Mission 15: Transmission
This mission sees Amanda Ripley making a desperate attempt to contact the outside world, a task fraught with peril as Seegson's malfunctioning systems and the ever-present Alien hunt her every move.
Objective: Reach the Comms Tower
Your primary goal is to navigate through the ravaged Sevastopol Station to the Comms Tower. Expect heavy resistance from both Working Joes and the Alien.
- Initial Area: You'll start in a relatively safe area. Take a moment to craft any necessary items, especially EMP Mines and Pipe Bombs, as they will be invaluable against the Working Joes ahead.
- Navigating the Corridors: The path to the Comms Tower is linear but heavily patrolled. Use your Motion Tracker constantly.
- Working Joe Encounters: You'll encounter several Working Joes in groups.
- Strategy: EMP Mines are highly effective. Throw one to stun multiple Joes, then follow up with a few shotgun blasts or a well-placed Pipe Bomb. Headshots with the Revolver or Bolt Gun are also efficient if you can isolate them.
- Alternative: If you're low on resources, use vents to bypass some encounters or lure Joes into areas where you can stealth kill them with the Maintenance Jack.
- Alien Presence: The Alien will be a constant threat throughout this section. It often patrols the main corridors.
- Strategy: Use noisemakers or flares to distract it, or hide in lockers/under tables. Avoid direct confrontation. The Flamethrower is your best defensive tool if it spots you, but use it sparingly to conserve fuel.
Objective: Activate the Comms Array
Once you reach the Comms Tower, you'll need to activate the array. This involves a series of steps that will expose you to further danger.
- Comms Tower Lobby: Upon entering the Comms Tower, you'll likely find a save station. Use it immediately. Scavenge for resources in the surrounding offices. Look for a Data Log on a desk near the entrance.
- Accessing the Control Room: The main control room for the Comms Array will require you to bypass a locked door.
- Door Bypass: Locate the access panel nearby. You'll need to complete a hacking mini-game. Be quick, as the Alien may be patrolling the area.
- Activating the Array: Inside the control room, interact with the main console. This will initiate a sequence that requires you to power up several relays.
- Relay 1: This relay is usually located in the same room or an adjacent one. Activating it will trigger an alarm, attracting the Alien.
- Relay 2 & 3: These relays are typically located in separate, smaller rooms accessible from the main control room. You'll need to venture out, activate them, and return.
- Alien Behavior During Activation: The Alien will be highly aggressive during this phase. It will frequently patrol the corridors leading to the relays and even enter the control room if it hears you.
- Strategy: Plan your route to each relay. Use vents if available. When activating a relay, be prepared to immediately hide or use the Flamethrower if the Alien appears. The noise from the console activation is a strong attractant.
Objective: Transmit the Message
With the Comms Array powered up, your final task is to transmit the message. This is often the most tense part of the mission.
- Return to Main Console: Go back to the main control console in the Comms Tower.
- Initiate Transmission: Interact with the console to begin the transmission. This process takes a short but agonizing amount of time.
- Defensive Stance: During the transmission, the Alien will be extremely active and will almost certainly enter the control room.
- Strategy: Position yourself strategically. Have your Flamethrower ready. If there are lockers or tables nearby, use them as immediate hiding spots. You may need to briefly deter the Alien with a burst of fire if it gets too close, then quickly hide again. Avoid prolonged engagements.
- Working Joe Reinforcements: In some instances, Working Joes might also enter the area, adding another layer of threat. Prioritize the Alien, as it is the greater danger.
- Transmission Complete: Once the transmission is complete, a new objective will appear, usually directing you to an exit or a new area. Quickly move to the designated exit as the Alien will still be actively hunting.
Key Items to Prioritize:
- Flamethrower Fuel: Absolutely critical for deterring the Alien.
- EMP Mines: Essential for dealing with Working Joes.
- Pipe Bombs: Excellent for groups of Joes or as a last resort against the Alien (though not recommended).
- Medkits: Always keep a few on hand for unexpected damage.
Good luck, and stay alert. The transmission is your only hope of escape.