TR-49 Codes: Every Document Code, Unlock Command & Secret Input

TR-49 is a narrative deduction game by Inkle Studios where you operate a mysterious WWII-era machine that archives books, documents, and personal logs. Every entry is locked behind a unique four-character code. Your goal is to discover the correct codes, pair them with their titles, and unscramble the text to uncover the truth.

This guide lists every known code discovered by the community, explains how the code system works, and covers the secret unlock commands that alter the machine itself.

How the TR-49 Code System Works

Most document codes in TR-49 follow a simple pattern: the author's initials followed by the last two digits of the publication year. For example, a book by Joshua Silverton published in 1929 would be JS-29, while a memoir by Pierre Latour from 1972 would be PL-72.

Some codes break this pattern. Personal logs, machine commands, and classified entries use different naming conventions that you must deduce from the notes left by previous operators.

To enter a code, use the machine's interface: pull the lever to select a digit, then spin the letter and number wheels until the full code is displayed. Pull the lever again to confirm.

All Known Document Codes

The table below lists every confirmed code found in the machine's archives, organized by author or source.

Author / Source	Code	Notes
Aliz Cauldrey	AC-70	Personal log / document
	AC-81	Personal log / document
	AC-85	Personal log / document
Beatrice Dooler	BC-61	Personal log / document
	BD-61	Personal log / document
	BC-67	Personal log / document
	QM-55	Personal log / document
Cecil Caulderly	CC-49	Personal log / document
	CC-59	Personal log / document
	CC-69	Personal log / document
	CC-76	Personal log / document
	CC-79	Personal log / document
	CC-11	Personal log / document
Cecil Erstwhistle	CE-32	Personal log / document
	CE-74	Personal log / document
Thaddeus Detzer	TD-41	Personal log / document
Jane Austen	JA-13	Pride and Prejudice entry
Joshua Silverton	JS-29	Quantum physics tome
Pierre Latour	PL-72	Occult memoir
Academic Journals	AJ-26	Academic Journal Issue 1
	GA-00	The Bible
Unknown	RC-92	The Church of Rampaging Christ
Unknown	LA-57	Leads to The Weapon of the Enemy

Secret Unlock Commands

Beyond document codes, the machine accepts special commands that modify its behavior or unlock hidden sections. These are not tied to books but to the machine's internal systems.

Code	Effect	How to Discover
HE-47	Disables the scrambled text effect on degraded entries	Community discovery; not found in-game through normal exploration
DE-39	Unlocks the DEEP section of the machine	Found within the machine's notes; enter at MA-43
MA-43	Access point for entering the DEEP unlock code	Navigational code for the machine's deeper archives
WI-93	Locked entry requiring Beatrice's password	Requires deducing Beatrice's password from her other documents

How to Find Missing Codes

If you are stuck on a particular entry, here are the methods the community uses to find new codes:

• Check author notes: Previous operators left handwritten notes scattered throughout the machine. These often contain direct references to codes or clues about birth and death years.
• Use birth years: For some authors, entering their birth year as a code brings up an index card listing all their works. For example, Aliz Cauldrey's birth year may reveal an index card even if it does not match her document codes directly.
• Look for initials: The first two letters of a code almost always match the author's initials. The last two digits usually match a year.
• Check ranges: Some puzzles require testing a small range of numbers. If a note mentions a decade but not a specific year, try each year in that range.
• Read between the lines: Some codes are hidden in the text of already-unlocked documents. A casual mention of a year or a name can lead to a new entry.

How to Enter a Code

1. Approach the TR-49 machine interface.
2. Pull the main lever to activate the input mode.
3. Use the wheels to set the first two letters.
4. Use the wheels to set the last two numbers.
5. Pull the lever again to submit the code.
6. If the code is valid, the machine will display the document. If not, nothing happens.

There is no penalty for entering a wrong code, and you can attempt as many combinations as you like.

FAQ

How many documents are there in total?

There are 50 main documents to discover and decode, plus several unscrambled entries and secret machine commands.

Can I brute force the codes?

Technically yes, but the game soft-discourages excessive brute forcing by gradually scrambling the text of certain entries. The HE-47 command disables this effect if it becomes a problem.

What is the DEEP section?

The DEEP section is a hidden archive layer within the machine. It contains classified or sensitive documents not accessible through normal browsing. You must enter the unlock code DE-39 at the MA-43 access point to open it.

Why is some text scrambled?

As you spend more time brute forcing or revisiting entries, certain logs degrade and become harder to read. This is a built-in mechanic. Enter HE-47 to restore clarity.

Do codes work across platforms?

Yes. The codes are the same on PC, iOS, and Nintendo Switch. However, the Steam version is recommended for faster text input.

Is there a good ending?

Yes, but reaching it requires unlocking specific documents and making a choice about the machine's fate near the end of the game. Deleting the wrong file can lock you into a bad ending.

Final Thoughts

TR-49 is built around the satisfaction of connecting a code to its meaning. Every solved entry brings you closer to understanding the machine, its creators, and the reality-warping truth at the center of the story. Bookmark this guide and refer back whenever you hit a wall — the community continues to discover new codes with every playthrough.