If you’ve made it to the final episode of Dispatch, you already know that Shroud isn’t the kind of villain who makes anything easy. Just when you think Robert and the Z-Team might finally have the upper hand, Shroud pulls another terrifying move.

This time, he has Robert’s dog, Beef, and he wants the Astral Pulse.

But there’s a twist. Robert has both the real Astral Pulse and a failed prototype, giving players three possible choices. So, what happens if you give Shroud the Prototype? Can you trick him, save Beef, and defeat him without handing over the real device?

Let’s break down every option, what actually happens, and which decision delivers the most satisfying moment in the finale.

What Happens If You Give Shroud the Prototype in Dispatch?

Here’s the short answer: If you give Shroud the Prototype, he recognizes that it’s the fake Astral Pulse, throws it away, and demands the real one.

Robert is forced to hand over the genuine Astral Pulse, which Shroud then uses to power himself up.

Unfortunately, choosing the prototype alone doesn’t fool him or unlock a secret victory. It leads to essentially the same confrontation as giving him the real device from the beginning.

And that’s what makes this choice so frustrating for players who thought they’d found a clever way to outsmart the villain.

Why Does Shroud Want the Astral Pulse?

Shroud’s Plan for Ultimate Power

Throughout Dispatch, Shroud is portrayed as a calculating enemy who wants control and power.

The Astral Pulse is central to his plans because it can dramatically enhance his abilities and empower the Red Ring, his villainous organization.

During the final confrontation, Shroud takes Beef hostage to force Robert into giving him the device.

It’s an especially tense scene because the stakes suddenly become personal. Robert isn’t simply protecting the city anymore. He’s trying to save his dog.

What’s the Difference Between the Prototype and the Real Astral Pulse?

The real Astral Pulse is functional, while the prototype is a failed version of the technology.

That difference matters because the prototype doesn’t deliver the same successful power boost.

Robert hopes he can use the failed device to turn the situation around, but Shroud knows enough about the prototype to anticipate a straightforward trick.

All Three Choices: What Should You Give Shroud?

Option 1: Give Shroud the Real Astral Pulse

Shroud accepts the device, installs it, and gains additional power. He and the Red Ring become more dangerous, leading into the final confrontation.

This is the most straightforward option, but it also means handing the villain exactly what he wants.

Option 2: Give Shroud the Prototype

Shroud immediately recognizes the deception. He discards the prototype, threatens Robert, and forces him to surrender the real Astral Pulse.

If you were hoping the fake device would completely fool him, this choice will probably leave you disappointed.

Option 3: Give Shroud Both

Here’s where things get interesting!

Shroud is forced to choose between the two devices. He picks the failed prototype, and the resulting malfunction makes him and his Red Ring followers violently sick.

For players who want to see Shroud’s arrogance backfire, this is easily one of the most entertaining outcomes.

Why Giving Shroud Both Is the Most Satisfying Choice

Honestly, this might be one of the funniest moments in the entire Dispatch finale.

Shroud spends so much time acting like he’s smarter than everyone else. He believes he can anticipate Robert’s decisions and stay several steps ahead.

But when Robert gives him both devices, that confidence becomes his weakness.

Instead of choosing an obvious real-or-fake answer, Robert creates uncertainty. Shroud has to make the decision himself.

And he chooses wrong.

Watching this supposedly brilliant villain accidentally sabotage himself is an incredible payoff after everything he’s put the Z-Team through.

Does Giving Shroud Both Unlock a Different Ending?

Not exactly.

Giving Shroud both devices changes his immediate reaction and the confrontation scene, but it doesn’t independently determine the game’s main ending.

The later outcome depends much more heavily on Robert’s earlier decisions, especially his relationship with Invisigal.

If you’ve built enough trust with her, you can eventually decide whether to spare or kill Shroud. Without that trust, the finale can take a darker direction in which Invisigal kills him herself.

Does Giving Shroud the Prototype Change the Story?

One of the coolest aspects of Dispatch is how the game makes players consider the consequences of their decisions.

But not every choice creates a completely different storyline.

The Prototype decision mainly changes the immediate dialogue and character reactions. Giving him only the failed device doesn’t prevent Shroud from getting the real Astral Pulse.

The more important decisions are the ones you’ve made throughout the story.

And personally, that’s what makes the finale memorable. Your relationships and earlier actions matter more than one last-minute trick.

Why Fans Love Villains Like Shroud and the Prototype

Shroud is fascinating because he isn’t just physically dangerous. His confidence, intelligence, and obsession with controlling situations make him a memorable villain.

And if you enjoy mysterious, calculating villains, there’s another character worth talking about: the Prototype from Poppy Playtime.

Of course, these are two completely different characters from different games.

In Poppy Playtime, the Prototype is Experiment 1006, a terrifying mechanical-organic creature whose history and motivations become much clearer in Chapter 5.

Both characters inspire fan discussions because they’re more than simple monsters. Their secrets, motivations, and unpredictable behavior keep players coming back for more.

Collect Your Favorite Poppy Playtime Chapter 5 Characters

If you’re a horror game fan who loves collecting character merchandise, check out the Poppy Playtime Chapter 5 Stuffed Animals collection at Five Star Toy.

Explore plush collectibles inspired by your favorite characters and bring a little piece of the Playtime Co. universe home.

Whether you’re a longtime Poppy Playtime fan or a collector who loves creepy characters, these plush toys are a fun way to celebrate your favorite horror gaming moments.

Final Verdict: Should You Give Shroud the Prototype?

So, what happens if you give Shroud the Prototype?

He sees through the trick, throws away the fake, and makes Robert hand over the real Astral Pulse.

For the most entertaining outcome, choose “Give Him Both.” It turns Shroud’s biggest advantage—his confidence in predicting other people—against him.

Just remember that the final fate of Shroud depends more on your relationship with Invisigal than on which Astral Pulse you hand over.

And now we’re curious: Did you give Shroud the real Astral Pulse, the prototype, or both? Which ending did you get?

Drop your thoughts in the comments! We’d love to hear how your Dispatch story ended!