Forensics: Crime Scene Detective — Tips & Tricks

These tips come from launch-week community feedback, press reviews, and developer interviews. They address the friction points that drove early negative Steam reviews — especially the one-item carry limit and mandatory tutorials — without breaking the forensic authenticity the LKA RLP collaboration demands.

Master the Batch Workflow

The single biggest complaint in reviews is carrying only one tool at a time. Instead of switching tools for each evidence item individually, work in three passes across the entire scene:

1. Pass 1 — Mark everything: Walk the full scene with only evidence markers. Place a marker next to every item worth documenting before touching anything.
2. Pass 2 — Photograph everything: Return to your tool case, pick up the camera, and photograph every marked item with the marker visible in frame.
3. Pass 3 — Collect everything: Switch to collection tools and package each item in the correct container type.

Crime Scene Search Checklist

• Open every drawer, cabinet, and container — even in rooms that seem irrelevant.
• Check all trash bins for receipts, notes, and discarded packaging.
• Spray chemical detection on suspiciously clean surfaces — wiped blood leaves traces.
• Photograph all digital devices before unplugging or moving them.
• Read witness statements (Tab) before searching — they hint at passwords and priorities.
• Use yellow tutorial hints during training; they disappear in later cases.

Laboratory Efficiency

• Process all evidence in one lab visit before attempting to close the case.
• Run secondary DNA and fingerprint analyses — primary results alone are rarely sufficient.
• Check the evidence database for recovered files after every digital extraction.
• Use improved DNA zoom controls (added in July 15 patch) for precise sample alignment.
• Submit strongest evidence via email first — not every submission generates a colleague reply.

After the July 2026 Patches

If you started playing on launch day and could not unlock new cases, update to the latest Steam version. The July 14 progression fix unlocks investigation cases in existing saves. The July 15 patch adds filing cabinet lock indicators — look for visual markers on cases you cannot yet access. See our Patch Notes for full details.

Case Rating Shortcuts

When Evidence Seems Wrong

Not every fingerprint or blood trace matters. The game deliberately includes red herrings — window prints that lead nowhere, decorative objects without forensic value. Document everything properly, but prioritize items connected to witness statements and briefing objectives. Case 1's office window is the classic example of a deliberate misdirection.