PAPERHEAD Chapter 1 walkthrough: The Descend (TH3 D3SC3NT)

What happens in PAPERHEAD Chapter 1?

Chapter 1 The Descend (title card “TH3 D3SC3NT”) is the opening numbered level in verified full-game structure. Footage shows a WARE-A HOUSE warehouse fight, a PRESS [TAB] TO OPEN THE MAP tutorial, white paper humanoid enemies, a BIG ZOMBIE boss encounter, signage for BIO-TECH RESEARCH FACILITY ENTRANCE NO.1, optional READ NOTE (E) prompts, and a LEVEL CLEARED! summary. This page follows that order only—no unverified routing or collectible locations.

See the full chapter list for campaign order and enemies and bosses for other confirmed names.

Frame from a full-game playthrough recording (LQBReOWnHWM@05:00).

How does combat and movement flow?

Early Chapter 1 combat in verified footage is kick-forward: the HUD shows a DRAFT-style score bar plus labels like FRESHNESS ×1.0, KICK, and WALL KICK KILL (LQBReOWnHWM@06:00). White paper humanoid enemies appear in the same chapter (LQBReOWnHWM@08:00). According to DEVLOG 3 (published 2025-07-31, pre-release; the final build may differ), the team planned enemy–weapon weakness links (some foes favor kicks, others drop armor from explosions)—we have not mapped which enemy uses which rule in Chapter 1 footage.

Frame from a full-game playthrough recording (LQBReOWnHWM@06:00).

Tab opens the map (LQBReOWnHWM@05:00). E is used to continue, interact, and read notes— including a READ NOTE (E) prompt later in the chapter (LQBReOWnHWM@09:30). That matches DEVLOG 1’s pre-release minimap plan (published 2025-05-22; the final build may differ), which described marking doors, switches, notes, and secrets.

Where does the boss fight and exit appear?

A boss bar labeled BIG ZOMBIE appears in verified Chapter 1 footage (LQBReOWnHWM@06:20). We do not describe attack patterns or weak points—those are not documented in our verified sources.

After the warehouse stretch, footage shows the BIO-TECH RESEARCH FACILITY ENTRANCE NO.1 sign (LQBReOWnHWM@06:30). The chapter ends with LEVEL CLEARED! on the stylized TH3 D3SC3NT title card.

Frame from a full-game playthrough recording (LQBReOWnHWM@06:20).

Frame from a full-game playthrough recording (LQBReOWnHWM@06:30).

What is on the wall graffiti?

Footage shows a smiley face drawn on a white wall in Chapter 1 (LQBReOWnHWM@08:40). We describe the visual only. Steam lists a riddle achievement Smiling friend with description “…?” (67.0% global unlock as of 2026-10-10)—how to unlock is not confirmed on Steam, and we do not claim this graffiti is the solution.

Frame from a full-game playthrough recording (LQBReOWnHWM@08:40).

How should you read the Chapter 1 scoring screen?

The clear screen is per-run feedback, not a single official answer key. Verified examples from one player’s recordings:

Treat 0/2 and 0/10 as proof that Chapter 1 tracks two secrets and ten lore entries in that build—not as proof you must finish with zero found. Steam achievements reference PERFECT ranks and max scores, but PERFECT on-screen rules are not verified in our footage yet (achievements list).

Frame from a full-game playthrough recording (LQBReOWnHWM@07:30).

What we have not verified yet

• BIG ZOMBIE strategy, phases, or weakness tags
• Locations for both secrets and all ten lore pieces in Chapter 1
• Whether optional notes change scoring or achievements
• Full weapon pickup order beyond kicks in this chapter

For campaign pacing, compare your clear time to community recordings on how long to beat. For controls outside Chapter 1, use the beginner guide.