Atomfall: The Red Strain DLC - Robots, Gore, and Deep Dive Review

Last Updated: October 17, 2025

Rebellion's highly anticipated survival-action game, Atomfall, captivated players upon its launch on March 27, 2025, across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (including a day-one release on Game Pass). Now, just months later, the game receives its first major story expansion, The Red Strain, which officially dropped on September 16, 2025. This significant update doesn't just expand the narrative; it introduces a pivotal gameplay mechanic: robotic companions, alongside a noticeable increase in the game's gore level, promising a more visceral and intense experience for players.

This in-depth review delves into the features of The Red Strain, exploring the strengths and potential weaknesses of this latest addition to the Atomfall universe. The integration of robotic companions adds a strategic layer to combat, allowing players to command and customize these mechanical allies, opening up new tactical possibilities and altering combat strategies. The enhanced gore, while a significant change, clearly targets fans seeking a more intense, graphically violent experience. However, it’s crucial to consider how these changes align with Atomfall's established design and the preferences of its growing player base.

Robotic Companions: A New Tactical Dimension

The core feature of The Red Strain is the introduction of controllable robotic companions. These are far from simple, AI-controlled units; players are granted a considerable degree of customization and direct control over their robotic allies. This addition injects a compelling strategic layer into the game, fundamentally altering how combat encounters unfold.

Players can now choose from different robot types, each boasting unique strengths, weaknesses, and specialized abilities, enabling them to adapt their tactics based on the specific challenges they face. The ability to command and coordinate these robotic companions alongside the player character opens up a wealth of new combat strategies and possibilities, potentially reshaping the game's meta-game significantly.

The level of customization for these robots has been revealed to be robust. Players can modify their robots' weaponry, armor, and even basic programming to a certain extent, allowing for tailored combat roles. This deep level of customization is poised to significantly impact Atomfall's replayability, offering players a distinctly different experience each time they engage with The Red Strain's content and experiment with various robot configurations.

Increased Gore: A More Visceral Experience

Alongside the new robotic companions, The Red Strain noticeably elevates the gore level in Atomfall. While the original game featured a degree of violence appropriate for its post-apocalyptic setting, this expansion delivers a more graphic and intense experience. This change is undoubtedly designed to appeal to players who prefer a more visceral and realistic depiction of combat, adding a new layer of intensity to the gameplay and ratcheting up the thrill of each encounter.

However, this increased gore level presents a double-edged sword. It could potentially alienate some players who prefer a less graphic style, possibly narrowing the game's broader appeal. Balancing the desire to satisfy players who enjoy intense violence with the need to avoid alienating others who prefer a more toned-down experience was a critical design decision for the overall success of the DLC. Early reception suggests it largely hits the mark for its target audience.

Impact on Gameplay and Replayability

The combined effect of robotic companions and increased gore profoundly impacts the Atomfall gameplay experience. The addition of controllable robots introduces a welcome layer of depth and complexity to combat, demanding that players adapt their strategies and coordinate their actions effectively with their mechanical allies. This elevates combat beyond simple gunplay, adding a true tactical dimension. The increased gore, while a potentially divisive element, undeniably contributes to a more immersive and intense atmosphere, amplifying the thrill and consequence of combat encounters.

Looking at the long-term impact on replayability, the customization options for robotic companions, coupled with the new challenges presented by the increased difficulty and more intense combat scenarios, suggest that The Red Strain significantly enhances Atomfall's longevity. Players are provided with ample opportunities to experiment with different strategies, robot configurations, and combat approaches, ensuring that subsequent playthroughs remain fresh and engaging.

Conclusion

The Red Strain DLC for Atomfall delivers substantial enhancements to the game, most notably through the introduction of versatile robotic companions and a heightened level of gore. While the increased gore might be a divisive aspect for some, the inclusion of controllable robots adds a rich layer of strategic depth and customization that elevates the core gameplay. The overall impact on the gameplay experience is overwhelmingly positive, injecting new challenges, fostering deeper tactical thought, and significantly enhancing replayability. For fans of Atomfall seeking fresh challenges, expanded narrative, and a more intense, customizable experience, The Red Strain is an essential expansion that solidifies the game's standing in the survival-action genre.