Callin’ all Con Artists!
 
We’ve put together the ULTIMATE achievements guide to THE BIG CON, so you can earn every single achievement as you Con your way to 90’s glory.
 
 
Each achievement that is part of the story is described; any optional achievements include a hint, plus secret (spoiler-marked) steps to victory.
 
 

The Bandcamp Bait ‘n Switch

 
 
Got on a bus to save your video store from loan sharks.
 
(Unlocked through story)
 
 

• Step 1: Level 1 Lisbon
   
   
   
  After completing the pickpocket tutorial, you will need to find and pickpocket a bus ticket. A person in the park will tell you who has one; you can find them in one of the stores.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Pickpocket them and pick up the bus ticket.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Head to the bus stop and talk to Ted.

The Burblo Boondoggle

 
 
Grabbed enough money for a train ticket.
 
(Unlocked through story)
 
 

• Step 1: Level 2 Mallton
   
   
   
  You’ll need to earn some money, and a good way is to cash in on the Burblo craze. Find and pickpocket/steal a Burblo.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Find someone who will purchase the Burblo.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  When you have enough money, find Ted to complete the area.

The Hormliner Hustle

 
 
Conned more money than Ted on your way up the train.
 
(Unlocked through story)
 
 

• Step 1: Level 3 Hormliner Express
   
   
   
  Pickpocket, steal and barter your way up the train.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  When you have have progressed at least to the bar car, talk to Ted to earn the achievement.

The Kabaczky Confusion

 
 
Stole a lot of money from… the Kabaczkys.
 
(Unlocked through story)
 
 

• Step 1: Level 4 Las Venganza
   
   
   
  Collect the info about the safe from the three contacts in Las Venganza and return to Ted.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Find and open the safe in the room.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Pick up the Kabaczkys’ family photo from under a table in the room.

The Desert Dialtone

 
 
Took a wrong turn in the desert and found a little guidance.
 
(Unlocked through story)
 
 

• Step 1: Level 5 Perdido
   
   
   
  Wander into and successfully navigate the harsh desert climate.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  If you have trouble, you can talk to the guy sitting in the Triple Truce lodge for clues.
• Step 3: SECRET
   
   
   
  Follow the direction indicated by the arms of the cactus: starting with a small round bush, then growing straight up, then gaining one “arm”, etc. Walk in the direction indicated by each new growth on the cactus.

The Suit-Up Surprise

 
 
Snuck your way into a casino, dressed for success.
 
(Unlocked through story)
 
 

• Step 1: Las Venganza Day 2
   
   
   
  Start by following Ricky’s right hand man, and eavesdrop on is ramblings.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Get a gold medal from the hero in a coffee shop by spilling coffee on him, or just tell him the things he wants to hear.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Next, pickpocket him for the code to the casino back entrance.
• Step 4:
   
   
   
  Then, pull the fire alarm in the upscale shop to get fancy clothes.
• Step 5:
   
   
   
  Meet up with the detective and head into the casino.

The Casino Case-Out

 
 
Saved Linda’s Video from Ricky.
 
(Unlocked through story)
 
 
Simply complete the mission to thwart Ricky & save the video store! 📼
 
 
 

The Big Con

 
 
Finished your adventure AND told your mom everything.
 
(Unlocked through story)
 
 
Simply complete the entire game and return home to Mom to tell her everything.
 
 
 

The Flin Flon Flimflam

 
 
Pickpocket someone from Saskatchewan.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
To unlock the Flin Flon Flimflam,
 
You must visit the town of glam,
 
Then in someone’s pocket you must grapple,
 
Right by the wedding chapel.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1: Las Venganza
   
   
   
  After Myrna tells you to collect 5 licenses, head to the Lil Angel Wedding Chapel.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  To the right of the Lil Angel Wedding Chapel, look for a man with green hair, gla*ses, and a blue shirt.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Pickpocket the man; he will have a license from Saskatchewan you can grab.

Lorgo and the Flungus

 
 
Understand finance.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
There’s a man on a train,
 
Who will pulverize your brain,
 
But from interrupting him you must refrain,
 
Though after the encounter you won’t be sane.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1: Level 3 Hormliner Express
   
   
   
  Head to the bar car and find the an*lyst, who will offer to talk to you about stocks.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  You must agree to learn about stocks: there’s a LOT to learn!

