Directive 8020 Episode 3: The Sample Walkthrough
The Sample is Episode 3. In this chapter, the Cassiopeia crashes on Tau Ceti f. You will explore lab containment zones, search the food storage area, and manage your first survival-critical QTEs.
BLUF
Short route note: When the ship crashes, choose to 'Stay Seated and Buckle In' for Stafford. To unlock the food storage keypad containing a collectible doll, use the code 0402.
Key Facts
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 | Survive the crash landing and investigate the alien sample. |
| Food Storage Code | The keypad code to enter the locked storage unit is 0402. |
| Stafford Crash Rule | Choose 'Stay Seated and Buckle In'. Getting up will lead to Stafford's immediate death. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Crash sequence | Choose 'Buckle In' when Stafford is prompted during the cabin depressurization. | Refusing or failing to buckle in results in Stafford dying instantly during impact. |
| Food Storage Code | Locate the keypad at the back of the mess hall and input 0402 to unlock the door. | This room contains a Dark Pictures Doll and a crucial recording needed for 100% completion. |
| Lab containment | Activate the backup power generators before attempting to inspect the sample chamber. | Without power, you cannot retrieve the logs or safely secure the containment unit. |
Source-Checked Route Notes
These rows separate verified searchable details from route notes that still need in-game confirmation. Use them as a quick answer surface for chapter-specific searches, not as copied transcript text.
| Claim | Source | Status | Guide use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Storage Keypad Code is 0402. | Community Verified Guides | Source checked | Input 0402 to unlock the food storage room containing the collectible doll. |
| Stafford will die if he doesn't buckle in. | In-game testing | Source checked | Ensure Stafford buckles in; standing up is a fatal trap choice. |
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.
- Dark Pictures Doll: Found inside the food storage room (Keypad Code: 0402).
- Simms Recording #2: On the lab desk beside the containment cylinder.
- Cassiopeia Log #3: Scan the computer in the crashed cockpit 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 |
Next Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What episode is The Sample?
The Sample is Episode 3 of Directive 8020.
Q: What is the food storage code in Episode 3?
The code is 0402. Inputting it unlocks the door containing a collectible doll and supply loot.
Q: How do I save Stafford during the crash?
You must choose 'Stay Seated and Buckle In' when the alert sounds. Any other choice leads to his death.