Directive 8020 Episode 3: The Sample Walkthrough
The Sample is Directive 8020 Episode 3 and should be treated as the evidence chapter. Lab context, specimen handling, and early mimic suspicion become more important here.
BLUF
Short route note: Search lab and technical areas before objective exits. Track who supports containment, destruction, secrecy, or speed because those positions can matter later.
Verification Status
The Sample 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 3 of 8. |
| Primary purpose | Build evidence around the sample and the threat. |
| Best first-run goal | Collect clues before irreversible lab or mission prompts. |
| Replay priority | Test evidence choices before changing QTE results. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lab search | Inspect terminals, equipment, bodies, sample containers, and side rooms. | Lab evidence can clarify later trust and accusation choices. |
| Specimen decisions | Record who wants containment, destruction, secrecy, or faster action. | Character positions may return in later mission conflicts. |
| QTEs | Keep action outcomes clean on the first route. | Mechanical failures can hide the real effect of a choice. |
| Post-episode | Mark any new evidence branch in the Story Tree. | Episode 3 can become a foundation for later mimic reasoning. |
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.
- Prioritize labs, medical spaces, and technical terminals.
- Record whether a collectible appears before or after a specimen-related choice.
- Separate evidence that affects decisions from background lore.
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 The Sample?
The Sample is Episode 3 of Directive 8020.
Q: What should I search in The Sample?
Search labs, terminals, sample areas, and medical or technical spaces before objective exits.
Q: Does The Sample affect endings?
It can affect route understanding through evidence and trust context, but exact ending impact should be verified through the Story Tree.