That’s a Good Flungus

 
 
Help a Stockbroker.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
Hitch a ride on a train,
 
And find a man who wants to gain,
 
Then all you need is a pen and paper,
 
And some financial nomenclature.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1: Level 3: Hormliner Express
   
   
   
  First, you’ll need to agree to learn about stocks from the an*lyst in the bar car. Afterwards, pick up the newspaper he offers you.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Next, buy something at the bar (with a pickpocketed credit card) and pick up the pen.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Next, go back to the previous car to speak with the stock trader and tell him how he should trade.
• Step 4:
   
   
   
  When he asks for ‘proof’, you can forge the newspaper and give it to him to score the achievement.

Third Time’s a Flungus

 
 
Hear the word “Flungus” again.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
Meet a man on the train,
 
Let his finances drain your brain,
 
Then make your way to the gambling block,
 
And brag about your lucky stock.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1: Las Venganza Day 2
   
   
   
  You will have to achieve both Lorgo and the Flungus & That’s a Good Flungus achievements first!
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  In Las Venaganza, when trying to get into the Huxor tell the guard that you are a child millionaire who made your fortune in stocks.

The Joker

 
 
Help a joker.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
In your adventures you’ll see a bloke,
 
Who’s excited about his horrible joke,
 
Talk him through his jocular thicket,
 
Until he gives you a re-sellable ticket.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  In each level after Lisbon, you will need to find the comedian and help with his jokes.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Once you get to Las Venganza, find the comedian who will give you a ticket to the show.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Finally, sell the ticket to someone outside the theater to unlock the achievement.

The Smoker

 
 
Help a smoker.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
In every place beyond the town of corns,
 
A purple smoker the landscape adorns,
 
Whenever you see their cigarette is lit,
 
Give them a reason to help them quit.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  At each level after Lisbon, find and talk to the smoker.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Each time you talk to the smoker, give them a reason to stop smoking.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Finally, in the casino talk to them once more to unlock the achievement.

The Lover

 
 
Help a lovelorn penpal.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
Board the train and meet a penpal,
 
Then in Venganza, help him find his gal.
 
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  At each level after Mallton, find and talk to the long distance lover about his girlfriend.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  During your second day in LV, after you find him in a coffee shop, his love will spawn near the heart statue (where he was at the day before).
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Tell her which coffee shop he is in.
• Step 4:
   
   
   
  Finally, talk to them one more time inside the casino to score the achievement.

The Periwinkle Takeover

 
 
Witness the future of fashion.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
In every clothes shop, don’t miss a wrinkle,
 
Simply talk about periwinkle!
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  At each level after Lisbon, find a Purple-skinned girl inside fashion stores.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  In Mallton, she’s behind a rack in the Plaid store.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  In Las Venganza she is inside the Thrift Store next to the Pawn Store.
• Step 4:
   
   
   
  In the Return to Las Venganza, she can be found in the fancy store after retrieving your items.
• Step 5:
   
   
   
  When you return to Lisbon, Ali should remark on everyone wearing the titular colour.

The Squeaky Stranger

 
 
Cheese, please.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
In the train, the cargo you must,
 
In Venganza, investigate the thrift store’s behind,
 
In Perdido, go behind the saloon unseen,
 
And in Venganza again, look around the bean,
 
When you come home, you’ll find a familiar teen.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  This quest begins on the Train. Enter the Cargo Hold and talk to the NPC there.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  In Las Venganza you can find the met NPC next to a Palm Tree hidden behind the Wall Facet between the Thrift and Pawn Shop.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  In Perdido, you can find this NPC behind the Saloon at any point before completing the maze.
• Step 4:
   
   
   
  In Return to Las Venganza, this NPC can be found in the Alleyway behind the South Eastern Bean Spirit.
• Step 5:
   
   
   
  To finish this achievement, in the Return to Lisbon, go to the Alleyway next to Linda’s Video Store.

The Big Sneak

 
 
Complete a sneaky secret quest.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
Make a #prankcall on Discord – []  to find the code to the case,
 
Then in the mall, make a call without a trace,
 
In the train put the jar in to the car,
 
And in Venganza, find a guy in the bar.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  This quest begins in the Alley behind Linda’s video. Open the luggage using the secret code you learned by doing a #prankcall on the Mighty Yell Discord – []  — (or it’s 4-5-2).
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  In Mallton you’ll be given a prompt to use the payphone. Call the shoe stranger and tell him the information he told you in Lisbon (it’ll be in the notebook if you forget).
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  When you get on the Train, you’ll be able to find a jar of shoe polish in the lead car and must take it to the garbage in the cargo car, as per the instructions.
• Step 4:
   
   
   
  In Las Venganza you can follow the instructions from the letter on the Train, and head to DeLancie’s pool hall to interact with Jimmy. Jimmy will tell you where you need to go, but you might be able to do MORE if you talk to Dee, who appears outside the bar.
• Step 5:
   
   
   
  Sell the shoes to Jimmy and finish his quest to unlock the achievement.

