Game Theory: FNAF 2, Gaming's Scariest Story SOLVED!

Summary

The video argues that Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is a sequel by release order but a prequel in the story, set in 1987. MatPat points to the player’s $100.50 paycheck for 30 hours of work—$3.35 per hour, matching the 1987 minimum wage—as evidence. A newspaper clipping after the sixth night says the toy animatronics will be scrapped and the older models stored for a smaller restaurant, which the video connects to the setting of FNAF 1.

The proposed timeline and story

• Fredbear’s Family Diner: The video treats this as the earliest location. In a death minigame, a purple-clad figure murders a child outside a birthday party. MatPat theorizes that the child’s spirit later inhabits the Puppet.
• An earlier Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza: The video says the killer later uses a Golden Freddy suit to lure and murder five children. In the “Help Them” minigame, the Puppet places the children’s bodies in animatronic suits, creating more haunted robots.
• The FNAF 2 restaurant, in 1987: The new toy animatronics have facial recognition and are said to be linked to a database intended to identify predators. Despite these precautions, another series of murders occurs. A minigame and Phone Guy’s messages suggest the former night guard may be responsible.
• The FNAF 1 restaurant: The older animatronics reappear at a smaller location. The video places this game later in the timeline, partly because the old restaurant closed after reports of a smell coming from the robots and because Phone Guy dies during FNAF 1.

MatPat’s central theory

The video proposes that Phone Guy and the purple killer are the same person. It points to Phone Guy’s long history with the company, his familiarity with the animatronics, his fondness for Foxy, and his discomfort with the Puppet. The video also interprets details in the minigames—such as the purple figure’s security badge and what MatPat sees as a phone in his hand—as clues. It further suggests that the Puppet remains present in FNAF 1 through occasional posters showing a crying child.

Gameplay highlights and tip

• FNAF 2 uses security cameras and adds a music box that must be wound to keep the Puppet at bay.
• Its Atari-style death minigames reveal important parts of the story, including the child murders and the Puppet’s actions.
• Key tip: Keep winding the music box. Letting it run down brings the Puppet into play.

People and sources featured

• MatPat and The Game Theorists
• Scott Cawthon, identified as the game’s developer
• Phone Guy, an in-game character discussed as part of the theory
• The Five Nights at Freddy’s games and their minigames, plus a reference to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for Atari
• Intro music credit: SpellingPhailer — “Science Blaster”
• Sponsor mentioned: Hulu Plus