FIELD NOTE 02 / SIX BLOCKS TO SUNRISE
Why the biggest gate can be the wrong move
A larger crew counter feels like progress. In Six Blocks to Sunrise, ammo, incoming zombies, rescue points, and the next block can change what that number is worth.
Read the whole equation
Every gate applies its upgrade first. Then ammo stops zombies, one round per zombie. Any zombies left cost one crew member each. A crew multiplier increases crew only; it doesn’t multiply ammo or rescue badges.
Survive all six blocks and your score is remaining crew + 10 per rescue. Run out of crew and the run scores zero. A rescue is earned only if you survive its block, and it contributes to your score only if you finish the run.
Look one choice further
Before choosing, ask three questions: what will I have after this fight, what does the next block demand, and what am I keeping alive for later? Extra crew can make a future multiplier stronger. Ammo can preserve crew through a hard fight. A rescue can be worth pursuing if you can still reach the exit.
The retired interface exposed the whole map through “Plan all six blocks.” There is no timer and no hidden combat randomness. The same challenge and choices produce the same result.
Show the worked example — spoilers for The original
The shelter: ×2 crew or +4?
Start with 10 crew and 6 ammo. Choose B at block 1: add 12 ammo, then spend 8 against zombies. You reach the shelter with 10 crew and 10 ammo.
At block 2, Gate A doubles your crew and sends 14 zombies. Gate B adds 4 crew, sends 4 zombies, and awards one rescue if you survive.
| Choice | Crew | Ammo | Rescues |
|---|---|---|---|
| A: ×2 crew | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| B: +4 crew | 14 | 6 | 1 |
For A: 20 crew, 10 zombies stopped by ammo, then 4 crew lost. For B: 14 crew, 4 ammo spent, and no crew lost. A has more crew immediately; B retains ammo and a rescue.
Keep the next four choices identical
Now play A → B → A → A through blocks 3–6 in both cases:
| Full route | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
BAABAA | Defeated at block 6 | 0 |
BBABAA | 4 crew, 3 rescues | 4 + 30 = 34 |
Other later choices can survive after A at the shelter. This comparison holds them fixed to show why the bigger immediate crew count is insufficient. The 34-point route is a best route on The original; the game checks all 64 route plans.