Atomfall captivates players with its intriguing narrative, particularly the enigmatic voice that makes its presence felt over the phone. As you wander through the eerie Windscale quarantine zone, you will encounter several of England’s signature red telephone booths, which intermittently ring. On the line is a gravelly, authoritative voice that promises to be your guide, but its true identity remains one of the game’s most enduring mysteries.
[Warning: Spoilers for Atomfall.]
The voice first makes its appearance shortly after you start the game, located in a phone booth just down the hill from your initial bunker. Throughout your journey in Atomfall, you will hear these phone calls that lure you in, with the voice consistently warning you to remain cautious of others who may offer to help you escape the quarantine area. The game’s centralized system leads you towards several main questlines, each culminating in unique endings, all the while the voice urges you to trust no one but itself.
The Voice’s Identity Remains Unveiled
A Lingering Mystery in Atomfall
Despite meticulously following the voice’s guidance, the mystery of who it belongs to remains unresolved. Throughout the gameplay, the voice persistently emphasizes that Überon, the game’s antagonistic force, must be eradicated. However, reaching the heart of the Windscale plant to fulfill this objective does not lead to any disclosures about the speaker’s identity.
Additionally, the game offers a trophy/achievement named Not Expecting a Call for players who complete the game without ever answering the phone. After successfully destroying Überon, a phone in the Windscale plant rings again. If you choose to answer, the voice instructs you to return to the place where your journey commenced—the bunker where you first awakened. This leads to another phone call wherein gas is released, causing your character to lose consciousness as the credits roll without providing any further understanding.
Potential Revelations in Atomfall’s Upcoming DLC
Wicked Isle Expansion: Release Information Still Pending
Prospects for uncovering this essential mystery may arise with the forthcoming Wicked Isle expansion, although details remain sparse. While it is expected to be part of the Atomfall Deluxe Edition, little is known about its storyline. Given the game’s structure, where multiple endings exist, it appears improbable that Wicked Isle will follow the main story timeline. Revealing the voice’s identity in this context could diminish the enigmatic satisfaction of the game’s conclusion.
This narrative arc may reflect a half-formed commentary reminiscent of BioShock’s iconic twist. The dynamic of players responding to a spectral voice that withholds clarification raises compelling questions. However, due to Atomfall’s strong character emphasis, this unresolved mystery feels somewhat dissonant. Based on the ending where you return to the bunker, it seems unlikely that the voice’s identity will ever be disclosed.