How to stop the spinning vent fan in the beginning of Stray. How to solve first puzzle of Stray

TL;DR

  • Locate the metal bucket in the room before the spinning fan obstruction
  • Use Q key (keyboard) or pickup button to grab the bucket in your cat’s mouth
  • Position yourself strategically on the slope above the fan for optimal drop
  • Release the bucket to jam the fan mechanism and create safe passage
  • Avoid common mistakes like incorrect positioning or premature interaction

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BlueTwelve Studio and Annapurna Interactive launched their captivating cyberpunk adventure Stray on July 19, immersing players in a beautifully rendered decaying metropolis. You’ll navigate this hazardous environment as an adorable ginger feline, encountering numerous threats, engaging missions, and cerebral challenges right from the opening sequences. The initial environmental puzzle serves as your introduction to the game’s problem-solving mechanics.

Following your descent into the urban landscape and discovery of the “HELP” marker, proceed through the ventilation conduit until you reach a chamber where a rapidly rotating fan blocks your exit path. This obstruction represents the inaugural test of your feline problem-solving abilities.


This constitutes the game’s primary environmental puzzle. To deactivate the spinning mechanism, scan the floor area for a metallic pail, secure it with your mouth (keyboard users press “Q,” controller players utilize the designated interaction button), then strategically position yourself on the inclined surface. When properly released, the container will become lodged in the ventilation apparatus, halting its rotation and granting you access to proceed forward.


Pro Tip: Position your feline character on the upper section of the slope for optimal trajectory when releasing the bucket. This ensures the container rolls directly into the fan blades rather than veering off course. The puzzle typically requires 2-3 minutes to complete once you understand the mechanics.

Avoid These Mistakes: Many players attempt to jump over the fan or interact with it directly—neither approach succeeds. The solution demands using environmental objects strategically, much like weapon selection in our BF6 Weapons Unlock guide emphasizes choosing the right tool for each situation.

Mechanics Insight: This puzzle introduces the game’s physics-based interaction system. Similar to class specialization in our Class Guide, success comes from understanding your available resources and how they interact with the environment.

If you’re enjoying these environmental puzzles, you’ll appreciate the comprehensive strategies in our Complete Guide to mastering game mechanics across different titles.

Action Checklist

  • Explore the room thoroughly to locate the metal bucket on the floor
  • Approach the bucket and press Q (keyboard) or interaction button (controller)
  • Navigate to the elevated slope section above the spinning fan
  • Release the bucket onto the slope, ensuring it rolls into the fan mechanism
  • Wait for the fan to jam completely before proceeding through the opening

No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » How to stop the spinning vent fan in the beginning of Stray. How to solve first puzzle of Stray Master Stray's first ventilation fan puzzle with expert strategies and common mistake avoidance