Directive 8020 Episode 2: Best Laid Plans Walkthrough
Best Laid Plans is Episode 2. This chapter centers on relationship state, crew arguments, and a critical ship system decision. You must choose which system to disable to stabilize the Cassiopeia.
BLUF
Short route note: Choose to disable the Landing Computer instead of the Fire Control system. Keeping Fire Control active is highly recommended because it is required to save Mitchell later.
Key Facts
Best Laid Plans Quick Facts
This page is written as a focused chapter guide, not a copied transcript. It uses verified episode structure and collectible coverage, then tells you what to watch for while playing.
| Episode position | Episode 2 of 8. |
| Primary purpose | Determine which ship subsystem to sacrifice to stabilize the reactor. |
| Critical choice | Disable the Landing Computer. Sacrifice flight coordinates to keep fire suppression systems active. |
| Long-term impact | Keeping Fire Control online makes saving Mitchell significantly easier in Episode 5. |
Step-by-Step Route Priorities
Follow these priorities before you replay the chapter. If you change a choice, keep QTE success, exploration, and survivor state as consistent as possible so the Story Tree result is readable.
| Step | Do this | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Disagreements | Choose calm, logical responses to de-escalate blame when Stafford and Young argue. | Maintaining high relationship levels ensures characters cooperate during crisis events. |
| System Choice | When prompted at the central console, select 'Disable Landing Computer' instead of 'Disable Fire Control'. | This choice is vital to keep the fire suppressors online, protecting crew members in later chapters. |
| Room sweep | Search the engineering sub-alcoves before committing to the system choice. | Engineering rooms contain logs that explain the ship's failure and add context to Oracle's behavior. |
Collectibles and Search Notes
Current collectible coverage lists 65 total collectibles across the game. Use this section as a route reminder, then use the dedicated collectibles page for exact cleanup.
- Cassiopeia Log #2: Found on the terminal next to the main engineering console.
- Crew Log #1: Pick up the datapad on the metal desk in the auxiliary power room.
Route Warnings
- Do not change multiple route variables during a replay; test one choice, QTE result, or exploration path at a time.
- Check the Story Tree after the episode before assuming the final visible choice caused the outcome.
- If a character was isolated, treat later trust prompts as route-critical until evidence proves otherwise.
Sources Used
These sources are linked because the page contains launch-sensitive route facts. Reddit and forum posts are useful demand signals, but the facts here are based on guide, review, or official coverage.
| Source | Used for | Link |
|---|---|---|
| GamesRadar episode guide | Episode order, chapter role, rough length, and replay guidance. | Open source |
| 100% Guides collectibles | 65 collectibles, episode collectible notes, Simms Recordings, and O Death cleanup. | Open source |
| PC Gamer preview | Eight-episode structure, first-run blind advice, and Turning Points replay method. | Open source |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What episode is Best Laid Plans?
Best Laid Plans is Episode 2 of Directive 8020.
Q: Should I disable Landing Computer or Fire Control?
Disable the Landing Computer. Keeping Fire Control active is required to safely rescue Mitchell in Episode 5 without losing Anders.
Q: Do dialogue choices matter here?
Yes, choosing diplomatic options between Young and Stafford prevents early relationship decay, keeping rescue paths open.