Puzzle solutions
We Were Here Tomorrow Shrink Puzzle: Complete Solution Guide & Bug Fixes
Master the We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle with our complete guide. Solutions, common bugs, fixes, and expert tips for this challenging co-op puzzle.
The We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle stands as one of the most innovative and challenging mechanics in Total Mayhem Games’ latest co-op adventure. If you’re stuck navigating the size-changing sequences or encountering game-breaking bugs while attempting to solve this puzzle, you’re not alone. The We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle requires precise coordination between players and a solid understanding of the shrinking mechanics to progress successfully.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the shrink puzzle, from fundamental mechanics to advanced strategies, common issues, and critical bug workarounds that could save your progress.
Understanding the Shrink Puzzle Mechanics
The We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle introduces size manipulation as a core gameplay element, requiring players to shrink down to navigate small spaces, interact with miniature objects, and communicate effectively with their partner who remains at normal size. This asymmetric puzzle design exemplifies the series’ commitment to innovative cooperative challenges.
| Mechanic Element | Player 1 Role | Player 2 Role |
|---|---|---|
| Size Manipulation | Operates shrinking device | Guides shrunken player |
| Navigation | Explores miniature areas | Provides overview directions |
| Object Interaction | Manipulates small mechanisms | Controls large-scale switches |
| Communication | Reports findings from micro perspective | Coordinates timing and sequences |
The puzzle leverages the game’s emphasis on asymmetric information and spatial awareness. Success depends on clear communication through your walkie-talkies and understanding how perspective changes affect problem-solving approaches.
Step-by-Step Solution Strategy
While specific puzzle configurations may vary, the We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle follows consistent mechanical principles that apply across different checkpoint scenarios.
Initial Setup Phase
Before activating any shrinking mechanism, establish clear communication protocols with your partner. Designate specific terminology for directions, objects, and actions to avoid confusion when navigating from drastically different perspectives.
Pre-Shrink Checklist:
- Ensure both walkie-talkies are functioning properly
- Survey the entire puzzle area from normal height
- Identify all interactive elements and potential pathways
- Establish a clear communication system with your partner
- Note any temporal anomalies that require standing directly in front to interact
Executing the Shrink Sequence
The shrinking process requires careful timing and positioning. According to community reports, players have encountered critical bugs when attempting to crouch during the shrinking animation, which can prevent returning to normal size and block progression entirely.
| Action | Recommended Approach | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Entering Shrink Zone | Stand still, let animation complete | Do not crouch or jump during transition |
| During Shrink State | Move deliberately, communicate constantly | Avoid spam-clicking interaction prompts |
| Navigating Miniature Areas | Try multiple climbing angles if stuck | Don’t force movement through apparent gaps |
| Returning to Normal Size | Wait for partner’s signal, stand in designated zone | Never crouch while in shrunken state |
Navigation in Shrunken State
Once miniaturized, your perspective shifts dramatically. Objects that appeared insignificant at normal size become obstacles or platforms. The non-shrunken player must provide navigational guidance while the shrunken player reports what they observe from ground level.
Climbing mechanics in shrunken areas can be inconsistent but should never completely block progression. If you encounter difficulty climbing a specific surface, try approaching from different angles or sides of platforms and blocks.
Critical Bugs and Workarounds
The We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle has several documented issues that players should be aware of before attempting this section. Understanding these bugs can prevent frustration and lost progress.
Game-Breaking Shrink Bug
The most severe issue involves crouching while in the shrunken state. Player experience confirms that performing a crouch action during shrink mode triggers a critical bug preventing size restoration. If you encounter this problem, you cannot grow back to normal size, effectively halting all progress.
Immediate Solution: Reload from your last checkpoint through the main menu. Navigate to main menu > change > click start new journey > have the host manually re-select your last checkpoint. This workaround restores you to the state before the bug occurred.
Item Interaction Issues
Some players report held items disappearing when using emotes simultaneously with placing items into slots. This can be particularly problematic in puzzle sequences requiring specific objects.
| Bug Type | Symptoms | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Item Disappearance | Object vanishes from inventory during emote + placement | Reload checkpoint to restore items |
| Empty Hand Icon Missing | Inventory shows no empty slot indicator | Reload checkpoint to refresh UI |
| Held Items Drop Through Floor | Physics glitch causes items to fall through geometry | Verify Steam file integrity, reload checkpoint |
Checkpoint Reload Process
If you encounter any game-breaking bug during the We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle or any other section, follow this standardized reload procedure:
- Press Escape to access the main menu
- Select “Change” from the menu options
- Click “Start New Journey”
- Have the game host manually re-select your most recent checkpoint
- Both players will resume from that checkpoint with fresh puzzle state
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Successfully completing the We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle requires more than just mechanical execution. These expert strategies help streamline the solving process and minimize errors.
