Game Modes & Multiplayer — Deathloop Guide

Game Modes & Multiplayer

Deathloop offers a unique blend of single-player narrative progression and an innovative multiplayer experience that allows players to step into the shoes of either Colt Vahn, the protagonist, or Julianna Blake, the antagonist. Understanding the nuances of each mode is crucial for mastering the loop.

Single-Player: Breaking the Loop as Colt

As Colt, your primary objective is to assassinate eight Visionaries across four districts of Blackreef Island within a single day. This is the core of the Deathloop experience, focusing on exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategic combat. You have three lives per loop, meaning you can die twice before the day resets. This mechanic encourages aggressive play while still offering a safety net.

• Objective: Eliminate all eight Visionaries in one loop.
• Lives: Three per loop. Dying three times or running out of time (the day ends) resets the loop.
• Progression: Gather information, discover leads, and unlock new abilities (Slabs) and weapons. Use Residuum to Infuse gear, making it persistent across loops.
• Strategy:
  • Stealth vs. Aggression: While stealth can be effective, don't be afraid to engage. Colt's three lives allow for more aggressive tactics than Julianna's single life.
  • Lead Tracking: Pay close attention to your Leads in the journal. These guide you to Visionaries and crucial information.
  • Infusion Priority: Prioritize Infusing powerful Slabs like Shift (for mobility) and Nexus (for crowd control), and high-tier weapons like the Strelak 5000 or Fourpounder with desirable perks.
  • Map Knowledge: Learn the layouts of each district (Updaam, Karl's Bay, Fristad Rock, The Complex) at different times of day. This is vital for efficient traversal and avoiding detection.

Multiplayer: Protecting the Loop as Julianna

The multiplayer component allows you to invade other players' games as Julianna, tasked with protecting the loop by eliminating Colt. This mode is entirely optional for the Colt player, who can choose to play offline or allow invasions. As Julianna, you have only one life, making every encounter high-stakes.

• Objective: Eliminate Colt before he can hack the antenna or escape the district.
• Lives: One life per invasion. If you die, the invasion ends.
• Progression: Playing as Julianna earns you Hunter Ranks, which unlock new cosmetic items, weapons, and Trinkets for both Colt and Julianna.
• Strategy:
  • Prioritize Survivability: Since you only have one life, your build should focus on staying alive. Consider Slabs like Aether (for invisibility, especially with the Ghost upgrade) and Havoc (for damage reduction and increased damage in close quarters). Equip Trinkets that boost health or reduce damage.
  • Patience is Key: Colt has three lives; you have one. Don't rush into direct confrontations unless you have a significant advantage. Let Colt come to you, or set up ambushes.
  • Defend Objectives: Colt's primary objective in an invaded district is to hack the antenna to open an exit. Camp near these antennae (often found in central, elevated locations) or near Visionaries if Colt is targeting them.
  • Learn Spawn Points: Familiarize yourself with common Colt spawn points in each district and time of day. This allows you to predict his initial movements and set up early traps or ambushes.
  • Change Position After Every Kill: If you manage to down Colt, don't stay in the same spot. He will likely respawn nearby and know your last location. Relocate and re-establish your ambush.
  • Check Your Six: Always be aware of your surroundings. Colt is a resourceful opponent and will try to flank you.
  • Use the Environment and NPCs: Lead Colt into crowds of Eternalists. They can soften him up or distract him, giving you an opening. Utilize environmental hazards to your advantage.
  • Slab Mastery:
    • Havoc: Extremely powerful in direct gunfights. Activate it before engaging Colt at close range to absorb damage and deal increased output.
    • Aether (with Ghost upgrade): This combination makes you virtually invisible when standing still, allowing for devastating ambushes or escapes.
    • Shift: Essential for quick repositioning and escaping dangerous situations.
  • Weapon Choice: Shotguns like the Strelak Verso in shotgun mode or the Vopat Trencher are incredibly effective for their high damage output in close quarters, leading to a faster Time-To-Kill (TTK).
  • Don't Sweat Losses: Losing as Julianna is part of the experience. Focus on learning from each encounter and adapting your strategies.