To replay the Ashtray Maze in Control without restarting your game, you must access it through the SHÜM 2 arcade cabinet.
Reliving the Shifting Corridors: Replaying the Ashtray Maze
The Ashtray Maze is one of the most memorable and iconic sequences in Control, renowned for its dynamic, reality-bending architecture and exhilarating soundtrack. After completing the "My Brother's Keeper" mission, the original path through the maze becomes inaccessible in the game's story progression. However, for those looking to experience its unique environment and challenging combat encounters again, there's a specific method to re-enter its shifting halls.
How to Access the Ashtray Maze for Replay
The only way to re-experience the Ashtray Maze's environment and challenges within your existing save game is by utilizing the SHÜM 2 arcade cabinet. This cabinet functions as a portal to various combat scenarios, including ones that recreate the maze's signature setting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replaying the Maze
- Complete the Main Story: Ensure you have completed the main campaign of Control. The SHÜM 2 challenges, including those set in the Ashtray Maze, are typically designed for post-game content and may require you to have progressed significantly.
- Locate the SHÜM 2 Arcade Cabinet:
- Travel to the Executive Sector.
- Head to the Active Investigations department.
- The SHÜM 2 arcade cabinet can be found in this area. It often appears after completing certain main missions or unlocking the Expeditions mode.
- Interact with the Cabinet: Approach the SHÜM 2 cabinet and interact with it. This will open a menu displaying a variety of challenges.
- Select an Ashtray Maze Challenge: Within the SHÜM 2 menu, look for challenges that specifically mention or visually depict the Ashtray Maze. These challenges often pit you against waves of Hiss enemies within the maze's environment. While it won't be a narrative replay of the original mission, it provides the full visual and atmospheric experience of the maze's shifting geometry.
What to Expect When Replaying via SHÜM 2
- Combat Focus: Replaying the Ashtray Maze through SHÜM 2 is primarily a combat challenge. You'll face waves of Hiss enemies in the maze's ever-changing corridors.
- No Narrative Progression: This method does not allow you to re-experience the story elements or dialogue from the original mission. It's an arena-style combat encounter set in the maze.
- Expeditions Integration: SHÜM 2 is part of the Expeditions update for Control. Accessing these challenges might be tied to having this content installed or unlocked.
| Feature | Original Ashtray Maze Mission | SHÜM 2 Arcade Cabinet Replay |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Story progression, unique event | Combat challenge, arena-style |
| Accessibility | Once per playthrough | Multiple replays (post-game) |
| Narrative Elements | Present, crucial | Minimal to none |
| Primary Focus | Narrative, exploration, combat | Combat endurance |
| Requires | Main game story progression | Main story completion, SHÜM 2 unlock |
By following these steps, you can dive back into the surreal and exhilarating environment of the Ashtray Maze anytime you wish, testing your combat skills against the Hiss in its iconic, shifting architecture.
