Back to the Dawn: Bob or Thomas – Who Should You Play First?

Jul 21

Written by Alec Blackwood | Back to the Dawn

In Back to the Dawn, you choose between two main characters, Bob or Thomas. Both offer entirely different stories, mechanics, and escape paths. The best strategy depends on your playstyle, and whether you want raw power or investigative freedom. Here's a full breakdown to help you decide who to start with and why it matters.

Character Comparison

Bob (Undercover Cop)

Bob the panther is strong, fast, and built for action. He solves problems with fists, brute force, and tactical choices. His mission is to gather intelligence, keep his identity hidden, and complete his undercover operation before time runs out.

Starts with higher Strength and Agility
Learns crafting and stealth routes faster
Easier access to brute-force solutions and gang alliances
Missions focus on gang infiltration, internal corruption, and law enforcement leads
Deadlines revolve around completing your operation, not escaping

Best for players who want:
Fast progress, simpler fights, escape through strength or sewer routes, combat over dialogue.

Thomas (Framed Journalist)

Thomas the fox is a talker, not a fighter. His skills center around Charisma, Intelligence, and subterfuge. He’s out to uncover the truth, expose the corruption that framed him, and possibly escape (or clear his name).

Starts with higher Charisma and Intelligence
Learns social skills, disguise, and hacking faster
More escape options and secret areas unlocked via skills
Can romance Beth, infiltrate factions, or build legal support
Time limit is tied to the mayor’s election

Best for players who want:
Dialogue, hacking, stealth, layered storytelling, multiple endings, and investigative routes.

Story and Tone

Bob’s Route

Tighter, more direct narrative
Involves prison gangs, covert ops, and physical escape routes
More locked content behind gang faction choices
Less emotional depth, more action-focused

Thomas’s Route

Broader story, more subplots
Involves politics, media manipulation, and social systems
Can build relationships and explore the prison’s deeper systems
More endings, more escape routes, more freedom

Difficulty and Replay Value

Bob is easier for first-time players. His strength makes fights easier and he can succeed with fewer allies.
Thomas requires planning, skill checks, and knowledge of the game’s systems. His routes are deeper but more demanding.

If you plan to play Back to the Dawn more than once, start with Bob to learn the layout and systems. Then replay as Thomas for full story depth and alternate outcomes.

Female Character Interaction

Only Thomas can pursue Maggie, his ex-girlfriend. Both Bob and Thomas can romance Beth through the infirmary route by raising Rapport. Romance options are shallow but offer gameplay perks like healing access and story advancement. Beth’s birthday code can be used for a specific escape if Rapport is high enough.

System Mastery and Memory Recall

Both Bob and Thomas benefit from the Memory Recall system, which allows limited rewinds within 24 in-game hours. Thomas’s route often uses this more effectively, due to his complex puzzle paths. Bob can brute force through most blocks without needing to rewind.

Escape Options

Bob

Sewer route via crafting and brute force
Combat-focused paths
Gangs and direct missions

Thomas

Infirmary code route (Beth’s birthday)
Legal escape, disguise, or influence routes
Multiple hidden exits based on Rapport and skills

Final Blurb

Choose Bob for power, speed, and a simpler introduction. Choose Thomas for depth, secrets, and story variety. Back to the Dawn rewards multiple playthroughs, so whichever you pick first, the second run will offer a totally new path.

FAQ

Who is better for first playthroughs?

Bob. His strength and simpler missions are better for learning the game.

Which character has more endings?

Thomas. He has more escape routes, subplots, and skill-based options.

Can both characters romance Beth?

Yes. Raise Rapport to 60, confess feelings, and use her treatment plan.

Does Thomas have combat options?

Yes, but he’s weaker. Most solutions come through stealth, charm, or hacking.

Do both have a 21-day limit?

Yes. Bob’s deadline is mission-related. Thomas’s is tied to the mayor election.

Is Thomas harder?

Yes. He requires more planning, skill checks, and map knowledge.

Can I see all content in one run?

No. Bob and Thomas have unique quests, characters, and routes. You must play both.