AtomFall

​Atomfall is a survival-action game developed by Rebellion Developments, set to release on March 27, 2025. Drawing inspiration from real-life events, the game is set in an alternate history where the 1957 Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England led to a catastrophic fallout, transforming the picturesque Lake District into a hazardous quarantine zone.

Setting and Narrative

The game is set in 1962, five years after the Windscale disaster. Players awaken as an amnesiac protagonist within the quarantine zone, a region now teeming with mutated creatures, druidic cults, rogue government agents, and remnants of a once-thriving community. The narrative centers on uncovering the mysteries surrounding the disaster and the ensuing chaos, with players piecing together clues through exploration, conversations, and combat. ​

Gameplay Mechanics

Atomfall offers a first-person perspective, emphasizing survival and exploration. Players must scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and items, and engage in both ranged and melee combat. Ammunition is scarce, making resource management crucial. The game features a non-linear storyline, allowing players to pursue objectives in any order, fostering a sense of agency and immersion.

World and Exploration

The Lake District serves as a series of interconnected areas, each rich with British cultural elements and folk horror influences. Players will navigate through cult-controlled ruins, natural caves, and nuclear bunkers, interacting with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own agendas and stories. The game encourages thorough exploration, rewarding players with hidden treasures and lore that deepen the understanding of the world. ​

Inspirations and Influences

Atomfall draws heavily from classic British science fiction and horror, with nods to works like "The Quatermass Experiment," "The Wicker Man," and "Doctor Who." The game's atmosphere reflects a blend of speculative fiction and folk horror, creating a unique setting that stands out in the survival genre. ​

Release and Platforms

Atomfall is scheduled for release on March 27, 2025, and will be available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Pre-orders are available, with a Digital Deluxe Edition offering three days of early access starting March 24. ​

Glossary of Terms

• Windscale Nuclear Disaster: A real-life nuclear accident that occurred in 1957 at the Windscale facility in Northern England, serving as the historical basis for the game's alternate setting. ​

• Quarantine Zone: The restricted area surrounding the Windscale site, now inhabited by various hostile factions and mutated wildlife.​

• Druidic Cults: Factions within the game that have adopted ancient druidic practices, often hostile to outsiders. 

• British Atomic Research Division (BARD): A fictional government agency in the game responsible for nuclear research, whose experiments may have contributed to the disaster.

• Leads: Clues or pieces of information gathered by the player to uncover the mysteries of the quarantine zone. ​

• Photogrammetry: A technique used in the game's development to create realistic 3D models from photographs, enhancing the authenticity of the environment.

Atomfall promises a unique blend of survival mechanics, rich storytelling, and a distinctive British setting, offering players an immersive experience in a world where every choice impacts the unfolding narrative.

atomfall.com​