Can You Backtrack in Atomic Heart?

The point of open-world games is the potential to go and do whatever you want. You’re free to do almost any side mission in whatever order you like. Maybe the storyline missions are more linear depending on how the story of the game is playing out. However, it can be very frustrating when an “open world” keeps some areas from you for whatever reason. Atomic Heart is a bit more old school in some regards to gameplay. Just as much as it’s a throwback to the Soviet Union, the game isn’t as up-to-date in some terms. It’s a bit complicated but let’s answer if you can backtrack in Atomic Heart.

( Related: Can You Go Back to Vavilov in Atomic Heart? )

Can you Backtrack in Atomic Heart?

This answer is a bit complicated. Or at least people might be asking a more specific question. As far as facilities and buildings that are part of the storyline, once you complete them, you can not return to them. Most of the storyline missions happen in underground testing facilities or locked-down buildings that are impossible to return to.

You are asked at the end of areas like the first Testing facility you go to, and the Museum if you are sure you want to leave. Make sure you’ve gone through every single room you can while you are there because you can not go back.

The open-world portion of the game is the overworld where you have to take 5 to 10 minutes in real time to travel around. There is no fast travel. Savepoints are few and far between. The game almost feels like punishing you if you explore for too long without trying to find a savepoint first.

There are lots of extra areas of interest to get more parts to upgrade and improve your weapons. Some of these areas you are able to go through again once you exit, others you can not. It is just better if you make sure you’ve gone through every inch of each facility you enter before leaving. Once you’ve entered a new testing area, you’ve basically committed to completing that area till it’s over.

For other questions you may have on Atomic Heart, try Atomic Heart: Can you Sprint? Answered. Be sure to subscribe to our facebook page for more guides, updates, news, and lists of your favorite video games.