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Atomfall: A Guide to All Playstyles

by Adam May 28,2025

*Atomfall* offers a unique RPG experience where players have significant control over their gameplay through various playstyles. If you're unsure which to choose, this guide will help you understand each option and make an informed decision.

All Playstyles in Atomfall and How They Work

Playstyle menu in AtomfallScreenshot by The Escapist

*Atomfall* emphasizes player freedom, allowing you to tailor your journey from the outset. When starting a new game, you'll encounter five distinct playstyle modes, each designed to cater to different player preferences:

  • Sightseer – Ideal for a relaxed experience, this mode focuses on the story with minimal stress. Exploration, Survival, and Combat are all set to 'Assisted' difficulty, making it perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the narrative without the pressure of challenging gameplay.
  • Investigator – Suited for those who enjoy exploring without guidance, this mode sets Exploration to 'Challenging', while keeping Survival at 'Casual' and Combat at 'Assisted'. It's great for players who want to delve into the game's world at their own pace.
  • Brawler – For players who thrive on combat, this mode sets Combat to 'Challenging', with Survival at 'Casual' and Exploration at 'Assisted'. It's designed for those who want a good fight but with less focus on survival and exploration challenges.
  • Survivor – Recommended by the developers, this mode offers a balanced challenge across all aspects. Combat, Survival, and Exploration are all set to 'Challenging', providing a well-rounded experience.
  • Veteran – The most intense option, this mode is for players seeking the ultimate test. Combat, Survival, and Exploration are all set to 'Intense', making it a true challenge for seasoned gamers.

Screenshot by The Escapist

If you find your initial choice too stressful or too easy, you can adjust your playstyle at any time without penalty. Simply pause the game, go to 'Options', select the 'Game' tab, and choose 'Playstyle' to modify your settings. You can toggle the difficulty of Combat, Survival, and Exploration, which will shift you to another predefined playstyle or allow for custom adjustments through 'Advanced Options'.

Which Atomfall Playstyle Should You Start With?

Playstyle customization menu in AtomfallScreenshot by The Escapist

*Atomfall* aims to provide a balanced gameplay experience, allowing you to decide what aspects you want to be challenged by. If you're choosing from the default options, starting with either Investigator or Brawler could help you gauge your comfort level with the game's combat and exploration systems. These modes offer a good middle ground, allowing you to adjust your experience as you go.

For the ultimate personalized experience, consider using the customized playstyle option. This allows you to fine-tune every aspect of gameplay, from enemy behavior to exploration and trading mechanics, tailoring the game to your exact preferences.

Importantly, there are no achievements or trophies tied to specific difficulties, so feel free to experiment and change your playstyle as often as you like without any repercussions.

This covers all the *Atomfall* playstyles in detail. For more tips, don't forget to explore our other content, including how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in the game.