10 Atomfall Tips to Survive the Quarantine

Atomfall throws you into an alternate history Lake District, a deceptively beautiful but deadly landscape brimming with mutated horrors, scarce resources, and a whole lot of mystery. Surviving this RPG survival hybrid requires cunning, a steady hand, and a healthy dose of paranoia. So, before you venture into the quarantine zone, heed these 10 essential tips to increase your odds of escape.

1. Beep Boop, Loot's in a Scoop: Grab a Metal Detector

Buried treasure is your lifeline in Atomfall. A Metal Detector is essential for unearthing valuable gear and crafting materials. Snag one early from trader Reg in the Slate Mine Caves or explore southeast of Slatten Dale near a pool of water for a chance encounter. Once equipped, listen for that telltale beep – it’s the sound of survival.

2. Home Sweet Home, It's a Trap!: Beware Abandoned Buildings

Think twice before looting seemingly deserted buildings. Many are riddled with tripwires and spike boards. Until you've honed your disarming skills, tread carefully. If a building looks like it's seen recent activity, assume it's a death trap waiting to be sprung.

3. A Swift Kick in the Teeth: Stagger Your Foes

Close-quarters combat can be brutal. Use your kick (L1/LB) to create some breathing room and stun enemies like Ferals and Thralls. This sets you up for a follow-up melee attack or precious seconds to reload your weapon.

4. Pneumatic Dispatch Tubes: Your Off-Site Storage Solution

Inventory space is precious in Atomfall. Utilize Pneumatic Dispatch Tubes, found in bunkers and The Interchange, as off-site storage lockers. With 100 slots, they’re perfect for stashing trade goods, crafting materials, and that extra shotgun you might need later.

5. Keep Calm and Carry a Cuppa: Manage Your Heart Rate

Sprinting and jumping elevates your heart rate, making you noisier and less accurate in combat. When the screen darkens around the edges, slow down and sip some tea to regain your composure. A calm heart means better stealth and a steadier aim.

6. Embrace the Shadows: Stealth is Your Friend

While not always mandatory, stealth can be a lifesaver, especially when dealing with Thralls. Learn enemy patrol patterns and invest in skills to silence your footsteps and execute silent takedowns. Firing a gun will attract unwanted attention, so choose your battles wisely.

7. Hoard Everything (Except the Rats): Resource Management

Crafting materials like scrap, string, and herbs don’t take up precious inventory space. Become a magpie and collect everything you can. Those purple herbs blend in seamlessly with the environment, so keep your eyes peeled.

8. Choose Your Words Wisely: Dialogue Matters

Leads and story decisions can have lasting consequences, potentially locking you out of future quests. Pay close attention to character motivations, especially in Wyndham. Betrayals and missed clues can irrevocably alter your path.

9. Wyndham: A Town of Suspicion

Even with Captain Sims' clearance, the guards in Wyndham remain hostile. Avoid lingering too close or behaving suspiciously. A firefight in the most populated area is a recipe for disaster.

10. No More Squeaking: Destroy Rat Nests

Swarms of rats are annoying, but thankfully, they’re not endless. Locate and destroy nearby nests to stop the infestation. Stomp them with L1/LB and then dismantle their nests. There’s often more than one, so be thorough.

Surviving Atomfall requires a blend of caution, cunning, and resourcefulness. Follow these tips, and you'll stand a fighting chance of escaping the quarantine zone and uncovering the secrets lurking within the Lake District.