Restoration Map Guide: All Areas & Cartridge Locations

Overview of the Restoration Map

Restoration presents a cozy, single-player world where you revive forgotten video game cartridges. The map is divided into distinct zones, each themed after different eras of gaming history. Unlike traditional adventure games, the Restoration map is not a sprawling open world but a curated series of workspaces and discovery areas. You start in your Workshop, the central hub, and unlock new locations as you progress through cartridge restorations. Each area contains specific tools, sticker puzzles, and cleaning challenges that match the cartridge's condition. Understanding the layout helps you plan your restoration workflow and locate rare cartridges faster.

The game features five main zones: the Workshop, Retro Shelf, Arcade Corner, Console Vault, and Attic Discovery. Each zone holds a unique set of cartridges with varying levels of grime, sticker density, and wrapping complexity. For new players, the Workshop is your starting point. For more details on getting started, check our /en/guides/beginner-guide/ guide.

Workshop: Your Restoration Hub

The Workshop is the first area you encounter. It's a cozy room with a workbench, cleaning supplies, and a storage shelf. Here, you begin your journey by restoring your first cartridge—a simple NES-style game with light grime and one sticker. The Workshop map includes:

• Workbench: Where you perform all cleaning actions (tear wrapping, peel stickers, remove grime).
• Tool Cabinet: Unlocks new tools like precision tweezers and cleaning solutions as you level up.
• Cartridge Rack: Displays your restored collection; completed cartridges glow with a restored aura.

The Workshop is also where you access the game's progression system. As you restore cartridges, you earn experience points that unlock new areas. The map is small but dense, encouraging you to focus on each restoration step without distraction. No time pressure exists, so you can enjoy the meditative process. For a deeper dive into tools and upgrades, see our /en/guides/crafting-guide/ guide.

Retro Shelf: 8-Bit Era Cartridges

The Retro Shelf zone represents the golden age of 8-bit gaming. Cartridges here are often covered in stubborn stickers, torn wrapping, and decades of dust. The map layout is a large wooden shelf with multiple compartments. Each compartment contains one to three cartridges. Key locations on the Retro Shelf map:

• Top Shelf: Houses rare, limited-edition cartridges with foil stickers that require careful peeling.
• Middle Shelf: Standard cartridges with moderate grime; good for practicing your peeling technique.
• Bottom Shelf: Heavily damaged cartridges with torn labels and sticky residue; requires solvent tools.

To access the Retro Shelf, you must restore at least five cartridges in the Workshop. Once unlocked, you can revisit any time. The map is static, but cartridge conditions vary each playthrough, adding replayability. Use the /en/guides/tips-and-tricks/ guide for advanced sticker removal strategies.

Arcade Corner: 16-Bit and Arcade Cartridges

The Arcade Corner is a vibrant zone filled with neon lights and retro arcade cabinets. Cartridges here are larger, often with multiple layers of wrapping and intricate sticker puzzles. The map includes:

• Arcade Machine Row: Cartridges are housed inside replica arcade cabinets; you must open the cabinet door to access them.
• Pinball Table: A special cartridge sits on a pinball table, surrounded by small obstacles you need to clear first.
• Ticket Redemption Area: Contains exclusive cartridges that require completing mini-games to unlock.

This zone introduces sticker puzzles where you must peel stickers in a specific order to avoid tearing the label underneath. Failure resets the sticker, but no penalty exists—just a gentle redo. The Arcade Corner unlocks after restoring ten cartridges from the Retro Shelf. For more on puzzle mechanics, refer to our /en/guides/secrets-guide/ guide.

Console Vault: Modern and Prototype Cartridges

The Console Vault is a secure, climate-controlled room for modern and prototype cartridges. The map is sleek with metal shelves and digital displays. Cartridges here are pristine but have complex wrapping systems—some are vacuum-sealed, others have tamper-evident stickers. Key areas:

• Prototype Section: Rare, unreleased cartridges with unique wrapping patterns; often require multiple cleaning steps.
• Limited Edition Display: Cartridges with holographic stickers and metallic paint; use gentle solvents to avoid damage.
• Developer Console: A special workstation where you can examine cartridge circuit boards and clean internal contacts.

The Console Vault unlocks after restoring twenty cartridges. This zone tests your advanced skills, including using a magnifying glass to spot micro-tears in wrapping. For system requirements to run Restoration smoothly, see our /en/guides/system-requirements/ guide.

Attic Discovery: Lost and Forgotten Cartridges

The Attic Discovery is the final zone, filled with dusty boxes and forgotten treasures. Cartridges here are the most challenging, often covered in mold, brittle stickers, and fragile wrapping. The map is a large attic space with:

• Cardboard Boxes: Each box contains multiple cartridges; you must carefully open the box without damaging the contents.
• Old Suitcase: Contains a rare, unlabeled cartridge that requires detective work to identify.
• Cobweb Corner: Cartridges here have cobwebs and dirt; use a soft brush before applying any liquid.

This zone emphasizes patience and precision. Some cartridges have hidden compartments with bonus stickers or lore notes. Completing all cartridges in the Attic Discovery unlocks a secret ending. For more on endings, read our /en/guides/endings-guide/ guide.

Tips for Navigating the Map Efficiently

To maximize your restoration efficiency, follow these map navigation tips:

• Prioritize Workshop Upgrades: Unlock tool upgrades early to handle tougher grime in later zones.
• Check Cartridge Conditions: Each cartridge has a visible condition indicator (dust level, sticker count). Focus on easier cartridges first to build experience.
• Use the Map Legend: The in-game map shows icons for tool stations, storage chests, and hidden cartridges. Always check the legend before starting a session.
• Revisit Zones: Some cartridges only appear after you've restored a certain number in other zones. Regularly check back at the Retro Shelf and Arcade Corner.

For a full walkthrough of all zones and cartridge locations, see our /en/guides/walkthrough/ guide. The Restoration map is designed for relaxation, so take your time and enjoy the process of bringing forgotten games back to life.