Image via Rebellion
Everyone is constantly looking for the next Skyrim, and Atomfall has nailed the satisfaction of a sandbox RPG where players are in charge of everything that happens and how the story unravels.
Bonus Action had the opportunity to attend an early hands-on preview of Rebellion’s Atomfall ahead of its launch on March 27, 2025, and the world we uncovered was rich with choices, destruction, world-building, and mayhem. It offers a unique blend of action-RPG elements and sandbox exploration that leaves players hungry to discover every hidden secret.
Atomfall Puts The Choices In Your Hands
As players step into the story of Atomfall, it becomes apparent immediately that there is no wrong way to tackle the story. During out preview, we were given a few weapons, some basic items, and then set loose in the world.
I found myself exploring in the same way I usually tackle Skyrim. I just started in a direction and went forward until I encountered something of interest.
Throughout the area, I uncovered leads to story points that could be encountered in any order, met with several bands of people that make up the population both in and outside of the town, and quickly learned that conflicts could be caused simply by climbing the wrong ladder.
However, during a Q&A with the developers, it was mentioned that players could choose exactly how they wanted to deal with these situations. You could choose to take out anyone who stands in your way, or you can go through most of the game without laying a hand on any person that exists in the story.
This level of personal freedom, untethered to a morality system or social structure, allows players complete freedom over how they want to explore the world and shape the character they play. I found this exciting and refreshing. It’s reminiscent of Baldur’s Gate 3, where I truly felt like I could make any choice and have it be mine.
Atomfall Spooked Me Properly
The story of Atomfall is familiar in realistic sci-fi. Set during the Cold War, a small town becomes disconnected from the world following the meltdown of a nuclear reactor close by. As the local authorities attempt to handle the situation, things get out of hand, and strange occurrences begin to plague the area.
In short, this is the type of game your squishy, farming-sim writer wouldn’t normally do well playing. If you are a fan of spooks, I can promise, this game has plenty of them.
While the beautifully rendered forests of Atomfall don’t appear dangerous, crashed choppers, bodies in gardens, and murderous traps shatter the serene beauty of dappled sunlight through trees.
If you slip into the sewers or bunkers, things get dark and scary rapidly, with radioactive horrors and dark secrets shoved where the sun doesn’t reach.
This is the type of game that will keep you up with your light on if you aren’t careful, but the mystery of it all will compel you forward, even when you are terrified.
A Wonderfully Polished Gameplay Experience
This game won’t run light, but I was very pleased to find that everything in the preview felt well optimized. I didn’t have any issues with lag, encountered no bugs in the open world, and had no problem picking up the key gameplay mechanics.
Combat is survival-driven, so you won’t find ammo for guns just lying around, but the crafting systems and alternate weapon options feel organic and realistic for the setting.
Overall, everything ran beautifully, and I am excited to see how it will fair on consoles post-launch.
Following the preview for Atomfall, we are very excited to see what the game will offer in its completion. Despite the spooks, I know I want to jump back in as soon as possible so I can learn more about this strange world and everything it has to offer. It’s going to be an amazing option for fans of sandbox exploration, and seems likely to deliver a story that will linger at the back of your mind months after playing.
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