Walkthrough - Early Game

The Initial Briefing and Your Apartment

Welcome, new Conductor! Your journey begins immediately after the introductory cinematic. You'll find yourself in your cramped, yet functional, apartment. Your first objective is to familiarize yourself with your surroundings and the basic mechanics of surveillance.

Examine Your Apartment: Before anything else, take a moment to interact with the objects in your apartment.

Bed: Interacting with your bed allows you to "Rest," which advances time and can be used to skip to the next day or to recover from exhaustion later in the game. For now, it's not critical, but remember its function.
Radio: The radio provides snippets of propaganda and news, offering insight into the current political climate. Listen to it for flavor, but don't expect direct mission objectives from it.
Kitchenette: You can interact with the various items here, but they serve mostly as environmental details in the early game.
Desk: This is where you'll find your initial "Briefing Document." This document outlines your primary responsibilities and introduces you to the concept of State Edicts.

Read the Briefing Document: Approach your desk and interact with the document. This will trigger a short tutorial overlay explaining the basics of your role as a Conductor. Pay close attention to the instructions regarding "State Edicts" and "Citizen Profiles."

Your First Assignment: The Tenement Building

Once you've absorbed the initial briefing, you'll be prompted to leave your apartment and head to the main tenement building. This is where your true work begins.

Exit Your Apartment: Head to the door of your apartment and interact with it to enter the main hallway.
Locate Your Office: Your office is clearly marked on the first floor. Enter it to access your primary tools.
Access the Surveillance Terminal: Inside your office, interact with the large "Surveillance Terminal." This is your hub for monitoring tenants, reviewing profiles, and installing surveillance equipment.
Review Initial Citizen Profiles: The terminal will immediately display the profiles of your first tenants. In the early game, these will typically be:

The Miller Family (Apartment 1A): A seemingly ordinary family. Their initial profile will be sparse.
Carl Stein (Apartment 1B): A reclusive individual. His profile will also lack significant detail at first.

Understand State Edicts: On the Surveillance Terminal, navigate to the "State Edicts" tab. Your first edict will likely be a general one, such as "Prohibition of Anti-State Propaganda" or "Mandatory Patriotism." These edicts are your guiding principles for identifying undesirable behavior.

First Steps in Surveillance: Apartment 1A (The Millers)

Your immediate goal is to gather enough information to begin filling out tenant profiles and identifying potential violations of State Edicts.

Install Your First Camera:

From the Surveillance Terminal, select Apartment 1A.
Click on the "Install Surveillance" option.
You will have a limited number of "Basic Cameras" available. Place one strategically in the main living area of Apartment 1A. A good initial spot is often near the television or a common seating area, as this increases the chance of observing interactions or activities.
Strategy: Don't waste all your cameras immediately. Early on, focus on high-traffic areas to maximize your chances of observing something noteworthy.

Observe and Report:

Once the camera is installed, switch to the live feed for Apartment 1A.
Watch for any suspicious activity. In the early game, this might be as simple as a tenant reading a "Forbidden Book" or engaging in a "Disloyal Conversation."
When you observe a violation, click the "Report Violation" button on the surveillance feed. This will bring up a menu where you can select the specific edict violated and provide a brief description.
Important: Ensure your report is accurate. False reports can negatively impact your standing with the Ministry.

Gathering Information for Profiles:

Beyond violations, simply observing daily routines and interactions will add details to a tenant's profile. Look for their habits, relationships, and any unique possessions.
For example, if you see Mr. Miller consistently reading a specific type of book, note it. If Mrs. Miller frequently talks to a neighbor, that's also valuable information.

Expanding Your Reach: Apartment 1B (Carl Stein)

Once you have a basic understanding of surveillance with the Millers, it's time to expand to Carl Stein.

Install a Camera in Apartment 1B: Follow the same procedure as with the Millers. Place a "Basic Camera" in a central location within Carl Stein's apartment. His living room or study is usually a good starting point.
Monitor Carl Stein: Carl Stein is often a more solitary figure, but keep an eye out for any unusual packages, late-night activities, or interactions with unknown individuals. His reclusive nature can sometimes mask more significant transgressions.

Early Game Tips and Considerations

Resource Management: Your initial supply of cameras and other surveillance tools is limited. Use them wisely. Prioritize apartments where you suspect activity based on initial profile hints or Ministry directives.
Time Management: Time progresses as you observe or "Rest." Be mindful of the clock. Some events are time-sensitive.
Reputation: Your reputation with the Ministry is crucial. Accurate reports and adherence to edicts will increase it, unlocking new tools and opportunities. False reports or missed violations will decrease it.
Don't Be Too Hasty: While the game encourages surveillance, don't jump to conclusions. Gather enough evidence before making a report. A single suspicious glance isn't a "Disloyal Conversation."
Explore the Building: Once you have a handle on basic surveillance, take some time to walk the hallways. You might overhear conversations or find discarded items that provide clues about tenants.

By following these steps, you'll successfully navigate the initial stages of your career as a Conductor, laying the groundwork for a long and (hopefully) prosperous service to the State.