How to Make an Atomic Bomb in Your Garden Quests Guide

Understanding the Quest System

In How to Make an Atomic Bomb in Your Garden, quests are the backbone of your journey from a curious amateur to a backyard nuclear physicist. The game structures its progression through a series of main quests, side quests, and hidden objectives. Each quest pushes you closer to assembling your atomic device while forcing you to manage resources, avoid suspicion, and acquire rare components.

The quest system is divided into three tiers: Main Story Quests that advance the narrative, Side Quests that provide extra funding and materials, and Secret Quests that unlock unique parts and alternate endings. Unlike traditional RPGs, failing a quest here doesn't mean a game over—it often means increased suspicion from neighbors or the arrival of federal agents. For a broader overview of game mechanics, check our Mechanics Guide.

Main Quest Walkthrough: Phase One

The first phase of main quests focuses on fundraising and basic research. You start with nothing but a shovel and a dream. Your initial quest, "Backyard Beginnings," tasks you with digging a foundation for your secret lab. This requires 500 in-game dollars and a basic toolkit, which you can purchase from the hardware store.

Next comes "The Theory of Everything," where you must read three nuclear physics textbooks. These can be found at the local library or purchased online. Be careful—ordering nuclear textbooks raises a red flag with the postal service. Our Beginner Guide offers tips on how to acquire these items discreetly.

The final Phase One quest is "First Component," which requires you to acquire a Geiger counter. This item is sold by a shady dealer who appears only at night in the park. You'll need to complete a small side quest, "The Midnight Exchange," to unlock this vendor. Once you have the Geiger counter, you can start scanning for radioactive materials in your neighborhood.

1. Backyard Beginnings

   Gather $500 and a basic toolkit. Dig the foundation for your lab. Complete within 3 in-game days to avoid neighbor suspicion.

2. The Theory of Everything

   Collect three nuclear physics textbooks from the library or online. Use a fake name for online orders.

3. First Component

   Complete "The Midnight Exchange" side quest to unlock the shady dealer. Purchase the Geiger counter for $1,200.

Main Quest Walkthrough: Phase Two

Phase Two escalates the stakes significantly. The quest "Uranium Hunt" sends you to abandoned mines, scrapyards, and even your neighbor's shed to find uranium ore. This is where the game's stealth mechanics become crucial. You'll need to avoid patrols, distract dogs, and pick locks.

The next major quest, "Refinement Process," requires you to build a centrifuge. This involves collecting industrial parts from construction sites and a motor from an old washing machine. Our Crafting Guide details how to combine these components effectively. After building the centrifuge, you must refine the uranium ore into weapons-grade material—a process that takes 24 real-time hours.

The final Phase Two quest is "The Detonator Problem." You need to acquire a high-voltage trigger mechanism. This can be stolen from a military surplus store or built from scratch using parts from a microwave oven and a car battery. Both options have risks: stealing increases your criminal record, while building requires advanced electronics skill.

Key Side Quests and Rewards

Side quests are essential for gathering resources and reducing suspicion. Here are the most important ones you should prioritize:

Secret Quests and Easter Eggs

Secret quests are hidden throughout the game and often require specific actions or items to trigger. One of the most famous is "The Plutonium Alternative," which requires you to visit the local hospital's radiology wing three times without being caught. This quest gives you access to medical-grade radioactive materials, making the refinement process much easier.

Another hidden gem is "Alien Technology," triggered by building a radio telescope from scrap. This quest leads you to a crashed satellite containing advanced components. Our Secrets Guide has a complete list of all hidden quests and their triggers.

Quest Completion Checklist

Before you attempt the final assembly, ensure you've completed these critical objectives:

Completing all main quests unlocks the "Mad Scientist" achievement, while finishing all side quests grants "The Prepared One." For a full list of achievements and how to unlock them, see our Achievements Guide. Remember, the journey is just as important as the explosion—take your time, enjoy the absurdity, and always keep an eye on your neighbors.