Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly pulls players deeper into its chilling world with quests that reveal hidden stories behind the spirits haunting the village. The Sae Kurosawa Side Story stands out by wrapping up in a single chapter, offering a more focused glimpse into one of the game’s most mysterious figures. Tackling this story not only enriches the narrative but also rewards players with unique ghost captures to enhance their Ghost List. It’s a must-experience moment that balances tension and storytelling without dragging you across the entire game.
Sae Kurosawa Side Story Walkthrough
The quest kicks off at the start of Chapter 5, when you return to the Kurosawa House Storehouse Cell only to find Mayu missing. Right then, Sae Kurosawa’s specter materializes directly ahead. Snap a photo to trigger the story’s start, and watch as she disappears, leaving behind a broken Fluorite shard that sets the next steps in motion.
Next, head to the Master’s Room on the second floor of the Kurosawa House. Prepare yourself—Sae’s ghost suddenly appears in the hallway. Capture her on film for your Ghost List before proceeding to the familiar Hina Doll Room, where you reunited with Mayu earlier in Chapter 3.
Inside the Doll Room, a haunting scene unfolds: shadows of Yae and Sae practicing the Crimson Butterfly ritual. Take their photo and then approach the room’s partition to collect a new Butterfly Diary. After retrieving this important item, turn to snap a shot of the ghostly girl who just appeared nearby.
Upon leaving the Doll Room, you’ll spot two eerie specters near the save point. One is a ghostly hand reaching through the window; capture this first, and trigger the appearance of a falling woman ghost. Photograph her as well to add both to your Ghost List and deepen this supernatural puzzle.
In the Main Hall of the Kurosawa House, equip your Exposure Lens and set your Camera Obscura on the center of the room—the same spot where Sae first appeared in Chapter 3. A Remnant of Sae briefly manifests here, awarding you the second half of the Fluorite. This lets you tune into another cryptic message from Sae through your Ghost Radio, revealing more about her tragic story.
This Side Story is unique among the game’s many ghost encounters—it doesn’t culminate in a battle against Sae’s spirit. This absence of a final boss fight underscores how her malevolence exceeds usual ghostly hostilities, leaving you with a chilling reminder of her power and tragedy rather than a conventional confrontation.