This guide for 3 Minutes to Midnight is very basic and does not go over things like easter eggs, secrets, achievements, etc.
Puzzles can be tackled using various items based on the situation. This guide presents just one method for playing the game. There are numerous strategies for solving puzzles, and the game features multiple paths, so you may not always have access to certain items. However, there are always alternative solutions available.
At the start of the game, focus on familiarizing yourself with the characters and the environment. Take your time to explore and interact with everyone.
I strongly recommend experimenting on your own before consulting any guides. Typically, progress is tied to specific dialogue lines that you need to activate
Buttons:
Holding down mouse1 sprints.
Holding mouse2 then 1, shows all interactable objects.
Double-clicking the edge of the screen will auto-teleport you to the next screen rather than walking.
This guide took a substantial amount of time, so any thumbs up or awards is much appreciated.
Thanks! You also may like: 3 Minutes to Midnight Multiple Paths Guide
Chapter 1
After Speaking to Everyone in Town
Obtaining the Alcohol
The first item you need is the alcohol from the bar. To access it, you must trigger a specific dialogue with Mike, who is threatening to report someone for counterfeit liquor.
- “About the walkers’ ‘Special’…”
- “Let me guess…”
- “Marco!”
Once you have the alcohol, head to the cells below the police station and open the first aid kit. Take the bottle inside and combine it with the booze. Then, give the combined bottle to the guard in front of the mansion.
Interacting with the Priest
Next, return to the church and speak to the priest. You need to get him into the confession booth.
- Once he’s in the booth, leave it and untie the right side of the rope holding the cross, followed by the left side.
- After the priest exits, swap the empty Bible you found with the one he dropped. Make sure to click the one in your inventory first to avoid repeating the sequence.
- Talk to him again with the new Bible to receive the shears.
Trimming the Bush and Exploring
Use the shears to trim the bush on the right side of the mansion gate, although you won’t be able to proceed inside just yet. Go back to the barber shop and inquire about his gardening methods. He will kick the chair and leave, allowing you to take the cushion.
Exploring the Mansion
Return to the mansion and click on the fountain, then go through the gate. Inside, remove the hat from the bust upstairs, and downstairs, click on the newspaper on the right. Take the wrench located by the foot of the bed.
Using the Wrench and Collecting Items
Head back to the area with the mean kids and use the wrench on the fire hydrant. Don’t forget to collect the tree sap before moving on.
Return to the mansion and combine the mannequin with the cushion, horse, belt, and hat. Use this horsequin on Angelo. When he leaves, utilize the bookshelf in the back. You can either let him talk or interrupt him. Click on the bottle of moonshine until your character takes a drink.
Continuing the Adventure
After the cutscene, go to the right and take the vinegar bottle from the food truck. Continue right to meet the professor. Inside her classroom, wait for the hamster to eat, which will make her glasses fly up. Quickly grab the ethanol when this happens.
Go into the hall and open your locker to take the sandwich. Next, head to the science lab, take the empty baking soda container, and fill it up with Bucky in the hall. Return to the science lab and combine the bacteria with the vinegar, then mix it with the ethanol. Use the vinegar and baking soda on the volcano.
After the cutscene, go back inside and take the hamster. Bring the hamster to the generator, and he’ll request food. Visit the fruit stand and talk to the pigeon, exhausting all dialogue options with him. After he leaves, ask Lorraine for “something sweet” and give the hamster the Twonkie.
Possible End of Chapter
In 3 Minutes to Midnight Mainline If you fail the science lab experience at the end of Chapter 1 and can’t use the guide, you will lose all your items, and the warden will close the lab. Follow these steps:
- Get a bite from the radioactive hamster.
- Go to the market and use the sandwich on the Giant Pigeon.
- Obtain a chocolate bar from the saleswoman.
- Head to the Junkyard, click on the motor of the car to get an Allen Wrench.
- Open your inventory and catch the Allen Wrench.
- Use the Allen Wrench on the motor of the car to get the Transmission Strap.
- Return to the Hamster Room and use the Transmission Strap on the hamster.
- After the cutscene, give the chocolate bar to the hamster.
- Go to the park and use the hamster on the generator.
