Uncovering Every Secret: A Comprehensive Guide to 007 First Light Collectibles

Introduction

In the thrilling world of 007 First Light, players are thrust into the shoes of a nascent James Bond, navigating high-stakes missions and unraveling intricate conspiracies. Beyond the pulse-pounding action and espionage, the game offers a wealth of hidden treasures for dedicated players: Mementos. These meticulously placed collectibles serve not only as a test of keen observation but also as a way to deepen immersion into Bond’s formative experiences. This comprehensive guide, compiled by seasoned gaming journalist Christian Bognar, aims to illuminate the location of every Memento across all chapters of 007 First Light, ensuring players can achieve 100% completion and fully appreciate the game’s intricate design.

The Allure of Collectibles in 007 First Light

007 First Light, developed by the acclaimed IO Interactive, immerses players in an origin story that chronicles the early days of James Bond’s career within MI6. As a young, ambitious recruit, Bond’s journey is fraught with peril, betrayal, and the forging of the legendary spy persona. The game masterfully blends cinematic storytelling with engaging gameplay mechanics, allowing players to approach situations with stealth, brute force, or cunning deception.

The inclusion of Mementos adds another layer to this experience. These are not mere trinkets; each item is a carefully chosen artifact that subtly hints at Bond’s character development, the settings he visits, or the events unfolding around him. Finding them encourages thorough exploration of the meticulously crafted environments, rewarding players with a deeper understanding of the narrative and the world it inhabits. The game’s chapter select feature is invaluable for this pursuit, allowing players to revisit specific checkpoints and meticulously comb each area for hidden secrets.

Chapter-by-Chapter Memento Guide

This guide will systematically detail the location of each Memento, chapter by chapter, providing clear instructions and, where necessary, referencing in-game checkpoints to aid in navigation.

Chapter 1: Against All Odds

The initial foray into Bond’s world, "Against All Odds," sets a tone of high-stakes action and introduces the player to the core mechanics. While not laden with collectibles, it holds a crucial piece for completionists.

Satellite Part

• Location: Container G9, near the end of the mission.
• Details: After reaching the "Central Camp" checkpoint, your primary objective will be to rescue captives held within container G9. Upon entering this container, players will find the Satellite Part collectible conveniently placed on a desk. This item signifies the technological underpinnings of the espionage world Bond is entering.

Chapter 6: A Night Out

This chapter plunges Bond into a more social, yet equally dangerous, environment, testing his social engineering skills alongside his combat prowess.

Cocktail Napkin

• Location: Behind the bar in the establishment.
• Details: Starting from the "Get Upstairs" checkpoint, your mission involves finding a way to ascend. The Memento, a seemingly innocuous Cocktail Napkin, is hidden behind the bar area. Given that this is a restricted zone, players will need to employ their stealth skills, either by using the "Bluff" option or a well-placed "Phone Dart" to create a distraction and access the area behind the bar. The napkin likely holds a cryptic message or a contact detail, reflecting the clandestine meetings often associated with espionage.

Chapter 8: All the Time in the World

This chapter places Bond in a high-profile event, demanding a blend of infiltration and careful observation. Two Mementos are hidden within this engaging chapter.

Pillow Mint

• Location: Inside the "Staff Only" room.
• Details: At the beginning of the "The Game Is On" checkpoint, Bond will find himself overlooking a large crowd at the World Chess Championship. From this vantage point, turn left to locate a room marked "Staff Only." A nearby staff member will be carrying a key. Utilizing a "Phone Dart" to pickpocket the key allows access to this room. The Pillow Mint, found on a brown cabinet within, suggests a moment of quiet preparation or a subtle comfort amidst the chaos.

Championship Badge

• Location: Backstage area.
• Details: During the same "The Game Is On" checkpoint, proceed to the central area where the chess championship is taking place. On the left side of this area, a small opening allows Bond to slip backstage. Navigate through this opening into the backstage corridor. The Championship Badge will be resting on a crate near the glass doors, a memento of the high-stakes event Bond is infiltrating.

Chapter 10: The Past Never Dies

This chapter delves into Bond’s personal history and the lingering shadows of his past, reflected in the collectibles found within.

Pirate Grillz

• Location: Merchant’s table in the Black Market.
• Details: Following the "Black Market" checkpoint, and after successfully collecting the 100,000 currency required for the auction, players must return to the market’s starting point. A specific merchant, identifiable by a white T-shirt and a red umbrella, will have the Pirate Grillz collectible on their table. This item’s presence suggests the underbelly of the espionage world and the eclectic characters Bond encounters. This Memento will only become available after completing the auction requirement.

Crocodile Tooth

• Location: Wooden box near the Land Rover.
• Details: From the "Leaving Aleph" checkpoint, players will eventually find themselves returning to their Land Rover. Before entering the vehicle, look to the right to spot a wooden box. The Crocodile Tooth collectible is nestled within this box, a potentially menacing reminder of the wilder elements Bond must confront.

Chapter 11: Uninvited

As Bond continues his investigations, he encounters new adversaries and challenges, with Mementos reflecting these encounters.

