Mission 16: Desolation

Mission 16: Desolation

Welcome to the penultimate mission, Ripley. This is where things get truly desperate. Expect heavy resistance and prepare for a gauntlet of challenges. Resource management is key, so make every shot and every item count.

Objective: Reach the Gemini Exoplanet Storage

Your immediate goal is to make your way to the Gemini Exoplanet Storage. This area is heavily patrolled, and you'll encounter both Working Joes and the Alien. Prioritize stealth and distraction over direct confrontation whenever possible.

• Initial Area Navigation:
  • Upon starting, you'll be in a relatively open area. Immediately look for cover.
  • There's often a Working Joe patrolling nearby. Use a noisemaker or flare to draw its attention away from your intended path.
  • Proceed cautiously through the corridors. Keep your Motion Tracker active at all times.
• Entering Gemini Exoplanet Storage:
  • The entrance to the storage area is usually guarded. Consider using a Pipe Bomb or Molotov to clear a path if multiple enemies are present and unavoidable.
  • Once inside, the layout can be confusing. Look for signs or your map to orient yourself.

Objective: Activate the Emergency Purge System

Activating the emergency purge system is critical, but it's not a simple switch. You'll need to navigate a series of interconnected rooms and interact with multiple consoles.

• Locating the Control Consoles:
  • There are typically three control consoles you need to activate. Their exact locations can vary slightly, but they are generally found in separate sub-sections of the Gemini Exoplanet Storage.
  • Console 1: Often found in a small office or utility room off the main storage bay. Be wary of a lurking Alien or a patrolling Working Joe.
  • Console 2: Usually located near a set of cargo containers. You might need to duck under or climb over obstacles to reach it.
  • Console 3: The final console is frequently in a more exposed area, making its activation a tense affair. Prepare for immediate evasion after interacting with it.
• Dealing with Resistance:
  • The Alien will be highly active during this phase. It will often emerge from vents or drop from the ceiling, especially after you interact with a console.
  • Strategy: After activating a console, immediately find cover. Use your Flamethrower sparingly to deter the Alien if it directly confronts you. Don't waste fuel trying to kill it.
  • Working Joes will also appear. Use your Stun Baton for single Joes, or EMP Mines for groups.
• Item Scavenging:
  • Keep an eye out for resources. You'll often find Flamethrower Fuel, Medkits, and crafting components like Scrap and Blasting Caps in lockers and on shelves throughout the storage area. These are invaluable for survival.

Objective: Escape to the Escape Pods

Once the purge system is activated, you need to make a swift exit. The path to the escape pods will be fraught with danger.

• Navigating the Escape Route:
  • The game will provide a clear waypoint to the escape pods, but the path will be heavily contested.
  • Expect multiple Alien encounters. The creature will be relentless.
  • Best Practice: Sprint when you have a clear path, but be prepared to hide or use your Flamethrower if the Alien appears directly in front of you.
  • You may encounter a final group of Working Joes guarding the escape pod bay. A well-placed Molotov or Pipe Bomb can clear them out quickly.
• Reaching the Escape Pods:
  • Once you reach the escape pod bay, interact with the console to initiate the launch sequence.
  • Be aware that the Alien might make one last attempt to stop you as you are preparing to launch. Stay vigilant until the mission complete screen appears.

Pro Tip: Throughout this mission, conserve your heavy weapons for critical moments. The Flamethrower is your best friend against the Alien, but its fuel is limited. Use noisemakers and flares to distract enemies and create openings for stealth whenever possible.