Atomfall isn’t your typical survival game. Set in a captivating post-apocalyptic environment, players will encounter mutants, giant robots, and rival factions vying for the few safe havens left. The storyline follows a protagonist grappling with amnesia, which adds a layer of intrigue to the gameplay. Although it shares some common features with the survival genre—such as resource management, skill trees, and a branching narrative—Atomfall distinguishes itself by innovatively altering key gameplay elements. This results in a compelling and challenging gaming experience.
To help players navigate the complexities of Atomfall, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tips and tricks to enhance your gaming experience. This includes valuable combat strategies, an overview of the unique leveling system, an exploration of accessibility options, and much more. Understanding these aspects is crucial for overcoming the game’s more demanding challenges.
One of the standout features of Atomfall is its distinct approach to exploration. Unlike other games in the genre, it avoids traditional objective signposting. Instead, it utilizes a Leads system, providing players with clues about notable locations and characters. This design encourages players to engage in organic exploration, filling in the map by either discovering key areas through chance or gathering enough leads to guide them. For instance, an NPC might mark a general location or share longitude and latitude lines via a note, effectively directing your journey.
When it comes to navigation, players must tag locations on their map to receive compass indicators. However, Atomfall offers several difficulty settings that allow you to customize the amount of assistance you receive during gameplay. For example, you can enable waypoint markers for tracked leads while maintaining your desired level of challenge. If you find a particular setting unsatisfactory, you can easily adjust it at any time.
Atomfall also prioritizes accessibility, offering several settings to accommodate various player needs. For instance, text scaling is available, which is beneficial for those who prefer playing with subtitles. Players can also adjust aim scaling based on field of view (FOV), enabling a more personalized experience. Other accessibility options include toggles for automatic traversal and shooting, customizable interaction cues, and color adjustments for alerts. While the game may not boast every conceivable accessibility feature, it provides a robust selection to enhance player experience.
The combat in Atomfall can be quite challenging, particularly in the early stages. Engaging in one-on-one combat is manageable, but facing multiple enemies can quickly become overwhelming. As a strategy, players are encouraged to adopt a stealthy approach until they acquire better weapons or become proficient in melee combat. Notably, defeating enemies does not yield experience points, so players should aim to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
While survival is key, tactical gameplay can provide advantages in combat situations. Players can utilize grenades to eliminate clustered enemies, set traps to lure foes, or even exploit friendly fire mechanics to turn enemies against each other. An interesting tactic involves bluffing; by aiming a ranged weapon at an opponent—even when out of ammo—you may intimidate them into retreating, buying you precious seconds to reassess your strategy.
One of the most effective weapons in Atomfall is the bow and arrow combo. This silent but lethal weapon can take down tougher enemies with just a couple of shots, regardless of where you hit them. Players can find bows in the Skethermoor region and should seek out the Bow Expert book from trader Molly Jowett to unlock powerful skills that maximize the bow’s potential.
After clearing areas of enemies, players should be cautious when returning, as enemies respawn, complicating traversal between regions. This mechanic can be frustrating, especially if you save and reload the game only to find enemies back in their patrol routes. Although this may be a bug that developers at Rebellion will address, it highlights the importance of strategic planning when revisiting locations.
While Atomfall does not feature a traditional XP bar, players can still level up by unlocking skills using Training Stimulants. These valuable items can be discovered throughout the environment, obtained from B.A.R.D. supply cases, or earned by completing leads. Collecting enough stimulants allows players to unlock new skills, which can significantly alter their gameplay approach. Training manuals, which must be purchased from traders or earned as rewards, can also teach new skills, providing further opportunities for character development.
While it’s not advisable to kill NPCs, Atomfall does allow for morally ambiguous choices. If a player finds themselves in need of items, such as batteries from shopkeepers, they have the option to eliminate NPCs and take what they need. However, this choice can lead to the loss of leads and future shop items. Players should weigh their options carefully, as the interconnected nature of leads means that alternatives may exist.
Frequent saving is crucial in Atomfall. The game does not always save automatically during critical moments, and its auto-save feature operates on a timer, typically every three minutes. It’s vital to save manually after completing objectives or defeating tough enemies to avoid losing progress. Some players have encountered crashes after important achievements, making regular saves essential for a smoother gaming experience.
As with many post-apocalyptic games, Atomfall is not without its bugs. Developers at Rebellion are aware of several notable issues, including sound problems and crashes associated with using Molotov cocktails in large groups. Players should exercise caution when utilizing this item until the issue is resolved. Despite these challenges, players can still enjoy a rich and engaging experience in the game’s diverse world.
Throughout Atomfall, players will discover various consumable items, with Wyndham Village offering the most health-related goodies. Items like cakes, assorted bread, and pots of tea provide valuable health boosts. Players can find these items throughout the village, making it an ideal place for a brief respite before tackling challenging leads. Keep in mind that each teapot can only be used once, so choose wisely when replenishing your health.
For those eager to enhance their gameplay in Atomfall, be sure to check out our guide on locating all the hidden gnomes in the game.
