Navigating the aftermath of a high-stakes gathering requires precision, patience, and a keen eye for detail. In the Act 2 update, players encounter one of the most atmospheric levels yet: the mansion grounds. This crime scene cleaner circle of friends walkthrough is designed to help you navigate the complex layout of the estate while ensuring you secure every collectible and solve every environmental puzzle. Whether you are aiming for a perfect cleaning score or hunting for the "We Are the Sound" achievement, following a structured path is essential.
This crime scene cleaner circle of friends walkthrough focuses on the dual nature of the job—scrubbing away the evidence of a party gone wrong while uncovering the hidden secrets left behind by the victims and perpetrators. From the initial fountain courtyard to the secluded greenhouses, every area holds vital clues and valuable items that are easy to miss without a proper guide.
Mission Objectives and Initial Steps
Upon entering the "Circle of Friends" level, you are greeted by a sprawling estate that serves as the backdrop for a grim cleanup operation. Your primary objectives involve disposing of multiple bodies, removing blood stains from high-end surfaces, and clearing out a significant amount of trash.
Before diving into the deep cleaning, it is highly recommended to scout the perimeter. The level is divided into several key zones: the Fountain Room, the Garage, the Main Mansion (including the office and balcony), and the Greenhouse complex. Managing your equipment effectively between these zones will save significant time during the 2026 gameplay cycle.
Warning: Ensure you have enough trash bags before entering the upper floors of the mansion, as the density of debris increases significantly in the office and lounge areas.
All CD Collectible Locations
The "Circle of Friends" mission contains four hidden CDs required for the "We Are the Sound" achievement. These collectibles are often tucked away behind destructible objects or locked behind environmental puzzles.
| CD Number | Location | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| CD #1 | Near the Fountain/Bin area | Break wooden boards blocking a wall hole. |
| CD #2 | Secret Room under the stairs | Solve the three-photo interaction puzzle. |
| CD #3 | Inside the Coffin | Find and interact with 5 hidden Black Ducks. |
| CD #4 | External Greenhouse | Navigate the roof path and cross the bridge. |
Finding the First CD: The Hidden Sink Room
Immediately after exiting the starting area and entering the Fountain Room for the first time, look to your right. You will see a smoking area that leads toward a collection of trash bins. Behind these bins is a hole in the wall obscured by wooden boards. Use your tools to break the boards and head straight toward the room containing a sink. The first collectible CD is resting on the table in the corner.
Solving the Photo Puzzle
The second CD is located behind a hidden floor panel in the main mansion area. After you have finished cleaning the garage, proceed to the second floor and follow the hallway until you reach the main room. Do not go up the stairs yet; instead, look underneath them to find three interactable photos.
To unlock the secret compartment, the photos must be changed to match specific elements of the fountain located outside in the courtyard.
| Photo Position | Required Image |
|---|---|
| Left Photo | The ornate, fancy-looking goblet. |
| Middle Photo | The man wearing glasses and a red sash. |
| Right Photo | The figure holding a regular spear (not the trident). |
Once these images are correctly aligned, a section of the floor will open. Inside, you will find the second CD resting on a chaise longue (couch).
The Black Duck Coffin Puzzle
The third collectible involves a more macabre challenge. Head up the stairs to the room containing two coffins. You will notice a black duck sitting on top of one of them, but the coffin is locked by chains. To release the chains, you must find and interact with all five black ducks hidden within this specific room.
Black Duck Locations
- The Bookshelf: Look inside the coffin-shaped bookshelf on the right side of the room.
- The Desk: Check the bottom-left cupboard of the office desk.
- The Entrance Chest: Open the chest located immediately by the door you entered through.
- The Wall Shelves: Search the standard shelving units on the walls.
- The Coffin Top: Interact with the duck sitting directly on the coffin lid.
Once all five ducks have been triggered, the chains will vanish, allowing you to open the coffin and retrieve the third CD.
The Greenhouse and Roof Path
The final CD in "Circle of Friends" requires some light platforming. Exit the coffin room and cross to the opposite side of the balcony to enter the main office. From the office, turn left and step out onto the roof.
Follow the roof path to the right, which will eventually lead you to a small bridge. Cross this bridge to reach the furthest greenhouse. The fourth CD is sitting on an outdoor table just outside the greenhouse structure. This area is also a prime spot for disposing of evidence, so keep your cleaning kit handy.
Efficient Cleaning Strategies
To achieve a high rating in the "Circle of Friends" mission, you must balance speed with thoroughness. The mansion features several expensive rugs and hardwood floors that require specific cleaning agents to avoid damage penalties.
- Body Disposal: Prioritize moving bodies to the designated vehicle before starting the deep scrub. This prevents "blood dragging" which creates more work.
- Ozone Machine Placement: Use the ozone machine in the office and the coffin room early, as these areas have the highest "scent" markers.
- The Garage Floor: The garage often contains oil spills mixed with blood. Use the heavy-duty power washer here rather than the mop for faster results.
💡 Tip: You do not need to complete the entire level to save your collectible progress. If you are only hunting for CDs, you can exit the level immediately after picking them up.
Act 2 Achievement: We Are the Sound
The "Circle of Friends" mission is a core component of the "We Are the Sound" achievement, which requires players to collect all 16 CDs added in the Act 2 update. If you are following this crime scene cleaner circle of friends walkthrough, you are already 25% of the way through the new content.
Remember that other levels in this update, such as "Amber Alert" and "Town Too Small," follow similar logic—look for interactable objects like beer kegs, arcade machines, or hidden vents to find the remaining discs.
FAQ
Q: Can I go back for the CDs if I already finished the cleaning?
A: Yes, you can restart the mission at any time. The game tracks which collectibles you have already found, so you only need to pick up the ones you missed. You can even "Abandon" the mission after finding them, and they will still count toward your achievement progress.
Q: What happens if I get the photo puzzle wrong?
A: Nothing negative happens. The floor simply won't open. You can keep interacting with the photos until the correct combination (Goblet, Glasses/Sash, Spear) is achieved.
Q: Is there a specific order I should clean the rooms in?
A: While there is no forced order, most players find it most efficient to start with the Garage, move to the Fountain area, and finish with the interior Mansion rooms. This follows the natural flow of the crime scene cleaner circle of friends walkthrough and collectible placement.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Act 2 update?
A: You can check the official Crime Scene Cleaner Steam Page for patch notes and community guides regarding the latest mission additions and mechanics.
Q: Do the black ducks make a sound when you find them?
A: Yes, there is a distinct audio cue when you interact with each duck, helping you confirm that it has been "collected" for the coffin puzzle.