Mission 9: Beacon

Mission 9: Beacon

This mission throws you into the deep end with a significant increase in Xenomorph activity. Stealth and resource management are paramount. Be prepared for multiple encounters and utilize every tool at your disposal. Mission 9, "Beacon," marks a critical turning point in Amanda Ripley's journey, as she attempts to contact the outside world, only to discover the true extent of the Sevastopol's demise. Expect heightened tension, more aggressive Xenomorph patrols, and a greater reliance on your crafting and evasion skills.

Objective: Reach the Beacon

You begin this mission in a precarious position, often near the transit station or a maintenance access point, following the events of Mission 8. Your primary goal is to reach the Beacon control room located in the Comms Control section of the Sevastopol, but the path is fraught with danger.

• Initial Movement: From your starting location, proceed cautiously. The area is likely to have a patrolling Xenomorph, possibly even two depending on your previous actions and difficulty setting. Use your Motion Tracker constantly. Listen for human survivors or Working Joes, as they can sometimes draw the Alien's attention, creating a brief window for you to move.
• Ventilation Shaft Access: Look for a ventilation shaft that leads away from the immediate area. For example, if you start near the Tech Support area, there's often a vent leading towards the main corridor that bypasses a direct confrontation. Crouch and move slowly through the vents. Remember that the Alien can hear you in vents if it's directly above or below you, so proceed with extreme caution.
• Medical Bay Shortcut (Optional but Recommended): As you navigate towards Comms Control, you might pass through areas like Seegson Communications. If you find yourself in a larger open area, try to locate a Medical Bay or a small office. These often have lockers or beds for hiding and can sometimes offer a less direct but safer path through.
  • Item Location: Inside a Medical Bay cabinet or on a desk, you might find a Medkit Blueprint (V.2) if you haven't already, or additional Scrap, Binding Agent, and Blasting Caps. Always check every container.
  • Strategy Tip: If you encounter human survivors, consider letting them live. They can often serve as excellent distractions for the Xenomorph, buying you precious time. However, be wary of their aggression; some groups will shoot on sight.
• Navigating Corridors: When you must traverse open corridors, stick to cover. Use crates, desks, and other environmental elements to break line of sight. Listen for the Xenomorph's distinct sounds – scuttling in vents, growls, and its heavy footsteps. If you hear it drop from a vent, immediately find cover or a locker. Avoid running unless absolutely necessary, as it attracts unwanted attention.
• Dealing with Working Joes: You may encounter Working Joes guarding access points to Comms Control. A single headshot with the Revolver or a few hits with the Maintenance Jack can dispatch them. Alternatively, use a Stun Baton or EMP Mine to disable them and slip past. Be aware that loud engagements with Joes can attract the Xenomorph.

Activating the Beacon

Once you successfully reach the Comms Control area and locate the Beacon control room, you'll face a new set of challenges to get it online. The room itself is usually quite large, with multiple consoles and potential hiding spots.

Powering Up the System

The Beacon's power will likely be offline, requiring you to restore it manually.

• Locate the Generator: Search the immediate vicinity of the Beacon control room for a power generator. It's usually in an adjacent utility room or behind a locked door. In Comms Control, the generator is often in a small side room accessible via a door that requires your Access Tuner.
• Hacking the Door: If the generator room is locked, you'll need to use your Access Tuner to hack the door. This will initiate a mini-game. Be mindful of the noise this makes; a nearby Xenomorph will investigate. Position yourself near a locker or under a desk before starting the hack.
• Engage the Generator: Once inside, interact with the generator to restore power. This often involves a simple button press or a short mini-game where you need to align circuits. The act of restoring power will often trigger a loud hum, which will definitely attract the Alien's attention if it's in the vicinity.

Transmitting the Signal

With power restored, the next step is to activate the Beacon's signal from the main console.

• Beacon Console: Return to the main Beacon control console in the center of the Comms Control room.
• Initiate Transmission: Interact with the console to begin the transmission sequence. This will likely trigger an alert or, more critically, attract the Xenomorph's immediate and aggressive attention. The transmission process is often timed, requiring you to stay in the area for a set duration.
• Defensive Stance: As the Beacon transmits, you will need to survive for a short period. The Xenomorph will be highly aggressive during this phase, often dropping from ceiling vents directly into the control room. It will actively patrol and search for you.
  • Strategy: Find a good hiding spot, such as under a desk or in a locker. Do not stay in one spot for too long if the Alien is actively searching your area. Use your Flamethrower sparingly if the Alien gets too close or attempts to pull you from a hiding spot, but remember it has limited fuel. A quick burst is usually enough to scare it off temporarily. Consider throwing a Noise Maker or Flare in the opposite direction to distract it, buying you precious seconds.
  • Crafting Tip: Before initiating the transmission, ensure you have at least 2-3 Medkits, some Flamethrower fuel, and a few Noise Makers or Flares crafted. These will be invaluable during this intense survival segment.
  • Common Pitfall: Do not try to fight the Alien directly with firearms. It is invulnerable to conventional weapons, and the noise will only make it more aggressive and pinpoint your location.
  • Item Location: On a desk near the Beacon console, you might find a Flare or additional Flamethrower Fuel, but prioritize survival over scavenging during this critical phase.

Escaping the Beacon Area

Once the signal is successfully transmitted and the objective updates, your goal will shift to escaping the immediate area. The Beacon's transmission will have drawn significant attention, and the Sevastopol is now on high alert.

• Exit Route: A new exit path will usually open up or be indicated on your map. This might be a previously locked door that now has power, or a newly accessible vent. Often, it's a door leading to a different section of Comms Control or back towards the transit station. Follow the objective marker diligently.
• Maintain Stealth: The Xenomorph will still be active and agitated. Do not let your guard down. Continue to use your Motion Tracker and environmental cover. The path out might involve navigating through more corridors where the Alien is actively patrolling.
• Final Dash: Be prepared for a quick dash to the exit once you have a clear path. Don't linger. If you encounter Working Joes or other threats, use your EMP Mine or Stun Baton to bypass them quickly, or simply run past if the Alien is not in immediate pursuit. Reaching the next transit station or save point will signal the end of Mission 9.

Collectibles and Important Items in Mission 9

Throughout Mission 9, keep an eye out for these valuable resources and lore items:

• Archive Logs: Several terminals and audio logs can be found in the Comms Control and surrounding areas. These often provide crucial backstory about the Sevastopol's collapse and the fate of its inhabitants. Always check computer terminals for logs and access codes.
• ID Tags: Look for deceased crew members. There are usually 1-2 ID Tags scattered in the Comms Control section or the corridors leading to it.
• Blueprints: While less common in this specific mission, always be on the lookout for advanced blueprints for items like the Smoke Bomb (V.2) or EMP Mine (V.2), which can significantly enhance your crafting capabilities.
• Crafting Components: Mission 9's areas are rich with crafting materials like Scrap, Sensor, Blasting Caps, Binding Agent, and Gel. Prioritize collecting these to ensure you can craft essential tools like Medkits, Flares, and Noise Makers.

By following these detailed instructions and maintaining a cautious, resourceful approach, you will successfully navigate Mission 9 and survive the harrowing experience of activating the Beacon.