Directive 8020, Supermassive Games’ intense sci-fi horror experience in The Dark Pictures Anthology series, features complex branching narratives where one wrong decision can lead to crew deaths. The “This Steak’s Raw” trophy is a Bronze achievement that rewards players for keeping specific characters alive through a dangerous experiment sequence. This detailed guide covers every required choice, location, and decision to unlock it reliably, perfect for completionists and Platinum hunters.
What Is the “This Steak’s Raw” Trophy?
Trophy Description: Mitchell and Anders survived the experiment unharmed.
This missable Bronze trophy unlocks in Episode 5 during the “Under Pressure” chapter if both Mitchell and Anders make it through the lab experiment without injury or death. It ties directly into earlier system management decisions that determine whether critical safety features (like fire suppression) remain operational.
Key Facts:
- Trophy Type: Bronze
- Difficulty: Medium (requires precise early-game choices)
- Missable: Yes
- Chapter Focus: Episode 2 (Power Games & Pursuit) + Episode 5 (Under Pressure)
- Recommended Mode: Explorer (Turning Points for corrections)
- Unlock Rate: Very low at launch due to hidden prerequisites
The trophy name cleverly references the raw, high-stakes nature of the experiment—fail the setup, and things get “well done” in the worst way.
Why Preparation in Episode 2 Is Critical
The experiment in Episode 5 relies on the ship’s fire suppressant system being active. Poor power decisions in Episode 2 disable safety protocols, leading to catastrophic failures that harm or kill Mitchell and Anders.
Step-by-Step Guide: All Correct Choices for “This Steak’s Raw”
Episode 2 – Power Games (Foundation Setup)
This is the most important section for the trophy.
- Progress to the Power Games chapter in Episode 2.
- Reach the power allocation or redistribution panel/objective.
- Choose to Deactivate / Redirect power away from the Landing Computer (instead of prioritizing other systems).
Why this matters: Keeping power routed correctly maintains the fire suppressant system. Redirecting away from landing systems preserves emergency protocols needed later.
Episode 2 – Pursuit (Restore Fire Control)
Later in the same episode:
- During the Pursuit sequence, Simms deactivates or interferes with the Fire Control system.
- Avoid or deal with Simms as needed, then interact with the panel to restore the Fire Control system.
This step is non-negotiable. Skipping it almost guarantees the experiment goes wrong in Episode 5.
Additional Episode 2 Tip: Make a manual save before major power decisions. Explorer mode allows rewinding via Turning Points if you make a mistake.
Episode 5 – Sedation and Experiment Prep (Supportive Path)
The path to a safe experiment often overlaps with other trophies like “Is This Decaf?” (sedating Williams).
- Create the sedative (Diazepam) successfully.
- Support or agree to sedate Williams when the option arises with Anders.
This keeps the crew dynamics stable heading into the lab scene.
Episode 5 – Under Pressure (The Experiment)
This is the payoff chapter:
- Reach the experiment/lab sequence involving Mitchell and Anders.
- When the critical moment arrives (fire or pressure-related crisis), choose to Save Anders.
- Successfully complete all associated QTEs, button prompts, and door interactions without failing.
If the fire suppressant system is active and you make the right rescue choice, both characters survive unharmed, and the trophy pops shortly after.
Pro Tip: Stay calm during QTEs—failing even one near the end can injure a character and void the trophy.
Full Prerequisite Checklist
| Episode & Chapter | Required Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Ep 2: Power Games | Deactivate Landing Computer | Keeps fire suppressant active |
| Ep 2: Pursuit | Restore Fire Control panel | Counters Simms’ interference |
| Ep 5: Prep | Create sedative & support sedation | Stabilizes experiment conditions |
| Ep 5: Under Pressure | Choose Save Anders + succeed QTEs | Direct survival choice |
| Crash Sequence (if applicable) | Sit Down (related safety) | Minor supporting choice |
Common Mistakes That Lock You Out
- Prioritizing the Landing Computer in Power Games (disables safety systems).
- Ignoring the Fire Control panel after Simms.
- Aggressive or unsupportive choices with Anders earlier.
- Failing QTEs in the experiment scene.
- Playing on Movie Night mode without full control.
Many players report unlocking this trophy only on their second or third playthrough after learning the Episode 2 power puzzle.
Best Strategies for Trophy Hunters
Explorer Mode is Essential: Turning Points let you rewind to Episode 2 decisions without restarting the entire game.
Combine Trophies: This path aligns well with sedating Williams (“Is This Decaf?”) and positive relationship branches. Aim for a “save everyone” run on your main playthrough.
Manual Saves: Save before power allocation and before the Episode 5 experiment.
Story Tree Review: After unlocking, use the Story Tree to confirm branches for future cleanup.
Survival Mode Considerations: For related trophies, note that “This Steak’s Raw” contributes to crew survival endings.
How “This Steak’s Raw” Fits Into the Bigger Picture
This trophy highlights Directive 8020’s clever interconnected systems. Early technical decisions (power, fire control) directly impact late-game human drama. It rewards observant players who treat the Cassiopeia’s systems as living parts of the story rather than background.
Surviving the experiment also provides deeper lore insights and alters character dialogue in later episodes, increasing replay value.
Additional Tips for Episode 2 & 5 Success
- Explore thoroughly for crew messages and environmental clues—they often hint at optimal system choices.
- Maintain balanced relationships with Anders and Mitchell leading into Episode 5.
- Adjust brightness and sound settings for better visibility during tense lab sequences.
- For Platinum runs, secure this trophy early, then use Chapter Select for death-related achievements.
Conclusion: Keep Them Alive Through the Fire
Unlocking “This Steak’s Raw” in Directive 8020 requires foresight in Episode 2’s Power Games (deactivate Landing Computer) and Pursuit (restore Fire Control), followed by the correct rescue choice (Save Anders) in Episode 5’s Under Pressure sequence. With the fire suppressant system online and quick reflexes on QTEs, Mitchell and Anders will survive the experiment unharmed.
This guide gives you the exact roadmap to avoid a charred outcome. Save it, load Explorer mode, and protect your crew—one precise decision at a time.
Whether you’re chasing Platinum or just want the full narrative experience, mastering these choices makes Directive 8020 even more rewarding. Good luck, Commander—the experiment awaits
