How to get the secret ending

In this guide, I will explain how to get the secret ending to Dredge, which comes with an achievement.

How to:

To get the secret ending, first get to the point where you can get to the regular ending. When speaking with the collector, instead choose the dialogue tree asking where he got the book.
When you complete this tree, you should have the book in your possession. However, do not choose the "I'm ready" option.

Instead, leave Blackstone. If you haven't already spoken to the Old Mayor, he can be found on an island to the ENE (if I remember correctly). Exhaust his dialogue, then head back to Greater Marrow. Speak to the lighthouse keeper and she should have new dialogue. Tell her when you are ready and then follow her directions. Sail to where the light is shining and THROW IT BACK.

This will get you the secret ending as well as the achievement "Sated"

[taymac118]

i got that

[cgi72]

man i came in here thinkin there was a secret ending i hadnt heard about but its literally just the good ending i got this in my first playthrough

[SeaAcheAreEyeEs]

I accidentally stumbled upon the Old Mayor prior to getting the final relic, and went through this ending without having it. I've started a second save file, and I want to see if I can complete this ending before even getting the key. I wonder if I can even get to the right spot before day breaks with such a slow boat...

[Mansen]

That IS the definition of a secret ending...

[Bean]

holy fuck thank you for actually fucking explaining what needs to be done, im mid game and every single tutorial i looked at doesnt mention reaching that point in the game first before the old mayor begins appearing. some troglodites on the internet really need to learn that people cant read their minds lol, thanks for the help

[𝔲𝔫𝔖𝔎𝔄𝔯𝔢𝔡]

This is not a secret ending, but only the second ending.

[confusion]

I don't think the mayor's location is the same in every game, see seems to show up at any one of the abandoned campsites you can find once the conditions are met. I stopped at one I was sure I'd visited before just to spend the night and suddenly he was there.

[adamulos]

The map from starlight reef leads to a treasure chest west of the starlight reef fisher platform - it's a chest floating on a chain from the depths

[Big in Japan]

anyone found a use for the map which you can find near the scientists base?

[Grif]

Both endings really fit the Lovecraftian style of the game honestly, neither have a happy ending for either the world or the main character, they did a Good job in that regard, they could have easily made a truly happy ending but I feel that would go against the genre