Atomfall: Barter system, explained

In Atomfall, the usual currency-based economy you find in most RPGs is completely out the window. Instead, the game runs on a barter system, where players trade goods and resources.

So, how does this barter system actually work? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

How to start trading in Atomfall with NPCs

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The first thing you need to know is that not all NPCs will want to trade with you. When you come across one that does, you will see a dialogue option to start a trade.

From there, you enter a trading menu where you can see what the NPC has to offer, whether it’s food, weapons, or crafting materials. If they have something you need, you can place items from your inventory on the trade table.

But here’s the catch: you can’t just dump a bunch of random junk and expect to walk away with valuable items like weapons or skill books. The key is offering up things of equal value.

Also Read: Atomfall: Optimized Setings

Understanding the Barter Scale in Atomfall

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Here’s where things get interesting. In the middle of the trading menu, you will see a scale that helps you figure out whether your trade is fair or not. If the scale tips too far in your favor (meaning you’re getting a better deal than the NPC), they won’t accept it.

The goal is to get the scale to lean towards the NPC, but not too much. It has to turn green to indicate that they’re happy with the trade.

This often means you will need to offer multiple items to balance the value of what you want. It’s not as simple as offering one item and walking away.

Sometimes, you will need to get creative with what you trade to make sure both sides feel like they’re getting something valuable.

How to know what NPCs want to trade in Atomfall

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One of the trickier parts of the barter system is figuring out what the NPC actually wants. Unlike traditional systems where you know the value of a currency, Atomfall gives you some clues, but you will have to do a little trial and error.

When you place items on the trade table, you might notice arrows appearing next to the items. If there’s an upward arrow, that means the NPC is interested in that item — they think it’s valuable.

If there’s a downward arrow, it means they’re not impressed, and it won’t help your case in the trade. This is your hint for how to adjust your offers and figure out what the NPC is willing to take.

Can you reverse trade from NPC in Atomfall

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Yes, you can basically reverse trade from NPC in Atomfall. However, you have a small window of time to change your mind and get it back.

But be careful, because eventually, those items will leave the NPC’s inventory for good. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

How to get better trade deals in Atomfall

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Throughout the game, you will find Training Stims, which you can use to unlock skills. One of these skills is Charisma, and it can help you in the barter system. When activated, Charisma increases the value of the items you offer during trades.

The catch? It costs 4 Training Stims to unlock Charisma, so it’s not something you can use all the time.

Also Read: Atomfall: How to find and use the Metal Detector

FAQs

Q: Can I trade anything with NPCs?

• Not every NPC is open to trading. You will need to find those who are willing to barter, and they will usually have a dialogue option to start the trade.

Q: How can I tell if my trade offer is fair?

• There’s a scale in the trading menu that helps you know if your offer is fair. If the scale leans too much in your favor, the NPC won’t accept it. You will want the scale to turn green and lean toward the NPC to make the trade.

Q: What do the arrows next to items mean?

• The arrows indicate how much the NPC values an item. Upward arrows mean they’re interested in the item, while downward arrows mean they don’t value it much. This helps you adjust your offers for better trades.

Q: Can I get my items back after trading?

• If you regret a trade, you may be able to get your items back for a short period of time. However, after a while, traded items will disappear from the NPC’s inventory, and they can’t be retrieved.

Q: How do I increase my chances of getting better deals?

• You can use Training Stims to unlock the Charisma skill, which makes the items you offer more valuable. This can make it easier to get the gear you need without sacrificing too many resources.

Q: Are trades permanent, or can I undo them?

• Once you finalize a trade, it’s permanent. However, NPCs hold onto traded items for a while, so you might have a brief chance to undo the deal if you act quickly.