Runes

Runes
Type	Symbols
Function	Components for solving code-related puzzles

Runes are defined in the Submachine series as symbols which act as a sort of passcode to solve puzzles in the place of common letters or numbers. Runes are selected to appear in a certain combination called a sequence out of a total group of runes used to solve a puzzle, called a series.

This page lists all series of runes found in the Submachine games which involve a four-rune series or higher, as well as their in-game function.

Appearances

• 2
• 3
• 5
• 7
• FLF/FLFHD
• 10

The same set of four runes appears in both Sub2 and SubFLF/FLFHD. They are not used in Sub2 but they are used in the other two games. See the trivia section for more details.

• Series count: 19
• Sequence count: 6
• Color: Green

These runes appear in level 6. They are input into a device one room to the left of the passage-machine. The combination is scattered throughout the level in six rooms fairly close to the origin. The correct runes appear on six screens, each screen containing the position on the device for that rune.

• Series count: 10
• Sequence count: 3
• Color: Green

These runes appear in the symbol room. Three circular screens will display three of these runes in a left-middle-right fashion. The positions are recorded in the player's notebook. The runes are input into a stone wall display in the ancient room to gain access to the ancient ruins.

• Series count: 10
• Sequence count: 5
• Color: Cyan

These ten runes are variations of a basic circular shape with intersecting lines. Most are found on metal plates scattered throughout the South Garden. One is found by inserting a glowing box into a stone slab. The runes are input into a device to call a capsule by using a piece of paper that gives the correct order based on their positions in the South Garden.

In Submachine: Future Loop Foundation and Submachine: FLF there are two set of runes. One activates a rusty cylinder, and the other activates a film container.

Rusty cylinder

• Series count: 19
• Sequence count: 1
• Color: Green (SubFLF), White (FLFHD)

In both games, these runes are selected one-at-a-time on a rusty cylinder. A pair of headphones connects to the cylinder. Most of the time, the headphones will play a short static burst when a rune is selected. For one rune in particular, however, a song will start to play.

The "correct" rune can be discovered through another puzzle, but it can also be discovered by playing the headphones on each rune in the rusty cylinder until the correct one is reached.

In SubFLF, the song is merely present for the player's enjoyment. However in FLFHD, the song activates a different device in the memory bank, which unlocks for the duration of the song so that the player can collect a dimmer.

Film container

• Series count: 19
• Sequence count: 4
• Color: White

These runes are input into a device which holds a movie reel. The correct sequence is found in the ward on a beige wall.

Two sequences of runes appear in Submachine 10.

Cog column

• Series count: 16
• Sequence count: 4
• Color: Black

These runes, which are actually Egyptian hieroglyphs, are found on a column of four cubes, with four runes per cube. As a result, the sequence is really picking one rune out of four, repeated four times. The correct sequence spawns a cog wheel on top of a different pillar in the iron pyramid.

The picture to the right shows:

• Row 1: All possible runes on the top cube.
• Row 2: All possible runes on the second-to-top cube.
• Row 3: All possible runes on the second-to-bottom cube.
• Row 4: All possible runes on the bottom cube.

Four-square device

• Series count: 16
• Sequence count: 4
• Color: Cyan

These runes are found in a 2x2 panel in the lighthouse dungeon. The panel can rotate its corners to change runes when selected. As a result, each corner holds four unique runes. Therefore, the sequence is really picking one rune out of four, repeated four times. The correct sequence activates a wireless signal which opens a box containing a fork in the meditation temple.

The picture to the right shows:

• Row 1: All possible runes on the top left square.
• Row 2: All possible runes on the top right square.
• Row 3: All possible runes on the bottom left square.
• Row 4: All possible runes on the bottom right square.

Trivia

• A large screen of runes appears in Submachine 6: The Edge that flashes by briefly during the opening of the game. It is believed that this screen is connected to the activation of system protocols, leading many to believe that the set of runes serves as a "splash screen" for the system.
• Some of the Submachine runes bear resemblance to Futhark runes. Futhark is the original Germanic script, developed from the Old Italic alphabet. Similarities can also be seen in the derived Futhorc, Dalecarlian and Medieval rune systems.
• The Old script of Hungary also shares some similar markings. It was derived from the Old Turkic script. It is still in usage to some extent. Mateusz Skutnik lives relatively close to Hungary, so it might be possible he has access to these runes more easily than some others.
• The same four-rune sequence found on the ward wall is also seen in the lighthouse dungeon in Sub2. However it serves no practical purpose in that game.

The "splash screen" for the system.

Futhark runes.

Hun Rovas alphabet. Runes found in Hungary.

Japanese katakana sing "Ra" that is similar to a rune found in SubFLF/FLFHD.

Rune pattern found in Sub2 (left) and SubFLF/FLFHD (right).

See also

• Submachine 2: The Lighthouse
• Submachine 3: The Loop
• Submachine: Future Loop Foundation
• Maps
• Notes