Science Storyline Walk-through

Part 4 will bring a significant progression to the Science storyline. In earlier parts, the story allowed the collecting of samples from the infected and some research opportunities. However, chapter 14 offers a more substantial exploration of the Zeta virus for science-oriented main characters (MCs).

In the original Zombie Exodus, the Science storyline was a relatively simple scene in the later game stages, leading to a few specific endings. Although it matched the game's style, the scene falls short of Safe Haven's standards.

This walk-through will cover major research areas the MC can explore, discussing research assistants, tools, and necessary tasks in order of appearance.

Research Assistants

In the original ZE, Candace was the MC's research assistant. ZE:SH aims to enhance control. Each assistant influences research via work ethic, scientific knowledge, and personality. Work ethic and scientific knowledge receive scores from 2-10, with higher values benefiting research tasks such as lab setup or data analysis.

Depending on the availability of certain group members, you can choose from the following research assistants:

As you can see from the list above, some research assistants have higher work ethics, while others have more science knowledge. Parker is the best option as he has the highest average of both scores. Also, note that the above chart does not consider training that you may have given to characters. You could have trained specific group members in Science in earlier parts of the game. Training will provide a bonus to their Science knowledge.

Tools of the Trade

Several new specialized items have been added to the game that will allow you to advance your scientific research. These items include microscopes (available in previous parts of the game), a spectrophotometer (a tool that shines light through a sample and measures absorption), an incubator (a controlled environment to grow more viruses), and a BCU (biosafety containment unit, an area where you can safely analyze and experiment on viruses). Some items will be found by scavenging the world, while others can be created in the game. For example, if your group makes a Science laboratory, it comes with a microscope.

Many of these tools are essential to researching the virus. For example, a BCU is necessary before most of the steps involved in researching the Zeta virus can be done. The spectrophotometer and incubator are tools used in specific parts of the process.

Steps to Research the Zeta Virus

Remember all those samples you could take from zombies during the first few parts? Here is your chance to analyze them. You can examine specimens such as Layla's blood (Finn's partner from Chapter 5), the infected canine when you visit the farm in Part 2, and even Zombie Joe's blood. All of these will offer different insights into the Zeta virus.

I also recommend choosing to review your research files. Here, you will read an insightful overview of antiviral treatments, other types of nervous system viruses, viruses that can cause rage, and other topics. As you study the virus, you will raise your Zeta Knowledge stat, which will be needed later in the storyline.

Analyzing the Zeta Virus

There are numerous steps to take to analyze the Zeta virus, and the game guides you step-by-step. As you make choices, new ones will be made available. For example, the first step is to create a Biosafety Containment Unit (BCU). After you complete the BCU, you can start culturing the Zeta virus. This requires a certain amount of virus samples, which you have probably taken from various infected throughout the game.

After culturing the virus, you will now be able to harvest the virus. This is where you rapidly produce more viruses, generating a greater amount. This is also the step where you use the incubator to grow viral cells.

Now, you can purify the virus, helping to make it clear of contaminants. Once purified, you can extract the RNA or test the purified virus on an animal. Both are crucial steps in further analyzing the virus before creating a cure, a vaccine, or a genetically engineered virus.

The following steps are to extract the virus and perform RNA analysis. There are several methods of analyzing the RNA, and both add one more vital piece to the puzzle.

Eventually, you will get to the point where you come up with a plan for one of three possible paths:

• Creating an antiviral drug that can cure people infected with the virus.
• Developing a vaccine to protect people from the virus.
• Altering the genetic code of the virus.

As I mentioned, the game leads you through the correct tasks, so missing a step is difficult. However, you will need the right equipment and supplies for this storyline. Again, they are spelled out by reading the text.

Final Thoughts

The Science storyline offers diverse gameplay and multiple series endings. Unlike the original Zombie Exodus, Science's impact extends beyond endings, even changing the story in the later parts. For example, the story could change if you create a way to cure someone of the disease caused by the virus. If a major character gets bitten, this would be one way to change their fate. It's exciting to think of all the possibilities that could result from a scientist exploring the Zeta virus.