UPDATE 0.8 “FINAL INSPECTION” IS HERE!

Introducing the Dead Station Files update «Final Inspection»!

Every investigation reaches a moment when scattered fragments begin to form a coherent picture. For Dead Station Files, that moment arrives with the major « Final Inspection» update. It brings together the game’s most important elements: character progression, investigation development, expanded visuals, and new ways to look at what is happening on Chernobog XIII.

This is not yet the final form of the game. It does not contain everything we would like it to have, but it is already enough to carry out a final test of its viability. This update will largely determine the fate of the project and what it will be like at release and even beyond.

And an important role in this update belongs to the journey of the first character — the Inspector.

Sasha Mann’s Journey

Sasha Mann becomes the face of the «Final Inspection» update. The new progression system, expanded visuals, and animated data fragments reveal the key stages of the Inspector’s story and the path she has taken.

But do not expect the station to reveal its secrets on its own.

Progression System

«Final Inspection» is largely dedicated to the implementation of a comprehensive progression system for both characters and the global investigation into the causes of the catastrophe on Chernobog XIII.

Each character now has their own progression, divided into two phases:

Data Collection

This is the phase in which the player becomes familiar with the character and unlocks their abilities — Utilities. By completing runs, you earn points and fill the Data Collection bar. Reaching milestones on this bar unlocks new unique abilities for the heroes.

Route Reconstruction

Once Data Collection is completed, the Route Reconstruction phase becomes available for that character. Each character has their own canonical route, consisting of a specific sequence of completed tasks and encountered events. Completing this sequence within a single run will unlock the hero’s true ending and other rewards.

The Route Reconstruction bar is meant to serve as a hint in the search for the true path and as a clear tracker of the destination points you have already uncovered.

Many tasks along a character’s path are hidden behind several conditions. The icons above a stage are the conditions required for it to appear on the station map. The color indicates the depth of an event’s concealment.

Careful study of the causes and consequences of events on the station, as well as the use of focus effects, are among the most important elements of your personal investigation.

Utilities

Characters now have active abilities that can be used on the station screen for LOG files.

Each character has their own set of three Utilities, which are unlocked during Data Collection as the player becomes familiar with the character’s playstyle and core mechanics.

Unlockable focus effects can grant characters new Utilities, replacing their standard abilities.

Surveys

Surveys are global objectives not tied to a specific run. They may present you with unusual goals, teaching mechanics, offering a challenge, or pushing you toward uncovering the catastrophe.

Surveys are planned as a broad quest system tied to achievements and in-game events.

They will give raids on Chernobog XIII new meaning, unique gameplay situations, and even higher stakes.

Analysis Screen

The Investigation Screen has received a significant expansion in the form of a new tab — the Analysis Screen.

The Analysis Screen is fully dedicated to the new progression system and allows you to track Report completion, active Surveys, and character progression. It is