During the investigation phases, players take on the role of Ryōta Naruhodō (Ryūichi Naruhodō in the Japanese version), a young lawyer who specializes in solving mysteries. The investigative process involves exploring crime scenes, talking to witnesses, and gathering evidence. However, unlike previous Ace Attorney games, the series introduces a new mechanic: the "Mystery" system. This feature allows players to interact with witnesses and characters in a more dynamic way, potentially uncovering new information or clues.
Most players will finish The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles having seen about 80% of the Codex. The remaining 20%—the Codex Exclusive—requires specific, non-intuitive actions. Here are the three layers that make this exclusive content so sought after.
For the average player, ignoring The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Codex Exclusive is perfectly fine. The main story of Ryunosuke and Kazuma is complete, satisfying, and emotionally devastating without it.
But for the lore hunter, the "Exclusive" Codex is the difference between playing a game and owning its secrets. It transforms The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles from a linear visual novel into an archaeological dig. You have to fail to succeed. You have to read between lines that don't technically exist.
So, fire up your copy. Go to Case 3. Present the wrong evidence to Herlock Sholmes on purpose. Get that "Game Over" screen. And watch as a single, new entry appears in your Codex. That, right there, is the exclusive truth you’ve been looking for.
Have you unlocked the "Jury of the Dead"? Share your findings in the comments below—but beware of spoilers for The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles.
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles , the "exclusive" content referred to in special editions or pre-order bonuses is officially titled the "From the Vaults" Early Purchase Bonus the great ace attorney chroniclescodex exclusive
. This content was primarily available for those who purchased the game before September 1, 2021. Steam Community Exclusive Content: "From the Vaults" This bonus consists of 54 additional pieces of media
viewable anytime within the in-game "Special Contents" section. Ace Attorney｜CAPCOM 25 Additional Art Pieces
: These include character design sketches, exclusive new illustrations, and unused art concepts, each accompanied by a unique comment from the creator. 29 Additional Music Tracks
: These feature never-before-heard musical arrangements and unused tracks from the series' development. Ace Attorney｜CAPCOM How to Access the Content
If you have redeemed or are eligible for this content, you can find it directly within the game's menu: The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Navigate to the Special Contents section from the main menu. Access the to view the bonus art or the Auditorium to listen to the extra music tracks. Availability and Platforms Early Purchase Requirement
: The bonus was free for digital purchases made on or before August 31, 2021 (consoles) or September 1, 2021 Physical Versions During the investigation phases, players take on the
: Physical copies of the game often included a one-time use download code. If you are buying a used physical copy, the code may have already been redeemed. Post-Launch Purchase : While Capcom indicated this content
be sold separately in the future, it is currently not available for purchase on standard digital storefronts if you missed the early window. Ace Attorney｜CAPCOM Other "Special Contents" (Always Included)
The base game also features other "Special Contents" that are not part of the exclusive "Vault" bonus and are available to all players:
: Eight short, humorous mini-episodes set between the main cases of the first game. Moving Pictures
: A collection of character animations and promotional videos. Tailor Shop
: Alternate outfits for the main characters (specifically for the second game, Ace Attorney Wiki or specific (achievements) found in the Special Contents? Step into a brilliantly theatrical era of justice
Step into a brilliantly theatrical era of justice with The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles: Codex Exclusive — a collector’s dream that pairs courtroom drama with Victorian charm and intrigue.
As a Codex exclusive, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles comes with several features that enhance the player experience:
The first layer of the Exclusive Codex involves testimony contradictions that you almost miss. In The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, the game allows you to present evidence at almost any time. If you present the wrong evidence during a specific “Aha!” moment in Case 3 of Resolve ("The Return of the Great Departed Soul"), the game doesn't give you a game over. Instead, it unlocks a "Failed Deduction" entry in the Codex.
These entries are exclusive because they contain dialogue trees and internal monologues from Herlock Sholmes that are otherwise considered "non-canon." To get the full Codex Exclusive, you must intentionally fail at specific, obscure junctures.
The gameplay in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is divided into two main parts: investigation and courtroom trials.
Because the Codex entries were written by the localization team (not just translated from Japanese), there are contradictions. A Japanese Codex entry for one character implies a supernatural element; the English Codex replaces it with a scientific explanation. It’s interesting, but it breaks the “canon” for purists.