How to Make an Atomic Bomb in Your Garden Progression Guide

Understanding the Progression System

In How to Make an Atomic Bomb in Your Garden, progression is not linear. You must balance three core resources: funds, rare parts, and stealth. Your ultimate goal is to assemble and detonate a functional atomic bomb, but every step forward increases the risk of discovery. The game tracks your progress through a series of milestones, each unlocking new areas, tools, and blueprints.

Your journey begins in your garden shed, which serves as your base of operations. From here, you can plan your next move, review your inventory, and manage your cover story. The game uses a point-based system where each successful action earns you progression points, but suspicious actions alert your neighbors and the federal agents monitoring the area.

Phase 1: Funding Your Project

The first major hurdle is securing enough capital to purchase essential equipment and blueprints. You cannot simply withdraw money from your bank account without raising red flags. Instead, you must get creative.

Focus on these early income sources:

• Part-time jobs: Work at the local hardware store or diner. These provide steady, low-suspicion income.
• Online freelancing: Use your computer to complete small tasks. This is safe but slow.
• Garage sales: Sell unwanted household items. This is a one-time boost but very safe.

Avoid high-risk methods like bank robbery or selling classified information until you have upgraded your stealth capabilities. The progression guide recommends reaching a minimum of $5,000 before moving to Phase 2.

Phase 2: Sourcing Rare Components

With funds secured, you must now acquire the specialized parts needed for your atomic device. This is where the game truly tests your planning skills. Components are scattered across various locations, each with its own risk profile.

1. Scout Locations

   Visit the abandoned military bunker, the university physics lab, and the industrial scrapyard. Each location has a unique set of parts and threat levels.

2. Plan Your Heist

   Use the map to plan the best route. Time your visits when neighbors are asleep or away. Purchase disguises and lockpicks from the black market vendor.

3. Execute the Acquisition

   Enter the location, avoid security cameras and patrols, and extract the part. Some parts require mini-games to disassemble or deactivate.

4. Return to Base

   Safely transport the part back to your garden shed. If you are spotted, you must bribe or evade the witnesses.

Key components you need:

• Fissionable material: The core of your bomb. Found in the bunker.
• Detonator mechanism: Precision electronics from the lab.
• Reflector casing: Heavy metal shielding from the scrapyard.

Phase 3: Assembly and Safety Protocols

Once you have all components, the real work begins. Assembly takes place in your garden shed, but you must ensure complete privacy. Any noise or light could attract unwanted attention.

Follow the blueprints carefully. The game provides a step-by-step assembly interface, but mistakes can cause catastrophic failures. Save your game before each major assembly step.

Phase 4: Managing Heat and Suspicion

Throughout the game, you must manage your "Heat" meter. This represents how much attention you are attracting from neighbors, local police, and federal agents.

If your Heat meter reaches maximum, the game triggers a raid sequence. You may lose all your progress if you are caught. Use the "Lay Low" option at your base to gradually reduce Heat over time.

Phase 5: The Final Countdown

With the bomb assembled, you must choose the right moment for detonation. The game offers multiple endings based on your choices and timing.

For a successful detonation:

1. Transport the bomb to the detonation site (your backyard or a remote location).
2. Set the timer or prepare the remote trigger.
3. Ensure all safety protocols are disabled.
4. Evacuate to a safe distance.

After the detonation, the game ends. Your score is based on the yield of your bomb, the number of witnesses you avoided, and the style of your escape. For more details on the various conclusions, check our endings guide.