Atomic Heart throws you into a thrilling world where humanity coexists (uneasily) with advanced robots.  Scattered throughout the Facility 3826 complex are Testing Grounds – hidden areas designed to test the capabilities of these robots. Testing Ground 9 is one such area, offering a challenging puzzle and rewarding loot for the determined explorer.

This guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate Testing Ground 9, solve its mind-bending puzzle, and claim the valuable resources within.

Locating Testing Ground 9

Testing Ground 9 can be found in the southwestern portion of the VDNH: Grounds map. Look for a small, circular building with a red banner and a star.  This seemingly ordinary structure holds the entrance to the Testing Ground.

Alternative Entry Point:  If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s another way into Testing Ground 9.  Head to the nearby river and locate an underwater grate.  This leads to a flooded tunnel that connects to the Testing Ground’s lower levels.  Be prepared to face Sprouts (hostile plant-like creatures)  wading through this watery passage.

Power Up for the Challenge

Before venturing into Testing Ground 9, ensure you’re adequately prepared:

Upgrade Your Gear: This Testing Ground throws mutant enemies and environmental hazards at you. Upgrade your weapons and armor to ensure you can handle the challenge.

Stock Up on Resources: Gather health potions and ammo before entering. The Testing Ground offers limited resources, so come prepared.

Shok Ability: Having the Shok ability unlocked from your character skill tree is crucial for solving the main puzzle within Testing Ground 9.

Navigating the Depths: A Multi-Floored Challenge

Testing Ground 9 is a multi-level facility. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas you’ll encounter:

Entrance Level: Upon entering, you’ll find yourself in a small office space. Save your game at the conveniently located machine and grab any supplies you might have missed.

Sewers: Descend a ladder to find yourself in a network of dark, dank sewers. Expect Sprouts and other hostile creatures lurking in the shadows. Carefully navigate the tunnels, and you’ll eventually reach a doorway requiring a security card to unlock.

Optional Loot: If you explore the sewer tunnels further, you might find hidden stashes containing valuable resources and crafting materials. Keep your eyes peeled for nooks and crannies!

Control Room: Hack the door in the sewer tunnels to gain access to a control room. Here, you’ll find a box containing Candles, which will be instrumental in solving the Testing Ground’s main puzzle.

The Candlelit Challenge: A Test of Logic

The core challenge of Testing Ground 9 revolves around manipulating a series of candle-lit platforms. Here’s how to conquer it:

The Observation Room:  Head back up from the control room and enter the office space on the left.  Use your Shok ability to activate a device overlooking a large chamber with several metal platforms.  These platforms are controlled by the placement of Candles.

Candle Placement:  You’ll see five Candle holders in this chamber, but only two lit Candles (Candles A and B)  initially.  Here’s the solution:

1.Place Candle A in Holder A.

2.Jump onto the platform controlled by Holder A.

3.Use Telekinesis to grab Candle A from its holder and place it in Holder C.

4.The platform controlled by Holder C will rise, allowing you to access the platform controlled  by Holder B.

5.Use Telekinesis to grab Candle B and place it in Holder A.

6.The platform controlled by Holder A will rise again, granting you access to the final platform.

Reaching the Top:  The final platform leads to a ladder that takes you to the upper level of the chamber.  Congratulations!  You’ve solved the core puzzle.

Claiming Your Reward: The Spoils of Testing Ground 9

Having conquered the candlelit challenge, you’ve earned your reward.  Here’s what awaits you:

Bronze Lootyagin: This chest contains various crafting materials and resources to enhance your gear.

Silver Lootyagin: This chest offers rarer crafting materials and potentially new weapon schematics.

Gold Lootyagin: The grand prize! This chest contains high-tier crafting materials, powerful weapon upgrades, or even unique weapon schematics.

FAQs

Stuck on Testing Ground 9 in Atomic Heart? Don’t worry, this guide will equip you with everything you need to conquer this challenging area.

Finding Testing Ground 9: Where Do I Begin?

Head southwest of the Kollektiv Complex in the VDNH: Grounds area. Look for a small, dilapidated town on your map.

Access Denied: How Do I Open the Door?

The entrance to Testing Ground 9 is blocked by a locked door. The key doesn’t lie within the town itself.  Here’s the secret:

1.Dive Deep: Locate the underwater sewer grate on the east side of the town. Take a refreshing (and monster-filled) swim down.

2.Tunnel Vision: Navigate the sewer tunnels, dealing with any lurking mutants. You’ll find another exit leading upwards, likely with more company.

3.Boiler Room Blues: Follow the path until you reach a locked control room. Inside, you’ll find a box of Candles – grab them, they’ll be crucial later.

4.Camera Ready: Backtrack slightly and find a room with a large metal door controlled by a camera system. Use your camera to unlock it, granting access to Testing Ground 9.

Testing Time: What Awaits Inside?

Welcome to the real challenge! Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll encounter:

Save Point Sanctuary: Take a breather and utilize the Save Station and Upgrade Machine at the beginning.

Candlelight Conundrum: The first puzzle involves five Candleholders and two Candles. Use your Shok Glove to reach the high platform and strategically place the Candles in the correct holders to activate platforms and progress.

Looking for Loot?

Testing Ground 9 offers valuable rewards. Keep an eye out for these hidden treasures:

Bronze Lootyagin: Located in the office near the entrance.

Silver Lootyagin: Found in the room following the first puzzle.

Gold Lootyagin: Requires a bit more exploration. Look for a vent you can crawl through after the first puzzle, leading to a hidden room with the Gold Lootyagin.

Need a Visual Guide?

Several resources offer walkthroughs with detailed visuals to help you conquer Testing Ground 9:

IGN Guide: https://www.ign.com/wikis/atomic-heart/Testing_Ground_9

YouTube Walkthrough: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6bTE-i_X5_4

Remember: Patience, exploration, and creative use of your abilities are key to succeeding in Testing Ground 9.  Good luck, P-3!

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