The Old Switcheroo

 
 
Perform the old switcheroo.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
This involves one final bet,
 
Perhaps it will help pay your debt,
 
There are many ways to win the race,
 
But maybe you just switch the case.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  In the casino (after confronting Ricky) find Ted, who will issue a ‘winner takes all challenge’ where you have to be the first to acquire $20,000 from the casino area. Accept the challenge.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Head to the bar on the right hand side, and look for a briefcase you can grab. Alison will comment that it looks similar to the one Ted’s muscle is carrying around.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Return to find Ted and his muscle on the casino floor, and approach them carrying the briefcase. The ‘Y’ prompt will appear allowing you to swap the briefcases around.
• Step 4:
   
   
   
  Next, walk away and head to the fountain to meet Ted, to tell him you switched the briefcases.

The Last Minute Birthday Party

 
 
Make someone feel special.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
He collects things when he’s in good cheer,
 
But even the cheery ones have somethings they fear,
 
So when you meet this man who’s feeling miffed,
 
Maybe its time to find him a gift.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  Inside the casino, gain access to the penthouse floor and when you get off the elevator, look for a door on the left.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  You’ll find The Collector is staying in this suite, but is upset that no one has come to his birthday party.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Go back down to the Casino to find 4 lucky items to cheer him up.
• Step 4:
   
   
   
  Take these items back to The Collector to make him feel better.

The Truth

 
 
Tell your mom the truth.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
When you set out and begin to roam,
 
Don’t forget to call back home,
 
If you’re feeling low and alone,
 
Just call mom from a payphone.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  In every level past Lisbon, find a phone and talk to your mom (Linda).
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Eventually you will get an option from Ali to tell Linda the truth.

The Whole Truth

 
 
Call your mom every chance you get.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
On the highest floor near Ricky’s throne,
 
You will find yourself a phone,
 
Sometimes words can be a soothing balm,
 
So it’s time to tell the truth to mom.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  Inside the casino, gain access to the penthouse floor and when you get off the elevator, look for a phone on the left.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Call your Mom and choose the option to tell her the truth.

The Legitimate Hustle

 
 
Get a real job.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
Once in a while the cons will fail,
 
And you’ll need some money to make the bail,
 
Sometimes life isn’t corn on the cobb,
 
And you really have to take that job.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1: Level 2 Mallton
   
   
   
  Get busted 3 times while trying to pickpocket at the mall, and you’ll be forced to work at Videoville to make some cash.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Do your job to completion.

The Heatstroke Hallucination

 
 
Find a warm, hellish place.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
If you’re feeling lost and hurt,
 
And all see is a desert,
 
Lose your cool and lose your grip,
 
Let the desert take you on a creepy trip.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  In Perdido, when you leave the Triple Truce take a walk into the desert.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Keep walking in the same direction, until you get lost and things get… weird.

The Dusty Toss

 
 
Be escorted off … something.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
When your journey takes you to the train of horm,
 
A few bad moves can land you on the platform,
 
If your pickpocketing is a little rusty,
 
You’ll find yourself tossed out and dusty.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1: Level 3 Hormliner Express
   
   
   
  Get busted three times on the train.

The Huxtor’s Finest

 
 
Arouse suspicion in a noisy place.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
While the money grubbers scramble,
 
Take time to gamble,
 
But this is something you will feel,
 
Only when you fail to steal.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  Get busted three times inside the Casino.

The Tape Never Lies

 
 
Leave an awkward voicemail.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
Find a payphone and make a call,
 
Surely, you’ll find one in the mall,
 
Sometimes friendships can seemingly fail,
 
Time to leave an awkward voicemail.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1: Level 1 Lisbon
   
   
   
  Talk to Mari at the Gazebo before you leave Lisbon, when she’s seen standing inside it.
• Step 2: Level 2 Mall
   
   
   
  In the mall, find a payphone and call your friend Mari, leave a really awkward message.

The Best Friend Shuffle

 
 
Have an awkward phone call.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
You might think you’ve lost this friend,
 
But maybe it’s just on the mend,
 
Make a call from near the casino elevator,
 
Maybe this time you won’t have to call back later.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  Inside the casino, gain access to the penthouse floor and when you get off the elevator, look for a phone on the left.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Call Mari and have a less awkward conversation.

