In this section of the Disco Elysium game guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the Thought Cabinet mechanic. This includes how to research, stop, and remove thoughts, as well as how to unlock extra slots for thoughts. We have also provided a complete list of all available thoughts in the game and tips on how to obtain them.
The Thought Cabinet is a mechanic in Disco Elysium that allows players to see what thoughts are going through the main character’s head and gain additional bonuses from them. However, some thoughts can have negative effects on Harrier and cause him to receive harmful modifiers.
In Disco Elysium, the choices you make can unlock thoughts that you can research to customize the main character to fit your play style.
To research a thought, go to the Thought Cabinet tab, select a free slot, then choose a thought from the list on the right and click Internalize to begin the research. The time it takes to research a thought depends on its type and can range from several dozen minutes to several hours. Once enough time has passed in the game, the thought will be internalized and permanently equipped, providing a specific bonus.
Some thoughts provide a Temporary Research Bonus during the research process and can increase or decrease a character’s stats. However, this bonus disappears once the thought is fully internalized.
You can stop the thought research process at any time by selecting a specific thought and clicking the Stop button. When you stop the process, the thought retains its current status and returns to the list, freeing up the thought slot. You can resume research on the thought at any time.
If you have a thought on your list that provides a temporary bonus to a skill that is about to be tested, it makes sense to start the research process to increase your chances of success. After the process, you can stop the thought research without any consequences.
Once a thought is fully researched (reaches 100% progress), it is permanently equipped and can be deleted by clicking the Forget button. However, this action has consequences:
At the beginning of Disco Elysium, you have 3 slots for thoughts. If you have used all of them in the Thought Cabinet, you can unlock new ones by spending 1 Skill Point.
Below is a table listing all available thoughts in Disco Elysium, along with their bonuses and how to unlock them.
Name
Bonuses
How to Unlock
The following are bonuses and ways of obtaining them in the game:
1. Ace’s High/Low – temporary bonus of 1 or 2 empathy towards Kim. After research, bonus increases to 1 or 2 empathy towards Kim and 1 Esprit de Corps. To obtain, successfully shoot the belt and lower the corpse to the ground, then select “Slap it” or wait for Ace’s Low (requires Interfacing 5 or higher).
2. Actual Art Degree – temporary bonus of -1 Perception. After research, bonus decreases to -1 Hand/Eye Coordination and passive Conceptualization checks heal 1 Morale and give 10 XP. To obtain, ask 5 dialogue questions related to “Art Cop.”
3. Advanced Race Theory – temporary bonus of -1 Drama. After research, bonus increases to 1 Conceptualization and raises Rhetoric skill level limit to 5. To obtain, talk to Measurehead and pass a Conceptualization skill check.
4. Anti-Object Task Force – temporary bonus of -2 Pain Threshold. After research, bonus includes attacking physical objects heals 1 Health, 1 Pain Threshold, and increases level limit of all skills related to the Physical attribute by 1. To obtain, hit various physical objects like crates and containers (3 different objects must be hit).
5. Apricot Chewing Gum Scented One – temporary bonus of -1 Reaction Speed. After research, bonus increases to 2 Perception. To obtain, find the scent of Apricot twice by examining your Ledger’s Note for a gum wrapper and putting on the Pour L’Homme Laborer Jeans.
6. Arno van Eyck – temporary bonus of 1 Interfacing. After research, bonus includes unlocking all white skill checks related to Motorics and revealing Arno van Eyck’s posters. To obtain, talk to Egg Head in the church, find the correct tape (on the tree across the Roy’s Nest street), repair it at the Pawnshop, and return to Egg Head.
7. Bankruptcy Sequence – temporary bonus of -1 Empathy. After research, failed Intellect check gives 1 Real. To obtain, talk to the container at the port and present the investment idea unsuccessfully.
8. Boiadeiro – temporary bonus of -1 Physical Instrument. After research, bonus includes -1 Esprit De Corps and cigarettes give 2 Intellect.
