The Things We Know About Atomfall

The Things We Know About Atomfall

Key Takeaways

  • Players embody an amnesiac protagonist in an alternate timeline following the 1957 Windscale Disaster.
  • Atomfall blends mystery, sci-fi, and horror elements, offering a variety of experiences in an open-world setting.
  • The game features a bartering economy, no traditional main quest, and allows players to interact with NPCs without plot armor.

As a seasoned gamer hailing from the foggy shores of old Blighty, I must say that the game Atomfall has piqued my interest with its intriguing premise and formidable challenges. The very idea of trading supplies to create a value proposition, emphasizing looting and item management, sounds like a clever twist on the survival genre.


In a new take by the creators behind Sniper Elite, Rebellion Developments, there’s an action-survival game named Atomfall. This game is centered around the Windscale Disaster, a chilling real nuclear event that took place in 1957. In Atomfall, players delve into this disaster scenario set in an alternate reality and unravel the mystery behind its origins. However, before revealing the truth, players must first navigate through the treacherous post-apocalyptic landscapes of North England. Surviving in Atomfall is no walk in the park as the protagonist has been isolated for five years following the disaster. To make it on their own, players must adapt to the harsh conditions and learn to thrive amidst the perils of this unstable wasteland.

The game titled “Atomfall” was initially unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase held in June 2024. This game supports multiple platforms and is scheduled for launch on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. Up until now, information about Atomfall has been limited, but here are some key details about Rebellion’s British-themed survival adventure.

1 The Player Is The Protagonist

Star Of The Show

The Things We Know About Atomfall

In the game “Atomfall“, you’ll find yourself directing an amnesiac character who has no recollection of events prior to waking up. This lack of memory creates a sense of intrigue, as players gradually uncover new insights about life before and following a nuclear event. Essentially, you’re piecing together the story bit by bit.

The character is crafted with an additional level of complexity, as it’s intentionally vague regarding race, age, or gender. Most videos online depict the player wearing gloves; a shrewd move in a potentially harmful setting. However, this choice serves more than just practical purposes, as it enables each player to envision themselves as the lead character, regardless of their personal history.

2 Atomfall Is Set Five Years After The 1957 Windscale Disaster

Based On Real Life Events

The Things We Know About Atomfall

Five years following the significant Windscale incident on October 10th, 1957 – the most devastating nuclear mishap in UK’s past – Atomfall resumes its narrative. This real-world event lasted for three days, causing a radioactive cloud to disperse, affecting not only the United Kingdom but also parts of Europe.

In a different account crafted by Atomfall, the incident leading to the fire isn’t directly attributed to an aluminum canister exploding within the No.1 reactor. Instead, Atomfall invites us into a speculative narrative akin to the sci-fi tales of the ’50s and ’60s, where players unravel the real cause behind the fictionalized Windscale disaster’s catastrophic outcome.

3 Atomfall Is Set in England’s Beautiful Lake District

A Location Underrepresented In Gaming

The Things We Know About Atomfall

In a stunning corner of Northern England lies the region I adore, the Lake District in Cumbria. Renowned for its breathtaking lakes and serene landscapes, it’s where England’s grandest National Park resides. These days, it’s a favorite destination for travelers from far and wide.

In the game Atomfall, players might not encounter a tranquil setting. Instead, they’ll be thrust into a harsh environment teeming with hostile robots, creatures, and cultists. The developers at Rebellion have meticulously crafted Atomfall to authentically portray the era of 1950s/60s Britain that it’s based on. Players can anticipate experiencing the pervasive post-war tension that characterized this time period. The game also pays tribute to iconic British TV shows, such as Doctor Who, Day of the Triffids, and The Quartermass Experiment.

4 Atomfall Borrows Mechanics From Sniper Elite

Borrowing From An Older Sibling

The Things We Know About Atomfall

Players of Sniper Elite might find a familiar environment when they play Atomfall. This is due to the fact that the same developers, Rebellion Developments, are responsible for both games. Given the success and acclaimed formula of their latest work, Sniper Elite 5, it’s logical that they would incorporate some of that creative prowess into their new projects.

In the game Atomfall, the levels will be interconnected much like those found in the Sniper Elite series. Players of Sniper Elite know that stealth is a crucial aspect of the experience, and this holds true for Atomfall. The game’s levels are carefully designed to enable players to move quietly and strategically as they progress.

