Unpacking: 2012 Walkthrough

Unpacking is an indie game about how life can change over time. It begins in 1997, with the nerdy main character moving into a childhood bedroom. The player moves along with her as she unpacks her possessions over and over again with every new house, relationship, and break-up. In 2012, the narrator is forced to move back home after breaking up with her boyfriend, and she may be a little heartbroken.

Updated on February 23, 2022, by Mina Smith: Unpacking was a hit in 2021; this relaxing unpacking simulation took the indie game world by storm, creating a lot of love for the narrator that players never even really get to see. But a lot of players had a handful of issues trying to play the game, from not knowing what a Gamecube looks like by sight to not being able to figure out where to put the photograph in the 2012 level. Since so many players had an issue with it, this article's 2012 photo section has been expanded to help new players out with this interesting yet heartbreaking puzzle.

Unpacking Level 2012

Whether playing Unpacking on Xbox Game Pass, PC, or Switch, players will need to get through 2012 to get to her later years. In order to complete this level successfully, players should keep in mind what the narrator just went through. She has a broken heart and is moving back into her childhood bedroom with her parents until she can get back on her feet. Keeping this in mind will help players to solve the puzzle of this level.

In this title free on Xbox Game Pass this November, the 2012 level only has two rooms: the bathroom and the bedroom. It's a fairly simple level but has a few things that might trip players of this relaxing video game up. But breaking down the boxes one at a time should help everyone get through it.

Bathroom Boxes in Unpacking's 2012

Brush, moisturizer, perfume, toothbrush, deodorant, toothpaste, and bathroom mug - place all of these objects on the bathroom counter with the toothbrush and paste in the mug. The brush can go in one of the drawers as well
Makeup bag - under the sink or on the shelves
Clippers, Flat iron, tweezers, razor - all of these objects can fit in the drawers
Medicines, first aid kits, tampons - all these can go under the sink by removing the trashcan and putting it to the left of the sink or on the shelves
Bodywash, shampoo, conditioner - open the shower and place it on the shelf
Lip gloss - counter or shelves
Medicine and pads - also under the sink or on the shelves

And that should complete the two boxes inside the bathroom. Next, head to the bedroom.

Bedroom Boxes in Unpacking's 2012

Bug - Put the bug on the shelf in front of the boombox
In the box on the bed, players will find the main character's d20 and Dungeons and Dragons mini as well as her MP3 player; these can go on the desk
Next are two books. If players move the trophies and knickknacks to the top shelf, there should be plenty of room for all the narrator's books
Place the first two photos on the corkboard, but do not put the third photo there. Put other drawings on the corkboard as well.
Work out weights and yoga mat - under the bed
3DS - can go in front of the frog's feet on the shelf or on the desk
Drawing tablet and laptop - must go on the desk
Open the sliding doors under the stuffed frog to find a great place for her markers to hide. Pull out the rolled-up poster and hang it on the wall to earn a sticker.
Stuffed pig - on the bed
Diploma - on the wall again, where it should have been all along
The purse goes between the desk and the sliding shelves. The filing box can also fit under the desk.
The ukelele - must go on one of the shelves above the desk.
The chicken and her chicks - can go inside the sliding shelves
The hot water bottle - goes on the bed
Eraser and pen cup - go on the desk
The two 3DS games - go inside the sliding shelves

What to Do With the Photo in Unpacking's 2012

For the final photograph, players must hide it from the narrator, as she won't want to see a photo of her and her recent ex on her corkboard every day. Putting it into the shelves with the sliding doors is a great place to hide it away. If players try to hang up the photo instead of hiding it, they will find that the narrator character has pushed a pin through the face of her ex, giving players a few hints on how well their breakup went.

Given her desire to stab his photo, it would probably be best for everyone involved to throw out the photo, but players can only hide it from her instead. This is one of the many great ways that the environment tells the story of the narrator's life; it's one of the best things about Unpacking.