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Episode 3: Shadows - Complete Walkthrough

Uncover hidden conspiracies and face moral dilemmas. Your decisions shape the final chapters.

By Walkthrough Team
Published: January 10, 2024
Last Updated: November 6, 2024
25 min read

âš ī¸ Spoiler Warning

This walkthrough contains detailed story information for Episode 3. Proceed with caution if you prefer blind playthroughs.

📋 Episode Overview

Episode Stats

  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Missions: 7 main, 4 optional
  • Key Decisions: 12 major choices
  • Unlockable Heroes: 3

Episode Goals

  • Investigate the Shadow Syndicate
  • Navigate complex moral choices
  • Secure endgame positioning
  • Prepare for finale episodes

🌐 Maximum Complexity Notice

Episode 3 represents the peak narrative complexity in Dispatch. Your previous choices create dramatically different experiences:

Path Variants

4 major story branches based on Episodes 1-2 choices

Mission Pool

15+ possible missions, 7-8 accessible per playthrough

Ending Impact

3 major endings locked/unlocked based on Episode 3 choices

Act 1: Dark Revelations

Choice #1: The Informant Dilemma

Context:

A former villain offers critical intelligence about the Shadow Syndicate in exchange for immunity. The Chief opposes this deal. Your choice affects investigation depth and moral standing.

Option A: Accept the Deal

Effect: Gain detailed intelligence, unlock hidden missions
Consequence: -10 with Chief, strain with law enforcement
Long-term: "Pragmatic Commander" reputation, easier investigations
✅ Recommended for Path B players - Aligns with strategic approach

Option B: Refuse and Investigate Independently

Effect: Maintain moral high ground, +10 with Chief
Consequence: Harder investigation path, delayed information
Long-term: "Principled Leader" reputation, hero respect

Option C: Negotiate Middle Ground (Requires Negotiation 60+)

Effect: Partial immunity deal with oversight
Consequence: Moderate intel access, neutral political stance
Unlock: Requires high team negotiation skills
â„šī¸ Best outcome if available - Balances all factors

🔍 Investigation System Unlocked

Episode 3 introduces the Investigation Board - a dynamic system for tracking leads and uncovering the conspiracy.

How It Works

  • Complete missions to gather Evidence Points (EP)
  • Spend EP to unlock Investigation Nodes on the board
  • Each node reveals story information and may unlock new missions
  • Complete nodes to progress toward the truth about the Shadow Syndicate
  • Some endings require specific investigation paths

Act 2: Deep Cover Operations

đŸŽ¯ Key Mission: Infiltration

Mission Overview

Infiltrate a Shadow Syndicate gathering to gather intelligence. This mission has multiple approaches and can drastically change based on your hero composition and previous choices.

Combat Approach

Required: Strength 25+
Risk: High
Intel: Limited
Outcome: Direct confrontation

Stealth Approach

Required: Stealth 22+, Tech 18+
Risk: Medium
Intel: Maximum
Outcome: Remain undetected

Social Approach

Required: Negotiation 20+, Investigation 15+
Risk: Low-Medium
Intel: High + Contacts
Outcome: Undercover success

✅ Optimal Strategy

Stealth Approach yields the most valuable intelligence (5 EP) and unlocks the "Mole" character questline. Recommended team: Shadow (Stealth), Cipher (Tech), Oracle (Support).

Mission Variety: Episode 3 contains 7 main missions with 3-4 approach options each. All missions contribute to the Investigation Board. Optimal completion requires strategic hero deployment, resource management, and choosing missions that align with your endgame goals.

Act 3: The Truth Revealed

⚡

CRITICAL CHOICE: The Final Revelation

Context:

You discover the true mastermind behind the Shadow Syndicate - someone close to the operation. This revelation forces an impossible choice that determines which endings you can access.

Option A: Expose the Truth Publicly

Effect: Maximum transparency, public trust
Consequence: Political chaos, powerful enemies
Endings Unlocked: "Justice Prevails", "Reformer"
Endings Locked: "Shadows Remain", "Compromise"

Option B: Handle It Quietly

Effect: Maintain stability, political capital
Consequence: Secret keeping, moral compromise
Endings Unlocked: "Shadows Remain", "Compromise", "Strategic Victory"
Endings Locked: "Justice Prevails"

Option C: Let the Team Decide (Requires Relationship 70+ with all heroes)

Effect: Democratic decision, team unity
Consequence: Outcome varies based on team composition
Endings Unlocked: "United Front" (exclusive), plus others based on vote
✅ Best ending potential - Requires excellent relationship management
❗ This is the MOST important decision in the game:
  • â€ĸ Determines which endings are accessible in Episode 5
  • â€ĸ Cannot be changed after Episode 3
  • â€ĸ Affects hero loyalty and team dynamics in Episodes 4-5
  • â€ĸ Influences final reputation and legacy

Episode Conclusion & Setup

Preparing for Episodes 4 & 5

Episode 3 concludes with the Shadow Syndicate investigation resolved, but new threats emerging. Your handling of the conspiracy sets the stage for the final confrontations.

Critical Factors to Consider:
  • Final revelation choice (determines ending pool)
  • Investigation Board completion percentage
  • Hero relationships and available roster
  • Political standing and reputation
Endgame Preparation:
  • Level heroes to 15+ for Episode 4 challenges
  • Secure alliances or independence path
  • Complete optional missions for unique items
  • Review relationship screen for weak points