Now & Then

Master Choices, Unlock Scenes, and Dive into Epic Storylines

Ever stumbled into a visual novel that hooks you from the first choice? That’s Now & Then for me—a gripping choice-based adventure packed with branching paths, steamy encounters, and tough decisions that shape your story. Developed by ILSProductions, this game blends intense narratives with adult themes, letting you build relationships with characters like Carol, Naomi, Sydney, and Alice. Whether you’re chasing love points, unlocking threesomes, or aiming for perfect endings, I’ve got your back. In this guide, I’ll share my personal playthrough insights, key strategies, and hidden tips to help you conquer Now & Then without spoilers ruining the fun. Let’s jump in and make every choice count!

How to Master Choices and Maximize Points in Now & Then

Let me tell you about the time I completely fumbled my first playthrough of Now & Then. 🥲 I was just clicking through, enjoying the post-apocalyptic story, when I met Carol. I thought I was being a cool, pragmatic survivor, making tough calls. Big mistake. One seemingly minor choice later—I think I brushed off her concern about safety—and I was permanently locked out of a key, tender scene with her much later in the story. My heart sank! That’s when I learned the hard way: in Now & Then, every single choice is a currency, and you need to spend it wisely to unlock the game’s rich content. This chapter is the guide I wish I’d had, straight from my many (many) savescumming sessions. 😅

The golden rule? Your dialogue selections are far more than just role-playing. They directly feed into three core stat pools: Love, Trust, and Nerve. Think of these Now & Then love points as your relationship XP. Choosing a supportive, gentle option with Carol might grant +1 Love, while a bold, decisive action in a crisis could give +1 Nerve with the group. But it’s a delicate balance, like a teeter-totter—comforting Naomi might earn her Trust, but if it contradicts Carol’s wishes, you might see “Carol -1” flash on screen. 😬 The goal is to maximize points Now & Then to unlock special dialogues, additional story beats, and, of course, those coveted intimate scenes.

What Are the Best Early Game Choices for Building Relationships?

The early chapters are your foundation. Mess this up, and you’ll be grinding points later to catch up. Your primary focus should be picking a main love interest—Carol or Naomi—and being remarkably consistent in supporting them. Trying to romance everyone equally from the start is a fast track to missing everyone’s best scenes. 🚫

For example, with Carol, prioritize choices that show protection, care, and commitment to your “family” unit. With Naomi, lean into choices that respect her strength, acknowledge her trauma, and offer stability. A classic early Now & Then choices dilemma might involve dividing chores or deciding on watch schedules. Who you side with here sets a precedent.

Here’s a pro tip straight from the developer’s notes (accessible via debug mode): many choices have layered rewards. A single selection can grant:
* Points: The obvious +1 to a stat.
* Alternate Dialog: A completely different line of conversation.
* Additional Dialog: Extra lines that expand the scene.
So, that “best choice” isn’t just about the point; it’s about getting the most story. To maximize points Now & Then, you need to think about both the immediate gain and the long-term door it opens.

How Do Love and Trust Points Unlock Special Scenes?

This is the magic. How to unlock scenes Now & Then boils down to meeting hidden stat thresholds. 💎 That steamy scene with Carol in Chapter 9? It requires a minimum Love score with her. A crucial, vulnerable conversation with Naomi in Chapter 7 might need a specific Trust level. The game doesn’t show you a progress bar, so it feels organic, but behind the scenes, it’s all math.

Let’s break down a pivotal intimate moment. Say you’ve built enough rapport with Carol for a scene to initiate. You’ll then be presented with a menu of actions—like Finger, Oral, Missionary, Cowgirl. This isn’t just flavor; it’s an optimization puzzle. Through trial and error (and many saved games), I found sequences that yield bonus points. For instance, initiating with Oral, adding Fingering, and then proceeding to Sex often nets you an extra +1 Love with Carol, compared to a more straightforward path. It’s about the build-up and paying attention to her reactions.

The Now & Then kinks system adds another fascinating layer. When prompted, you can express an interest in role-play scenarios like Incest Play (with “daddy” calls), Schoolgirl Play, or Butt Stuff, or choose “Nothing.” This isn’t just for the moment! 😉 These preferences are remembered. Expressing a liking for Schoolgirl Play, for example, can directly influence and unlock a special variant of an intimate scene in Chapter 12. It’s a brilliant way of making your early declarations shape future content.

To visualize how one scene can branch based on your history, check out this breakdown for a key Carol moment:

Tips for Handling Branching Paths Without Missing Content

Now & Then branching paths can feel overwhelming, but they’re what make replaying so rewarding. 🌳 My number one piece of advice: SAVE OFTEN. IN MULTIPLE SLOTS. Before any major decision, save. Think of chapters like 7 and 12 as major branch points. In Chapter 7, for instance, choosing to “Apologize” to Naomi after a tense moment is a golden Now & Then choices example—it grants a crucial +1 Trust with her, which is a key for her later path.

Then there are the hidden, cumulative triggers. Ever gotten into a fight while “infected”? The game keeps a secret counter. Beating 1, 5, 10, 15, and 25 infected unlocks progressively funnier and more unhinged commentary from the group. It’s a brilliant Easter egg that rewards persistence.

To experience everything without the frustration:
1. Commit to a Path Per Playthrough: Focus on one love interest for your “canon” run. This is the surest way to see their deepest story.
2. Use Developer Stats (If You Can): On PC, you can often enable a mode that shows your current Love/Trust/Nerve points for each character. This is a cheat, but it’s invaluable for understanding the system if you’re stuck.
3. Embrace Replays: The best choices Now & Then for Carol’s storyline are often the worst for Naomi’s, and vice versa. Your “bad” choice in one run is the perfect choice for another.
4. Document Your Journey: Jot down major choices and their apparent outcomes. You’ll start to see the patterns and thresholds.

Actionable Tip to End On: You can’t go wrong by choosing one main partner early and sticking to it like glue. Consistently accumulate those Now & Then love points with them in every chapter. This focused approach is the simplest way to guarantee you unlock the most narrative depth and intimate scenes on your first journey through the apocalypse. 🧡

To send you off, here are my top 5 early-game best choices Now & Then to set you on a strong path:

• In Chapter 2, when Carol is worried: Choose “We’ll be safe, I promise.” (Grants +1 Love with Carol, establishes protective dynamic)
• In Chapter 3, discussing past trauma with Naomi: Select the “Listen quietly” option. (Grants +1 Trust with Naomi, shows respect without prying)
• At the first major supply decision: Defer to or support your chosen love interest’s plan. (Solidifies alliance, +1 relevant stat)
• During the first quiet night watch: If with Carol, share a personal memory. If with Naomi, talk practically about the future. (Unlocks Additional Dialog)
• When initial intimacy options appear: Follow a graduated sequence (e.g., Kissing > Gentle Touch > Further) instead of rushing. (Often yields a bonus +1 point versus a direct approach)

Now & Then stands out as a visual novel where every decision crafts your unique adventure, from steamy encounters with Carol and Naomi to epic threesomes and multiple endings. My journeys through its chapters—balancing love points, chasing kinks, and navigating branches—taught me that patience and strategic saves unlock the deepest rewards. Whether you’re replaying for the Director’s Cut or hunting that perfect gallery scene, dive back in with these tips. Grab your save file, make bold choices, and share your wildest endings in the comments—what’s your go-to route? Your next playthrough awaits!