Fears to Fathom – Woodbury Getaway story and ending, explained

Welcome to the fifth installment in Fears to Fathom, titled Woodbury Getaway. In this episode, Sydney Harper tries to have a relaxing weekend hanging out with old friends, playing board games, and relaxing in front of a cozy fire as the chilly nights pass. What could possibly go wrong?

Here is our rundown of what happened in the Fears to Fathom – Woodbury Getaway story and ending.

Fears to Fathom – Woodbury Getaway story, explained

Dec. 8

The plot of Woodbury Getaway follows Sydney Harper, who’s looking to get away for the weekend with two friends from college. She works late shifts repeatedly, feeling burnt out and rundown from the overtime. Her friend and ex, Mike, desperately wants to take Sydney on vacation. He throws their other friend Nora into the mix, making the getaway seem nothing more than a pleasant friends reunion. Sydney agrees, booking the cheapest cabin possible due to Nora’s budget.

Dec. 10 – 4:26pm to 5:14pm

After being jumpscared by the janitor, time fast-forwards to Dec. 10, with Sydney meeting up with Mike for the long drive to Woodbury. Knowing Nora will meet them there, they set out and eventually make a pit stop for food at Moe’s Pizzas. This place is only significant for their encounter with the Hiker.

While Mike’s dialogue may send red flags depending on whether you view him as a good guy or not, he takes the focus off the real antagonist of the story (which isn’t revealed until the final 10 minutes of Woodbury Getaway).

Dec. 10 – 5:49pm to 11:49pm

At the cabin, Mike and Sydney settle in with fishing, cooking dinner, playing board games, and hide and seek (looks like someone didn’t get over college… or Sydney). The cabin owner (Rick) gives you a grand tour, but something feels off, as he previously texted Sydney to let him know when they’d arrived. Assuming nothing nefarious, Sydney and Mike follow the tour guide around, who points out an ominous locked room in the basement where guests aren’t allowed to enter.

The tour inevitably ends and the night continues as normal. Nora is delayed as the chilly storm outside worsens into a blizzard. Sydney is concerned for Nora’s safety, but Mike has his focus on our heroine of the story. Rick reappears, hammer in hand, this time to fix the faucet in the shower room. Mike questions why Rick has a hammer while Sydney asks for him to leave as it’s late. Rick obliges, but is clearly frustrated at their disapproval for late-night visits.

You can uncover signs of trespassing by thoroughly exploring the cabin. Fresh footsteps in the snow, near the back door, and by Mike’s truck can be seen, and you can hear noises coming from the locked basement door.

Dec. 10 – 11:49pm

When Sydney eventually gets too tired, she settles in for the night. She’s later woken by Mike, who wants to talk to her about their brief relationship back in college. The conversation is (thankfully) cut short as Nora is stranded on the side of the road. Mike heads out to bring her to the cabin, leaving Sydney alone… I think we all know where this is heading.

Dec. 10 – 12:39am

Sydney wakes to the sound of banging on the door. It’s revealed to be the Hiker from Moe’s Pizza. Sydney’s reluctance to let the Hiker hitch a ride or stay in the cabin makes him mad. He says unkind people get unkind things done to them. This threat, just like in Moe’s Pizza, pushes Sydney to message Rick.

Fears to Fathom – Woodbury Getaway ending summarized

You hear a scream outside mere moments before messaging. But the timing for it doesn’t make any sense. Rick appears at the door shortly after your text, saying you shouldn’t worry about the Hiker anymore. But… he’s still holding that hammer.

Things take a turn when the real Rick messages you, confused that you would invite him back round when he never came round to begin with. Realization sinks in as the man standing in front of you doesn’t own the property and likely killed the Hiker outside.

Playing it cool at first, Sydney claims it’s Mike and Nora she’s texting, but “Rick” doesn’t believe her. The only option is to confront the unknown man. His motive is revealed; he wants “his house” back and will do anything to make sure he continues to live there.

Aware you’re home alone, he runs to the front door to destroy the doorknob with his hammer. Flight kicks in as Sydney runs to the nook under the stairs in the basement. Staying as quiet as she can, the man searches for her in the room Sydney and Mike were forbidden to enter. This room leads to a cellar door that’s visible at the front of the house, with the phrase “home sweet home” written on it.

Sydney makes a run for it, but “Rick” is on her six. She manages to make it to the bedroom, pick up the small step ladder, and place it inside the closet. You must hide and stay quiet while he searches for you. You have a small window of opportunity when he leaves the room to use the step ladder and get into the attic before Nora calls and alerts him to your position.

Successfully escaping to the attic, Sydney hears Mike and Nora ferociously knock at the door. The man has seemingly vanished when you get downstairs, likely using the basement room from before. Your nightmarish getaway ends after surviving the encounter. Not much is revealed about the man, and you don’t know what happened to the Hiker. Rick appears to know more than he’s letting on, but Sydney is just glad to make it out alive. This is the main ending in Woodbury Getaway.

Outside of the game over and canon endings, there is a third ending you can get when driving the car, where you can turn back before arriving at the cabin. This will send you back to the main menu.

I doubt Sydney will be renting a cabin for under $100 anytime soon.