High engineering skill opens doors — literally. It unlocks new routes, better rewards, and the ability to overcome challenges that would otherwise halt your progress.
With the right androids, upgrades, and strategies, you’ll ensure that no path is closed to you in Chapter Two and beyond. Whether you’re experimenting on your first timeline or perfecting your approach, this guide will equip you for success.

High engineering skill is essential for unlocking routes in Chapter Two and beyond. Some paths demand as much as 410 engineering, creating significant obstacles for unprepared players. This guide provides a clear path to help you reach the required skill levels.

If you’re not focusing entirely on engineering in your first timeline, don’t worry. The strongest way to progress into Chapter Three is through Final Doom, which you can unlock by completing The Revelation after either exhausting all goal routes or finishing two goals.

This approach allows you to uncover engineering boosts naturally and enjoy the narrative advantages along the way. If you’re revisiting the game or want specific guidance to optimize your run, this guide will show you exactly where to start.

1. Maximize Additional CPUs:Additional CPUs provide the largest boosts to engineering skill. Make these a top priority for augmenting your androids.
   
2. Choose the Right Android:Both the Raven and the Technician androids can excel at engineering-focused strategies, but the Raven’s greater augment potential makes it the stronger choice.

Not all androids are created equal when it comes to engineering. Here’s how they compare:

• Technician: Starts with 205 engineering and 2 augment slots. A solid choice but often outpaced by the Raven.
  
• Raven: Starts with 90 engineering and 2 augment slots. Despite a weaker start, it has the best potential for long-term engineering gains.
  
• Senior Technician: Starts with 70 engineering and 2 augment slots. Too weak for most engineering-focused runs.
  
• PMC Imposters: Can achieve decent engineering but aren’t ideal for this strategy.
  
• Other Androids: Most other androids lack the engineering potential to reach necessary skill levels.

Each Additional CPU provides +60 engineering skill as a baseline:

• A Technician with two CPUs reaches 325 engineering.
  
• A Raven with two CPUs reaches 210 engineering.

If you assist the AGI Researchers instead of killing them, you’ll unlock a contemplation titled “The AGI Researchers Want to Study You.” This contemplation offers four options, two of which provide significant engineering boosts.

This contemplation appears when building a liquid metal unit or mimic. It can be triggered in several ways:

• Making contact with the wastelanders.
  
• Following the “Is It Justice?” route.

Completing this contemplation provides a strong engineering boost.

After engaging with the wastelanders and building their mythical nemesis, you’ll unlock the contemplation “Organometallic Form.” This allows you to begin crafting Mimics, gaining substantial engineering skill along the way.