Directive 8020 astronaut caught by alien mimic - all deaths guide

All Deaths Guide

Directive 8020 features numerous unique death scenes across all characters. This guide explains how each type of death works, when characters are most at risk, and how to avoid — or intentionally trigger — specific deaths.

Types of Deaths

QTE Deaths

Triggered by failing Quick Time Event sequences. Button prompts appear on screen and you must press the correct button in time. Missing a QTE during an action sequence can result in immediate death.

Tip

Pay attention during action sequences. QTEs appear as button prompts on screen. On Survivor Mode, the timing window is roughly 50% shorter.

Choice Deaths

Triggered by making specific decisions at Turning Points or during dialogue. Some choices lead directly to a character's death, while others set up dangerous situations in later chapters.

Tip

Think carefully before every decision. Some choices that seem safe in the moment have deadly consequences chapters later.

Stealth Deaths

Triggered by being detected by mimics during stealth sections. The game features real-time stealth called "Threatening Exploration." If a mimic catches you, it can lead to a death scene.

Tip

Stay in shadows and avoid using your flashlight when mimics are nearby. Use the Scanner to track enemy positions before moving.

Story Deaths

Deaths that occur as part of the narrative regardless of player input. These are scripted events that advance the plot. Tomas Carter's death in the prologue is the primary example.

Tip

These cannot be prevented. They are part of the story and serve to establish the threat level.

Deaths by Chapter

Here is a breakdown of death risk levels and key danger points for each chapter. Use this to know when to be most careful.

Chapter 1: The Meteor

Low

This is primarily a setup chapter. No playable characters can die here, but the decisions made (alter course vs. hold position) affect danger levels in later chapters.

Chapter 2: First Contact

Medium

The first stealth sections are introduced. Failing to use the Scanner properly or being detected by mimics can lead to early deaths. The investigation decision affects Simms' fate.

Chapter 3: Quarantine

Medium

The quarantine decision (side with Eisele or Young) affects survival chances in Chapter 5. Characters can die if the wrong quarantine protocol is chosen and mimics infiltrate safe zones.

Chapter 4: The Oracle

Medium

Accessing Oracle's data and Williams' files. Choosing to accept Oracle's lies vs. forcing the truth affects who becomes a target. Some characters can be endangered by trusting the wrong information.

Chapter 5: Breach

Very High

The most dangerous chapter. Multiple characters can die based on earlier choices and stealth performance. The "rescue trapped crew" vs. "seal the breach" decision is critical. Stafford is most commonly lost here.

Chapter 6: The Lab

Medium

The clone laboratory discovery. While primarily a story chapter, exploring the lab thoroughly is important for collectibles. Some characters can be endangered by choices made with the clone vats.

Chapter 7: Revelation

High

The clone truth is revealed. Characters who deny the truth become erratic and more likely to die. Accepting the truth leads to clearer thinking and better survival odds in the finale.

Chapter 8: Directive 8020

Very High

The final chapter. Multiple endings are possible based on crew survival, clone truth acceptance, and the shuttle escape decision. The Williams scene has three possible outcomes. Exposing Corinth requires specific conditions.

The “Everyone Dies” Path

It is possible to have all characters die, resulting in a special ending. This requires deliberately making the worst choices at every Turning Point and failing critical QTEs. The “everyone dies” ending is one of the most dramatic in the game and worth experiencing for completionists.

How to Trigger Everyone Dies

  • • Make the worst choices at every Turning Point
  • • Fail QTEs during critical action sequences
  • • Deny the clone truth in Chapter 7
  • • Choose the most reckless options in Chapter 8
  • • Ensure no crew members are in safe positions during the finale

How to Avoid Deaths

If you are going for the “Everyone Lives” trophy, follow these general principles:

Related Guides

How to Save Everyone →All Endings Explained →Best Ending Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many death scenes are in Directive 8020?
Directive 8020 features numerous unique death scenes across all characters. Deaths can be triggered by failed QTEs, bad choices, stealth failures, and specific story decisions. The game tracks discovered deaths in the Story Tree.
Can everyone die in Directive 8020?
Yes. It is possible for all characters to die, resulting in a special "everyone dies" ending. This requires a series of deliberately bad choices and failed QTEs across multiple chapters.
Can Tomas Carter be saved?
No. Tomas Carter always dies in the prologue. He is killed by the mimic version of Simms during the initial investigation. His death is scripted and unavoidable.
What is a "death spiral" in Directive 8020?
A death spiral refers to a cascading series of bad outcomes where one character's death makes subsequent deaths more likely. For example, if the medical specialist dies early, other characters have less support in later chapters.
Do deaths affect the ending?
Yes, dramatically. The ending you receive depends on how many crew members survive, which specific characters are alive, and key decisions made throughout the game. More survivors generally lead to better outcomes.