After completing the task for Evrart and passing the Inland Empire check, talk to Manana to ask about Boiadeiro. The research time for this task is 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Bringing of the Law (Law-Jaw)
Initially, there is a temporary bonus of -1 Rhetoric. However, after research, the bonus becomes -1 Rhetoric; Hand/Eye Coordination skill level limit is raised to 6; and all Hand/Eye Coordination passive checks are automatically passed. To achieve this, refer to yourself as “The Law” during conversations and introduce yourself as Lawbringer to Lilienne in the fishing village. The research time for this task is 2 hours and 55 minutes.
Caustic Echo
A temporary bonus of 1 Volition is granted. After research, the bonus becomes -1 Authority, 300 XP, and the level limit of all skills related to the Physical attribute is increased by 1. To complete this task, open the hidden compartment in your Ledger, discard the card, and take a moment to consider. The research time for this task is 10 hours.
Cleaning Out the Rooms
Initially, there is no temporary bonus. However, after research, 1 Suggestion, 1 Inland Empire, and 1 Rhetoric bonus are granted. To complete this task, speak to Soona in the church and pass the Logic check after completing the task. The research time for this task is 5 hours and 35 minutes.
Coach Physical Instrument
Initially, there is a temporary bonus of -2 Encyclopedia. After research, the bonus becomes -1 Encyclopedia and 2 Physical Instrument (if the shirt slot is empty). To complete this task, speak to the old man playing Petanque, watch the game, ask questions, and make a failed throw. The research time for this task is 40 minutes.
Col Do Ma Daqua
Initially, there is no temporary bonus. However, after research, 3 Perception and -1 Encyclopedia bonus are granted. To complete this task, speak to Lena about the invisible Phasmid and listen to your surroundings after exiting the hotel building. The research time for this task is 7 hours and 10 minutes.
Cop of the Apocalypse
Initially, there is a temporary bonus of -1 Rhetoric. After research, the Inland Empire skill level limit is raised to 6 and the Shivers skill level limit is raised to 6. To complete this task, warn people about the impending apocalypse. The research time for this task is 6 hours and 55 minutes.
Date of Birth Generator
Initially, there is no temporary bonus. After research, the Logic skill level limit is raised to 6 and the difficulty of all Physical passive checks is reduced by 1. To complete this task, contemplate when you were born after talking to Klaasje about the dead mercenary. The research time for this task is 7 hours and 15 minutes.
Detective Costeau
Initially, there is a temporary bonus of -2 Conceptualization. After research, 1 Savoir Faire and 1 Espirit de Corps bonus are granted. To complete this task, call yourself Detective Costeau (failed Conceptualization check when meeting Kim) and refuse to use your real name. Read the Unsolvable Case file in the Ledger. The research time for this task is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Fairweather T-500
Initially, there is a temporary bonus of -1 Savoir Faire. To complete this task, refer to the instructions for Bringing of the Law (Law-Jaw). The research time for this task is not specified.
Bonus upon completion of research:
Improve Hand/Eye Coordination by 2 against enemies in FT-500 armor.
Wear at least one piece of Ceramic Body Armor.
Research time required:
3 hours and 30 minutes.
Finger on the Eject Button
Temporary bonus:
Boost Authority by 2 and Suggestion by 2.
Bonus upon completion of research:
Experience suicidal thoughts every night.
Mention suicide while conversing with NPCs.
Research time required:
2 hours.
Finger Pistols (9mm)
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Savoir Faire by 2.
Bonus upon completion of research:
Improve Reaction Speed by 1 and Suggestion by 1 when not holding anything in your hand.
During your initial interview with Silleng, you must have at least 5 Composure and pass the check.
Research time required:
1 hour.
Guillaume le Million
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Logic by 1.
Bonus upon completion of research:
Improve Pain Threshold by 1 and increase the level limit of all skills related to the Psyche attribute by 1.
While looking in the mirror in your room, pass the Encyclopedia check – The Expression.
Research time required:
4 hours and 30 minutes.
Hardcore Aesthetic
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Interfacing by 2.
Bonus upon completion of research:
Improve Volition by 1 and Endurance by 1.
