Tips for Easily Rescuing Dr. Garrow in Atomfall

Atomfall presents a unique allure, particularly because of its multiple endings and choices that shape the journey. As I’ve navigated through the game, much of the experience hinges on making tricky choices and figuring out the right timing for each move.

A significant thread in Atomfall involves Dr. Garrow, a key figure tied to the technology within the zone. Your first encounter with Dr. Garrow likely comes through the Captain stationed in Wyndham Village, given she’s been imprisoned under his watch in Skethermoor Prison. Freeing her becomes pivotal for one of the game’s endings.

However, in Atomfall, decisions carry weighty consequences. They steer not only your path to an ending but also influence how challenging your immediate gameplay becomes. Here’s my advice on how to approach Dr. Garrow’s situation and why.

### What if You Release Dr. Garrow Right Away?

Imagine pulling the lever that unlocks Dr. Garrow’s cell. Instantly, she—and every other inmate—walks free, leading to potential repercussions for you. Not to give too much away, but if you’ve identified Dr. Garrow’s location in Skethermoor Prison, you’ve already unlocked a lead urging you to set her free.

This lead is one worth pursuing because it grants you a Signal Redirector, a crucial item throughout the game. A wise first step is cozying up to the Captain. If you assist him in, say, solving the murder mystery at the Church, he’ll reward you with a pass. This pass is your ticket to safely navigate the prison—provided you promise to interrogate Dr. Garrow. Without it, you’ll find yourself either dodging or confronting Protocol Soldiers in scores.

Should you decide to free Dr. Garrow by heading directly to her, acquiring that Signal Redirector, and granting her freedom, the pass loses its value. You instantly become an intruder, with Protocol Soldiers turning hostile. Given Dr. Garrow’s cell is tucked at the prison’s back and with exit doors likely sealed (assuming you’ve advanced similarly to me), escaping poses a long trek. Worse still, if you confess your actions to the Captain, it severs his lead, and he, with his soldiers, might view you as a threat. However, there’s always room to free her discreetly and dodge his suspicion if you manage a smooth escape.

### Easing Dr. Garrow’s Escape

The smoothest approach to liberating Dr. Garrow with minimal risk is maintaining the Captain’s quest line.

After experiencing a swift demise post-Garrow’s release, I reloaded, armed myself with the Signal Redirector, and returned to engage with the Captain in Wyndham. With Garrow still imprisoned, things remained copacetic. Following the Captain’s quest through phases like the Interchange and Oberon builds the trust level you’ll need with the Protocol.

This trust simplifies negotiating the Skethermoor Interchange entrance—essentially allowing you to walk in unopposed, freeing Dr. Garrow without eliciting hostility.

When you do activate that release lever, while Protocol Soldiers may react, there’s no “trespassing” alert, nor will they attack. You can amble out of the prison as though nothing transpired. If you return to the Captain then, he simply updates you on Garrow’s escape, even tasking you with her elimination without challenging your involvement.

### Consequences of Freeing Dr. Garrow

After her release, Dr. Garrow sets off towards the Interchange Door adjacent to her cell. If you’ve previously unlatched this door, you’ll find her waiting on the prison side, eager to talk. Otherwise, she’ll move through, locking you out for the time being.

Regardless, her destination is the Interchange’s interior, leading to the Central Processor. Accessing it depends on which doors are open. Opening the route between Skethermoor Prison and the Interchange requires you to venture into the depths of the latter, energizing the lower levels and securing crane controls to remove a blockade.

Once activated, these crane controls clear the path to the Detention Quarter, granting you a seamless return to Garrow’s cell. This route may appeal if you’re keen to sidestep getting too amiable with the Captain, though it demands more intricate steps than just aligning with him and casually strolling into the prison grounds.

While an alternate path exists, bear in mind that the Protocol Soldiers will heavily man the Interchange once accessible. Aligning with the Captain proves less daunting and grants an overall smoother experience.