Navigating the psychological and physical hurdles in Disco Elysium requires a sharp intellect and a willingness to utilize unconventional tools scattered around Revachol. Among the various interactions that test the detective's limits, dealing with a highly repulsive crime scene early in the game stands out as a major milestone. Players must find creative solutions to steel their nerves if they hope to proceed with their investigation effectively.

The Purpose of Smelling Salts in Revachol

When trying to inspect the hanging body behind the Whirling-in-Rags, the intense stench triggers an immediate endurance check for Harry Du Bois. Failing this check causes the detective to vomit, halting the physical examination and blocking critical narrative progression. Utilizing a chemical buffer like ammonia acts as a sensory shield, allowing you to bypass the physiological rejection and focus entirely on finding clues.

Acquiring this specific remedy demands a quick trip to the local pharmacy down the street or a thorough search of abandoned medical kits across the district. Once the item settles securely into your inventory, it provides a persistent passive benefit during the stressful interactions surrounding the victim. This mechanic emphasizes the game's focus on preparation and resourcefulness when tackling grim detective duties.

How to Equip and Use Ammonia Effectively

To employ the compound during your investigation, open your inventory screen and navigate directly to the interactable tool slots. Placing the bottle into either your left or right hand prepares the character to use its strong scent during dialogue interactions. Returning to the backyard with the chemical equipped completely alters the dialogue tree when interacting with the corpse.

With the smelling salts active, you unlock a specialized prompt that safely fortifies your internal stats against the horrific environment. The narrative describes your character inhaling the sharp fumes to clear their mind and suppress the physical urge to retetch. This contextual bonus significantly increases your success rate, allowing you to examine the body with minimal resistance.

Completing the Corpse Investigation Task

Successfully overcoming the initial physical revulsion allows you to lower the hanging victim and begin a proper forensic examination. Investigating the tracks, checking the knot structure, and searching the clothing items will reveal several vital pieces of evidence for your logbook. This breakthrough moves the main plot forward and establishes a stronger baseline for your overall case file.

Understanding how physical items interact with your psychological skills is essential for mastering the intricate systems within this narrative masterpiece. By utilizing every tool at your disposal, you can guide the troubled protagonist toward professional redemption despite the overwhelming chaos of his surroundings.