Communication Best Practices
Effective communication separates smooth puzzle completion from frustrating trial-and-error sessions. Establish these protocols before shrinking:
- Use cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) relative to the shrink device
- Number or name objects in the environment for quick reference
- Report status changes immediately (“I’m shrinking now,” “Back to normal size”)
- Confirm each instruction with acknowledgment responses
- Use descriptive language for complex spatial relationships
Troubleshooting Movement Issues
The game features multiple solution paths for most challenges. If you’re stuck, remember that you can often reach platforms through different methods: climbing and jumping, using in-game tools, or solving mini-challenges to create platforms.
When working with Goop blocks specifically, community reports indicate that climbing difficulties often result from insufficient space on one side of the stack. Simply try climbing from another angle rather than assuming the path is blocked.
Audio and Voice Management
Multiple players have reported walkie-talkie functionality issues during puzzle sequences. The devices sometimes disappear from the interface, cutting off communication completely. While server maintenance has addressed some voice-cutting issues, localized problems persist.
Temporary Fix: If walkie-talkies disappear during the We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle, reload your checkpoint. Audio input settings may not save properly when exiting the settings menu, so verify your microphone configuration before starting puzzle sections.
Proximity Communication Feature
The game includes a proximity voice chat system that automatically activates when players are close together. Walkie-talkies appear on-screen only when you’re beyond hearing range. This is an intentional feature, not a bug.
During shrink puzzle sequences where players operate at different scales, you typically cannot rely on proximity chat. Ensure your walkie-talkie is functioning before beginning the shrinking sequence.
Performance Optimization
Some technical issues can affect puzzle completion rates. Visual bugs, including partners becoming invisible through certain VFX or decorative objects not rendering properly, can confuse spatial awareness during critical puzzle moments.
| Performance Issue | Impact on Shrink Puzzle | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Low frame rate | Difficult timing for shrink transitions | Lower graphics settings, verify file integrity |
| Camera stuttering on gravity plates | Disorientation during navigation | Avoid walking over halfpipe/arch structures |
| Missing wall collision | Players falling through environment | Complete uninstall and reinstall, delete installation folder contents |
| Item physics glitches | Objects don’t behave predictably | Reload checkpoint for fresh physics state |
Additional Gameplay Considerations
The We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle exists within the broader context of the game’s checkpoint system. Understanding how checkpoints interact with puzzle progress helps prevent lost progress from bugs or mistakes.
Checkpoint “Corporate Espionage” Note
Players should exercise caution in the Corporate Espionage checkpoint, as it’s possible to skip a mission-critical item. If you advance too far without collecting this item, progress becomes blocked, requiring checkpoint reload. When navigating areas involving size manipulation, thoroughly explore before moving to new zones.
Elevator and Movement Glitches
Some elevators present issues for players with higher ping, allowing premature exits before doors lock. If this occurs during sequences involving the shrink puzzle, reload from the last checkpoint rather than attempting to continue with potentially broken puzzle states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I get stuck in the shrunken state and can’t grow back?
This typically occurs if you crouched while shrunken. Immediately reload your checkpoint through the main menu: go to main menu > change > start new journey > have the host re-select your last checkpoint. Avoid crouching entirely while in shrunken form to prevent this game-breaking bug.
How do I solve the We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle if climbing isn’t working?
Climbing inconsistencies shouldn’t block progression. Try approaching platforms, blocks, and terrain from different sides. The game includes multiple solution paths for most challenges—you might reach your destination through tool usage or by solving a mini-challenge to create alternative platforms instead of relying solely on climbing.
Why can’t I hear my partner during the shrink puzzle sequences?
Check that your walkie-talkie is active and visible on-screen. If it has disappeared, reload your checkpoint as a temporary workaround. Remember that proximity voice chat activates automatically when players are close together, so walkie-talkies only appear when you’re beyond hearing range. Verify your audio input settings haven’t reset, as they sometimes fail to save when exiting the settings menu.
Where can I find official support for We Were Here Tomorrow issues?
Visit the Total Mayhem Games support portal for the latest information on known issues, patches, and official solutions. The development team actively monitors bug reports and updates documentation as new issues are identified and resolved.
The We Were Here Tomorrow shrink puzzle represents the innovative puzzle design that makes this cooperative series compelling. While bugs currently affect some players’ experiences, understanding the mechanics, common issues, and proven workarounds ensures you can progress through this challenging section successfully. Communication remains your most valuable tool—stay in constant contact with your partner, describe everything you observe, and don’t hesitate to reload checkpoints when encountering game-breaking bugs.