Back to the Dawn All Escape Routes Guide
Written by Michael Owen | Back to the Dawn
In Back to the Dawn, there are 7 confirmed escape routes for Thomas the Fox. Each one leads to a unique Tarot achievement and requires specific quests, stats, or items. These routes are tied directly to Thomas’s story arc and are not all accessible when playing as Bob the Panther (only some are).
Bob shares the same prison layout and can use some of the same physical escape paths (like the roof, sewers, or infirmary), but many of Thomas’s routes are blocked in Bob’s campaign due to missing characters or story triggers. Bob also does not use the Tarot system or share Thomas’s 7 achievement-based endings.
This guide covers only Thomas’s confirmed escape routes until we figure out all of Bob’s, at which point we’ll update this.
The Star (Roof Escape)
Unlock roof work for 30 Good Conduct Credits. Disable the rooftop fan with rubber gloves. Access the roof at night by jumping (7 Agility) or using a second-floor cell (50 Credits). Lasso across the gap, then read Game of Kings I–III to learn the wingsuit blueprint. Craft the tail, left, and right wings. Use the water tower to glide out.
The Chariot
Complete 3 tasks for Alex: buy lipstick, map the kitchen cellar, and steal a signed baseball. Get kitchen access (40 Credits), sketch the cellar, and unlock the cage room through the back club. Steal the baseball from the mailroom locker. On Day 17, escape during the riot by defeating Alex and fleeing through the kitchen cellar.
Unlocks The Chariot achievement.
The Magician
On Day 14, overhear Bloody Mary rumors. Get an apple and paring knife. On lockdown Thursday, wait until 22:00 and begin peeling. End precisely at 00:00. If timed right, the mirror activates and Thomas escapes through a supernatural event.
Unlocks The Magician achievement.
The Moon (Sewer Escape)
In the Detergent Room, move the cabinet and dig out the wall with a spoon or pickaxe. Use Rust Remover to loosen the pipe. At night, crawl through the hatch, solve the sewer puzzle, and build a bridge. Return through the pipe, then defeat the Giant Crab boss to escape.
The Tower (Infirmary Escape)
Use Corrosive Solution to weaken the infirmary sink from below. After multiple visits, climb through. Dismantle the bars, reach the tower, and climb while dodging spotlights. Use a belt-type item and pass Agility checks to avoid sniper fire. Zipline off the top to escape.
Unlocks The Tower achievement.
Strength
Win the first four boxing matches. Join the tournament. Over three days, defeat all opponents. In the lounge, stack boxes under the vent and open it with your trophy. Escape and dodge Billy’s shots during a QTE to reach freedom.
The Sun
Accept the Poopy Pendant quest and access the septic tank. Discover Lisa’s body and collect three clues: TC-13 (mailroom), Billy’s debt (locker), and tarp scrap. Create a collage, mail it out, and confront Billy. Use Maggie, Beth, or Barbara to schedule a conjugal visit. Escape with Billy’s help through the Warden’s office.
Final Blurb
Thomas the Fox has seven unique escape routes in Back to the Dawn, each tied to Tarot-themed achievements. These paths are built around specific story beats and NPCs. Bob the Panther shares some of the same escape locations, but not all of them. His routes are reworked with different conditions, progression, and outcomes, and his campaign does not use the Tarot system at all.
FAQ
How many escape routes does Thomas have?
Seven, each with a unique Tarot card achievement.
Does Bob use the same routes as Thomas?
Partially. Some physical routes remain, but others are blocked for story reasons.
Does Bob have Tarot achievements?
No. Only Thomas’s route includes Tarot-based endings.
Which escape uses the roof?
The Star. Thomas escapes by gliding off the water tower using a wingsuit.
Which escape uses the infirmary?
The Tower. You corrode the sink and climb the tower during lockdown.
Are these routes repeatable?
Each escape ends the run. You must start a new game to try another.
Is the Giant Crab boss mandatory?
Only for The Moon route. It’s required to finish the sewer escape.
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