Time Progression and Bills — Beholder: Conductor Guide
Time in Beholder: Conductor is a crucial resource that constantly progresses, influencing events, quest deadlines, and the accumulation of bills. Understanding how time works and managing your finances to cover expenses is paramount to avoiding severe penalties and ensuring Carl's survival in the oppressive state.
- Real-time Progression: Time passes continuously in the game world, even when Carl is inactive. This means quest deadlines are always ticking down, and events can occur independently of your direct actions.
- Day/Night Cycle: The game features a full day/night cycle. Certain activities are more appropriate or safer at specific times. For example, searching apartments illegally is less risky at night when tenants are asleep or away.
- Quest Deadlines: Many quests, especially those from the Ministry, have strict deadlines. Failing to complete a quest before its deadline can result in negative consequences, such as fines, reputation loss, or even termination.
- Bills: Carl is responsible for paying various bills that arrive periodically. These include:
- Rent: For Carl's own apartment.
- Utility Bills: For electricity, water, and heating in the building.
- Ministry Fines: Issued for failing to comply with regulations, not reporting violations, or other infractions.
Bills are delivered to Carl's mailbox. You must collect them and pay them at the designated payment terminal (often found in the Ministry building or a public area) before their due date. Failing to pay bills on time can lead to increasingly severe penalties, including eviction, utility cut-offs, and ultimately, a game over if Carl cannot maintain his living situation.
- Strategic Time Management: Prioritizing tasks, planning surveillance operations, and ensuring you have enough money for upcoming bills are all critical aspects of time management. Sometimes, sacrificing a minor quest to meet a critical deadline or earn money for bills is necessary.