Castlevania II: Simon's Quest Hints
otted throughout Transylvania are villages - hubs of activity filled with merchants and peasants. Some of these townsfolk are knowledgeable about the layout and lore of the land. Others are tricksters who will waste your time, and ultimately delay you from slaying Count Dracula to remedy the Curse. Just who is telling the truth and who is spreading deceit?
Town of Jova 
"First thing to do in this town is buy a white crystal."
This is true. If you're a miser with your hearts, you'll soon find that you're going to need a sixth-sense to know where that invisible platform is.
"A flame is on top of the 6th tree in Denis Woods."
A wild goose chase for the Sacred Flame. There is no tree in any woods that holds this special sub-weapon. The Flame is actually east of Berkeley Mansion hidden in some blocks.
"13 clues will solve Dracula's riddle."
The game holds thirteen clues that help the player's progression.
"Rumor has it, the ferry man at the Dead River loves garlic."
If he does, he does not show it. The Ferryman will take you two ways - equipping Dracula's Heart will access the second way.
"Clues to Dracula's riddle are in the town of Veros."
In other words, go to the Town of Veros.
"A magic potion will destroy the wall of evil."
Once the Cross from Laruba Mansion has been recovered; the Holy Water will destroy the wall sealing off the bridge to Dracula's Castle. However, this doesn't come into play until near the end of the game.
"You have a friend in the town of Aldra. Go and see him."
Likely a hint to see the so-called Crystal Knight. He will bequeath you the powers of the Red Crystal in exchange for your Blue one.
"A crooked trader is offering bum deals in this town."
This is meant to foster distrust in the merchants of Jova and thus fool the player into skipping the important items there. It would be a fatal mistake to pass over Jova's traders, as their wares will help you survive the dreaded Berkely Mansion.
Town of Veros 
"Clues to Dracula's Riddle are in the Town of Alba"
Some have taken this to mean Aljiba, as there is no town of Alba. So, go to Aljiba!
"Laurels in your soup enhances its aroma."
Do they now? Unless you are compiling recipes, this is useless. However, Laurels will grant you invincibility, so this hint at the least would have warranted some investigation into merchants selling these.
"A Rib can shield you from evil."
This hint refers to Dracula's Rib. Equipping the bone will grant you the use of a shield to deflect fireballs, hunks of slime, and other grotesque things enemies will fling and spit at you.
"You've got a friend waiting for you in the Town of Aljiba."
The Crystal Knight fits this description perfectly. He will grant the player the Blue Crystal for the White one. Good trade, since you're going to need the Blue Crystal to reveal a path within a lake.
"You look pale my son. You must rest in the church."
This refers to the Churches found in several towns. Talking to the Priest within will restore Simon's vitality.
"Clues to Dracula's Riddle are in Berkeley Mansion."
Within Berkeley Mansion lies the Rib of Dracula. Follow this clue down to the letter and retrieve it.
Town of Aljiba 
"Buy some Garlic. It has special powers."
Garlic can both damage enemies and reveal special merchants when placed in certain areas in the graveyard. Always have a few cloves.
"Clues to Dracula's Riddle are in the Veros Woods."
This is a vague hint that may refer to the presence of the Mansion past Veros Woods.
"Clues to Dracula's Riddle are in Rover Mansion."
A vague clue. It refers to the presences of the Hint Books and/or Dracula's Remains.
"A Laurel will protect you from the Poison Marsh."
When you use a Laurel, Simon will begin to glow. You're now invisible to anything but lethal pitfalls! Laurels are incredibly handy for crossing Marshes, which slowly sap the hero's health.
"The Dead River waits to be freed from its curse."
This is most likely tied to the Ferryman who will guide you to a different area should you equip Dracula's Heart. Otherwise, this is a useless clue.
"To restore your life, shout in front of the church."
A false tip, as you must talk to a Priest within to restore your health. But, it's probably vaguely telling you to use a Church to recover.
Town of Aldra 
"Hit Deborah Cliff with your head to make a hole."
Though false, it alludes to a way to pass Deborah Cliff. Equip the Red Crystal and kneel to summon a spirit to whisk you away.
"I'll see you at midnight on the river bank."
Should you succumb to this woman's wiles, you'll find yourself high and dry at night having to face stronger enemies.
"Sorry, Pal, no time now, maybe later."
This is small talk that will get the player nowhere on their quest.
"Get a silk bag from the Graveyard Duck to live longer."
Placing a clove of garlic on a particular tombstone will reveal a man swathed in orange- the said Graveyard Duck, who will give you the silk bag. Duck is slang for a recluse.