After completing the Sync the sines with Noid quest, use all dialogue options when talking to Noid and pass the Conceptualization check.
Research time required:
1 hour and 50 minutes.
Hobocop
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Composure by 1.
Bonus upon completion of research:
Reveal extra bottles on the map, earn more money selling the bottles, and raise the Shivers skill level limit to 6.
Become homeless or identify as homeless.
Research time required:
4 hours and 20 minutes.
hom*o-Sexual Underground
Temporary bonus:
None.
Bonus upon completion of research:
Stop being obsessed about sexuality and unlock an additional dialogue option with Kim.
Pass the Composure check while talking to Smoker on the apartment balcony (when he comes to the hotel) and ask him if he belongs to the Underground movement.
Research time required:
8 hours.
Indirect Modes of Taxation
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Empathy by 2.
Bonus upon completion of research:
Ultraliberal dialog options give 1 Real and reduce Empathy by 1.
During conversations, choose options that earn the most money, such as accepting Evrart’s bribe.
Research time required:
1 hour and 45 minutes.
Inexplicable Feminist Agenda
Temporary bonus:
Boost Authority by 2 against males.
Bonus upon completion of research:
Improve Empathy by 1 and reduce Electrochemistry by 1.
During your conversation with Garte, ask why Silve left and declare yourself a feminist.
Research time required:
3 hours and 45 minutes.
Jamais Vu (Derealization)
Temporary bonus:
None.
Bonus upon completion of research:
Gain 1 XP for each orb clicked and increase the level limit of all skills related to the Intellect attribute by 1.
Talk to Lena, who uses a wheelchair, about understanding your reality. She will direct you to Joyce, who will provide detailed information (Reality Lockdown) – to access this, ask “Where are we?”
Research Time:
3 hours and 25 minutes.
Kingdom of Conscience
Temporary Bonus:
-2 Half-light.
Bonus after Research:
Moralist dialogue options heal 1 Morale;
Volition’s skill level limit raised to 5.
Logic skill level limit raised to 5.
Avoid engaging in any political philosophy.
Research Time:
1 hour and 25 minutes.
Lonesome Long Way Home
Temporary Bonus:
1 Encyclopedia.
Bonus after Research:
Perception skill level limit raised to 5;
Speed (drug) gives 1 to Psyche.
Think about where your home might be. This option is available after Gart talks to Kim.
Research Time:
6 hours and 5 minutes.
Magnesium-Based Lifeform
Temporary Bonus:
-1 Shivers.
Bonus after Research:
2 Volition;
-1 Logic.
Visit Cuno’s hut and talk to him about the magnesium residue you found inside. You must maintain a positive attitude during the conversation – Composure 4 or above.
Research Time:
1 hour and 15 minutes.
Mazovian Socio-Economics
Temporary Bonus:
-2 Visual Calculus.
Bonus after Research:
Communist dialogue options give 4 XP;
-1 Visual Calculus;
-1 Authority.
Select 4 communist dialogue options.
Research Time:
3 hours and 10 minutes.
Motorway South
Temporary Bonus:
-1 Visual Calculus.
Bonus after Research:
1 Inland Empire;
Unlocks all white skill checks related to Intellect.
Talk to Joyce and pass the Conceptualization check, then ask her about traveling through the Pale.
Research Time:
8 hours and 10 minutes.
One More Door
Temporary Bonus:
1 Half-light.
Bonus after Research:
-1 Half-Light;
Unlocks all white skill checks related to Psyche.
Attempt to open the bunker door north of the church (requires Conceptualization 4).
Research Time:
45 minutes.
Opioid Receptor Antagonist
Temporary Bonus:
-2 Electrochemistry.
Bonus after Research:
No positive effects from drugs;
No negative effects from alcohol.
Talk to Klaasje about her drug use and inform her that she has nothing to be proud of.
Research Time:
55 minutes.
Overproductive Honour Glands
Temporary Bonus:
-4 Drama.
Bonus after Research:
The Authority skill level limit raised to 5.