End of Chapter
Chapter 2 – Part One
Entering the Camp
Begin by entering the camp and speaking to the leader. After your conversation, obtain the spray bottle from her and kick the trash can.
Gathering Supplies
While the leader is in the basement, grab some grass located to the left of the house. Next, head up and take the kerosene from the locker.
Collecting Items
Walk down past the cabins, and on the next screen, collect the candle from the podium. Use the grass on the clothes wheel, then gather some oil and dip the candle into it.
Preparing for the Mosquitoes
Combine the oil with the spray bottle, then use it on the mosquitoes.
Adjusting the Outhouse Valve
On the other side, move the outhouse valve so it points the other way. Fill the spray bottle with water from the lake, then use the water on the handle. Pick up the handle and attach it to the valve.
Interacting with the Lake
After speaking to the guy at the lake, return to the outhouse and collect the drain remains and the plunger from inside. Combine the plunger, the rope, and the remains.
Setting the Campfire
Go back to the campfire and use the kerosene on the fire. When the leader drops the extinguisher, use the candle on the embers. Next, return to the outhouse and use the candle on the mosquitoes again.
Closing the Door
Head back to the fire and kick the trash can. When the leader runs inside, quickly shut the door behind her.
Using the Fire Extinguisher
Take the fire extinguisher and combine it with the rope. Use this new item on the kayak to retrieve the oar, then use the oar on the harpoon. Give the harpoon to Smoky.
Talking to the Monster
During the cutscene, you will need to convince the monster not to eat Smoky. I chose the line about nutritional objections, but any approach may work.
Answering Riddles
Once the monster takes you, you will face some riddles. Here are the choices I made:
- Riddle 1: You
- Riddle 2: Trick Question
- Riddle 3: Raccoon
Returning the Rental Gear
After answering the riddles, go back to the campfire, pick up the rental gear, and return it. With the keys you receive, you can now head back to the dam.
Inside the Control Room
Once inside the control room, move the levers in this order:
- Left lever – bottom
- Right lever – middle
- Bottom lever – up
Use the drainage pump, and once that’s done, go down the ladder.
Speaking to the Military
Go to the far right and climb up the ladder. Speak to the military personnel, exhaust all dialogue options with them, and take the tube from the trash can.
Using the Tube
Use the tube on the body three times, then activate the lever.
Back in Your Mom’s Office
Once you return to your mom’s office, click on Lincoln’s head and use the button. Next, pick up the book on the right. You can read through it, but it won’t provide any useful information yet.
Interacting with the Townsfolk
Leave the office and engage with the townsfolk as you make your way to the police station. Head to the cells and talk to the prisoner who is now awake. After your conversation, go back upstairs and exit the station.
Speaking to the Sheriff
Speak to the sheriff and mention the squirrels/chipmunks. (Note: The game might give you an ominous message about this, suggesting it could be skipped.) Remove the star from the police car door.
Exploring the Town
Roam around town and interact with everyone. Make sure to speak to the priest to obtain the cup from him.
Visiting the Motel
You can now cross the train tracks to the motel by the diner. Take the matches from the motel counter and pick up the possum in the road. Across the street, collect the empty gas can and the dream catcher feathers. You have the option to use the match on the gas pump, but it’s not necessary at this point.
Returning to the Park
Head back to the park and then to the comm tower. Continue going back until you can’t anymore. Next, return to the school and speak to the drifter. Take the fuse from him and search through his cart for a newspaper.
School Interaction
Enter the school and have a conversation with Ms. Dixon to receive the skull. You can answer her questions however you like. Afterward, go back to the church and talk to the priest again.
Filling the Cup
When the priest gives you the cup, take it to the far left wall and fill it up. Ask the priest to curse the cup.
Stopping by the Cafe
Visit the cafe and talk to Mike, making sure to exhaust all dialogue options. When he goes into the kitchen, grab the knife
Chapter 2 – Part Two
Approaching the Plane
The plane has multiple strategies for interaction, so keep this in mind. Here are two common methods:
- Using the Rope: Attach the rope to the first engine. If you have it, you can also use the fork on the power cable.
- Waiting for the Engine to Run Out of Gas: This method takes about 5 minutes. Once the engine stops, cross when the wind isn’t blowing, then use the wind to boost yourself with the plunger on the plane door. If you no longer have the plunger, you can combine the blanket with the tarp to create a glider.
