Atomfall is a fascinating game, not just for its multiple endings and decision-driven gameplay. I’ve spent quite a bit of my gaming time making some dubious choices, but also trying to piece together the puzzles of when and what actions to take.
Among the many storylines in Atomfall, Dr. Garrow is a central character. She’s a scientist playing a pivotal role in the game’s technological backdrop.
You’ll likely hear about Dr. Garrow first from the Captain at Wyndham Village. He’s got her locked up in Skethermoor Prison, and freeing her is tied to one of the game’s endings.
However, as with most decisions in Atomfall, letting her go comes with its own repercussions. It doesn’t just sway the ending you’re headed for but also spikes the immediate challenge level you’re facing.
Here’s what I suggest you do and why:
### What Happens When You Free Dr. Garrow Immediately?
When you decide to pull the lever and let Dr. Garrow go, it’s not just her who gets out; all the other prisoners are released too. This can come back to haunt you.
Let’s avoid recounting every previous detail, but the gist is, if you know Dr. Garrow’s stuck in Skethermoor, you’ve already set things in motion leading to her eventual escape.
Following this lead is worthwhile. It’s an easy route to acquire a Signal Redirector, an essential item throughout the game. My first bit of advice: befriend the Captain.
Strike a deal—solve a case like the Church murder for him, and he’ll issue you a pass for safe prison navigation on the condition that you interrogate Dr. Garrow. Without this pass, you’re looking at dodging or taking down a slew of Protocol Soldiers if you free her right away.
Once you let Garrow out, the pass becomes useless, and trespassing means instant hostility from the soldiers.
The worst part? Confessing to the Captain ends his storyline and turns him and his crew against you. You could, however, set her free and fib your way through, if you manage to escape unscathed.
### How to Secure an Easier Escape for Dr. Garrow
If safety is a priority, sticking to the Captain’s mission path is the way to go.
Upon my first attempt at freeing Garrow resulting in instant death, I reloaded, Signal Redirector in hand, and had a chat with the Captain back at Wyndham. As long as she’s still locked up, everything’s fine.
Following the Captain’s sequence of tasks until he spills the beans about the Interchange and Oberon builds enough trust with the Protocol.
Not only does this make unlocking the Skethermoor Interchange entrance a breeze, but it also ensures freeing Dr. Garrow occurs without a hitch and without provoking soldiers.
Now, when you release the prisoners, Protocol Soldiers will react, but they won’t see you as an intruder, leaving you to walk out calmly.
If you later report to the Captain, he’ll note Garrow’s escape, insist on her elimination, and never suspect your involvement.
### What Follows Freeing Dr. Garrow
Post-escape, Dr. Garrow embarks on her storyline that leads toward one of the game’s endings. Her first move is to head for the Interchange door near her cell.
If this door is already open from the other side, she’ll wait for you there. If it isn’t, she’ll pass through and leave it locked from your side.
Ultimately, she’ll be in the Interchange. Your path to this point will vary depending on which routes you’ve opened. The next step? Catch up with her at the Central Processor.
To make the connection between Skethermoor Prison and the Interchange, ensure you’re inside the Interchange. You need to power up the ground level and follow a lead to the crane controls.
Once you’ve operated the crane, use it to clear a container blocking this pathway, unlock the doors, and you’ll be near Garrow’s cell again.
This strategy allows you to reach Dr. Garrow without cozying up to the Captain, though it takes more work than befriending him and walking right in.
While this is a viable approach, it still benefits you to ally with the Captain for a smoother experience, due to the soldier’s heavy presence once the Interchange becomes accessible.
