Screenshot by Mickey
Revised October 3, 2025
Additional details and a FAQ section have been included.
This strategy manual provides a streamlined path through the game’s core narrative, covering essential item acquisition sequences and survival tactics.
Key Guide Highlights
- Minimize redundant exploration during campaign completion
- Acquire pivotal tools in designated sequence
- Bypass progression blockers effectively
- Optimize resource management strategies
Core Progression Strategies
This section details the sequential completion of critical objectives, ensuring efficient advancement through the narrative without excessive detours.
Priority Initial Gear
Acquiring these tools early significantly enhances exploration and combat capabilities:
| Item | Description | Item Location |
|---|---|---|
| Shovel | Enables excavation of buried objects and access to restricted zones | Western cave complex |
| Rope Gun | Facilitates vertical traversal through zipline mechanics | Submerged cavern entry points |
| Rebreather | Essential for underwater navigation in later stages | Northern coastal caves |
| Stun Baton | Temporarily incapacitates foes for tactical advantage | Adjacent to 3D printing facilities |
| Flashlight | Primary illumination tool for dark environments | Initial spelunking areas |
| Modern Axe | Superior woodcutting efficiency compared to starting gear | Accessible early location |
Shelter Construction Essentials
Temporary shelters using basic materials suffice during early survival phases. Establish durable bases once resource stockpiling becomes feasible.
- Construct provisional shelters using tarp materials
- Utilize rest spots for progress preservation
- Deploy multiple storage caches near exploration hotspots
Optimal Settlement Zones
Strategic base placement near aquatic resources and wooded areas enhances sustainability while minimizing hostile encounters.
Base Location Criteria
- Prioritize proximity to water sources for hydration and fishing
- Select resource-abundant zones for construction materials
- Conduct multi-night trial camps before permanent settlement
- Avoid frequent patrol routes used by antagonists
- Maximize accessibility to primary spelunking entries
Allied Character Management
Strategic delegation of tasks to Kelvin accelerates resource procurement, while Virginia’s combat proficiency proves invaluable when properly equipped.
Virginia Alliance Protocol
- Maintain non-aggressive stance during encounters
- Disarm when approached
- Provide tracking devices and armaments
- Allow multiple interaction cycles
Critical Access Card Sequence
Narrative progression mandates obtaining security clearances in this exact sequence:
- Rebreather – Aquatic exploration enabler
- Rope Gun – Vertical mobility tool
- Shovel – Excavation capability
- Maintenance Keycard – Initial clearance level
- Golden Armor – Final dungeon prerequisite
- VIP Keycard – Mid-game facility access
- Guest Keycard – Penultimate clearance tier
- Final Bunker – Campaign conclusion point
Maintenance Clearance Acquisition
Prerequisite equipment for securing this card includes:
- Zipline deployment tool
- Underwater breathing apparatus
- Excavation implement
- Illumination device + power cells
Advanced Gear Procurement
| Katana | Golden Armor |
|---|---|
| * Top-tier melee option * Rapid strike capability * Endgame viability * Superior to standard axes |
* Final area access requirement * Offers defensive benefits * Critical story progression item * Emergency protection reserve |
VIP Access Protocol
- Secure previous tier clearance
- Revisit consumables storage facility
- Authenticate via electronic lock system
- Retrieve advanced weaponry and access card
Guest Clearance Acquisition
- Requires VIP clearance privileges
- Contains supplementary tools like timber-cutting devices
Endgame Bunker Access
- Authenticate with VIP clearance
- Navigate thermal cavern systems
- Equip specialized protective gear at metallic portal
- Complete narrative sequence
Alternative Ending Conditions: Preserve both ally characters’ survival until finale for hidden narrative variation.
Common Player Inquiries
15+ hours for core objectives, extended through optional content exploration.
Progression strictly requires: Rebreather→Rope Gun→Shovel→Maintenance Card→Golden Armor→VIP Card→Guest Card
Optional island continuation available if helicopter departure is declined.
Deceased companions remain unavailable, affecting ending variations but not core completion.
Western riverside locations offer balanced resources and security after initial testing.
Peaceful interaction enables combat support and narrative completion requirements.
Solo play fully supports all game content completion.
Standard difficulty recommended for balanced first experiences; Peaceful mode available for exploration focus.
Northern coastal cave systems house initial underwater equipment.
Submerged caverns accessible post-Rebreather acquisition contain this essential tool.
Katana/Shotgun combination provides balanced melee/ranged effectiveness.
Quick Reference Guide
Essential First Steps
- Acquire illumination tools and upgraded cutting implements
- Establish fortified shelter near resources
- Develop mutant ally relations
Battle Tactics
- Combine stunning weapons with blade attacks
- Employ close-quarters firearms against larger threats
- Maintain health reserves during subterranean expeditions
Sustenance Strategies
- Distribute temporary shelters across key locations
- Stockpile repair materials
- Prioritize aquatic and foraged nutrition sources
Campaign Milestones
Phase 1: Establishment (24-72 Hours)
- Obtain night vision tools
- Secure enhanced woodcutting gear
- Develop mutant rapport
Phase 2: Core Gear Procurement (Days 3-5)
- Northern cave exploration
- Underwater gear acquisition
- Western excavation tools
Phase 3: Security Clearances (Days 5-8)
- Maintenance level access
- Armor and blade retrieval
- VIP facility penetration
Phase 4: Narrative Conclusion (8+ Days)
- Final authentication procedures
- Ending sequence selection