Note: There was a bug at the time of writing that might prevent you from crossing until you restart the game.
Interacting with the Cargo and Helmet
Push the cargo net out of the plane and pull the lever located behind it. Click on the helmet.
Back in Town
Once back in town, use the weird typewriter on the door locked to Nancy. Exhaust all conversation options with her.
Searching Behind the Jet
Click on the crates behind the jet and combine the helmet with the gas mask. Attempt to leave the area and finish your conversation with Nancy.
Exploring the Farm
Go to the farm and enter the barn. Pick up the small rock in the middle. Take the blanket and the meat from the line. Speak to Roscoe to obtain the chicken feed.
Combining Items
Combine the ectoplasm with the chicken feed. Show Piki the underwear; this may take a few tries.
New Location Exploration
In the new location, pick up the rock in the middle, the tarp on the right, and the halite crystal next to it. Use the bloody beef on the cougar and climb up the ladder.
Collecting More Items
Pick up the rope that’s on the cart and combine the crystal with one of the rocks. Go to where the chickens are and combine the salt with the gloopy, then apply that mixture to the chickens.
Using the Ghost Trap
Next, use the combined chicken feed and then the ghost trap. Take the ghost trap back to the plane crash and give it to Walter. When he leaves, take the goggles from his head.
Returning to the Mine
Go back to the mine and combine the goggles with the helmet and mask. Use the mask on the mine cart.
Inside the Mine
Once inside the mine, pull the piece of metal off the cart. Move left and take the diamond from the wall upstairs. Retrieve the detonator from Willy.
Crossing the Bridge
Cross the bridge at the bottom of the screen and pick up the spool.
Rock Formation Order
For the rock formation, the order is:
- Ruby
- Emerald
- Citrine
- Sapphire
- Opal
Dark Area Exploration
In the dark area to the left of the fire, continuously click on the “something” in the bottom left until you pick it up. Combine the claw with the rock to create something sharp.
Using TNT
Use the sharp item on the thick tarp in the middle of the room and pick up the TNT. Place the TNT in the wall at the far left of the cave exit, followed by the cord and then the detonator.
Final Steps
Use the diamond on the pigeon to grab the flare. Use the flare on the fire pit in the middle of the cave, then apply the piece of metal to the dinosaur’s mouth. After speaking to the guard, kick the pile of dirt underneath you.
Chapter 3
Campaign Rally Preparation
You can approach the objective in any order; the main goal is to conduct a campaign rally around the entire town. Make sure to speak to everyone and ask them if they’re voting. This section serves as a lore/story element, so sit back and enjoy.
Gathering Items
As you pass by the Halloween store, grab one of the tape reels lying on the ground. Once you’ve spoken to the townsfolk, your next stop should be the school to obtain the rental agreement from the mobsters.
Convincing Mike
Take the rental agreement to Mike’s Diner and work on convincing her to sign it. I spoke to Slim and used reverse psychology, but I’m sure you can find other ways to persuade her.
Returning to the School
After securing the signature, return the agreement to the school.
Office Tasks
Once back in your office, take the blueprints off the desk and head to the town square. Speak to Mr. Huckleberry for important dialogue.
Police Station Visit
Go into the police station and engage in conversation with the chief. You should receive a brief final conversation when you attempt to leave.
Next Scene at Home
Return to your house to trigger the next scene. Once that’s complete, head to the motel across town.
Chatting with Sam
Engage in conversation with Sam as much as you like. When you attempt to leave, make sure to take a book of matches.
Speaking to Ben
Cross the street and speak to Ben to gather more information. Once you’re done there, go to the park near the school for the tiki party.
Trading for Fireworks
Trade the journalist for the recorder. After finishing your conversation, head to the far left and pick up the fireworks.
Town Square Finale
Return to the town square and use the fireworks on the statue. While the sheriff is outside, take the guitar from the evidence room.
Combine the tapes with the recorder and give them to Mr. Huckleberry to complete your objectives.
Opening the Military Base Gate
At the military base, keep attempting to open the gate until the guard comes out. After the cutscenes, proceed to the church.
