# Atomfall

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2025 video game

Atomfall Developer Rebellion Developments Publisher Rebellion Developments Designer Chinmay Zende Programmer Richard May Artist Ryan Greene Writer Jonathan L. Howard Composer Graham Gatheral Platforms PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X/S Release 27 March 2025 Genres Action, survival Mode Single-player

***Atomfall*** is a 2025 [action](/source/Action_game) [survival game](/source/Survival_game) developed and published by [Rebellion Developments](/source/Rebellion_Developments). It is set in an [alternative history](/source/Alternate_history) 1960s where the [Windscale nuclear disaster](/source/Windscale_fire) turned much of the north west of [England](/source/England) into a radioactive quarantine zone. The game was released for [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4), [PlayStation 5](/source/PlayStation_5), [Windows](/source/Windows), [Xbox One](/source/Xbox_One), and [Xbox Series X/S](/source/Xbox_Series_X%2FS) on 27 March 2025. It received mixed reviews from critics.

## Gameplay

*Atomfall* is an [action](/source/Action_game) game played from a [first-person perspective](/source/First-person_(video_games)). It is set in an [alternate history](/source/Alternate_history) in which the 1957 [Windscale fire](/source/Windscale_fire) covered much of the [Lake District](/source/Lake_District), [Cumberland](/source/Cumberland) in radioactive fallout. Players can collect various resources and scraps to craft weapons, or use firearms to defeat enemies, though ammunition is scarce in the game. While *Atomfall* is billed as a [survival game](/source/Survival_game), players only need to manage the player character's [health](/source/Health_(game_terminology)) and [heart rate](/source/Heart_rate). Combat, sprinting and kicking enemies will increase the protagonist's heart rate, resulting in darkened vision and muffled hearing.[1] Stealth tactics can be used, and the game can be completed without killing any enemy.[2] Killing all characters in the game is also an option.[3]

The English countryside of the Lake District is a series of interconnected areas which can be freely explored.[3] Players must interact with other [non-playable characters](/source/Non-playable_character) and select dialogue options as responses. Players will eventually acquire leads which will lead to new objectives and opportunities. Objectives can be pursued in any order after they are unlocked.[2]

## Plot

### Setting

Shortly after World War II, a slate mining operation in the Lake District discovered a meteorite dubbed 'Oberon'. The British government established the British Atomic Research Division (BARD) and built the Windscale nuclear plant on top of the site both to mask the true nature of the discovery and to power the network of bunkers and research facilities in the region. A massive interconnected bunker called the Interchange acted as BARD’s center of operations and entry point into the Oberon site. Research into the Oberite mineral and the alien contents within Oberon produced massive technological leaps such as the atomic battery and the training stimulant.

On 10 October 1957, an incident (implied to be caused by both internal negligence and foreign sabotage) in the Oberon site launched an energy surge that destroyed the Windscale plant, scattering radioactive and alien contaminants in the region as well as creating an interference field that disrupt electrical components (such as aircraft) and blocked all signals into and out of the area. The British government quickly enacted a quarantine around Wyndham village, a small settlement across a lake from the Windscale plant, and then to the wider region.

### Characters

Those who are left inside the Quarantine and interference field were left to fend off for themselves. The trapped remnants of the military reorganised themselves as Protocol under leadership of Cpt. Grant Sims. Protocol enacted strict martial law in Wyndham village and runs the underground Skethermoore Prison. A group of infected individuals, claiming to “hear the Voice in the Soil” organised into Druids. The Druids are secretly led by Mother Jago, a herbalist in Casterfell Woods, who seeks to embrace Oberon’s influence on Earth.

Other characters that may influence the ending includes Joyce Tanner, a member of a convoy sent from the outside world; Dr. Alan Holder, the sole surviving scientist from the Interchange who’s looking for ways to kill Oberon; and Dr Garrow, BARD’s head scientist who enacted and escaped the quarantine but later returned to pursue her research on Oberon and subsequently got imprisoned by Protocol.

More characters also act as quest givers and/or traders that can influence the story but not the overall ending such as Iris Baxter, the village baker looking for a remedy for her infected husband; Alf Buckshaw, the owner of the Grendel’s Head pub who plans to rebel against Protocol; and Vicar McHenry who’s aiding Dr. Moore in the church cellar to help him against the ever-enroaching Druids belief.

