(7) Peaceful solution: Reaching the staircase Deus Ex: HR Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Your next task is reaching the only staircase leading onto level 1. There you can find the room pointed by Pritach. Your next task is reaching the only staircase leading onto level 1. There you can find the room pointed by Pritach as Eliza Cassan's whereabouts.

Map legend: 1 - South room entrance; 2 - Stairs leading onto the upper level.

If you check out the map, you will probably come to a conclusion that the most obvious solution is to go through the biggest south room on level 2. I definitely don't recommend this tactic, as you would have really big problems with avoiding enemies on your way. This path is worth choosing only if you plan on following the shortest path and additionally you have the Cloaking System augmentation. Look for a ventilation shaft entrance on the south wall which you might have already used after blowing through the wall. Choose the path leading south #1 and you will reach the shaft exit on the south room wall #2.

Now you'd have to turn on the camouflage and start manoeuvring between enemies and security cameras #1, successfully moving towards the north-west. Accurately choosing battery recharge places would also be a necessity, as you could be noticed by enemies patrolling the upper balconies. Your goal is reaching the double door #2. You must be very careful, as there's an active security camera above it.

A much better solution is choosing the indirect route, as you will have an easier time dealing with enemies and you will come across many rooms with valuable items inside. For starters I'd suggest taking care of the single guard found in the north lodge (screen above). Afterwards it would be good to check his body, finding a palmtop with orders. A palmtop with identical content can be also find on the desk.

Use the chance and take examine the lodge, checking out the drawers and interacting with two unsecured computer terminals #1. One of them will allow you to turn off the two nearby security cameras #2 which is of course well worth it.

Stay cautious, as the corridor north of the guards lodge is patrolled by a single mercenary #1. Fortunately you don't need to worry about setting off an alarm, as the local camera has been shut down. Stun the guard and use the north stairs leading onto level 3 #2.

Map legend: 1 - Camera control terminals; 2 - Armory; 3 - Stairs leading onto the lower level.

Upon reaching level 3 you will have to stay very cautious, as at the end of the corridor there's a security camera #1. Move very slowly, hiding behind the walls and waiting for the camera to face the other direction. On your way you can check out the west office room #2 to examine a drawer and an unsecured computer terminal. Reading the second message left on the computer will grant you with a login and password combination (login: ltodd, password: titom).

Go out of the room and carefully go BELOW the security camera #1. Right beside there's an armory #2 which you should of course visit.

After reaching the new room, start with interacting with the computer terminal #1. It has a level 4 security, though you can use the recently gained password (titom). Gaining access to the system will let you turn off the camera you passed by just before #2.

Additionally it would be good to hack into the side armory room. The electronic lock #1 has level 4 security, though you can use the combination 1980 which you would "legally" obtain a bit later. Apart from weapons and ammunition, you should also take the precious weapon upgrade from the armory #2.

Go out and head north #1. If you've hacked into the armory computer, you won't need to avoid the camera in this corridor anymore. Carefully approach the door leading onto the balcony on level 3 (Operating Area 3) #2.

Now you can act in two different ways. If you want to reach the current mission objective, carefully head towards the south stairs leading onto level 2 #1 while avoiding both the enemies patrolling the balconies, as well as those on the lower level. After reaching the second level, you should head west #2.

I would definitely recommend to continue exploring the area. Firstly it would be good to take care of two guards on the nearby balconies #1 #2. Keep in mind that their patrol paths cross. Additionally I wouldn't recommend running across the balconies or make any loud noises, as they might be heard by the guard in the room below you.

Only now should you start checking out the rooms, starting with the easternmost one #1. Inside you will find a computer terminal with level 3 security #2. Successfully completing the hacking mini-game will give you a chance to switch off two more security cameras.

The level 3 middle room is a conference hall #1. Check out the drawers there and also search for a palmtop #2 containing the 1980 code for the previously visited armory.

The last room on level 3 is the northernmost one #1. Check out the lockers in which weapons have been hidden #2 and also interact with the unsecured computer terminal.

Now you can focus on reaching level 2. I wouldn't recommend using the northern stairs #1, as it would be harder to deal with the enemies that way. It's much better to choose the southern ones #2.

After reaching downstairs, start by eliminating the guard patrolling the southern part of the big room #1. It will be easier to approach him unnoticed with the cameras off. Otherwise you will have to keep very cautious and choose the attack spot better. Two more enemies are patrolling the north part of the room #2.

If the nearby security camera has been switched off, you will be able to easily surprise both enemies #1 #2. Otherwise you will have to decide on a ranged weapon and make sure their bodies fall out of the camera's sight (or quickly drag them away before the camera turns).

Make sure you've stunned all the enemies and start exploring the room. Just like before, it's worth to dedicate some time on opening the drawer #1 and checking the computer terminals #2. In total, there are five computer in the main room, out of which four require either hacking or giving a password.

In the end take a look around the two small rooms in the area (also on level 2). In the north room #1 search for drawers, watch the Ebook and interact with the unprotected computer terminal. You could also learn the armory code (1980) in this case as well. Inside the southern room (the one beside the stairs) #2 it's worth the open the drawer.

Regardless of the previously chosen methods, your goal is to reach the door located in the south-west corner of level 2, leading to the new staircase (screen above). Depending on your actions thus far, it either might be necessary to avoid the security camera, or you will be able to pass by the switched off camera easily.

Notice! The description of further actions can be found in Step 8 (Reaching the sub-basement).