Act with honor: decline bribes, keep your promises, etc.
Research Time:
20 minutes.
Regular Law Official
Temporary Bonus:
-2 Inland Empire.
Bonus after Research:
-1 Shivers;
-1 Inland Empire;
All skill level limits are increased by 3.
Behave normally and avoid engaging in strange activities.
Research Time:
1 hour and 20 minutes.
Remote Viewers Division
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Perception by 1.
Bonus after research:
Reduce the difficulty of all Psyche passive checks by 1;
Reduce Drama by 1.
Select dialog options related to Extra Sensory Perception (ESP).
Research time:
6 hours.
Revacholian Nationhood
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Composure by 1.
Bonus after research:
Nationalist dialogue options damage Morale by 1;
Alcohol gives 2 Physical.
Select 4 fascist dialogue options;
Research time:
9 hours and 10 minutes.
Rigorous Self-Critique
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Authority by 1.
Bonus after research:
Failed Intellect and Psyche red checks heal 1 Morale;
Failed Physique and Motorics red checks heal 1 Health;
Limit of Pain Threshold skill level raised to 6.
Constantly apologize and feel sorry for yourself.
Research time:
6 hours.
Searchlight Division
Temporary bonus:
No bonus.
Bonus after research:
Increase Perception by 2.
Talk to Lena, Lilienne, and a working-class woman about the missing people.
Research time:
3 hours and 15 minutes.
Some kind of Superstar
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Logic by 2.
Bonus after research:
Reduce Logic by 1;
Raise the skill level limit of Visual Calculus, Suggestion, Electrochemistry, and Composure to 6.
Keep calling yourself a superstar (Superstar).
Research time:
1 hour and 25 minutes.
The Bow Collector
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Authority by 1;
Reduce Hand/Eye Coordination by 1.
Bonus after research:
Gain 3 Shivers.
Check the hidden compartment in the Ledger and read the note. Talk to the Ancient Reptile Brain – requires Conceptualization 6.
Research time:
6 hours and 10 minutes.
The Fifteenth Indotribe
Temporary bonus:
No bonus.
Bonus after research:
Earn 10 cents for each green orb clicked;
Raise the skill level limit of Savoir Faire to 6.
Talk to Joyce about her business – specifically select the dialogue option: 8 percent of all cargo in the world.
Research time:
5 hours and 55 minutes.
The Insulindian Miracle
Temporary bonus:
No bonus.
Bonus after research:
Unlock all white skill checks.
Tell Joyce about the Unions plan and listen to her talk about discovering the islands.
Research time:
7 hours and 45 minutes.
The Jamrock Shuffle
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Espirit de Corps by 1.
Bonus after research:
Get better loot in closed containers.
Open at least 3 locked doors: Garry’s apartment, Cuno’s apartment, Communard Student’s Apartment.
Research time:
1 hour and 5 minutes.
The Litany of Contact Mike
Temporary bonus:
Reduce Logic by 1;
Reduce Conceptualization by 1;
Reduce Drama by 1.
Bonus after research:
Unlock all white skill checks related to Physical.
To complete the task, speak with Acele Berger about her microphone and succeed in passing the Encyclopedia check. Afterwards, select the dialogue question: “This isn’t about me. This is about your lack of respect….”
Research time:
15 minutes.
The Precarious World
Temporary bonus:
All red skill checks will fail. Stop the thought research before taking the skill check.
Bonus after research:
Critical success or failure thresholds are lowered by 1.
Head to the Doomed Commercial Area and speak with the Dicemaker. Pass the Shivers skill check during the conversation.
Research time:
4 hours.
The Suicide of Kras Mazov
Temporary bonus:
Decrease in Rhetoric by 1.
Bonus after research:
Increase in Rhetoric by 1;
Failure of white skill checks will fully restore Morale.
Examine the bust of Kras Mazov in the student’s apartment located in the tenement house. During your conversation with Kim, state that the bust represents you by saying “You are Kras Mazov.”
Research time:
4 hours and 45 minutes.
