductory case, setting the tone for deep narrative uncovering in The Darkest Files. Success depends on gathering every witness statement and correctly associating evidence, especially surrounding Jan Naumann's execution. A missed clue or false lead can derail your progress.

To bring the case to a close, interrogate every witness thoroughly. This will unlock key documents from Paula and help piece together the truth. The intricate linking of testimony and physical proof is what distinguishes a full resolution from a partial one in this mystery.

Starting with witnesses then moving to the investigation and courtroom analysis, here’s a stepwise breakdown of key responses and evidence you’ll need to clinch the verdict.

The Insurgent Walkthrough (Case 1)

This section lays out the necessary documents, evidence, and answers to clear the first complex investigation in the game.

All Witness Testimonies

Ludmilla Naumann

Evidence 1

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
BackgroundUniforms of the NSDAP4th Row“Local Gr. Leader”

Evidence 2

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseReport of the Block Warden5th Paragraph“Jan Naumann”

Karl Schickert

Evidence 1

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseReport of the Block Warden5th Paragraph“Jan Naumann”

Training with Peters

During the training, it’s crucial to present the right evidence to back each conclusion to ensure your logic holds up under scrutiny.

Evidence

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseProsecutor’s Letter to Ludmilla Naumann5th Paragraph“execution ordered by the District Leader”

First Conclusion

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseProsecutor’s Letter to Ludmilla Naumann5th Paragraph“execution ordered by the District Leader”

Second Conclusion

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
TranscriptsTestimony of Kiebitz1st Paragraph“district leader gave the order”

Third Conclusion

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseProtocol of Conversation with Schwarz2nd Paragraph“I always give the […] order to execute”

Tip: If you prefer, Schickert’s testimony can also be used to support this conclusion effectively.

Karl Schickert (Second Testimony)

Evidence

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
TranscriptsTestimony by Ludmilla Naumann2nd Paragraph“two golden stripes”

Investigation: Who Ordered the Execution?

For the investigation board, position the suspects exactly as follows to reach the correct conclusion:

CharacterLocation
FaltmannHallway
KiebitzHallway
SchickertHallway
SchwarzHallway

Correct Answer:

Schwarz

Every witness points back to Schwarz as the person who gave the execution order, locking in your final answer for this inquiry.

Note: No further conclusions or evidence are needed here because the defense doesn’t challenge this finding.

Who Went to the Cell?

Next, determine which character physically approached Jan Naumann’s cell by keeping suspects positioned like this:

Character Locations

CharacterLocation
FaltmannCell
KiebitzOffice
SchickertCell
SchwarzOffice

Correct Answer

Kiebitz

Back up this claim by presenting the following pieces of evidence in order:

Conclusion 1

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseProtocol of Conversation with Schwarz3rd Paragraph“my driver”

Conclusion 2

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
TranscriptsTestimony by Schickert2nd Paragraph“together with Mr Kiebitz”

Conclusion 3

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
SuspectsNS File of Kiebitz3rd Paragraph“Worked as driver”

Who Resisted the Order?

Keep the suspects positioned the same and decide who opposed carrying out the execution order:

Character Locations

CharacterLocation
FaltmannCell
KiebitzOffice
SchickertCell
SchwarzOffice

Correct Answer

Schickert

Support your theory with this evidence:

Conclusion 1

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseProtocol of Conversation with Schwarz1st Paragraph“Faltmann […] gave his report”

Conclusion 2

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseOfficial Order5th Paragraph“insubordination must be met with […] expulsion from the Party”

Conclusion 3

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
SuspectsNS File of Schickert2nd Paragraph“Member […] until”

Who Threatened Schickert with the Gestapo?

Maintain the same suspect placements on the board as earlier for this deduction.

Character Locations

CharacterLocation
FaltmannCell
KiebitzOffice
SchickertCell
SchwarzOffice

Correct Answer

Faltmann

Complete this deduction by using the following evidence:

Conclusion 1

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
TranscriptsTestimony by Schickert4th Paragraph“Faltmann threatened me”

Conclusion 2

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
SuspectsGestapo Letter to Schwarz5th Paragraph“denunciation by his direct superior”

Conclusion 3

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
SuspectsNS File of Faltmann2nd Paragraph“Local group leader”

Why this is correct:
The Gestapo letter reveals that Steeg was reported by his direct superior. The Background documents explain that a Local Group Leader outranks a Base Manager, confirming Faltmann’s role in this denunciation.

Who Shot Mr. Naumann?

This final accusation is one of the most critical moments. Arrange the suspects as below before making your claim.

Character Locations

CharacterLocation
FaltmannCell
KiebitzOffice
SchickertCell
SchwarzOffice

Correct Answer

Schickert

Present this evidence sequentially to back your charge:

Conclusion 1

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CasePolice Report2nd Paragraph“7.65 mm Browning calibre”

Conclusion 2

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
SuspectsWeapons List8th Paragraph“Member No. 5186332”

Conclusion 3

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
SuspectsMembers List8th Paragraph“Schickert, Karl”

Did Schwarz Know the Victim Was Innocent?

Once you establish that Schickert fired the lethal shot, the judge will ask if you have any more information.

Important: Answer "Yes" here to unlock your final argument and present all available evidence; saying "No" will miss this key opportunity.

Show that Schwarz knowingly ignored Jan Naumann’s innocence by utilizing these documents:

Conclusion 1

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseProtocol of Conversation with Schwarz1st Paragraph“He told me”

Conclusion 2

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
SuspectsIn the Name of the German People1st Paragraph“First […] name: Jan”

Conclusion 3

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
SuspectsDetention Report3rd Paragraph“First name: Jan”

Case 1 Complete – The Insurgent

Successfully finishing The Insurgent unlocks the full narrative for Case 1 with every key document uncovered.

Following these steps precisely, asking all the right questions, and presenting evidence will grant full completion status and unlock all materials for this case.

The Looter Walkthrough (Case 2)

The Looter tackles a new mystery but demands the same careful comparison of testimonies and documents. Logical deduction remains key to revealing the true story behind accusations of looting.

All Witness Testimonies

Heidi Grunewald

Evidence 1

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseIn the Name of the People1st Paragraph“looting”

Evidence 2

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
TranscriptsRecord of Interrogation with Hentz2nd Paragraph“Heidi Grunewald came to ask me for help”

Emilia Becker

Evidence

FileDocumentParagraphKeyword
Old CaseAnna’s Confession3rd Paragraph“Emilia Becker’s suitcase”

Note: Question order with Otto Wagner may shift depending on previous interviews. Regardless of order, evidence to present remains unchanged.

Note: The order of Wagner’s questions can change depending on which characters you speak to first. Even if the questions appear in a different order, the correct evidence remains the same.