In the immersive narrative experience of Road 96, players face countless decisions and interactions over a gripping seven-hour journey. Particularly when it comes to ensuring the survival of key characters during the climactic election day events, the choices can be overwhelming.
One central character is John, affectionately dubbed “Papa Bear.”He blends a complex backstory involving the notorious Black Brigades with a nurturing dynamic towards Alex, and a budding romance with Fanny. However, your choices throughout the game are pivotal, as missteps can lead to John’s tragic fate during the chaos of election day. Below is a comprehensive guide outlining the necessary steps to save John.
Updated on January 29, 2025, by Emily Stander: Following the addition of Road 96 to Xbox Game Pass, this guide has been revised to provide new insights and strategies to ensure John’s survival.
Warning: Spoilers for Road 96 are included in this guide!
How to Save John
Your first critical choice in securing John’s safety is advocating for change through voting. Throughout the game, your dialogue selections can significantly impact the story’s trajectory. Opt to support Florres’s election, as this decision aligns with a more favorable outcome for John.
Additionally, consider vandalizing Tyrak’s election posters discreetly—this action can also contribute to achieving a peaceful election ending. However, ensure you’re not caught, as failing to remain hidden can lead to complications.
Choosing the paths of “ignore”or “revolution”will result in John’s demise at Fanny’s hands. Prioritize influencing John toward a peaceful resolution and, if the opportunity arises, guide the Black Brigades to abandon violent methods. This will heighten his chances of survival.
Equally important is your influence over Alex during the game. It’s crucial that Alex refrains from constructing a bomb, as doing so could lead to tragic consequences for both him and John, notwithstanding achieving a peaceful election result.
How to Save Alex
To protect Alex and, by extension, safeguard John, you must dissuade him from building the bomb intended for the Black Brigades. During the ‘Too Young to Die’ chapter, you’ll encounter John agitatedly arguing over the phone, which presents an opportunity to intervene.
Engage with the surrounding characters at the gas station before eavesdropping on John’s call. Afterward, you’ll find Alex sitting on a bench offering food and a chance to rest in his truck. During your conversation, John will reveal his concerns about Alex’s bombardment assignment, setting the stage for you to persuade Alex via CB radio.
How to Stop Alex From Building The Bomb
Engaging Alex through the right dialogue choices during your CB conversation is crucial. Failing to do so can lead to John’s tragic fate. Here’s the order of dialogue choices to successfully convince Alex not to proceed with the bomb:
- Uh… hello?
- Someone who knows John.
- Yes he is.
- Can we talk a sec?
- Because John cares about you.
- Don’t hang up!
- Can’t you see that Robert’s using you?
- You have so much potential, Alex.
- John, tell him about his parents!
- Start with their names!
- It’s working! Keep going!
- But what about Robert?
Following this conversation, Alex will decide against building the bomb. This decision is reaffirmed in the ‘Short Circuit’ chapter, where you’ll encounter Alex attempting to dismantle a bomb he created, provided you’ve successfully navigated ‘Too Young to Die’ first.
It’s worth noting that even if you persuade Alex, the Black Brigades will still manufacture a bomb leading up to the election. This development is unavoidable, as Robert has decided on this course from the outset.
Reaching The End
Assuming your selections throughout the journey favor the “election”ending, you should be on track to save John. However, expect to face capture until election day, irrespective of your chosen path. Following your escape, pursue John, who will be engaged in a tense situation involving Alex and the bomb.
John will need your assistance to input a code that defuses the bomb, averting potential tragedy. Successfully doing this will protect John from Fanny’s violence and solidify their bond with Alex. In this resolution, the three characters can forge a newfound family, allowing you to choose between championing freedom in Road 96 or prioritizing your own safety. If you aim to safeguard Zoe and all major characters facing peril, opting to join the resistance is vital.
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