Diving into the world of Atomfall is an experience rich with choice, thanks to its branching paths and decision-driven storyline. My journey through this game has been a mix of making dubious choices and figuring out the right moves at the right times.
A central narrative thread in Atomfall involves Dr. Garrow, a crucial figure in the zone’s technological framework. Your first encounter with her story likely comes from the Captain in Wyndham Village, who has her imprisoned in Skethermoor Prison. Unlocking one of the game’s endings involves freeing her from captivity.
However, like many of Atomfall’s critical choices, this decision carries weighty repercussions. It influences not only the ending you might aim for but also the immediate challenges you’ll face.
Here’s my take on the best approach and the reasons behind it.
### Should You Release Dr. Garrow Immediately?
The moment you pull that lever in Skethermoor Prison, Dr. Garrow isn’t the only one set free—all prisoners are. This choice is far from risk-free.
I’ll spare you too many spoilers, but if you’ve discovered Dr. Garrow’s location, you’re on a path that could lead to her release. Pursuing this path is worthwhile; it offers you access to a Signal Redirector, an asset you’ll repeatedly need throughout the game. My advice? Cozy up to the Captain first.
By solving tasks for him, such as the mystery at the Church, you’ll earn a pass granting safe access to the prison while promising to interrogate Dr. Garrow. For those lacking this pass, you’ll find yourself avoiding or confronting numerous Protocol Soldiers, presenting a significant challenge if you opt to release Dr. Garrow without preparation.
Should you bypass these initial steps and free Dr. Garrow right away, know that once she’s out of her cell, your pass becomes void. You’ll be treated as a trespasser, with soldiers shooting on sight.
Given that her cell is deep within the prison and the adjacent interchange door might still be locked, escaping is quite the ordeal.
Worse yet, reporting back to the Captain after freeing her will result in him turning against you, intent on your capture. While you can keep this act a secret, lying to him comes with its own risks.
### The Simplest Way to Free Dr. Garrow
For a safer route to liberating Dr. Garrow, follow the Captain’s mission line. Trust me, this makes life much easier.
After a failed attempt that ended in my quick demise, I reloaded and took my Signal Redirector straight back to Wyndham to report to the Captain. So long as Dr. Garrow remains imprisoned, things remain straightforward.
Your objective should be to follow the Captain’s missions until you’re briefed about the Interchange and Oberon. Achieving this establishes the needed trust with the Protocol.
This trust makes accessing Skethermoor Interchange effortless since you can walk right in. It also allows you to release Dr. Garrow without inciting alarm.
If you hit the release switch at this stage, while Protocol Soldiers will react, they won’t label you a trespasser or attack, allowing you to exit without incident.
Returning to the Captain afterward prompts a different response; he’ll learn of her escape and deem her elimination necessary—but he won’t suspect you as the one behind her release.
### Outcomes After Dr. Garrow is Set Free
Once liberated, Dr. Garrow charts her own course toward one of Atomfall’s endings, prompting her to head immediately for the Interchange door by her cell.
If you’ve already unlocked this entrance, you’ll find her waiting on the prison side to converse. If not, she’ll proceed, leaving the door secured behind her.
Ultimately, she ends up within the Interchange, and your path to regroup with her depends on your progression—namely, which doors you’ve managed to unlock. To rendezvous, head towards the Central Processor.
Opening the door from Skethermoor Prison to the Interchange requires access from the latter. Powering up the lower sections and following leads to access crane controls are part of this process.
Once crane functions are operational, move the storage container that once blocked the Detention Quarter access. This lets you pass, unlocking a shortcut right to Dr. Garrow’s cell.
For those wishing to steer clear of getting too close to the Captain, this method offers an alternative, albeit with more hassle than completing a few quests and strolling comfortably into the prison. However, given the concentration of Protocol Soldiers, aligning with the Captain remains the smoother option.