### Story

The Player is awakened by a wounded scientist in bunker L8 of Slatten Dale, Cumberland with no memory of themselves or what has happened. The wounded scientist reveals that the quarantine has been in effect for 5 years now and urges the player to reach the Interchange by giving him his keycard that can open the blast doors into the facility. Shortly after exiting the bunker, the player encounters a red telephone box where a mysterious voice tells them that “Oberon must die”. Upon reaching the Interchange, it becomes apparent that the destruction of Windscale Plant means the facility’s data centers require another source of power: atomic batteries, and a means to redirect the signals to the control room.

During their exploration to find ways to escape the quarantine and answers to what has transpired in the region, the player may encounter key characters that can influence the ending. The player can choose to follow or disobey orders given by them or even kill them outright, but following a key character always results in disobeying the others. Ultimately, the player collects enough atomic batteries by scavenging, from defeating robots or through trade, and obtains the signal redirector from Skethermoor Prison to power up the Interchange and unlock access to Oberon site underneath the Windscale plant.

Entering the dig site, the player may harvest a sample of Oberon before either destroying it using explosives or poison, or enrich it with growth stimulant, according to the orders given from a key character. This may result in Oberon dying with the player escaping the quarantine or getting kidnapped, or Oberon growing stronger and the player becoming one with the Voice in the Soil.

## Development

*Atomfall* was developed by British developer [Rebellion Developments](/source/Rebellion_Developments). The game was inspired by *[Fallout: New Vegas](/source/Fallout%3A_New_Vegas)*, which was described by Ben Fisher, associate head of design at Rebellion, as a "dense" experience and one that valued player choice. Instead of building a single large open world area, Rebellion opted to build several smaller but interconnected zones due to the team's expertise in crafting maps of similar size, having worked on the *[Sniper Elite](/source/Sniper_Elite)* series.[3] *[Metro](/source/Metro_(franchise))* and *[BioShock](/source/BioShock)* also influenced the game design.[4] However, unlike these games, investigative gameplay was prioritised by Rebellion in an attempt to promote players' freedom and facilitate world-building.[5]

Fisher described it as a "desperate" survival game. Both the player character and enemies in the game are easily killed. The team compared the gameplay to the film *[Children of Men](/source/Children_of_Men)*, in which players assume control of an [everyman](/source/Everyman) instead of a skilled fighter. [Pulp fiction](/source/Pulp_magazine) also influenced the game, with *[The Quatermass Experiment](/source/The_Quatermass_Experiment)*, *[The Prisoner](/source/The_Prisoner)*, *[Doctor Who](/source/Doctor_Who)*, *[The Wicker Man](/source/The_Wicker_Man)* and *[The Day of the Triffids](/source/The_Day_of_the_Triffids)* cited as the team's inspirations.[3]

## Release

Rebellion Developments announced *Atomfall* in June 2024.[6] The game was released for [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4), [PlayStation 5](/source/PlayStation_5), [Windows](/source/Microsoft_Windows), [Xbox One](/source/Xbox_One), and [Xbox Series X/S](/source/Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S) on 27 March 2025.[7] It was made available at launch to [PC Game Pass](/source/PC_Game_Pass) and [Xbox Game Pass Ultimate](/source/Xbox_Game_Pass_Ultimate) subscribers at no additional cost.[8]

A story [expansion pack](/source/Expansion_pack) titled *Wicked Isle* was released on 3 June 2025.[9] A second story expansion titled *The Red Strain* was released on 16 September 2025.[10]

## Reception

Reception

Aggregate scores Aggregator Score Metacritic (PC) 72/100[11] (PS5) 74/100[12] (XSXS) 73/100[13] OpenCritic 64% recommend[14]

Review scores Publication Score Digital Trends 2.5/5[15] Eurogamer 3/5[16] Famitsu 31/40[17] Game Informer 7/10[18] GameSpot 7/10[19] GamesRadar+ 4.5/5[20] Hardcore Gamer 2.5/5[21] IGN 8/10[22] PC Gamer (US) 62/100[23] PCGamesN 8/10[24] Push Square 8/10[25] Shacknews 9/10[26] The Guardian 3/5[27] VG247 3/5[28]

*Atomfall* received "mixed or average" reviews, according to [review aggregator](/source/Review_aggregator) website [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic).[11][12][13] [OpenCritic](/source/OpenCritic) determined that 64% of critics recommended the game.[14] In Japan, four critics from *[Famitsu](/source/Famitsu)* gave the game a total score of 31 out of 40.[17]

On 1 April 2025, Rebellion announced that *Atomfall* had reached 1.5 million players, making it the company's most successful launch.[29]

