Atomfall definitely stands out, mainly due to its branching endings and choices that shape the gameplay experience. As I navigated its world, I found myself making some pretty questionable decisions, often puzzling over the best course of action.
One of the intriguing story arcs revolves around Dr. Garrow, a scientist deeply involved with the zone’s technology. Your journey with her likely begins when the Captain in Wyndham Village mentions her predicament—she’s been imprisoned in Skethermoor Prison. To unlock one of the potential endings, you’re tasked with freeing her.
But, as with all choices in Atomfall, liberating Dr. Garrow comes with its own set of repercussions. These aren’t just about shaping the game’s conclusion; they significantly impact your immediate challenges, too.
So, here’s my take on the best approach and the reasons behind it.
### What Happens if You Free Dr. Garrow Right Away?
Once you pull the release lever in Skethermoor Prison, Dr. Garrow and the other prisoners are set free. This decision can have serious implications for your progress.
I won’t spoil the entire storyline here, but if you’re aware of her whereabouts, you’ve likely already initiated the lead that encourages you to set her free. Following this lead is crucial because it helps you obtain a Signal Redirector—a tool essential for your journey. My advice? Share an alliance with the Captain.
By completing a task for him, like investigating a murder at the Church, you’ll earn a pass that grants you safe passage through the prison if you agree to interrogate Dr. Garrow. Without this pass, you’re left to dodge or confront numerous Protocol Soldiers—the very soldiers you’ll face if you release Dr. Garrow.
If you decide to follow through blindly by liberating Dr. Garrow after acquiring the Signal Redirector, your pass becomes null. Suddenly, you’re trespassing, and the Protocol Soldiers won’t hesitate to shoot on sight. Since her cell lies deep within the prison and if the nearby interchange door remains locked, your escape becomes quite taxing.
To escalate matters, admitting to the Captain that you released her abruptly ends his quest, and you’ll find yourself on his hit list. However, there’s the option to free her and then lie about it, assuming you can manage a successful escape.
### The Easy Path to Free Dr. Garrow
The easiest method to liberate Dr. Garrow without endangering yourself is to keep following the Captain’s task chain. After my first reckless release of Garrow, I restarted and revisited the Captain in Wyndham with my Signal Redirector to ensure she remained incarcerated.
Progress through his missions until you learn about the Interchange and Oberon. This trust enables you to bypass the Skethermoor Interchange entrance with ease, allowing you to free Dr. Garrow without confrontation from the Protocol Soldiers.
Once you’ve garnered the Captain’s trust and released the prisoners, the soldiers may react, but they won’t attack. You’re free to leave as if nothing transpired.
Returning to the Captain, he’ll note Garrow’s escape and demand her elimination, yet he won’t suspect your involvement.
### Post-Release Scenarios of Dr. Garrow
Freeing Dr. Garrow opens up another path toward one of Atomfall’s diverse endings. She’ll head to the Interchange door near her cell. If you’ve unlocked it previously, she’ll pause for a chat on the prison side; if not, she’ll continue through, leaving it locked behind her.
Regardless of your prior actions, Dr. Garrow will eventually reach the Interchange. Depending on which entrances are available, to reunite with her, make your way to the Central Processor.
To access the door connecting Skethermoor Prison and the Interchange, you must operate from within the Interchange. Follow the lead to power up its lower section and secure the crane controls.
Once you can maneuver the crane, remove the storage container obstructing the Detention Quarter access. This route brings you right back to her initial prison confines.
This route provides an alternative to cozying up to the Captain but demands more groundwork than simply taking on a handful of minor tasks for him.
Ultimately, forging an alliance with the Captain offers the least resistance, even if you decide to go a different way. Navigating through the Protocol Soldier-dense Interchange is best done with his friendship in your back pocket.