Anniversary Pin

• Location: On a crate in the Cloakroom.
• Details: Beginning at the "Get Upstairs" checkpoint, Bond’s objective is to locate an assassin. In the rear-left corner of the gala, two guards block access to the Cloakroom. Eavesdrop on their conversation to create an opening, then use a "Phone Dart" on the remaining guard. Enter the Cloakroom and immediately turn right to find a passage to squeeze through. The Anniversary Pin will be on a crate on the other side, hinting at a significant event or a personal connection within the gala.

Tero Murto Locket

• Location: Restoration Room adjacent to Restoration Room 4.
• Details: After defeating Tero Murto in a boss fight during the "Basement" checkpoint, proceed until you reach the Restoration Rooms. Enter Restoration Room 4 and collect the key from the desk at the back. Take this key across the hall to the adjacent Restoration Room. The Tero Murto Locket will be waiting on a table, a somber reminder of the defeated foe.

Chapter 12: Knightfall

This chapter represents a significant escalation in the narrative, and the collectibles found within reflect Bond’s growing understanding of the forces at play.

Office Toy

• Location: Desk in a locked office.
• Details: During the "Executive 1st Floor" checkpoint, while progressing with Greenway, Bond’s objective will be to bypass sensors. This involves moving a large piece of furniture and entering a vent. Take the first left within the vent system to access one of the locked offices. The Office Toy collectible is situated on the desk, next to a painting, offering a glimpse into the personal lives of those within the facility.

Chapter 14: Time to Die

As the narrative approaches its climax, the stakes are higher, and the Mementos found are more personal.

Diving Watch

• Location: Nightstand on the right side of the bed.
• Details: Within the "Suit Up" checkpoint of Chapter 14, Bond’s objective is to tie a bow tie with Q on the phone. Upon completing this mini-game, turn around. The Diving Watch Memento will be resting on the nightstand to the right of the bed, a nod to Bond’s diverse skillset and preparedness for any situation.

Chapter 15: Man of the Hour

This chapter brings Bond closer to his destiny, with a particularly easy-to-find Memento.

Niko Murto Locket

• Location: Desk next to Basil.
• Details: Starting from the "Stand Down" checkpoint, with the objective to speak with Moneypenny, take a left and descend the small staircase. On the lower level, next to a character named Basil, you’ll find the Niko Murto Locket on a desk. This could represent a connection to a past adversary or a lingering threat.

Chapter 16: Wave of the Future

The penultimate chapter introduces new environments and challenges, with collectibles that enhance the player’s understanding of the unfolding plot.

Snow Globe

• Location: Right side of the reception desk.
• Details: From the "Gate House" checkpoint, Bond needs to acquire two IDs to access the cable car. In the area where these IDs are located, proceed to the reception. The Snow Globe collectible is situated on the right side of the reception desk, offering a seemingly innocent souvenir from a potentially dangerous location.

Robot Keychain

• Location: Desk in an office within a vent system.
• Details: During the "Silo Entrance" checkpoint, after descending a large reactor and ziplining, Bond will enter a vent. This vent leads to an office, which is part of the main objective. Upon dropping into this office, the Robot Keychain collectible can be found on a desk, adjacent to a laptop. This item hints at the technological advancements and perhaps the more playful aspects of the game’s world.

Chapter 17: For England

The final chapter brings the narrative to a close, and the last collectible serves as a fitting reward for the player’s perseverance.

Dashboard Toy

• Location: Table in the Q-07 Wearables department.
• Details: In the final chapter, during the "Q Lab Showdown" checkpoint, Bond’s objective is to locate Valhalla keys. Upon reaching Q-Lab, enter the Q-07 Wearables department. The Dashboard Toy collectible will be found on a table within this area. This final Memento is a symbolic representation of Bond’s journey, a small, personal item found in the heart of MI6’s innovation. Collecting this item will also unlock the "Recovered Assets" achievement, signifying the player’s complete mastery of the game’s hidden elements.

The Significance of Mementos for Full Game Completion

Beyond the inherent satisfaction of discovering every secret, the Mementos in 007 First Light serve a crucial purpose for players aiming for true 100% completion. Unlocking all achievements and trophies often hinges on finding every collectible, and the "Recovered Assets" achievement specifically acknowledges the player’s dedication to uncovering these hidden items.

Furthermore, these Mementos contribute to a richer narrative experience. Each item, however small, is a piece of the puzzle, offering subtle insights into Bond’s character, the locations he visits, and the intricate web of espionage he navigates. They encourage players to slow down, observe their surroundings, and appreciate the depth of detail that the development team at IO Interactive has infused into the game world.

Conclusion

007 First Light offers a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay, but for the completionist, the pursuit of Mementos adds an essential layer of challenge and reward. This comprehensive guide has detailed the location of every collectible, chapter by chapter, empowering players to fully explore Bond’s origin story and uncover every hidden secret. From the early days of his career in "Against All Odds" to the climactic revelations in "For England," each Memento represents a step further into the world of espionage and the making of the legendary Agent 007. By following this guide, players can ensure they don’t miss a single piece of this meticulously crafted adventure, ultimately leading to a truly complete and immersive experience.