The Motor Inn & Train — Telltale's The Walking Dead Walkthrough

The Motor Inn & Train

This pivotal section of the game sees the survivors facing new threats and making difficult choices that will shape their future. The Motor Inn, once a sanctuary, becomes a place of tragedy and forced departure, leading the group to an unexpected mode of escape: a train.

Part 1: The Motor Inn - A Sanctuary Lost

The episode opens with the group still holed up at the Motor Inn, but their relative peace is shattered by a devastating walker attack. This sequence is fraught with tension and requires quick thinking.

Key Events & Preparations to Leave:

• Walker Incursion: The Motor Inn is overrun by a massive horde of walkers. Lee, Kenny, and other survivors must fight their way through the motel grounds. This segment involves several quick-time events (QTEs) and strategic decisions on who to help.
• Ben's Revelation: Ben finally confesses his role in providing supplies to the bandits, which ultimately led to the attack on the Motor Inn. This revelation can significantly impact how other characters, particularly Kenny, view him.
• The Death of a Key Character: During the chaos, Duck, Kenny and Katjaa's son, succumbs to his walker bite. This is a deeply emotional and unavoidable event. Following Duck's death, Katjaa, overwhelmed by grief, takes her own life. This double tragedy profoundly impacts Kenny, sending him into a deep depression and making his subsequent interactions highly volatile.
• Decision Point - Duck and Katjaa: Lee has a critical choice regarding Duck and Katjaa.
  • Option 1: Allow Kenny to put Duck down himself. (Strengthens bond with Kenny, but is emotionally taxing).
  • Option 2: Offer to do it for Kenny. (Kenny may resent this, but it spares him the immediate pain).
  • Option 3: Leave them. (This is generally not recommended as it can severely damage your relationship with Kenny and is morally ambiguous).
  Regardless of your choice, Katjaa will still take her own life shortly after.
• Gathering Supplies: Before leaving the Motor Inn, ensure you loot any accessible areas for supplies. While not explicitly a "mission," scrounging for useful items is always beneficial. Look for:
  • Food Rations: Often found in the kitchen or storage areas.
  • Medical Supplies: Bandages, painkillers, etc., are crucial for later.
  • Ammunition: Scavenge from fallen walkers or abandoned vehicles.

Crucial Interactions with Kenny:

Kenny's mental state after losing his family is extremely fragile. Your interactions with him during this chapter are paramount and will determine his disposition towards Lee and the group moving forward. His trust and loyalty are hard-won but easily lost.

• Post-Tragedy Conversation: Approach Kenny after Duck and Katjaa's deaths. Offer condolences and support. Avoid blaming him or being overly critical.
• Ben's Fate: Kenny is particularly hostile towards Ben. If Ben is still with the group, Kenny will likely want to abandon him. Your decision here is critical:
  • Defend Ben: Argue for Ben's right to stay. This will anger Kenny but might earn Ben's gratitude and potentially save his life later.
  • Side with Kenny: Agree to abandon Ben. This strengthens your bond with Kenny but has severe moral implications and could lead to Ben's immediate demise.
• General Demeanor: Throughout the chapter, try to be understanding and patient with Kenny. Small gestures of support or agreement can go a long way in maintaining his loyalty.

Part 2: The Train - A Glimmer of Hope

After the devastating events at the Motor Inn, the group stumbles upon an abandoned train. This offers a potential escape route, but it's not without its challenges. The train is in disrepair and requires significant effort to get running.

Finding and Securing the Train:

• The group discovers the train in a secluded area. It appears to be a freight train, offering ample space for the survivors.
• Initial inspection reveals the train is not operational. Lee and Kenny will need to work together to assess the damage and formulate a plan.

Gathering Supplies & Fixing the Train:

Getting the train operational requires specific parts and a bit of ingenuity. This section involves exploration, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Step-by-Step Train Repair:

1. Assess the Damage: Lee and Kenny will first inspect the train. Kenny, with his mechanical knowledge, will identify the key components needed.
2. Battery Retrieval: Head towards the abandoned station building or nearby vehicles. Locate the battery. This is often a two-person job due to its weight.
3. Water Collection: Find a water source (e.g., a water tower or a large barrel) and a suitable container. Fill the radiator.
4. Fuel Scavenging: Search for abandoned cars or a gas station. Use a hose to siphon diesel into jerry cans. Be wary of walkers during this process.
5. Engine Repair: Once all components are gathered, Kenny will guide Lee through the final steps of starting the engine. This usually involves a series of QTEs and correct button presses to get the engine sputtering to life.
6. Clearing the Tracks: Before the train can depart, you might encounter obstacles on the tracks (e.g., fallen trees, debris, or even a stationary vehicle). The group will need to work together to clear these.

Common Pitfalls & Missables:

• Ignoring Kenny: Failing to engage with Kenny or being overly critical can lead to him becoming withdrawn or even hostile, impacting future events.
• Missing Supplies: While not always critical for story progression, missing optional supplies can make later encounters more challenging. Always explore thoroughly.
• Rushing Decisions: Especially regarding Ben, take a moment to consider the long-term consequences of your choices.