The First Timer

 
 
Steal your first wallet.
 
(Unlocked through story)
 
 

• Step 1: Level 1 Lisbon
   
   
   
  Once you’ve finished helping your Mom at the video store and snuck out of your room, wander around the town and talk to a few people. A person will spawn outside the Two Scoops icecream store with an ice cream cart.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Talk to Ted and get the lowdown on pickpocketing.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Try it out and successfully yoink a couple bucks to earn the achievement.

The Protectionist

 
 
Win over a chatty guy.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
In Venganza, find Murray; quietly you must spy,
 
Be careful now, as he shouldn’t catch your eye,
 
Before the knowledge you gain has time to rust,
 
Catch up to him and gain his trust.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1: Las Venganza Day 1
   
   
   
  When you arrive in Las Venganza, wander around until you locate Murray.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  If you follow Murray around town, you can listening in on his conversations and pick up a lot of details.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  To earn the achievement, you must talk to Murray and correctly choose the answers that encourage him to open up to you.

The Fraudster

 
 
Impress an ID fraud.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
Steal from someone in the Rusted Springs,
 
Out of the shadows it will Myrna bring,
 
She might seem cool but don’t be awed,
 
Just help her commit identity fraud.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  Steal from an NPC in Rusted Springs.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Exit building and accept Myrna’s quest.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  Complete her quest.

The Watcher

 
 
Get something for a watchful salesman.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
In Las Venganza, go find Dan,
 
But beware of calling him man,
 
Sell him some junk with a golden spray,
 
he has secrets you can get him to say.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  In Las Venganza, find Dan the used car dealer, who wants a gold fanny pack.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  You can either: steal it off someone in the nearby coffee shop by waiting for them to take it off so you can yoink it. Or…
   
   
   
   
   
  Find the can of gold spray paint in the alley near Ted, and use this on a fanny pack to make it gold. This can be done on a regular fanny pack found in the thrift store.
   
   
   
   
   
  [8] Step 3:
   
   
   
  Although a Platinum fanny pack exists, Dan will not accept it. He only goes for gold.

The Big Cornucopia

 
 
Do something fruitful.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
If the Big Cornucopia is something you seek,
 
At the big town Mural you must take a peek,
 
Then the grocer won’t ask you to scoot,
 
And all your efforts will soon bear fruit.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1: Level 1 Lisbon
   
   
   
  In Lisbon, there is a Mural on the Grocery Store, look at it from left to right.
• Step 2:
   
   
   
  Go inside the Grocers and do out the combo from the produce on the mural: Grape Apple Orange Lime.
• Step 3:
   
   
   
  If the Clerk says “…” you are on the right track.

The Film Buff

 
 
Look for the tapes 📼
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
Everywhere you go there’s a VHS,
 
Hidden in places you may never guess,
 
Once you become a movie raker,
 
Go to Venganza and see a ticket taker.
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1: Level 1 Lisbon
   
   
   
  Find the VHS in the bushes around the park.
• Step 2: Level 2 Mallton
   
   
   
  Look behind the far back right movie stand in the VideoVille for a special VHS.
• Step 3: Level 3 Hormliner Express
   
   
   
  On the Train, the garbage cans have a random pool of items, randomized at the start of the level. Interact with any you come across until you pick up a VHS.
• Step 4: Las Venganza Day 1
   
   
   
  Go to the VideoVille and inquire about their secret menu.
• Step 5: Perdido
   
   
   
  Fail the desert maze. When in this special zone, interact with any of the video store shelves. Note: you cannot return to this area a 2nd time after failing the maze.
• Step 6: Las Venganza Day 2
   
   
   
  Enter the VideoVille again and go behind the pillar around the left side to find a VHS.
• Step 7:
   
   
   
  In Las Venganza, proceed to the movie theatre and talk to the ticket taker.

The Collector’s Gambit

 
 
Help a strange man find strange things.
 
(Optional)
 
 
HINT:
 
With a collector, get yourself aligned,
 
And source everything he asks you to find!
 
 
If you’re still stuck…
 

• Step 1:
   
   
   
  During any level, find and give The Collector all of the items he is looking for to earn this achievement.

 
 
This is all we can share for Achievements Guide List – The Big Con for today. I hope you enjoy the guide! If you have anything to add to this guide or we forget something please let us know via comment! We check each comment! Don’t forget to check SteamClue.com for MORE!