Bearings is Directive 8020's take on the predictive vision system the series has used since Man of Medan's framed paintings. It's central to both the narrative loop and the trophy chase.
How to scan a premonition
- Look around with the camera. The Bearings tool icon glows when a vision is in range.
- Hold R2/RT to focus the scan reticle on the anchor.
- Hold the prompt button when it appears. The vision plays — usually 4–6 seconds.
Reading the vision
- POV character. Tells you whose death gate is being warned of.
- Setting. Often the location of the future scene — match it to your walkthrough.
- Object held. Frequently the wrong choice in the upcoming branch.
Episode-by-episode count
| Episode | Premonitions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Tutorial scan + bonus. |
| 2 | 2 | One on the ridge climb. |
| 3 | 2 | One in air-duct. |
| 4 | 2 | Both in med-bay. |
| 5 | 2 | Cargo bay only. |
| 6 | 6 | Comm-tower density chapter. |
| 7 | 1 | Final pickup. |
| 8 | 0 | No new pickups in finale. |
FAQ
What are Bearings in Directive 8020?
Bearings is the in-game name for Directive 8020's premonition system. Brianna can scan environmental anchor-points to receive flash-forward visions warning of upcoming deaths or branch points.
How many Bearings premonitions are there?
Seventeen across the campaign. Episode 6 is the densest chapter with six in a single climb.
Do Bearings change the ending?
Yes. Ending A requires you to scan ≥ 14 premonitions and pick 'Believe' in the Episode 6 monologue. Otherwise the system locks behind a slimmer ending tree.