Captain Akin is the protagonist most often lost on a first playthrough — players who challenge his authority in early chapters arrive at Episode 7 with his trust below the survival threshold. Below is the safe path.
Episode checklist
| Episode | Action |
|---|---|
| EP 1 | Defend Akin in the bridge cold-open — supportive option. +1 trust. |
| EP 3 | Scan Akin FIRST in the quarantine order. +1 trust. |
| EP 4 | Side with Akin (not the crew) during the mutiny seed. +1 trust → +2 ceiling. |
| EP 6 | Listen during Akin's monologue rather than push back. +1. |
| EP 7 | Vote WITH Akin during the bridge confrontation. Defend him verbally twice. |
| EP 8 | Survives automatically if at +1 trust entering Episode 8. |
Trust thresholds
- +1 minimum — passes Episode 7 defence wave automatically.
- +2 — unlocks Ending B (Sacrifice) eligibility.
- 0 or below — Akin dies in Episode 7 regardless of QTE success.
FAQ
Can Captain Akin die in Directive 8020?
Yes. Akin's primary death gate is Episode 7's defence wave — if his trust score is below +1, he fails his door and dies.
How do you save Captain Akin?
Bank trust in Episodes 1, 3, 4 and 6. Then vote with him during the Episode 7 bridge confrontation and defend him verbally twice.
Is Akin required for Ending B?
Yes. Ending B (Sacrifice) requires Akin alive AND at +2 trust through Episode 7. Without him the variant cannot be destroyed in the finale.