Restricted Area 19. Storm Drain

Structures and Infiltration Points

This is one of the few restricted areas that is almost entirely underground, within the canal storm drain southwest of Palo Alto (close to the “giant computer terminal” playground). Once you figure out the layout; which has three underground entrances from either canals or low marshy ground, you can plan an assault, and use an often-overlooked surface entrance. One potential problem is the lack of escape routes. Fleeing is more difficult, so you may wish to remain within the interior chambers until all of the threats are cleared.

West Drain Entrance

Under the main road, there is a dirt road in a gully. This is the main method of reaching the concrete tunnel entrance. There are good stealth opportunities here, since the wide tunnel makes a right (southeast) turn, with scenery, a vehicle, and possibly a forklift to use as cover.

Southwest Surface Entrance

A concrete substation building exists above and between the west and south drain entrances, and is an excellent infiltration point for those wanting a more sneaky plan of attack. Hop the easily-scaled fence, and hack one of the two doors (which may be locked by an access key). The stairs lead down to one of the interior concrete deck areas (#7) with a side room to unlock for sneaking. Move here during an escape (assuming you have the key to exit, if needed), as this brings you out close to roads and vehicles you can use.

South Drain Entrance

Under the main road, with a rocky outcropping on either side, this entrance can be confused with the west drain, except the tunnel stretches directly northeast once you get inside. There’s a thoroughfare to your left (northwest) once you pass by the scattered scenery and barrels. Don’t overlook the wall vent (3A) on the northwest wall as you enter; this makes RC Jumper maneuvering more stealthy when attempting to find and unlock CCTs, if any appear in your operation.

Northeast Drain Entrance

This is the only entrance at the concrete canal basin that stretches northeast away from the restricted area, with a ramp down from the road above. It offers fewer hiding spots, and most of the interior chambers are on your right (northwest) side when entering. Enemies have a good view of you if you’re trying to escape, and can easily shoot you in the back, so try immediately moving right (southeast) when you’re leaving, so you can climb up the surface ramp.

Main Thoroughfare

This T-shaped drain floor connects all three drain entrances, and it’s important to realize where you are when you enter one of them. Inside, expect scenery, the odd vehicle (to pinpoint and use as means of escape), and many guards patrolling here. Don’t overlook the plentiful supply of gas pipes, junction boxes, and vault transformers to use as distractions or to neutralize foes. Similarly, don’t overlook the motion detectors too (taze or hack them). Can vehicles be driven down here? Yes, but they are usually destroyed and boxed in by immovable scenery.

Raised Storage Room

Once you’re inside this storm drain, an objective is usually residing within this raised storage room with a corridor surrounding it, and the main T-shaped thoroughfare on two sides. Expect the majority of hostiles to be patrolling the thoroughfare, the upper surrounding corridor, or inside the room itself. Aside from the two doors into the room, don’t overlook the ground vents (6A) allowing easy and remote access if there’s a CCT to unlock, or shipments to burn.

Raised Mechanical Deck

At the bottom of the stairs from the surface entrance, and in-between the west and south drain entrances, is this raised mechanical deck, which is open to the northeast corridors, and has a small adjacent storage room (7A) to the northwest, which is good for sneaking through or hiding in. There’s usually a CCT or other objective here, making it a high-traffic area and one that’s well guarded. So approach using the RC Jumper from the ground vent to the southeast (7B), or the surface for a more stealthy approach.