To get the Walkman in the game Control, you must locate and engage with Ahti the Janitor, who will loan it to you. This special device is essential for progressing through a particularly challenging area of the Oldest House.
Obtaining Ahti's Walkman
The crucial step to acquiring the Walkman in Control involves a specific interaction with Ahti, the enigmatic janitor of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC). As you delve deeper into the mysteries of the Oldest House and approach what feels like the very limits of its strange reality, you will eventually track down Ahti. He doesn't just give it away; he loans you his personal Walkman, emphasizing its importance for an upcoming task.
- Who provides it? Ahti the Janitor.
- When? This occurs during a significant late-game segment, specifically when Jesse Faden needs to traverse the Ashtray Maze.
- How? By finding and interacting with Ahti in a remote, almost "end of the earth" like section of the Oldest House.
The Purpose of the Walkman
The Walkman isn't just a collectible; it's a vital tool provided by Ahti with a specific mission in mind: to guide you through the notorious Ashtray Maze. This area is one of the most perplexing and dynamic environments in the Oldest House, characterized by its constantly shifting corridors and disorienting layout.
Without Ahti's Walkman, navigating the Ashtray Maze is virtually impossible due to its inherent instability and the psychological impact of its design. The device acts as a unique key, unlocking a path through the otherwise impenetrable labyrinth.
Navigating the Ashtray Maze with the Walkman
Once you receive the Walkman, equipping it before entering the Ashtray Maze transforms the experience entirely. Upon putting on the headphones, you'll be treated to a blaring, powerful hard rock anthem performed by the in-universe band, 'The Old Gods of Asgard'. This music isn't merely background noise; it's intricately linked to the maze's mechanics.
The rhythm and energy of the music somehow stabilize the shifting corridors, allowing Jesse to perceive a coherent path forward. The loud, driving soundtrack guides her through the chaotic environment, making a previously impassable area navigable. It's a unique blend of gameplay and narrative that highlights the extraordinary nature of the Oldest House and the FBC.
Here’s a summary of the Walkman's role:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Source | Ahti the Janitor |
| Location Found | After tracking Ahti in a remote area of the Oldest House (often described as "end of the earth"). |
| Primary Use | Essential for navigating and overcoming the challenges of the Ashtray Maze. |
| Functionality | Plays a hard rock anthem by 'The Old Gods of Asgard' that synchronizes with and stabilizes the maze. |
| Context | A key item for a major late-game objective, demonstrating Ahti's unique understanding of the FBC's anomalies. |
The Walkman, along with its powerful soundtrack, is a memorable and critical element in Jesse Faden's journey through the Oldest House, showcasing the game's unique blend of action and supernatural mystery. For more information on the game's lore and mechanics, you can explore detailed resources like the Control Wiki.