"I've been waiting for a good looking guy like you."
Once again, this is useless to your quest. Nice to know you're popular with the ladies, though.
"I want to get to know you better."
See above.
Town of Olden 
"Dig up the 4th grave in the Cemetery for a Diamond."
False. The diamond is given to you by a special merchant.
"When I was your age, women loved me."
Well, that's great to know. Judging by the hints at Aldra, it looks like Simon is also the ladies man.
"Take my daughter, please!!"
...You're not a heartless cad that you'd even consider such a thing, are you? Anyway, this has no meaning to you.
"Believe in magic and you'll be saved."
This is probably a reference to the power of your weapons and Dracula's remains. It is nothing to be concerned with.
"Don't make me stay. I'll die."
Simon is powerless to help this person, but it serves as a dire sign that you're nearing Dracula's Castle…
"Don't look into the Death Star, or you will die."
Some say that this is a reference to Japanese folklore that stated that seeing a particular star served as an omen of death. Nice way to motivate the player…
"A man living in darkness can give your whip power."
A clear reference to a merchant that is seemingly boxed in. Shatter the bricks surrounding him to receive the Flame Whip upgrade.
Town of Fetra
"After Castlevania I warned you not to return."
It appears some were not happy with Simon's triumph in Castlevania. Ignore the man and continue on your journey.
"You've upset the people. Now get out of town!!"
Some are angry with Simon. Judging by the deadened features of lands leading up to this town, the area is under the grip of Dracula's pestilence.
"Get back!!"
How polite. Best if you move along.
"The Cross in Laruba's Mansion must be found."
Finally, this is a clue that makes sense! You must destroy Carmilla's Mask to gain access to the Cross. Only with it can you proceed within Dracula's Castle.
Town of Ghulash 
"Let's live here together."
The sole inhabitant of this abandoned, creepy village seems to be quite odd. Ignore his request; Dracula's Castle lies just ahead.
Riddle Book Hints 
Scattered throughout the Mansions are special books that can be uncovered by throwing Holy Water on bricks. Each offers extra hints that the townspeople do not provide. You must have Dracula's Eyeball equipped to see these books.
"A flame flickers inside the ring of fire."
Nonsense. There is no rings of fire in this game, or anything alluding to that.
"To replenish earth, kneel by the lake with a blue crystal."
You must crouch at Yuba Lake with the Blue Crystal. Doing so will cause the lake to reveal the path underneath, allowing you to continue on your quest. You more or less open the lake than replenish the earth, but whatever.
"Dracula's evil knife blurs Camilla's vision."
A reference to the Golden Knife you claimed from Death. By using it on Carmilla's Mask, or any foe, you will halt it in its tracks cause severe damage.
"An old gypsy holds a diamond in front of Deborah Cliff."
To be more accurate, the cliff in question is the one to the West of Braham Mansion. The gypsy will then give you the Diamond sub-weapon just because he/she feels like it. Good for you.
"Garlic in the graveyard summons a stranger."
Placing garlic in specific areas within some graveyards will spawn merchants who will donate a gift to your Vampire Hunting cause.
"A symbol of evil will appear when you strike the stake."
These symbols the book tells of are the grisly remains of Dracula. Use the Oak Stake sub-weapon on the glowing orbs in each Mansion to reveal one of Dracula's bodily relics.
"Destroy the Curse with Dracula's Heart."
Talk to the Ferryman with Dracula's Heart equipped; he will now be much more cooperative and take you to a new area.
"Destroy the curse and you'll rule Braham's Mansion."
This seems to be nonsense. Unless Simon really wants to relocate to a zombie-filled manor of traps, this only implies that the player must continue to Braham's Mansion.
"Wait for a soul with a red crystal on Deborah Cliff."
To be clear, kneel in front of Deborah Cliff with the red crystal equipped. In a few seconds, a soul that appears to be a small tornado will take Simon to a new area.
"Dracula's nail may solve the evil mystery."
The keyword here is "may", as Dracula's Nail only breaks bricks. It's still handy to have, though.
"The curse has killed the laurel tree."
This explains why laurels can only be purchased from select merchants. Who knew?
"Place Laurels in a silk bag to bring them to life."
The Silk Bag allows the player to carry more laurels, but as for bringing them to life…the jury's still out on that one.
"Clear a path at Berkeley Mansion with a White Crystal."
When you equip the White Crystal, you will be able to discern the floating platform that allows Simon to avoid the impassable lake.
