The Red Cloak

Lore & Background

In *Journey*, every cloaked figure you meet is usually another player, an anonymous brown-robed wanderer crossing the same vast desert toward the distant mountain. But the Red Cloak is different: a non-player character, deliberately placed by the developers in secret, hard-to-reach spots. Their vivid red robe is a deliberate anomaly—a splash of color that breaks the muted palette of the world. Perhaps they are a relic of the lost civilization that built the ruins around you, a guide left behind to watch over solitary travelers, or simply a ghost of the desert itself, haunting the forgotten corners of the sand.

In Their Own Story

The sun blazed overhead as I trudged through the endless sand, my scarf tattered and short. I had been alone for what felt like hours, the mountain still a distant shimmer. Then, atop a broken archway I had to struggle to reach, I saw a flash of crimson—a figure standing perfectly still, their robe the color of dried blood against the pale sky. They didn't move as I approached, but when I chimed, they chimed back: a deeper, warmer note, like an echo from a forgotten time. For the next stretch of desert, they glided beside me, leading me to a hidden glyph I would have missed. Then, as silently as they had appeared, they vanished behind a dune, leaving only footprints in the sand—and a quiet ache in my chest.

Reader's Guide

The Red Cloak is an NPC companion that can be found in *Journey* during a single-player session (or even in multiplayer, though they are distinct from human players). They appear in a few fixed, well-hidden locations, such as the broken bridge area or the underground tunnels. Unlike regular companions, the Red Cloak does not require an online connection and is always present for any player who discovers their hiding spot.

Their behavior is simple: they follow the player, chime in response to the player's chime, and can help recharge the player's scarf (which allows flight) by being nearby. They do not lead the player through the main path but may guide them to secret symbols or collectibles. The Red Cloak cannot be harmed and will disappear after a short time or if the player moves too far away.

To encounter the Red Cloak, players must explore thoroughly, often deviating from the main route to climb obscure structures or enter hidden crevices. Their presence adds a layer of mystery and solitude, reminding players that even in a game about connection, there are secrets meant for the lone wanderer.

Did You Know?

• The Red Cloak is one of the few NPCs in *Journey* that is not a player-controlled character, making it a deliberate secret added by the developers.
• Finding the Red Cloak is not required for any achievement or trophy, making it a pure easter egg for curious explorers.
• The Red Cloak's design uses the same model as the player character but with a unique red texture, setting it apart from the standard brown robes.
• The Red Cloak can appear in both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 versions of *Journey*, as well as the PC release.