Back to the Dawn All Skills Guide
Written by Michael Owen | Back to the Dawn
This guide lists every skill in Back to the Dawn, organized by type and fully updated for version 1.0 (Steam launch). Skills give permanent buffs, unlock special moves, or boost your actions in prison. You’ll get them by reading books, watching movies, beating games, or building bonds with other inmates.
Each skill costs points to unlock and stays with you for the entire run. Some are only available to Thomas, while others (like Night Owl) are exclusive to Bob. Use this list to plan your build and escape like a boss.
Thomas-Only Skills
| Name | Type | Skill Point Cost | Description | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalist | Charisma | 0 | Charisma +1, with an extra 30% when raising Rapport with others. You can't shower without using soap, and you will lose 1 Mind when searching through trash without wearing gloves. | From your experience. (Thomas) |
| Undercover Journalist | Agility | 0 | Agility +1, with 1 extra pocket slot(s). Attempting a challenge with a re-roll success of less than 30% will cost 2 Focus Point(s). | From your experience. (Thomas) |
| War Correspondent | Strength | 0 | Strength +1, and your armor type changes to Thick Fur. Nightmares can't be automatically forgotten, and you will need to take 2 sleeping pills at a time to sleep. | From your experience. (Thomas) |
Bob-Only Skills
Bob’s skill set is still being fully explored. As an undercover cop, his story includes more combat, unique encounters, and exclusive upgrades not available to Thomas. The developers have confirmed new weapons, tools, and skills built specifically for Bob's tougher path. A full list of his starting and exclusive skills will be added here soon.
Book Skills
| Name | Type | Skill Point Cost | Description | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Life of Escape | Agility | 2 | Points +1 when performing Stash actions. Points +2 if Agility is your highest attribute. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Biography) |
| A Magician In Seven Days | Agility | 3 | When performing Dexterity actions, halves the time taken and points +1. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Skills) |
| DIY Maestro | Intelligence | 1 | Adds 2 hidden storage compartment(s) to your cell. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Crafts) |
| Games Treasury | Intelligence | 1 | Points +4 when playing video games. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (IT) |
| Gentlemanly Pursuits I | Agility | 1 | Points +1 when Stealing. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Fiction - Day 9+) |
| Gentlemanly Pursuits II | Agility | 2 | With this skill enabled, you will be able to craft trank wraps, and you can use Master Pickpocket when fighting. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Fiction - Day 9+) |
| Lifeopedia | Intelligence | 1 | Soap, toothpaste, and alcohol lamp uses +1. Power consumption of electronics -5. You can also craft corrosive solution. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Lifestyle) |
| Love and Wine | Charisma | 1 | You and booze have become friends. The effects of alcohol give you Charisma +1. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Lifestyle - Day 9+) |
| Man Style | Charisma | 1 | With this skill enabled, you will be able to craft red bandanas and green bandanas, and Charisma +1 when wearing a bandana. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Lifestyle) |
| Office Workouts | Strength | 1 | You can do simple exercises by the bed and table in your cell. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Health - Day 9+) |
| Practical Self-Defense | Agility | 1 | If your opponent performs a weapon attack, you will gain an extra 5% Dodge Chance. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Health) |
| Programming from Scratch | Intelligence | 2 | You can try to crack the electronic code. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (IT) |
| Quantum Learning | Intelligence | 1 | Strength, Agility, and Charisma skill points +1 each. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Skills - Day 9+) |
| Stanley's Art of Negotiation | Charisma | 2 | Points +1 when performing Negotiation actions. You can try to frame a nearby inmate when you are caught by the guards because of assaulting. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Skills) |
| The Awakening of Cthulor | Intelligence | 1 | After witnessing indescribable horrors, you will not be so easily defeated by Nightmare. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Fiction) |
| The Champeen | Strength | 2 | When performing an unarmed attack, increases Hit Rate by 5% and Crit Chance by 5%. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Biography - Day 9+) |
| The One Who Transcended Time | Charisma | 1 | When praying, you can choose to recite the prayers in the book The One Who Transcended Time. | Finish reading the ebook of the same name. Reach 100 rapport with Father Enrique and talk to him to obtain this ebook |
| Toolbox Adventure | Intelligence | 1 | With this skill enabled, halves the Stamina consumed when crafting items. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Crafts) |
| TV Guide | Charisma | 1 | Restores Mind by 50% when watching a TV show. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Lifestyle) |
| Zen Meditation | Charisma | 2 | When in segregation, you can meditate. | Finish reading the book of the same name. (Health) |
Movie Skills
| Name | Type | Skill Point Cost | Description | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andy's Redemption | Charisma | 2 | Points +2 when performing Inspiration actions. | Watch the movie of the same name. (TV Room - Day 4) |
| Death of a Hitman | Strength | 2 | If your Health is below 25% in a fight, the Energy consumed by actions will be halved. | Watch the movie of the same name. (DVD - Sent by Maggie) |
| Enter the Tiger | Agility | 1 | With this skill enabled, you will be able to craft nunchaku and brass knuckles. | Watch the movie of the same name. (DVD - Unlocked by Caesar's quest) |
