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:

1. Rebreather – Aquatic exploration enabler
2. Rope Gun – Vertical mobility tool
3. Shovel – Excavation capability
4. Maintenance Keycard – Initial clearance level
5. Golden Armor – Final dungeon prerequisite
6. VIP Keycard – Mid-game facility access
7. Guest Keycard – Penultimate clearance tier
8. Final Bunker – Campaign conclusion point

Maintenance Clearance Acquisition

Prerequisite equipment for securing this card includes:

1. Zipline deployment tool
2. Underwater breathing apparatus
3. Excavation implement
4. 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

1. Secure previous tier clearance
2. Revisit consumables storage facility
3. Authenticate via electronic lock system
4. Retrieve advanced weaponry and access card

Guest Clearance Acquisition

• Requires VIP clearance privileges
• Contains supplementary tools like timber-cutting devices

Endgame Bunker Access

1. Authenticate with VIP clearance
2. Navigate thermal cavern systems
3. Equip specialized protective gear at metallic portal
4. Complete narrative sequence

Alternative Ending Conditions: Preserve both ally characters’ survival until finale for hidden narrative variation.

Common Player Inquiries

Quick Reference Guide

Essential First Steps

1. Acquire illumination tools and upgraded cutting implements
2. Establish fortified shelter near resources
3. 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