Last Updated on Oct 20, 2025 @ 13:29:36 PM.
Atomfall is the British Fallout, and it has a slew of mechanics that’ll feel very inspired by its US cousin, one of which is slowing down time. While you can’t slow down time whenever you’d like, you can when using a bow and arrow, and when you’re aiming at a fast-moving enemy, it’s paramount you make every second counts. We explain everything below!
How to Slow Down Time in Atomfall
Like anything in Atomfall, you’ll be able to slow down time simply by learning it as a skill, although getting and using that skill isn’t that easy.
To be able to learn skills in Atomfall, you have to have the correct amount of Training Stimulants, as well as the skill itself unlocked, which is done by finding the correct Manual. These Manuals can be picked up in a number of places, but for the sake of this particular skill, we have everything below.
To be able to slow down time in Atomfall, you need the following:
- Six Training Stimulants for the Skill ‘Bow Focus’ – These can be found in the large yellow B.A.R.D. boxes scattered throughout the world.
- Bow Mastery Manual – One copy can be found on a box outside the main keep of the Castle Ruins in Casterfell Woods. Make sure you learn it, don’t just pick it up.
Once you have the above, go to the skills menu and purchase ‘Bow Focus‘, the skill that will allow you to slow down time. However, you can only do this when hard-aiming with your bow, not randomly with any other weapon.
To activate it, all you need to do is aim down the sights with your bow, press L3, and there you go. Time has slowed; you can pick your shot, be it an encroaching enemy or an unaware villain, and continue on with your adventure.
If you do find yourself in the Castle Ruins of Casterfell Woods, you’ll also want to check out the Excalibur Easter Egg, as Rebellion included a pretty impressive (and easily missed) nod to one of Britain’s most iconic pieces of folklore history.
For more Thumb Wars Gaming coverage, check out our Atomfall review, or how long it’ll take you to beat the game.
Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
