Are you planning to save all characters in Directive 8020? The latest entry in The Dark Pictures Anthology takes you to the far future, straight into the realm of sci-fi. As a group of explorers attempts to enter Tau Ceti F, strange incidents start to occur. Soon, their interstellar journey turns into a nightmare in the void of space.
This guide provides the specific choices needed to ensure everyone survives your playthrough. While the narrative presents a dire situation, careful decision-making allows for a full crew escape. Note that some deaths are pivotal to the story and cannot be avoided without breaking the narrative flow, but the following steps will keep your core team intact.
The Turning Point Feature
Before diving into the chapters, it is crucial to understand the Turning Point feature. This system allows you to rewind back to previous scenes and segments, including those where you made crucial decisions. It is similar to the "Cutting Room Floor" feature seen in The Dark Pictures: The Casting of Frank Stone.
- Explorer Mode: You can rewind via the Turning Point menu whenever you wish.
- Survivor Mode: The Turning Point menu is only unlocked after beating the game.
If you are aiming for the perfect ending, this feature is your safety net. However, knowing the correct path beforehand saves time and resources.
Episode 1: Little Star
The first episode sets the stage. You play as Carter, with Simms as a non-playable character (NPC). The goal here is to stabilize the ship and prevent immediate casualties.
- Meet the Oracle: Early in the campaign, choose to meet the Oracle AI and authorize the systems reboot. This is critical for future accessibility.
- Disaster: During the spacewalk with Simms, be ready to pass the quick-time event (QTE) sequence to catch Simms. Failure here results in an immediate death.
- Chased: Ensure that Simms does not catch Carter during the chase sequence.
- Note: If you failed to authorize the Oracle's reboot, a button-mash QTE will appear before you can enter the Crew Monitoring area.
Episode 2: Best Laid Plans
Episode 2 contains the first major branching point that affects character survival later in the game. You must manage the ship's systems carefully.
Power Games and Terminal Choices
In the "Power Games" segment, you interact with a terminal. The choices here have long-term consequences:
- Deactivating the Landing Computer: This decision affects Stafford's fate later on.
- Deactivating the Fire Control System: This affects Mitchell's survival.
Recommendation: For the "Everyone Survives" path, we recommend disabling the Landing Computer. Avoid deactivating the Fire Control System if possible, or be prepared for difficult choices in Episode 5.
Key Decisions
- Suspicions: When Eisele chats with Stafford, choose to "Accuse" and "Contemplate." Stafford will give Eisele a word of advice.
- Pursuit and Decompression: These are stealth sections. Steer clear of Simms. When you reach the airlock, "Plead" with her and make your escape.
Episode 3: The Sample
Episode 3 is divided into two parts, focusing on Cernan, Stafford, Williams, and Cooper.
Part 1: Cernan and Stafford
- No Games: Make it to the Control Room as Cernan without getting spotted.
- Crash: As Stafford, fix the Landing Computer. You must pass all QTE button prompts to return to his seat.
- Critical Note: If Stafford attempts to fix the computer but fails to get back to his seat, he will die at this stage.
Part 2: Williams and Cooper
- Rude Awakening: Quickly press the button prompt to inject Williams while he is in his pod.
- Eternal Flame: When Cernan chats with Cooper, choose to "Confide" in her.
- Search: Near the end of the chapter, ensure that Cooper finds Carter's utility strap. This is required to hear his last message, which unlocks future options.
Episode 4: Dragnet
While no characters can die in this chapter, you must reach specific outcomes to unlock survival options later.
- Overwatch and Going Up: Cooper and Anders must evade the hostile crew member.
- Loaded Question: Stafford will ask Eisele to authorize the use of a firearm. You should "Refuse" when prompted.
- Requirement: This option becomes available only if you avoided Simms in Episode 1 and found Carter's utility strap in Chapter 4.
- Drawbridge and Fight: Do your best as Young to escape the assailant.
Episode 5: Mr. Williams
This episode contains the most critical survival decisions. You must manage Cooper's traits and resolve the conflict with Williams.
Part 1: Setting the Stage
- Waste Management: As Eisele, avoid the enemy while attempting to power up the reactor.
- Suspicions: Throughout the campaign, keep improving Cooper's Playful trait. This leads to the "Rogue" outcome, which is favorable for survival.
- The Experiment: As Cooper, complete the lab puzzle by inputting "1-6-8" as the code.
- Conversation with Anders: Choose "Consider," "Approve," then "Question."
- Broadcast: Due to the above steps, Anders should sedate Williams during this chapter.
Part 2: The Ultimate Choice
Hostiles sabotage the ship during the "Under Pressure" section. You take control of Young and must decide whether to save Anders in the Medical Complex or Mitchell in Fuel Junction 4.
Option A: Save Anders
- Choose this if: You disabled the Landing Computer in Episode 2.
- How to do it: Unlock a door using the repair tool/rod. Anders will be in good condition.
- Warning: If you fail this minigame, Cooper will save Anders, but she will be injured due to extreme cold.
- Consequence: If you disabled the Fire Control System and choose to save Anders here, Mitchell is guaranteed to die.
Option B: Save Mitchell
- Choose this if: You disabled the Fire Control System in Episode 2.
- How to do it: Young will rescue Mitchell directly.
- Consequence: Cooper will help Anders, but Anders will be injured.
Final Step in Episode 5
- Backup: Later, when Stafford asks for aid, choose to volunteer as Eisele. Do not suggest Cernan.
Episode 6: Hostile Takeover
This chapter introduces several potential deaths for the heroes. To ensure everyone survives, you must maintain the conditions set in previous episodes. Specifically, the decisions made regarding the Landing Computer and Fire Control System in Episode 2, and the choice between Anders and Mitchell in Episode 5, will dictate the available paths here.
Continue to use the Turning Point feature to rewind if you make a wrong choice. The key is to prioritize Cooper's Playful trait and ensure the utility strap is found early on, as these unlock the necessary dialogue options to de-escalate conflicts in the final acts.
By following these steps, you can navigate the nightmare of Tau Ceti F and ensure that your crew emerges from the void alive.
