How to Make an Atomic Bomb in Your Garden Progression System Guide

Overview of the Progression System

The progression system in How to Make an Atomic Bomb in Your Garden is a layered loop of resource gathering, stealth, and technological advancement. Unlike traditional simulation games, your path to building a nuclear device is gated by both material requirements and the ever-present threat of discovery. This guide breaks down each phase of progression, from your first dollar to the final assembly.

Phase 1: Initial Funding and Setup

Your first goal is to secure seed money. The game starts you with a small savings account and a rusty shed. Progression begins with acquiring cash without raising suspicion.

Income Sources

• Day Job: Work a standard 9-to-5 for steady, low-risk income.
• Side Hustles: Sell scrap metal or offer "science tutoring" online. These yield more cash but increase your suspicion meter.
• Gambling: Visit the local racetrack. High risk, high reward, but a single loss can set you back hours.

Essential First Purchases

• Basic Workbench: Unlocks the ability to craft simple tools.
• Soundproofing Kit: Reduces noise from your early experiments, lowering neighbor suspicion.
• Fake ID: Required to purchase restricted chemicals from hardware stores.

Phase 2: Component Hunting and Stealth

Once you have funds and a basic workshop, you must acquire rare components. This phase is the core of the progression system.

The Search Loop

1. Scan the Classifieds: Look for estate sales, government surplus auctions, and "junkyard specials."
2. Travel to Locations: Each location has a risk level. Abandoned factories are high-risk but contain top-tier parts.
3. Barter or Steal: You can negotiate prices or attempt to sneak items out. Failed theft attempts alert the authorities.

Key Components to Find

• Beryllium Reflector: Found in old X-ray machines. Check hospital auctions.
• High-Explosive Lenses: Military surplus stores, but require a high "Charisma" stat to purchase.
• Plutonium Core: The rarest item. Only obtainable through a multi-step quest involving a corrupt physicist.

Phase 3: Assembly and Safety

With all components in hand, you must assemble the device. This is a multi-step crafting process with no room for error.

Assembly Steps

1. Machine the Reflector: Use your lathe to shape the beryllium. Requires the "Machining" skill (level 3).
2. Wire the Detonators: A delicate process. One wrong connection and you'll blow your shed (and yourself) up.
3. Insert the Core: The final step. The game triggers a tense minigame where you must lower the core into place without dropping it.

Safety Precautions

• Lead Lining: Upgrade your workshop walls to prevent radiation leaks.
• Ventilation System: Prevents toxic fumes from accumulating.
• Insurance: Yes, you can buy insurance. It's expensive, but it covers accidental detonations.

Component	Skill Required	Failure Consequence
Reflector	Machining 3	Loss of component
Detonators	Electronics 2	Explosion (game over)
Core	Steady Hands 4	Radiation poisoning

Phase 4: The Final Countdown

After assembly, you must transport and detonate the bomb. This is the endgame progression step.

Detonation Options

• Public Display: Gain fame and a spot in history, but guarantee arrest.
• Secret Detonation: Detonate in a remote location. Less fame, but you can escape and play New Game+.
• Sell the Bomb: A hidden option for pacifists. Sell the completed device to a foreign government for a massive payout.

Post-Game Progression

Once you complete the game, you unlock New Game+ with:

• Retained skills and a portion of your cash.
• Higher difficulty (more aggressive neighbors, FBI surveillance).
• New components for an even larger device.

Progression Tips and Tricks

Mastering the progression system requires balancing speed with caution. Here are final expert tips:

• Always save before a risky action. The game has no autosave during theft sequences.
• Invest in "Charisma" early. It opens up dialogue options that let you buy restricted items legally.
• Don't ignore the "Mental Health" stat. If it drops too low, you'll make mistakes during assembly.
• Use the "Vacation" option. Taking a week off from the project resets suspicion meters and restores mental health.

With this guide, you'll navigate the progression system efficiently and achieve your goal of making an atomic bomb in your garden. Good luck, and watch your step!