Introduction: Entering the Nightmare
Starting a new game can be exciting—but also a bit intimidating, especially when it’s a horror game like Rest in Pieces. With its dark dreamscapes, ominous music, and porcelain heroes dangling by a thread, the game creates an immediate sense of tension. But don’t worry—this guide will help you get your bearings.
Whether you’re playing for fun or aiming to unlock every damned soul, this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know to survive your first nightmares in Rest in Pieces.
1. Downloading and Launching the Game
Rest in Pieces is available on both iOS and Android platforms. Just search for it in the App Store or Google Play, download it for free, and launch the game. It’s lightweight and installs quickly—even older phones can run it smoothly.
Upon first launch, you’ll be introduced to the default character—Georgina—and placed directly into her nightmare. There’s no long tutorial; instead, the game teaches you by immersing you in the experience.
2. Understanding the Objective
The goal in Rest in Pieces is simple: don’t crash.
Your character is a hanging porcelain figurine that swings left and right as you move. You must guide them through increasingly dangerous environments, avoiding obstacles like gravestones, pillars, and spinning traps. Hit anything once—and your doll will shatter, ending the run.
Progressing through the nightmare lets you unlock checkpoints, build your score, and eventually confront the level’s boss.
3. Mastering the Controls
Controls are intuitive and customizable:
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Tilt Controls (default): Tilt your phone left or right to swing the figurine.
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Touch Controls: Swipe left or right to move.
You can switch between these in the Settings Menu. Most new players start with tilt, as it feels more “natural” to the motion of the swinging doll, but touch controls offer more precision once you’re used to the rhythm.
Tip: Start with tilt to feel the movement style, then switch to touch if you’re struggling with sharp dodges.
4. Meet Your First Nightmare: Georgina vs. Georgino
The first level is the Twisted Carnival, where you play as Georgina, a girl tormented by the evil clown Georgino. The level is filled with circus-themed obstacles, spinning wheels, clown heads, and jump scares.
As you progress, you’ll see:
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Score counters at the top.
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Distance meter tracking how far you’ve gone.
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Checkpoint candles that act as level markers.
Each checkpoint brings you closer to the boss. Once you reach Georgino, a final chase begins. Dodge his attacks and survive until the thread breaks the curse.
5. Don’t Panic: Dealing with Fear and Motion
Rest in Pieces is designed to create tension. The combination of unpredictable movement, haunting sound design, and eerie visuals can overwhelm new players.
Here’s how to stay focused:
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Breathe. Seriously—holding your breath makes you react slower.
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Focus on rhythm. Many obstacles follow musical or visual cues. Look for patterns.
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Ignore the score. Concentrate on surviving first; chasing high scores can come later.
If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, especially with tilt controls, try switching to touch or playing in short sessions.
6. Unlocking New Characters
There are over a dozen playable characters (aka “souls”), each trapped in their own nightmare. You can unlock them by:
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Collecting in-game currency (white pearls).
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Completing specific levels.
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Purchasing them via microtransactions.
Some examples include:
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Father Lugosi – haunted by Count Dracula.
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The Sailor – tormented by the Kraken.
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The Mermaid – fights off the giant Medusa.
New characters offer different dreamworlds, visuals, and challenges. Progress is saved individually, so you can return to each character’s nightmare later.
7. Understanding Game Modes and Progress
Rest in Pieces offers two main ways to play:
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Normal Mode – Progress through levels, unlock bosses, save souls.
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Endless Mode – Survive as long as possible for high scores.
Each level includes:
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Checkpoints – Short breaks in difficulty and score-saving markers.
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Bosses – Final encounters that test your skills and timing.
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Themes – Each world has a different style and obstacle type.
The game autosaves your progress. Dying means restarting that run, but not the entire level set.
8. Spending Pearls Wisely
Pearls are the in-game currency. You earn them by:
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Completing levels
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Watching optional ads
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Finding collectibles
You can use pearls to:
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Revive after crashing
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Unlock characters
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Buy access to premium levels
Tip: Avoid spending pearls on revives during your first few runs—save them to unlock more characters and content instead.
9. Ads, In-App Purchases, and Monetization
Rest in Pieces is free to play but includes optional monetization:
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Ads: You’ll see optional ads to gain pearls or revive. These are not aggressive and can be turned off by making a small purchase.
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Premium Pack: A one-time payment removes ads and unlocks bonus content.
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Characters/Levels: Some can be bought directly, but none are required to beat the game.
If you enjoy the experience, supporting the developers with a small purchase is a great way to enhance your game.
10. Tips for a Better First Experience
Here are some final tips to make your early runs smoother:
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Use headphones: The audio cues help time your movements.
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Play in a quiet space: Distractions can lead to quick deaths.
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Take breaks: If you’re stuck on a boss, return later with a clear head.
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Replay checkpoints: Practice makes perfect—and you’ll earn pearls while improving.
Conclusion: Ready to Face the Nightmare
Starting out in Rest in Pieces can feel like stepping into a dark dream—but with practice, patience, and the right mindset, it becomes an unforgettable journey. Each character offers a new story to experience, and each nightmare brings a new challenge to overcome.
So go ahead—take a deep breath, hang on tight, and start swinging through the darkness. The souls won’t save themselves.