Back to the Dawn is a prison escape and life simulation RPG developed by Metal Head Games and published by Spiral Up Games. Officially released in Early Access on November 3, 2023, it invites players into a world of factional conflicts, conspiracies, and difficult choices. Set in a society of anthropomorphic characters, the game challenges players to either escape prison or face its consequences, all while uncovering dark secrets hidden within the system.
At the heart of Back to the Dawn are its multiple escape routes and corresponding story endings. Each route offers unique achievements and narrative outcomes, encouraging players to replay the game and explore different paths. While there are eight recognized escape routes linked to specific achievements, there are four core endings that define the story’s resolution.
All Escape Routes and Associated Achievements
Players can help Thomas escape the prison through eight different methods, each unlocking a distinct achievement:
- The Moon
- The Sun
- The Star
- The Tower
- The Devil
- The Strength
- The Chariot
- The Magician
These achievements correspond to various escape plans, such as rooftop glides, sewer escapes, or secret alliances. Though the methods differ, they share the common goal of breaking out of the prison walls before time runs out.
Main Endings Explained
Despite the variety of escape routes, Back to the Dawn currently features four main endings based on story progression and player choices:
- Stay for the Full 21 Days
If Thomas fails to escape within the 21-day limit, the game concludes with this ending. It reflects the consequences of inaction or failed plans. - Escape Without Collecting Evidence
Successfully escaping without gathering evidence against the corrupt mayor results in a straightforward ending where no justice is served. - Escape With Evidence and Play the Recording
This is one of the key endings. After collecting critical evidence—primarily the recording hidden in Selina’s apartment—and escaping, players can choose to expose the mayor by playing the recording in the broadcasting room. This decision leads to the Justice achievement. - Escape With Evidence but Do Not Play the Recording
Alternatively, players may decide not to broadcast the recording after escaping. This choice grants the The Emperor achievement and offers a different conclusion to Thomas’s story.
Justice and The Emperor Achievements (Escape with Key Endings)
To unlock these achievements, players must complete the main questline by meeting Iris (linked to The High Priestess achievement) and obtaining the key to Selina’s apartment, where the evidence is kept. Escaping before the 21-day deadline while carrying the evidence leads to a final confrontation in the broadcasting room with Angelo.
Here are a few tips for the final level:
- Check the janitor cart in the broadcast room for any items you carried before the escape, including the crucial recording. Sometimes, it is necessary to search the cart more than once.
- You can simplify or even bypass the final boss fight and certain checks by manipulating the environment:
- Push the camera toward the far right of the news table.
- Adjust the lights to the left to blind approaching enemies.
- Change the displayed screen image to the OB van to use as a negotiation point.
Death and The Hermit Achievements (No Escape or No Key Endings)
These outcomes are tied to failing key objectives:
- Death — Failing to escape within the 21-day time frame.
- The Hermit — Escaping before 21 days without obtaining Selina’s apartment key, which results from not advancing to the Hall of Redemption quest stage.
Both endings highlight missed opportunities or unresolved storylines.
Final Thoughts on Story and Replayability
While Back to the Dawn encourages players to experiment with escape routes and alliances, it also pushes for story engagement, particularly through collecting evidence and facing moral decisions. Whether players choose justice, revenge, or survival, each ending offers a glimpse into Thomas’s fate and the broader corruption within the prison system.