| Fun Times | Charisma | 1 | Extra +20% when restoring Mind. | Watch 5 episodes of North Park. (TV Room) |
| Impossible Mission | Charisma | 2 | When fighting, each point of Charisma you have above your opponent will increase your Dodge Chance by 2%. | Watch the movie of the same name. (TV Room - Day 11) |
| Royal Flush | Agility | 1 | Points +2 when cheating. | Watch the movie of the same name. (DVD - Unlocked by Caesar's quest) |
| Solo Ascent | Strength | 2 | Points +1 when performing Exercise actions. Points +2 if your Body is not lower than 80. | Watch the movie of the same name. (DVD - Unlocked by Caesar's quest) |
| Stellar Wars | Agility | 2 | If you get to go first in a fight, your first attack is guaranteed to hit and will deal an extra 50% damage. | Watch the movie of the same name. (TV Room - Day 8) |
| Strange Things | Intelligence | 2 | Points +1 when performing Technology actions. Points +2 if Intelligence is your highest attribute. | Watch the movie of the same name. (TV Room - Day 15) |
| The Corleone Family | Charisma | 2 | Extra +50% when increasing Reputation. | Watch the movie of the same name. (TV Room - Day 1) |
Game Skills
| Name | Type | Skill Point Cost | Description | Upgraded Bonus (Pro Gamer) | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dracula's Fury | Strength | 2 | Whenever your opponent takes Bleed damage in a fight, you will heal by an equal amount. | Heal and increase max Health equal to Bleed damage. | Complete the game of the same name. Handheld Game Console Bought from Billy. |
| Esports Legend | Intelligence | 1 | Restores Focus Points by 2 when you win a fight. | Restores Focus Points by 4 when you win a fight. | Complete the game of the same name. Library computers. |
| Insect Farm | Intelligence | 1 | Increases your chance of finding jewel scarabs in plants. | Eating jewel scarabs gives +1 all attributes for 2 hour(s). | Complete the game of the same name. Handheld Game Console Bought from Billy a day after completing a game. |
| Lethal Kombat II | Strength | 1 | If your opponent's Health is below 20% in a fight, you will deal an extra 20% damage. | Extra 30% damage below 30% Health. | Complete the game of the same name. Library computers. |
| Mineworld | Intelligence | 1 | You can play Mineworld Endless Mode after completing the game. You'll gain Intelligence Experience for each round you complete. | Gain more Intelligence Experience per round in Endless Mode. | Complete the game of the same name. Handheld Game Console Bought from Billy a day after completing a game for the third time. |
| Mushroom Bros. | Strength | 1 | After eating a mushroom, max Health increases by 5 for a short period of time. | Max Health increases by 10 instead. | Complete the game of the same name. Handheld Game Console Bought from Billy. |
| Return of the Odyssey | Intelligence | 1 | Points +2 when piloting a flying machine. | Points +4 when piloting a flying machine. | Complete the game of the same name. Library computers. Unlocked after asking Robert how to copy a handprint. |
| Sakura Tour | Charisma | 2 | Even if the recipient doesn't like your gift, it won't reduce Rapport, and you can give a gift again. | Can give one gift during the day and one during the night. | Complete the game of the same name. Handheld Game Console Bought from Billy. |
| Tetriz | Agility | 2 | Focus Point cap +1, and reduces recovery time by 10 minute(s). | Focus Point cap +2, and reduces recovery time by 20 minute(s). | Complete the game of the same name. Handheld Game Console Given by Billy upon purchase. |
| White Wolf IV | Agility | 2 | You can use Holy Sword when fighting. | Holy Sword does not consume Energy. | Complete the game of the same name. Handheld Game Console Bought from Billy a day after completing a game for the second time. |
Other Skills
| Name | Type | Skill Point Cost | Description | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brawn Over Brains | Strength | 3 | Strength +2, Intelligence -1. | Pass 8 Strength challenge(s). |
| Cool Head | Intelligence | 3 | When you re-roll, the difficulty points for the roll challenge -1. | Kept your cool when Angelo visited. |
| Dumpster Diver | Agility | 3 | When searching through trash, you have a chance of finding better items and will no longer have accidents. | Search through trash a total of 10 time(s). |
| Energy Booster | Strength | 1 | Each point of Digestion in your body will increase your Max Energy by 1. | Succeed in the bowel Endure challenge. |
Final Blurb
That covers every skill in Back to the Dawn across all categories. Whether you're saving points for big Bond Skills or stacking book effects early, every choice counts. Track which ones fit your path, and don't forget to give Bob a try now.
Read More: Back to the Dawn Achievements Guide
FAQ
How do you get more Skill Points?
You gain Skill Points by leveling your core stats—Strength, Agility, Intelligence, or Charisma. Certain books and events may also boost them.
Are all skills available to both Thomas and Bob?
No. Some skills are exclusive to Thomas. A few, like Night Owl, only show up in Bob’s Bond tree.
Can you reset or change skills after unlocking them?
No. Skill choices are permanent for that save. There’s no way to respec.
Do skills stack with each other?
Yes. Buffs from books, bonds, or past skills can stack if they affect different mechanics. Some even multiply gains, like extra Stash or Negotiation points.
What's the strongest skill to unlock first?
For general use: Quantum Learning, Night Owl (Bob), and Tetriz are top tier. For combat builds, Dracula’s Fury, The Champeen, and Hunting Rhythm are excellent picks.
Portions of this guide are based on content from the Back to the Dawn Wiki at https://backtothedawn.wiki.gg/wiki/Skills, created by wiki.gg contributors. This content is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license (CC BY-SA 4.0). Changes were made to the original material. This guide is shared under the same license. You can view the full license at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
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