Infamous Paper Trail DLC Guide: Play Celia's Story on PS4/PS5
Quick Summary
- DLC is for Infamous: Second Son
- Original website is no longer active
- In-game missions are still playable
- Unlocks unique Delsin vest
- Blended console and web gameplay
The Infamous Paper Trail is a unique piece of downloadable content (DLC) for the PlayStation 4 exclusive game, Infamous: Second Son. Originally launched as an Alternate Reality Game (ARG), it offered a captivating blend of in-game missions and web-based puzzles, immersing players deeper into the world of Conduits and the Department of Unified Protection (DUP). This innovative approach allowed players to become a part of the investigation, tracking down a new Conduit known as Celia, the Paper Conduit. While the interactive web portal, infamouspapertrail.com, which was central to the ARG's puzzles, ceased operations on December 16, 2018, the core in-game missions remain fully accessible and playable within Infamous: Second Son. The developers, Sucker Punch Productions, ensured that players can still experience Celia's full story by revising the DLC to function without the external website. This guide will walk you through how to access and enjoy this distinct chapter of the Infamous universe today.
- 📋 Preparing Your System for Celia's Story
- 📍 Accessing the Paper Trail Missions In-Game
- ⭐ Unraveling the Story of the Paper Conduit
- ⚠️ Navigating Challenges Without the Original Web Portal
- 🔒 Understanding Original Account Linkage and Data
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Insights into the Paper Trail Experience
Preparing Your System for Celia's Story
- Own a copy of Infamous: Second Son for PlayStation 4.
- A PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console to play the game.
- An active PlayStation Network (PSN) account, though it's no longer necessary to link it to the defunct Paper Trail website for progression.
- Ensure your game is updated to the latest version to benefit from the revisions that allow in-game progression without the original website components.
Accessing the Paper Trail Missions In-Game
- Initial Access (Historical): Originally, players would initiate the Paper Trail missions in-game and then be prompted to visit the infamouspapertrail.com website. There, they would create an account and link it to their PlayStation Network (PSN) ID. This digital portal served as a hub for investigations, providing access to in-fiction websites, character profiles, and puzzles.
- Current Access: Since the web portal is no longer active, the game's in-game missions for Paper Trail are now directly accessible. You will find the starting mission icon, which looks like a cross, within the game world after reaching a certain point in the main story (usually after the early missions in Seattle).
- Seamless Progression: When you encounter a point in the DLC where the original website interaction would have been required, the game automatically skips these external puzzle elements. This allows for continuous gameplay progression through Celia's narrative without interruption.
Unraveling the Story of the Paper Conduit
- Engaging Narrative: Uncover a compelling side story focused on Celia, a new Paper Conduit, and her connection to the DUP. Players delve into her past and motivations through a series of investigations.
- Unique Gameplay Blend (Original): Paper Trail pioneered an experience that merged traditional console gameplay with external online investigation. Players would gather clues in-game, then switch to their web browser to solve puzzles, analyze evidence, and track suspects on various simulated websites.
- In-Game Rewards: Successfully completing the Paper Trail missions unlocks a distinctive paper-themed vest for Delsin Rowe, adding a unique cosmetic option to your character.
- Extended Playtime: The DLC was originally released in weekly episodic chapters, adding approximately 4-5 hours of additional gameplay to Infamous: Second Son.
- Deepened Lore: The story expands on the game's lore, offering insights into the DUP's operations and the lives of Conduits, making it a valuable experience for fans of the Infamous universe.
Navigating Challenges Without the Original Web Portal
⚠️ Cannot access **Paper Trail** content or missions seem stuck.
Cause: The original interactive website, infamouspapertrail.com, is no longer online, which was previously required for certain progression points.
Solution: The developers updated the game so the in-game missions for Paper Trail can be completed without the website. Ensure your Infamous: Second Son game is fully updated. The game now automatically bypasses or resolves any points that previously required web interaction. Simply continue playing the in-game missions.
⚠️ Unsure where to start the **Paper Trail** missions.
Cause: The starting point might not be immediately obvious, or players might be looking for a separate 'DLC' option on the main menu.
Solution: The Paper Trail missions are integrated into the main game world. Look for a mission icon shaped like a white cross on your in-game map. These typically appear after Delsin has settled into Seattle and progressed past the initial story segments.
⚠️ Missing story context from the original web puzzles.
Cause: Players who never experienced the original ARG or are playing after the website shutdown might feel they're missing parts of the narrative.
Solution: While the interactive puzzles are gone, the core story is still conveyed in-game. For a deeper understanding of the original web content, many fan-made walkthroughs and YouTube videos document the full Paper Trail ARG experience. These resources can provide the historical context you might be seeking.
Understanding Original Account Linkage and Data
- 🔒 Original PSN Linkage: When the infamouspapertrail.com website was active, linking your PlayStation Network account was a requirement for full participation. This process used secure authentication methods typical of online game services at the time, connecting your game progress to your online identity.
- 🔒 No Current Web Interaction: Since the website is defunct, there are no longer any external web-based interactions or data entry required for the Paper Trail DLC. Your game save data is handled entirely by your PlayStation console and PSN account, just like any other game content.
- 🔒 Safeguarding Your PSN: Always ensure your PlayStation Network account is protected with a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication for overall online security, regardless of any specific game DLC. This protects your game progress and personal information.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
For general game-related issues with Infamous: Second Son or your PlayStation console, please visit the official PlayStation Support website or contact their customer service directly. There is no dedicated support channel for the defunct Infamous Paper Trail website.
Insights into the Paper Trail Experience
Q: Can I still play **Infamous Paper Trail** in 2026?
Yes, absolutely! While the accompanying website for Infamous Paper Trail shut down on December 16, 2018, the in-game missions and storyline are still fully playable within Infamous: Second Son on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The game was updated to allow progression without requiring the external web components.
Q: What was the **Infamous Paper Trail** website, and why did it shut down?
The Infamous Paper Trail website (infamouspapertrail.com) was a core part of an Alternate Reality Game (ARG) that blended with the Infamous: Second Son DLC. It allowed players to solve web-based puzzles, analyze clues, and delve deeper into the game's lore. The website was shut down due to its temporary nature and the end of its intended operational period, common for ARGs designed to run for a specific duration.
Q: Do I need an internet connection to complete **Paper Trail** missions now?
You only need an internet connection to download and update Infamous: Second Son and the Paper Trail DLC itself. Once updated, you do not need an ongoing internet connection to progress through the Paper Trail in-game missions, as the external website components are no longer required.
Q: What rewards do I get for finishing **Paper Trail**?
Upon successful completion of the Infamous Paper Trail storyline, players unlock a unique in-game vest for Delsin Rowe, featuring a distinct paper-themed design.
Wrap Up
The Infamous Paper Trail DLC represents a fascinating chapter in gaming history, pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling through its ambitious blend of console and web-based gameplay. While its innovative online component has retired, its captivating narrative and in-game missions continue to offer Infamous: Second Son players a valuable expansion to Delsin Rowe's journey. Dive in to uncover Celia's story and experience a piece of unique PlayStation legacy.