Written by Alec Blackwood | Back to the Dawn

In *Back to the Dawn*, players select between two protagonists: **Bob**, an undercover cop, or **Thomas**, a framed journalist. Their stories diverge in tone, gameplay mechanics, and objectives. Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide your starting character.

Character Profiles

Bob: The Panther Cop

• Strengths: Physical prowess, stealth, and combat efficiency
• Mission: Uncover corruption while maintaining his undercover identity
• Key Mechanics:
  • Higher baseline Strength and Agility
  • Faster crafting and stealth progression
  • Direct solutions via brute force or gang alliances
• Ideal For: Players favoring action-heavy gameplay with straightforward objectives

Thomas: The Investigative Fox

• Strengths: Charisma, intellect, and subterfuge
• Mission: Expose the conspiracy behind his framing
• Key Mechanics:
  • Superior Charisma and Intelligence stats
  • Faster social skill, hacking, and disguise mastery
  • Diverse escape routes and narrative branches
• Ideal For: Players seeking narrative depth, stealth, and moral complexity

Narrative Structure

• Bob’s Story:
  • Linear, combat-driven plot
  • Focuses on gang dynamics and covert ops
• Thomas’s Story:
  • Multi-layered political conspiracy
  • Explores media manipulation and systemic corruption

Gameplay & Difficulty

• Bob simplifies combat but limits exploration of factions and subplots.
• Thomas demands strategic planning and skill optimization for success.
• Replay Tip: Start with Bob to learn mechanics, then switch to Thomas for deeper storytelling.

Romance Mechanics

• Both characters can romance Beth (Infirmary route) for healing perks.
• Thomas exclusively pursues Maggie, his ex-girlfriend, for story-based advantages.

Escape Strategies

• Bob: Sewer routes, gang-backed escapes
• Thomas:
  • Infirmary code (Beth’s birthday)
  • Disguise or legal exoneration paths

Memory Recall System

• Allows limited timeline rewinds (24-hour window)
• Critical for Thomas’s intricate puzzle-solving routes

Common Questions

Who’s better for beginners?

Bob. His combat focus eases players into core mechanics.

Which character offers more endings?

Thomas, with 7+ outcomes based on skills and allegiances.

Can both romance Beth?

Yes. Achieve 60 Rapport and follow her story thread.

Is combat viable for Thomas?

Limited. Stealth and dialogue are his primary tools.

Are timelines fixed?

Both face 21-day limits tied to distinct narrative triggers.