The Witness: Shady Trees Puzzle Walkthrough

Below is a guide to activate the Shady Trees laser in The Witness

The Witness is an open-world, exploration-puzzle game, offering mystery and intrigue that is answered only by exploration and solving two-dimensional puzzles. Sometimes the answer to a puzzle can be found in the puzzle itself, and sometimes you need to explore your environment. 

Note: While we encourage everyone to at least try and complete The Witness without the use of guides, we understand that sometimes frustration can set in. Before spoiling it for yourself, take a break and return at a later time. If it still doesn't click, feel free to use the guide below.

The Shady Trees Walkthrough

The Shady Trees (Trophy name) laser in The Witness can be found locked behind a gate in the middle of the dense forest of yellow and red trees. As the name of the laser suggests, this puzzle's core mechanic relies on shade and relying on the nearby trees to complete the puzzles. There are two parts to this puzzle that must be completed to unlock both sides of the gate.

Hints: (if you don't want to complete spoil it):

  • The first part of the puzzle requires you open a door and complete a lower portion first
  • Pay particular attention to the shadows caused by the trees and the Sun. Let them be your guide.