Pathologic 3 stars Daniil Dankovsky a prodigy doctor

Pathologic 3 Is Coming For Your Sanity and Your Save Files

ByMusu Murray

Pathologic 3 has been unleashed onto the public. We’re going to be in charge of solving an outbreak. Daniil Dankovsky is an arrogant medical genius who must diagnose the truth and find a cure for the plague in 12 days. You shouldn’t stumble in your journey. If you do, you can kiss all your hard work and your save files goodbye.

Into the Bachelor’s Shoes

Pathologic 3 has Dr. Daniil Dankovsky as the main protagonist, an arrogant but brilliant doctor
Screenshot of Daniil Dankovsky in Pathologic 3, Courtesy of Musu Murray via Steam

For those new to the lore, Daniil Dankovsky is essentially the polar opposite of the Haruspex. He’s a man of science and a big-city prodigy. He believes he can solve death itself with a microscope and some arrogance. In the original 2005 game, his route was a nightmare of bureaucracy and misunderstanding local traditions. In this new installment, it looks like Ice-Pick Lodge leans heavily into his role as a medical researcher.

Pathologic 3’s Premise

Pathologic 3's Daniil Dankovsky must diagnose patients but not all are forthcoming with the true about their symptoms
Screenshot of Dankovsky’s Patient Notes in Pathologic 3, Courtesy of Musu Murray via Steam

In Pathologic 3, Dankovsky has 12 days to find a cure to the plague that is running rampant in an isolated town. He needs to examine patients, but they aren’t as forthcoming with the truth, making it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. He has the power to keep the masses in line for the greater good, but don’t let that power get to your head. Keep a clear, calculated mind, or else hallucinations start to take control. Made a mistake? Turn back the 12-day clock and fix it to change the future.

Time Travel and Data Files

Pathologic 3 has a 12 day time limit for you to find a cure for the plague
Image of the 12-day Time Clock in Pathologic 3, Courtesy of Musu Murray via Steam

That’s right. Dankovsky has the power of time-travel in Pathologic 3! Using a tool called the Amalgam, he can turn back the clock to one of the previous days to fix a mistake or prevent his death if something goes wrong in the current moment. This ties into the save data of the game, allowing you to travel to a certain point on the day. Of course, this gift comes with a condition.

Here is the detail that has the community sweating. The devs have installed a permadeath mechanic that goes the extra mile. If you die without having the Amalgam, the game gives you a second chance to try again without repercussions. BUT! If you die again without the Amalgam, your data gets wiped, and you’re forced to start over. And I mean, every save file gets nuked, and you’re back to day one with nothing. It. Is. Brutal. But, I also see it as a balance with the consequences of time-travel.

Time Management Intensified in Pathologic 3

A time-travel ability in the hands of an arrogant, immortality-seeking medical practitioner sounds like a recipe for disaster. But, Dankovsky is also a man of science who needs to make a cure for a plague in a town under his full authority. Just like the facts and theories he excels in, you, the player, hold your gaming progress close to your chest. With the permadeath condition, both of you must utilize your ability wisely and be mindful of the decisions you make as you deal with a raging plague and restless people.

Musu Murray is a graduate of Winthrop University with a B.S. in Multidisciplinary Chemistry & B.A. in Illustration Visual Communication. She can understand the technical jargon but prefers writing easy-to-digest reports that get straight to the point. She is a massive horror fan and loves the arts. When she's not writing, you can find her either at her easel desk painting, or bundled up in the dark watching cult classics. From gaming to gardening, she will get her hands on whatever topic she finds.

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