Game Manual

Helping Madison solve the mystery will not be easy. Read on below to learn how the game works and to get some tips on how to proceed in the game

The%20Dawning%20Game%20Preview%20Standalone%20(64-bit_PCD3D_SM5)%205_21_2020%204_33_41%20P

Main Menu

User Interface

The user interface of the main menu can be interacted with using a gamepad or keyboard and mouse. Navigation is performed either with the left stick or D-pad and interactions are performed with the A/X button if using a gamepad. Point-and-click is used when using keyboard and mouse. This is how the entirety of the UI is interacted within the game depending on which control type is chosen at the start of a new game.

New Game

Before beginning a new game control options can be chosen. You can decide to play with either a gamepad or a keyboard and mouse. You can also customize the button mappings for either control type. Keep in mind that there are certain buttons that cannot be used to map the controls of the game. Directional controls will always be W,A,S,D/Left game stick. Pause controls will always be Escape/Start Button.

Load Game

This is where a saved game can be loaded from. If there are no previously saved games, the slots will be read only and cannot be interacted with. If there is a saved game, it will be titled with the name given at time of saving. It can then be clicked on to immediately load the chosen saved game. See how to save a game in the Saving section of this manual.

Settings

This is where Window Mode, Resolution, Brightness, and Audio Volume can be adjusted. Additionally, you can opt to use subtitles and use the in-game headbob.

Phone

There are several functions that are done via the phone. Below are descriptions of the sections in greater detail.

Maps

This is where maps are viewed and interacted with. Once the Farm map is found, Madison has the ability to fast travel to previously visited areas. Each time Madison chooses to fast travel, a 25% deduction in phone battery life will be accessed. Fast travel can be performed under the following conditions. First, Madison has had to already visited the area chosen to fast travel. Second, there must be at least 25% of phone battery remaining. Third, Madison can only fast travel while in the Farm.

Battery

The phone's battery life will slowly diminish when in use. Consequently when not in use, the battery will recharge but much more slowly than it is diminished. Once the battery dies, the phone will go blank and render it temporarily unusable.

Objective

This is found in the upper left hand corner of the phone written in green. Use this for a slight push in the right direction on what to do next in the game.

Documents

Throughout the game, Madison will find letters, documents, and photos that will help him solve the mystery. When an important item such as this is found, it will be stored in the documents. Clicking on the Document icon in the phone will open a view of these items that can be scrolled through.

Inventory

Madison's inventory contains all of the found usable items in the game. For more info on the particular item in the grid, interact with the desired item for a brief description and close-up.

Text Messages

Throughout the game, Madison will receive text messages from an unknown source. When a text message comes through, an icon will be displayed in-game to alert him.

Playing Cards

Playing cards graphically depicting serial killers and their most heinous acts are scattered all around the farm. Fifty two cards are available to be found.

Orbital Anarchy

Orbital Anarchy is Madison's favorite mobile game. It can be played without phone service and it mysteriously does not drain the battery of the phone. The only catch is 40 of the 52 playing cards must be found first.

Settings

This screen allows you to adjust everything that can be adjusted in the Main Menu settings and New Game options mentioned earlier in this manual.

The Dawning Preview [NetMode_ Standalone] (64-bit_Windows) 6_23_2021 6_21_06 PM.png

In-Game UI

The In-Game UI is simple. It contains a fatigue meter that will appear while running, a flashlight icon that will appear when flashlight is on, a cellphone icon that will appear when receiving a text message, and messages directing the player on what to do next and or/detailing Madison's current state, i.e. Hidden and Fatigue.

Saving

There is only one save point in the game. It is located at the bed in the Shack. Madison must always return to the Shack to save the game.

Pausing

To pause the game press either the Escape button on the keyboard or Start button the Keypad if the gamepad is being used.

Tips

Look everywhere. Items, documents, and playing card collectibles can be found anywhere and everywhere in the game.
Check your inventory after picking up a new item. Often there are clues in the descriptions that can help you understand how/where the item is used.
Pay close attention to documents once found. Most have critical information to proceed with the game.
If you plan on escaping the wolves once detected, learn how to run without hitting fatigue.
Items will emit a glowing green particle effect when Madison is close.
Playing card collectibles will illuminate when close
Pay attention to the the phone and the flashlight battery lives. They will recharge overtime, but at a very slow rate.
At the end of the game you will be graded by time, death count, and the amount of playing cards received.