Visiting the Church and Halloween Store
After your conversation at the church, head to the Halloween store and pick up some more tapes from the road. Next, go to the diner and speak to Mr. Harrelson.
Interactions at the Motel
Once you’ve spoken to Mr. Harrelson, go to the motel and talk to the other mayor. After that, engage in conversation with Sam before crossing the street.
Police Station Dynamics
Head to the police station and try to convince Amos to take the night off. After that, leave the station and go to the park, then enter the tiki bar.
Directing the Food Truck
Go to the food truck and instruct Mr. Vazquez to return to the hideout. Speak to everyone else to try and get them to leave the area.
Using the Tape Recorder
Once you’ve interacted with everyone, use the tape recorder on the tree. After that, go to the cells under the police station and use the tape recorder there as well.
Collecting Keys
Go upstairs in the police station and grab the keys from the desk. Then, head to Lorraine’s fruit stand and knock on the window.
Delivering the Gun
Take the gun to Mr. Harrelson outside the diner. After that, go to the bank and engage in conversation with the deputy.
Exhausting Dialogue Options
After the cutscenes, return to the church and exhaust all dialogue options available.
alloween Store Window
Next, go to the Halloween store and use the hand on the window.
Tiki Bar Costume Theft
Now head to the tiki bar and steal the costume from the mannequin. Afterward, speak to Joseph, who is on the stage.
Returning to the Hotel
Stop by the hotel and chat with Sam. Use the dance steps on the eagle statue.
Banking Business Contact
Take the work contact to the bank and give it to Mr. Huckleberry. Now, make your way back to the tiki bar.
Talk to Mr. Hardy and give him the drink. Take the business card he hands you and use it on the bank alarm. Finally, head back to the church to continue your objectives.
When you wake up, go to your office.
Take the building permit off the wall then go to the police station and talk to everyone.
Now go to the tiki bar. Talk to everyone.
Take the rubber chicken from the party box.
Head back to your house.
After the conversation head into the church.
Next go to Ben’s trailer, to the right of his truck.
After speaking to him and Nancy, go back to his house by the road and attempt to open his front door. When he comes to investigate, hide behind his truck.
While he’s talking, sneak to the far right.
Before he comes back, use the rubber chicken on ducky.
You can now steal the chain.
When speaking to Linda exhaust all dialog options and attempt to leave.
Speak to everyone and handle the conversation any way you please.
When everyone is outside put the costumes in the trunk of the car.
Reading the Note at the Church
After the cutscene, read the note on the church gate.
Returning to Mike’s Diner
Next, go back to Mike’s Diner. You can keep clicking on the front door to trigger a lengthy and rather disturbing scene.
Tiki Bar Visit
Now head to the tiki bar in town. When you enter, be sure to pick up the hot sauce. Speak to everyone in the bar and exhaust all your dialogue options.
Interacting with Mr. Huckleberry
After speaking with the other patrons, try to talk to Mr. Huckleberry three times. Following that, go over to the speaker and unplug it.
Reporter and Lincoln Conversations
Speak to the reporter a couple of times to get her to leave, then have a conversation with Lincoln.
Back to the Tiki Bar
After your conversation with Lincoln, return to the tiki bar and speak to Max.
Note: If you answer any of his questions incorrectly, he will end the conversation and become upset. Reloading the save will not work, as he will remember your previous answers!
Answering Max’s Questions
Depending on your choices, the answers to Max’s questions are:
- Opening a tiki bar
- A pantsuit
- Coconut tree
- …that flow into a moonless night
- Rodrigo Esperanza
Police Station and Ben’s Trailer
Return to the police station and convince Amos to let Ben go home. After that, go to Ben’s trailer and collect the notice off his door.
Office Tasks
Next, head to your office to retrieve your stamp.
Tiki Bar and Ms. Valentine
Take the stamp to the tiki bar and speak to Ms. Valentine. Combine the hot sauce with the stamp, then stamp the notice.
Delivering the Notice
Give the stamped notice to Amos. Once that’s done, go back to the tiki bar and speak to Max again.
When you’re finished with Max, use the napalm on the curtains. Finally, go to the school and read the note there to continue the storyline.