5 Atomfall Blends Mystery, Sci-Fi, And Horror Elements

Bursting With Variety

The Things We Know About Atomfall

Initially, when Atomfall was unveiled, people often compared it to Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic RPG series Fallout. Indeed, there are similarities, but what truly sets Atomfall apart is its abundance of unique elements.

The central storyline in Atomfall presents a perplexing predicament that leaves the player seeking more clarification. One might ponder, “Is this military force sent to contain us genuinely here to aid everyone?” As they persist in safeguarding crucial areas, such doubts may arise. The game weaves a captivating mystery, with hints of sinister plots lurking beneath its surface, making Atomfall one of the most engrossing storytellers in the genre. Furthermore, it delivers a chilling horror atmosphere, filled with ominous interiors to traverse, where one never knows what lies ahead. The game also features towering patrol robots, mutated beasts, and an assortment of futuristic tools and trinkets. Atomfall is crafted as an open-world game, offering a diverse range of experiences for the players.

6 Atomfall Doesn’t Have A Traditional Main Quest

Progression Is All Up To The Player

The Things We Know About Atomfall

In the game Atomfall, the progression remains flexible, empowering players to explore and discover fresh leads and hints on their own. As they follow these leads, they might stumble upon various world events unfolding, such as mysteries waiting to be unraveled or accidents like helicopter crashes. These events create new storylines, keeping the player engaged and seldom leaving them without something interesting to pursue.

In the world of Atomfall, discovery plays a pivotal role. The player’s journey is centered around uncovering new places as they roam through the intricately detailed landscapes of the Lake District. Unlike many games, there are no guiding markers or directions to objectives. Instead, players are given the liberty to progress at their own speed and pace.

7 There Is No Currency, Just A Bartering System

Every Item Has Value

The Things We Know About Atomfall

In the game Atomfall, there’s no universal gold or currency that players collect during their playtime. Instead, it operates on a system of trading, where merchants determine what goods have an equivalent worth for the item a player wishes to buy. For example, if a player wants to purchase a new handgun from the local weapons dealer, they might need to swap several supplies until the trade value is balanced.

When swapping goods in-game, there’s this dynamic scale popping up at the top that shows if my trade proposal is fair. This feature makes gathering and managing loot feel more significant, as every single item I acquire seems to hold a greater worth.

8 The B.A.R.D Organization Is One Of The Major Antagonists

There’s Something Sketchy With This Group

The Things We Know About Atomfall

In the game “Atomfall,” one of the primary adversaries is the British Atomic Research Division, often referred to as B.A.R.D. This formidable faction controls a swarm of colossal robots designed to enforce the quarantine by executing whatever actions are required.

B.A.R.D certainly has its secrets, but the group also has some of the best resources that players can acquire in the game. That means players are encouraged to scavenge their science bunkers. There may even be important leads in these locations.

9 Enemies Include Giant Robots, Mutants, And Strange Creatures

Danger Lurks Everywhere

The Things We Know About Atomfall

In Atomfall, there’s no dearth of formidable adversaries, as the player will face off against some of the toughest challenges. It’s fortunate that the game offers a diverse selection of melee and ranged weapons, as enemy threats can span from small rodents to colossal robots. Players will frequently encounter bands of aggressive rats while traversing through dim, musty corridors. Leeches pose a threat by swarming players in water-filled areas. Mutants offer plenty of jump scares when raiding bunkers and research facilities. And hostile soldiers or cultists will be more than willing to engage in combat if the player enters off-limits zones.

Among the major hurdles faced by Atomfall, there’s a formidable issue: colossal robots. Knocking out one of these robots is no walk in the park. Players need to be thoroughly ready before confronting them, as they are equipped with flamethrowers.

10 No NPC Is Safe

Plot Armor Doesn’t Exist Here

The Things We Know About Atomfall

Characters in the game “Atomfall” don’t have any special protection from being killed by players. This means that regardless of whether a character is friendly or hostile, players can choose to eliminate them all, potentially leaving themselves as the last remaining person. In other words, players hold the power to determine who survives in the game.

In Atomfall, a variety of Non-Player Characters (NPCs) can be encountered. Some of these NPCs possess valuable resources or vital information. A few might even propose helping the player leave the quarantine zone, but only after certain tasks are completed. Other NPCs could provide leads for investigations. Yet, it’s important to remember that not all NPCs have good intentions – some may try to manipulate the protagonist. Factions within Atomfall can be either beneficial or detrimental, depending on the player’s interactions with their members. The choice of who to trust lies entirely with the player, as there are numerous shades of gray when dealing with the many characters in Atomfall.

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2024-10-26 12:05