Easier Strategies for Rescuing Dr. Garrow in Atomfall

Atomfall offers an intriguing experience, particularly due to its branching storylines and choice-driven mechanics. I’ve spent a good portion of my gameplay navigating the impact of my decisions and strategizing my next moves.

One prominent narrative thread involves Dr. Garrow, a scientist with significant ties to the technology that permeates the in-game zone.

Initially, you hear about Dr. Garrow from the Captain stationed in Wyndham Village, as he has her imprisoned. She’s being held in Skethermoor Prison, and one pivotal path to the game’s conclusion involves liberating her.

Now, as with many choices in Atomfall, freeing her comes with strings attached. It doesn’t just affect which ending you might trigger but also influences the challenges you’ll face immediately afterward.

Here’s my advice on the best way to proceed.

### The Consequences of Freeing Dr. Garrow Immediately

So what happens if you decide to release Dr. Garrow without hesitation?

Upon pulling the release lever, Dr. Garrow and her fellow inmates find freedom, which could spell trouble for you.

I won’t divulge every detail, but if you’ve already uncovered Dr. Garrow’s location in Skethermoor Prison, you’re aware that she’s eager for liberation.

This storyline should pique your interest since it provides a straightforward method of acquiring a Signal Redirector, indispensable throughout the game. My foremost suggestion is to align yourself with the Captain.

Handle one of his tasks, perhaps probing the murder at the Church, and you’ll secure a pass granting you unharried entry through the prison, on the condition you interrogate Dr. Garrow. Lacking this pass means you’ll encounter Protocol Soldiers, which makes freeing Dr. Garrow even more challenging.

Should you free Dr. Garrow after obtaining the Signal Redirector, the pass’s utility vanishes. You’re instantly deemed a trespasser, risking enemy fire.

Dr. Garrow’s cell sits at the prison’s rear so escaping isn’t a cakewalk, especially if the nearby door remains locked from earlier gameplay.

And when you inform the Captain of her escape, the story arc with him concludes, marking you as a target. However, lying about her escape remains an option if you make it out alive.

### A Smoother Route to Free Dr. Garrow

The less perilous route to Dr. Garrow’s freedom involves sticking to the Captain’s missions.

After my first failed attempt, I reloaded my save, armed with the Signal Redirector and returned to the Captain while Dr. Garrow remained captive.

Progress through his missions until you’re briefed on the Interchange and Oberon. This grants you the Protocol’s trust, smoothing interactions at Skethermoor.

This strategy allows uninterrupted access to the Interchange entrance and Dr. Garrow’s cell without inciting hostility.

If you activate the lever now, while Protocol Soldiers may react, they’ll spare you from attacks, enabling your exit as if nothing transpired.

Returning to the Captain post-release, he mentions Garrow’s disappearance, suggesting her elimination, oblivious to your role.

### Post-Release Path for Dr. Garrow

After her release, Dr. Garrow advances towards one of the endings. She makes her way to the Interchange door near her cell.

Should you have unlocked this door beforehand, she waits for you on that side to converse. If not, she’ll enter, leaving you behind the locked door.

Nonetheless, she proceeds to the Interchange. Your path there varies based on previously unlocked doors, but all roads lead to the Central Processor.

Opening the door connecting Skethermoor Prison and the Interchange requires manipulating crane controls after powering the area.

Operating the crane clears the path to Detention Quarters, unlocking Garrow’s cell vicinity.

Alternatively, this route bypasses engaging with the Captain, though entails maneuvering more complexities compared to aiding him.

Despite this alternative, given the density of Protocol Soldiers in the open Interchange, cooperating with the Captain remains the most hassle-free option.