How to get the Atomfall Dam Data Store Keycard and what it’s for?

If you’re searching for the Atomfall Dam Data Store Keycard, you’re probably either stuck at the dam or wondering what to do with that locked console.

The game doesn’t make it obvious, so in this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know in plain, simple terms.

You’ll find out where to get the keycard, who gives it to you, and what happens once you use it. This guide also helps you avoid missing out on key choices later in the quest.

What is the Dam Data Store Keycard in Atomfall?

Image via Rebellion

The Dam Data Store Keycard is a quest item that unlocks the Dam facility in Casterfell Woods.

You’ll need it during Dr. Garrow’s questline to run a command at the console inside the dam. Without the keycard (and the Signal Redirector tool), there’s not much you can do in that area.

Also Read: Atomfall: Optimized Setings

How to Get the Atomfall Dam Data Store Keycard

Step 1: Free Dr. Garrow from Skethermoor Prison

You need to talk to Dr. Garrow to even begin the quest for the Dam Data Store Keycard. She’s locked up in Skethermoor Prison, which is in the south of the map at 41.1E, 70.8N.

There are two ways to get in:

• Sneaky way: Go to Wyndham Village and talk to Captain Sims in the village hall. If you snitch on a villager like Morris Wick, Vicar McHenry, or Iris the baker, Sims will let you into the prison without trouble.
• Direct way: If you already have the Crane Control Room Keycard from The Interchange, you can clear a path to the Detention Quarter. You’ll also need the Signal Redirector for this path, which can be found in the Windfall Shipment or inside the prison itself.

Once inside, speak to Garrow in her cell. If you don’t already have a Signal Redirector, check the Security Storeroom shelf nearby.

Now crawl into the Electricals room and use the tool on a power junction to open the Control Room. Flip the lever to free all the prisoners, including Garrow. But once she’s free, all guards will become hostile again, so leave quickly.

Step 2: Get Garrow’s Research Notes from The Interchange

Image via Rebellion

Later, you’ll find Garrow at the Central Processor in The Interchange. She’ll ask you to go into the Robotics area and collect her research.

To get there, you’ll need to restore power to Data Store Charlie. Then:

1. Use the Signal Redirector in the Power Control Beta Room and Robot Assembly Room.
2. Pull the levers in both rooms to open the Lower Level.
3. Avoid or take down robots and turrets.
4. Activate three consoles (marked A, B, and C).
5. In the Weapon Testing area, find a dead scientist who has the Head Office Keycard.
6. Use it to unlock the Head Office upstairs and grab Garrow’s Notes from the desk.

Bring those notes back to her.

Step 3: Get the Keycard

After you return the notes, Garrow gives you the Dam Data Store Keycard. This is your access to the dam in Casterfell Woods.

Step 4: Use the Keycard at the Dam in Casterfell Woods

Image via Rebellion

The Dam Data Store is at 22.5E, 92.4N, in the north of Casterfell Woods. Look for a hole in the ground leading to bunker L11.

Inside the bunker:

• Use the Signal Redirector again to reroute power to the Control Room.
• Use the Dam Data Store Keycard at the console.

At this point, you’ll get a prompt to run a command. Garrow wants you to run GEN ERA, but if you’re also working with Joyce Tanner, she might radio you asking for a different command: GEN MOVE.

Whichever one you choose, it will lock you out of the other. So if you run GEN ERA, Joyce will become hostile and her questline will be closed off — and the opposite happens if you run GEN MOVE.

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

FAQs

Where is the Dam Data Store in Atomfall?

• It’s in Casterfell Woods, at coordinates 22.5E, 92.4N, inside a bunker called L11.

How do I get the Dam Data Store Keycard?

• Free Dr. Garrow from Skethermoor Prison, complete her quest at The Interchange, and return her notes. She gives you the keycard after that.

What is the Signal Redirector and where can I find it?

• It’s a tool used to reroute power in multiple quest locations. You can find one in the Windfall Shipment or in Skethermoor Prison’s Security Storeroom.

What happens if I run GEN ERA instead of GEN MOVE?

• Running GEN ERA sides you with Dr. Garrow and locks out Joyce Tanner’s quest. Running GEN MOVE does the opposite. It’s a one-or-the-other choice that affects the ending.

Can I access the Dam Data Store early?

• Yes, but without the Signal Redirector and Dam Data Store Keycard, you won’t be able to do much inside.