Torque Dork
Temporary bonus:
Decrease in Conceptualization by 2.
Bonus after research:
Increase in Interfacing by 2;
Unlocks all white skill checks related to Interfacing.
Begin the game with no more than 3 Intellect points (Encyclopedia skill cannot be too high). Leave the hotel and inspect Kim’s car. During the conversation with Kim, select the dialogue options “Kim, what are we looking at?” and “This must be what woke me up… .” On Day 2, approach the car and learn more about it (Interfacing and Encyclopedia checks) using all dialogue options available.
Research time:
25 minutes.
Volumetric sh*t Compressor
Temporary bonus:
None.
Bonus after research:
Unlocks all white skill checks related to Endurance;
Raises Endurance skill level limit to 4.
Vomit twice while looking at the body of a hanged man. After failing the first Endurance check, obtain Ammonia from the woman outside the hotel, return to the hanging man and fail the Endurance check again.
Research time:
30 minutes.
Waste Land of Reality
Temporary bonus:
Decrease in Physical Instrument by 2.
Bonus after research:
Decrease in Physical Instrument by 1;
Decrease in Inland Empire by 1;
Decrease in Suggestion by 1;
Increase of 1 to all skills related to the Psyche attribute;
No positive effects from alcohol.
After speaking with Measurehead, research the thought of Advanced Race Theory. Return to Measurehead and tell him that you need to sober up.
Research time:
20 hours.
White Mourning
Temporary bonus:
Decrease in Authority by 1.
Bonus after research:
20% increase in camera’s Zoom Out;
Increases skill level limits related to Motorics by 1.
Read the entire Ledger and pass the Interfacing skill check.
Research time:
5 hours.
Wompty-Dompty Dom Centre
Temporary bonus:
Decrease in Suggestion by 1.
Bonus after research:
Encyclopedia passive skill checks give 10 XP and 2 Real;
Decrease in Suggestion by 2.
You can acquire it on the 3rd day by conversing with Trant Heidelstam, who is appreciating the mural on the promenade. Ensure to use all available dialogue options.
Required time for research:
42 minutes.
1. What is the Thought Cabinet in Disco Elysium?
The Thought Cabinet is a unique feature in the role-playing video game, Disco Elysium. It represents the internal thoughts and emotions of the protagonist, Harry, as he navigates through the game’s world. The Cabinet is a collection of different thoughts that Harry has throughout the game, ranging from mundane to profound. These thoughts can be positive or negative, and some can even contradict each other. The player can choose which thoughts to focus on and develop, which can lead to different outcomes and dialogue options.
2. How does the Thought Cabinet affect the gameplay in Disco Elysium?
The Thought Cabinet plays a significant role in the gameplay of Disco Elysium. The thoughts that the player chooses to focus on and develop have a direct impact on Harry’s skills and abilities. For example, if the player chooses to focus on the “Empathy” thought, Harry’s ability to understand and connect with others will increase. On the other hand, if the player focuses on the “Machismo” thought, Harry’s ability to intimidate others will increase. The thoughts in the Cabinet can also affect the player’s dialogue options and the outcome of certain quests.
3. How do you unlock new thoughts in the Thought Cabinet?
New thoughts can be unlocked in the Thought Cabinet by interacting with the game’s world and characters. Certain events and conversations can trigger new thoughts to appear in the Cabinet. The player can also gain new thoughts by leveling up Harry’s skills and abilities. Additionally, some thoughts require specific prerequisites to be met before they can be unlocked. For example, the “Hobocop” thought requires Harry to have a certain amount of money in his pocket and to wear a specific piece of clothing.
4. Can you remove thoughts from the Thought Cabinet in Disco Elysium?
No, once a thought is added to the Cabinet, it cannot be removed. However, the player can choose to stop focusing on a thought, which will cause it to become “dormant.” Dormant thoughts will still affect Harry’s abilities and skills, but they will not be as prominent in his internal dialogue. The player can also develop certain thoughts to the point where they become a permanent part of Harry’s psyche, which can lead to interesting character development and story outcomes.