The game was nominated for Innovation in Accessibility at [The Game Awards 2025](/source/The_Game_Awards_2025),[30] and won for Best [British Game](/source/British_Academy_Games_Award_for_British_Game) at the [22nd British Academy Games Awards](/source/22nd_British_Academy_Games_Awards).[31][32] *The Red Strain* was nominated for Best Game Expansion at the [Golden Joystick Awards](/source/Golden_Joystick_Awards) 2025.[33]

## In other media

Game writer [Jonathan L. Howard](/source/Jonathan_L._Howard) wrote a related comic strip which appeared in the *[Judge Dredd Megazine](/source/Judge_Dredd_Megazine)* from April to July 2025.[34] A second story titled "The Wicked Isle", again written by Howard, began in the May issue the following year.[35]

A television adaptation of the video game is being developed as a co-production between [Two Brothers Pictures](/source/Two_Brothers_Pictures) and Rebellion. Harry and Jack Williams will write the TV drama, as reported by [Deadline](/source/Deadline_Hollywood) in April 2026.[36]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Archer, James (August 22, 2024). ["Atomfall plays like a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. with Scouse accents"](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/atomfall-plays-like-a-stalker-with-scouse-accents). *[Rock, Paper, Shotgun](/source/Rock%2C_Paper%2C_Shotgun)*. Retrieved September 8, 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-IGN_preview_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-IGN_preview_2-1) Purslow, Matt (August 29, 2024). ["Atomfall Isn't British Fallout, It's Something Much More Interesting"](https://www.ign.com/articles/atomfall-isnt-british-fallout-its-something-much-more-interesting). *[IGN](/source/IGN)*. Retrieved September 8, 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-guardian_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-guardian_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-guardian_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-guardian_3-3) Peckwood, Lewis (August 21, 2024). ["A very British Fallout: Atomfall conjures up a cosy nuclear catastrophe in the Lake District"](https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/aug/21/atomfall-nuclear-catastrophe-lake-district-fallout). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. Retrieved September 8, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Serin, Kaan (August 23, 2024). ["1950s FPS Atomfall takes from Fallout, Metro, and BioShock to create "something new""](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/fps/1950s-fps-atomfall-takes-from-fallout-metro-and-bioshock-to-create-something-new/). *[GamesRadar](/source/GamesRadar)*. Retrieved September 8, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Sawyer, Will (August 22, 2024). ["Atomfall developer diary provides the most thorough look yet at the frightfully British survival action game that's part Fallout and part Bioshock"](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/atomfall-developer-diary-provides-the-most-thorough-look-yet-at-the-frightfully-british-survival-action-game-thats-part-fallout-and-part-bioshock/). *[GamesRadar](/source/GamesRadar)*. Retrieved September 8, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Barbosa, Alessandro (June 9, 2024). ["Atomfall Is A New Survival-Action Game From The Team Behind Sniper Elite"](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/atomfall-is-a-new-survival-action-game-from-the-team-behind-sniper-elite/1100-6524092/). *[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)*. Retrieved September 8, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Atomfall launches March 27, 2025"](https://www.gematsu.com/2024/11/atomfall-launches-march-27-2025). *Gematsu*. 2024-11-14. Retrieved 2024-11-14.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Xbox, Pure (2024-11-14). ["'Atomfall' Officially Launches On Xbox Game Pass In March 2025"](https://www.purexbox.com/news/2024/11/atomfall-officially-launches-on-xbox-game-pass-in-march-2025). *Pure Xbox*. Retrieved 2025-02-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Romano, Sal (May 29, 2025). ["Atomfall story expansion DLC 'Wicked Isle' launches June 3"](https://www.gematsu.com/2025/05/atomfall-story-expansion-dlc-wicked-isle-launches-june-3). *Gematsu*. Retrieved June 14, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Siedge, Ben (2025-09-16). ["Atomfall just got a new DLC and, like any good sci-fi game, it lets you recruit robots"](https://www.pcgamesn.com/atomfall/red-strain-dlc-patch). *PCGamesN*. Retrieved 2025-10-04.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MCPC_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MCPC_11-1) ["Atomfall for PC Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/atomfall/critic-reviews/?platform=pc). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MCPS5_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MCPS5_12-1) ["Atomfall for PlayStation 5 Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/atomfall/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MCXSXS_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MCXSXS_13-1) ["Atomfall for Xbox Series X Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/atomfall/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-OC_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-OC_14-1) ["Atomfall Reviews"](https://opencritic.com/game/17764/atomfall). *[OpenCritic](/source/OpenCritic)*. Retrieved 25 November 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Colantonio, Giovanni (21 March 2025). ["Atomfall review: doomsday adventure is stuck in the blast radius"](https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/atomfall-review-ps5-pro/). *[Digital Trends](/source/Digital_Trends)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Orry, Tom (21 March 2025). ["Atomfall review"](https://www.eurogamer.net/atomfall-review). *[Eurogamer](/source/Eurogamer)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-famitsu_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-famitsu_17-1) Romano, Sal (April 9, 2025). ["*Famitsu* Review Scores: Issue 1894"](https://www.gematsu.com/2025/04/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1894). *Gematsu*. Retrieved May 18, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Harte, Charles (1 April 2025). ["Atomfall Review - Nuclear Friction"](https://gameinformer.com/review/atomfall/nuclear-friction). *[Game Informer](/source/Game_Informer)*. Retrieved 1 April 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Delaney, Mark (25 March 2025). ["Atomfall Review - Bunker Thrill"](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/atomfall-review-bunker-thrill/1900-6418348/). *[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)*. Retrieved 25 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Kemp, Luke (21 March 2025). ["Atomfall review: "This isn't British Fallout – it's something much better than that""](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/survival/atomfall-review/). *[GamesRadar](/source/GamesRadar)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Green, Parker (21 March 2025). ["Review: Atomfall"](https://hardcoregamer.com/review-atomfall/). *Hardcore Gamer*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Ogilvie, Tristan (21 March 2025). ["Atomfall Review"](https://www.ign.com/articles/atomfall-review). *[IGN](/source/IGN)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Brown, Fraser (21 March 2025). ["Atomfall review"](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/atomfall-review/). *[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Smith, Nat (27 March 2025). ["Atomfall review - a survival sandbox built on the best of British sci-fi"](https://www.pcgamesn.com/atomfall/review). *[PCGamesN](/source/PCGamesN)*. Retrieved 27 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Croft, Liam (21 March 2025). ["Atomfall Review (PS5)"](https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/atomfall). *[Push Square](/source/Push_Square)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Lavoy, Bill (21 March 2025). ["Atomfall review: Snitches get shortcuts"](https://www.shacknews.com/article/143566/atomfall-review-score). *[Shacknews](/source/Shacknews)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Lane, Rick (28 March 2025). ["Atomfall review – everybody's gone to the reactor"](https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/mar/28/atomfall-review-everybodys-gone-to-the-reactor). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. Retrieved 28 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Warren, Mark (21 March 2025). ["Atomfall review: a seriously swift survivalist scramble through a scenic section of Sadness Island"](https://www.vg247.com/atomfall-review). *[VG247](/source/VG247)*. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Yin-Poole, Wesley (2025-04-01). ["Atomfall the Most Successful Launch in Sniper Elite Developer Rebellion's 32-Year History"](https://www.ign.com/articles/atomfall-the-most-successful-launch-in-sniper-elite-developer-rebellions-32-year-history). *IGN*. Retrieved 2025-04-01.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Makuch, Eddie (2025-11-17). ["All The Game Awards 2025 Nominees And Categories"](https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/all-the-game-awards-2025-winners-nominees/2900-7258/). *GameSpot*. Retrieved 2025-11-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Lewis, Claire (March 12, 2026). ["BAFTA Games Awards Nominees Announced, Clair Obscur Gets 12 Nominations"](https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/bafta-games-awards-nominees-announced-clair-obscur-gets-12-nominations/2900-7570/). *[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)*. Retrieved March 15, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Yin-Poole, Wesley (April 17, 2026). ["Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Wins Best Game at the BAFTA Games Awards 2026"](https://www.ign.com/articles/bafta-game-awards-2026-winners). *[IGN](/source/IGN)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** Bevan, Rhiannon (2025-11-20). ["All Of The Winners At The Golden Joystick Awards 2025"](https://www.thegamer.com/golden-joystick-awards-2025-all-winners/). *TheGamer*. Retrieved 2025-11-21.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** *Judge Dredd Megazine* #478–481 (2025).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** [https://2000ad.com/news/out-now-judge-dredd-megazine-491/](https://2000ad.com/news/out-now-judge-dredd-megazine-491/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** Clarke, Stewart (2026-04-30). ["Rebellion's BAFTA-Winning Videogame 'Atomfall' Set for TV Adaptation From 'The Assassin' Producers"](https://deadline.com/2026/04/atomfall-gets-tv-adaptation-assassin-producer-1236876757/). *Deadline*. Retrieved 2026-04-30.

## External links

- [Official website](https://atomfall.com/)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Atomfall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomfall) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomfall?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.