Pulling Excalifork from the Stone
Once you have control, pull Excalifork out of the stone to begin your next task.
Interacting with the Metal Container
Open the metal container located underneath Excalifork and remove the can inside. Then, give the can to Ms. Peterson to continue the interaction. Have Lincoln provide her with the code as well.
the Horseshoe
Next, take the horseshoe off the sign located under the boulder.
Use the horseshoe on the soldiers. When they aren’t looking, approach Ms. Peterson and speak to her.
Utilizing the Empty Can
After your conversation, use the empty can on the far left rock at the bottom of the area.
Twig on the Fridge Door
Use the twig on the fridge door next to you.
Repeating the Can Action
Continue putting the can back to keep the sequence going.
Using Excalifork on Roscoe
Now, use Excalifork on Roscoe. While he is talking to the soldiers, quickly pick up the can and use it on the last rope to complete your objective
Chapter 4
Key Actions and Puzzles
Kicking the Bomb: Begin by continuously kicking the bomb until you are able to proceed.
Opening the Case: Open the 3rd case from the bottom and pick up the abnormal device.
Entering the Giant Blanket: Move to the right and click on the giant blanket to enter it.
Placing the Abnormal Device: Place the abnormal device into the ship’s cavity and initiate the puzzle with the pattern: Down, Up, Left, Right, Mid, Left.
Navigating the Ship
Accessing the Inner Ship: Go to the middle door, down the hall, and enter the door on the right. Open the access panel near the floor and complete the Pipe Dream game by navigating through all purple squares.
Interacting with the Transmitter: After completing the game, press the glowing circle, then click the transmitter to activate the symbols.
Collecting Items and Completing Tasks
Searching for Items: After the cutscene, search Mike’s leftovers bag next to the dumpster, then head to the park to pick up the crystal Trenzor dropped. Combine it with the Holoplasmatron.
Using the Electromagnetic Pulse: Back at the train, use the electromagnetic pulse on the lights and the train controller on the train.
Fire Station Strategy: Go to the fire station, open the garage door, and use the greatest hits on the “don’t touch” statue. Hide inside while the statue listens to the music, then use the rubber gloves on it.
Church Actions: In the church, use the gold spray on the hanging cross and interact with the organ.
Linda’s Garage and Item Giving: Go to Linda’s garage and use the hologram on her. After teleporting, give the knuckle duster to Marco, the plasma rocket to Lorraine at the fruit stand, and the beast obliterator to Smoky at the fountain
Chapter 5
Facility Navigation and Droid Activation
After placing p-taa-h in the pod, exit and head down the hall. Enter the door on the left, use p-taa-h’s hand on the console in the middle, then exit through the bottom left door. Go into the top left door of the hallway and move to the far left of the room to activate the maintenance droid. Exit and head down the hall, then combine p-taa-h’s hand with the droid and use it on the tunnel at the bottom (RIP Martin, you deserved better).
Collecting and Using Alienium
Enter the colorful door on the right and pick up the bucket. Return to the hall, go left, and use the bucket on the broken container to collect alienium. Enter the right door, use the alienium on the fuel filler, and pick up the reactor core from the table.
Returning to the Pod and Reactor
Go back to the start where p-taa-h is in the pod. Open it with the button on the far right and place the reactor core inside. Make your way back to the reactor and place the core inside. You should see a door blown into where you initially picked up the alienium; walk through it.
Security System and Power Cell Management
Head to the last door on the left and click on the security system override. Access the panel using the order displayed in the room with p-taa-h’s pod. Use p-taa-h’s hand on the control panel, pick up the alien, and take the power cell. In the plant room, use violet on the far-right plant and insert the power cell into the charging port, then return to the blown hole and place the charged power cell into the slot across from the transporter door.
Final Steps with the A-Bomb Core
Use the monkey on the A-bomb core, then on the transporter pad where you entered. Lock the monkey in the next room with p-taa-h’s hand. Click on the access panel at the bottom of the table (consider skipping this tedious puzzle if desired). Pick up the plasma hammer, kick the broken monkey toy, use p-taa-h’s hand to close the door, then destroy the panel with the hammer. Finally, click on the “keyboard” to open the bomb and swap the cores.
Congrats! 3 Minutes to Midnight is finished!
