How to enter the Crimson Manor: three portals and the Puppet’s Tongue

Quick answer and prerequisites

You can see the Crimson Manor early but cannot enter immediately. PC Gamer reports that The Herald’s Illusion requires portals in three regions; opening all three eyes lets the hanging puppet give you the Puppet’s Tongue needed at the manor door.

Section sources: PC Gamer: Crimson Manor and its three portals

The three portals

• Village of Lu: progress to the Puppet Testing Grounds bell area; the report places the portal near the end of the section below the well.
• Mandate Encampment: obtain the Outer Gate Key and advance to the area beyond the regional boss.
• Mountain of Imprisonment: repair the Illusory Pipa, dispel the northeastern Meigu Lake barrier and progress beyond the regional boss.
• After the third portal, speak to the hanging puppet for the Puppet’s Tongue and a Yin eye tied to another quest. Return to the manor door and use the tongue.

Section sources: PC Gamer: Crimson Manor and its three portals

Common blockers

Finding the manor door, repairing the Illusory Pipa or opening only two portals is not enough. The manor also advances Secrets at the Heart of the Lake. This order and reward follow PC Gamer’s published walkthrough; this site has not tested the route and does not add unverified portal puzzles.

Section sources: PC Gamer: Crimson Manor and its three portals

Verification note

Summarized from the public guides listed below; not tested by this site in the retail game. If the in-game journal, item card or version differs, use the game as the authority.

Section sources: PC Gamer: Crimson Manor and its three portals