Atomfallleans a bit on the side of realism, with features like a compass only for navigation (on the default difficulty anyway), one hit kills (on both you and enemies), groundedcrafting recipes, and not pausing difficulty when checking out your inventory. For the most part, this is a great and unique approach to game design (and one of the reasons it’s asolid title), but it doesn’t always hit the mark.
One of the game’s more distinct features is heart rate. It functions kind of like a stamina meter in other games; you’ll know it’s kicked in because you’ll hear your heart beating loudly when you try to do too much. Unfortunately, “too much” in this game means…walking. Assuming you’re annoyed by the frequency of this feature, you have some options to reduce it.
Get The Endurance Training Skill
Check Out The Conditioning Skill Tree
One option you can take advantage of very early on is the Endurance Training skill. Once you have a few Training Stimulants (there are three in The Interchange in Central Processing),grab this skill to cause your heart rate to rise more slowly and recover faster(read: normally). It’s unfortunate you have to give up skill points mostly just to not be annoyed (that and run for longer), but fortunately you’ll receive plenty throughout your journey. It’s also not too difficult to clear the game with minimal skill points, so it’s not as problematic here as it would be in other games.
Atomfall’s Last Gen Visuals Aren’t A Problem, But They Do Reveal The Biggest Problem With The PS5 & Xbox Series X/S
Atomfall’s visuals have been called “last-gen”. While that mostly isn’t a problem in this case, it does point out a problem with current-gen consoles.
If you’re curious, later skills in the Conditioning tree don’t affect heart rate, but this is all you need anyway. For those, expect faster health regeneration, more health regeneration, and more health.
Drink Tea
Nothing More Relaxing Than A Spot Of Tea
Like a true Brit, you’ll find tea drinking to be a relaxing activity, and this case, one that slows your heart rate. You can find Tea at random locations throughout the game (generally inside buildings and shops), sokeep your eyes peeled for green and black packages. (One for sure can be found inside the Village Hall in Wyndham Village, on the dining table — 33E 79N. You can also pour and drink tea anytime at the Bakery — 33E 80N) While inventory slots are precious, it’s not a bad idea to dedicate one to some Tea for the sake of your sanity.
You can drink Tea and eat a Cornish pastry and slice of cake within 30 seconds to unlock the High Tea achievement. All of these items can be found at the Village Hall in Wyndham Village.
While you’re at it, you’re able to drink Tea and eat a Cornish pastry and slice of cake within 30 seconds to unlock the High Tea achievement. All of these items can be found at the Village Hall in Wyndham Village.
Slow Down Your Gameplay
A Fast Heart Rate Means It’s Time To Chill
This might seem obvious, but it works: simply slowing down your gameplay inAtomfalland doing less (i.e. running, jumping, shooting, etc.) will lower your heart rate. It’s not fun per se to slow down, but is effective. Essentially, choose between faster gameplay and a concerningly loud heartbeat (at least until you unlock Endurance Training).
