Atomfall is a game that certainly captures your attention, primarily due to its multiple endings and decision-influenced gameplay. My experience with Atomfall has involved making some questionable choices and figuring out the timing of certain actions.
Among the main storylines in Atomfall, one involves Dr. Garrow, a scientist who plays a crucial role in the technology found within the zone.
Your introduction to Dr. Garrow usually comes from the Captain in Wyndham Village, as he’s the one who has locked her up. You’ll find her in a cell at Skethermoor Prison, and freeing her is essential to unlocking one of the game’s endings.
However, like most decisions in Atomfall, setting her free comes with its own set of consequences. It can influence both the ending you’re working towards and the challenges you face immediately after.
Let me guide you on what to do and why it matters.
### What if You Release Dr. Garrow Right Away?
To avoid giving away too many spoilers or delving into an extensive backstory, if you know about Dr. Garrow’s presence in Skethermoor Prison, you’re already on the path where you can help her escape.
Notably, freeing Dr. Garrow is a lead worth pursuing, as it secures you a Signal Redirector—an item you’ll find invaluable throughout the game. So, my first tip is to become friendly with the Captain.
Help out by completing a task for him, like solving the murder at the Church, and you’ll receive a pass that grants you safe access through the prison, on the condition that you question Dr. Garrow. Without this pass, navigating past Protocol Soldiers becomes a real challenge if you decide to free Dr. Garrow.
If you proceed directly to Dr. Garrow, acquire the Signal Redirector, and comply with her request to unlock the cell, your pass loses its privilege instantly. The moment you set her free, you transform into an intruder, prompting Protocol Soldiers to attack on sight.
Garrow’s cell is situated at the far end of the prison, and given the likely locked status of the nearby interchange door (assuming you’re following a similar game progression path), expect a tough journey to get out.
Even worse, if you inform the Captain about Garrow’s release, his lead concludes, and he, alongside his men, will attempt to eliminate you. Actions, as they say, have consequences. Alternatively, you can set her free and then lie to him about it, assuming you manage to escape untouched.
### How to Release Dr. Garrow the Easy Way
If you prefer avoiding any immediate danger to yourself, the simplest method is to keep completing the Captain’s mission chain.
After a failed attempt where freeing Garrow led to my instant demise, I reloaded my game and returned to Wyndham with my Signal Redirector to speak with the Captain again. As long as she remains imprisoned, your interactions remain safe.
To build the necessary trust with the Protocol, you should follow his missions until you reach one concerning the Interchange and Oberon.
This trust not only facilitates easier access through the Skethermoor Interchange entrance (you can essentially stroll right in) but also allows you to free Dr. Garrow without inciting aggression.
Now, if you decide to pull the lever to release prisoners, remember that while Protocol Soldiers will react, you won’t see that dreaded red trespassing warning, and they won’t attack. It leaves you to nonchalantly exit the prison.
Upon returning to the Captain, he’ll mention Garrow’s escape and direct you to eliminate her without questioning your involvement in her release.
### What Occurs After You Release Dr. Garrow
Dr. Garrow’s part in the story leads to one of Atomfall’s multiple endings. After being freed, she makes her way to the Interchange door near her cell.
If you’ve previously unlocked the door, she’ll wait there for you to meet her. If not, she’ll pass through, and it’ll stay locked from your side.
Regardless, she eventually ends up within the Interchange. Depending on which doors you’ve managed to unlock, getting back to her could vary, but the ultimate goal is to reach the Central Processor.
To unlock the door between Skethermoor Prison and the Interchange, you need to be inside the latter. This will involve powering the extensive lower section and accessing the crane controls as per the storyline.
Once you have control over the crane, you’ll move a storage container that blocks the path to the Detention Quarter. Here, you’ll unlock the door and end up close to Garrow’s cell.
This is also a viable method to approach Dr. Garrow if you wish not to work too closely with the Captain. However, this process tends to demand more time than performing a few tasks for him and casually walking into the prison.
In any scenario, as numerous Protocol Soldiers populate this section of the Interchange once it opens, it’s advisable to maintain a good relationship with the Captain for the simplest experience.
