The Problem

The tutorial throws me into vents and hallways, then I lose the main route before I have a stable base.

The Solution

Use the yellow floor lines as your spine route. Spawn in the Cafeteria, talk to Dr. Thule on the bench — he tells you Dr. Jager is locked out. Loot everything: scraps, materials, office supplies. Find the Storage room and dismantle the second vent to open a gate. Build a Crafting Bench (see Crafting Bench upgrades) near a power plug and craft an Energy Brick (1x Power Supply Unit, 1x Circuit Board, 1x Tech Scrap, 1x Case Fan). Place the Energy Brick in the slot next to the locked cafeteria door. Move from the starting vent into Reception, secure the security room for the Level 1 keycard, then climb toward the second-floor infirmary and third-floor atrium when you have rope access. The swimming pool area is an excellent first base location — infinite water from the Water Cooler (see water guide) and good space for bed (see sleep guide), crafting bench, and storage crates. Follow Lift Access signs toward Silo 3 for Flathill portal access.

Step-by-Step

1. Use reception as the route anchor and avoid chasing every hallway at once.
2. Secure the security room and collect early protection or utility items.
3. Move toward the second-floor infirmary once rope or vertical access is available.
4. Push to the atrium only after you have light, healing, and a known retreat path.
5. Return to base or storage when the next objective is Manufacturing access rather than random office loot.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping security rooms and then lacking basic protection for the next sector.
• Exploring upward without a retreat path or light source for vent routes.