Atomfall is a fascinating game, mainly because of its diverse endings and decision-driven gameplay. While I occasionally found myself making some questionable choices, much of my time was dedicated to figuring out the best paths and timing.
One key storyline involves Dr. Garrow, a pivotal scientist deeply involved with the technology in the zone. You’ll first hear about her likely from the Captain in Wyndham Village since he has her detained. She’s locked up in Skethermoor Prison, and one path to one of the possible endings requires you to release her.
Now, freeing Dr. Garrow, like most choices in Atomfall, isn’t without its repercussions. It not only affects which ending you’re working towards but also impacts the immediate challenges you’ll face.
So, here’s my advice on how to proceed and why it’s important.
### What Happens If You Free Dr. Garrow Immediately?
In Atomfall, if you decide to pull the lever that releases Dr. Garrow, you’ll also free all the other prisoners, bringing significant consequences. I won’t spoil everything for you, but if you’ve reached this point, you’re already on a path that involves Dr. Garrow’s freedom.
Following this lead is worthwhile because it nets you a Signal Redirector, an essential tool throughout the game. My suggestion is to initially get on good terms with the Captain. Assist him with tasks like solving a murder at the Church to earn a pass, which allows you safe access to the prison, provided you agree to question Dr. Garrow. Without this pass, you’ll deal with numerous Protocol Soldiers, which is why releasing her prematurely complicates matters.
If you head straight to Garrow, get the Signal Redirector, and release her, your pass becomes irrelevant. The moment she’s free, you’re trespassing, and the Protocol Soldiers will attack you on sight. Since her cell is deep within the prison and the exit is likely locked, escaping becomes a challenging task.
To make matters worse, if you admit to the Captain that you freed her, it terminates his lead, and you become his target. However, you can release her and then lie to the Captain if you manage to escape.
### How To Free Dr. Garrow Without Trouble
The simplest way to safely release Dr. Garrow is to continue following the Captain’s mission chain. After a failed attempt where I freed Garrow and died instantly, I opted to return to Wyndham with my Signal Redirector to speak with the Captain. As long as she’s still imprisoned, things remain calm.
To gain the trust you need with the Protocol, follow the Captain’s missions until you’re informed about the Interchange and Oberon. This trust makes accessing the Skethermoor Interchange entrance seamless, enabling you to release Dr. Garrow without hostility.
Now, when you pull the lever to free the prisoners, the Protocol Soldiers become alert, but they won’t see you as an intruder, allowing you to leave the prison without conflict. Soon after, if you report back to the Captain, he’ll assume Garrow has escaped and needs to be dealt with, without suspecting your involvement.
### What Happens After You Free Dr. Garrow
Once Dr. Garrow is out, she continues her storyline towards one of Atomfall’s various endings. She’ll head to the Interchange door near her cell. If you’ve unlocked this door from the other side, she’ll wait for you to speak with her. Otherwise, she’ll pass through and leave it locked for you.
Ultimately, she’ll make her way to the Interchange, and you need to meet her at the Central Processor. Opening the door between Skethermoor Prison and the Interchange requires accessing the latter. You’ll need to power up the large area below and follow leads to activate crane controls.
By managing the crane, you can move a storage container blocking the Detention Quarter, then unlock doors to reach Garrow’s cell location. Using this route helps avoid aligning too closely with the Captain, though it’s somewhat complex compared to completing a few tasks for him and smoothly entering the prison.
Though it presents an alternative, this approach involves more steps. Given the presence of many Protocol Soldiers in this Interchange area, forming an alliance with the Captain for a hassle-free experience remains optimal.
