5-1: Experimental Facility
Welcome to the heart of Tricell's nefarious operations – the Experimental Facility. This chapter plunges you into a claustrophobic labyrinth of sterile labs, containment units, and chilling biological experiments. Prepare for intense close-quarters combat against new, highly dangerous B.O.W.s. Resource management and tactical precision are paramount here.
Key Objectives:
- Navigate the experimental facility, activating power systems.
- Locate and retrieve three distinct Keycards to progress.
- Survive encounters with the terrifying Reapers and the formidable Uroboros Aheri.
Recommended Loadout & Strategy:
For this chapter, prioritize weapons with high stopping power and a good rate of fire. Shotguns and Machine Guns are excellent for crowd control and dealing with the new B.O.W.s. A powerful Rifle is also recommended for precision shots against specific weak points.
- Chris: Shotgun (M3/J. Breaker), Machine Gun (AK-74/SIG 556), Magnum (S&W M500).
- Sheva: Machine Gun (MP5/H&K PSG-1), Shotgun (Hydra), Rifle (Dragunov SVD).
- Items: Stock up on First Aid Sprays and Green Herbs. Flash Grenades are invaluable against Reapers. Incendiary Grenades can also be useful for area denial or against Uroboros Aheri.
Walkthrough: Navigating the Facility
Initial Access & Power Activation
- Starting Area: You begin in a small, enclosed lab. Proceed through the door.
- Central Chamber: You'll enter a larger chamber with several doors. Head straight across to the console marked "Power System."
- Activate Power System A: Interact with the console. This will initiate a brief power-up sequence, illuminating parts of the facility.
- First Keycard - Lab Keycard: The door to your immediate right (east side of the central chamber) will now be accessible. Enter this lab.
- Combat Encounter - Majini: Inside, you'll face a few Majini. Clear them out.
- Retrieve Lab Keycard: On a desk in the back of this lab, you'll find the Lab Keycard.
Encountering the Reaper
As you exit the Lab Keycard room and return to the central chamber, a new threat emerges:
- Introduction to the Reaper: A grotesque, insect-like B.O.W. known as a Reaper will burst from a vent. These creatures are incredibly dangerous, capable of instant-kill attacks if they grab you.
- Reaper Tactics:
- Weak Point: The Reaper's primary weak point is the large, fleshy, orange sac on its back. This sac is exposed when it rears up to attack or after it performs certain movements.
- Flash Grenades: A well-placed Flash Grenade will stun a Reaper, causing it to expose its weak point for a sustained period. This is the most effective way to deal with them quickly.
- Shotgun/Machine Gun: While stunned, unload with your most powerful weapons into the orange sac.
- Avoidance: If you don't have Flash Grenades, maintain distance and circle strafe. Wait for it to expose its back, then fire. Do NOT attempt melee attacks unless it's heavily stunned.
- Companion Strategy: Have your partner focus fire on the weak point while you draw its attention, or vice versa.
- Loot: Reapers often drop valuable items, including high-grade ammunition or even a rare treasure upon defeat.
Second Keycard - Containment Keycard
- Accessing the Containment Area: Use the Lab Keycard on the door located on the north side of the central chamber.
- Containment Hallway: This hallway is dark and narrow. Be prepared for more Majini.
- Power System B: At the end of the hallway, you'll find another "Power System" console. Activate it. This will unlock the containment cells.
- Retrieve Containment Keycard: The Containment Keycard is located inside one of the now-open containment cells. It's usually in the cell directly opposite the power console.
Third Keycard - Security Keycard & Uroboros Aheri
- Accessing the Security Wing: Return to the central chamber. Use the Containment Keycard on the door on the west side.
- Security Office: You'll enter a security office. Clear out any Majini.
- Power System C: Locate and activate the final "Power System" console in this room. This will unlock the main security door.
- Retrieve Security Keycard: The Security Keycard is on a desk within this security office, often near the power console.
- The Uroboros Aheri Encounter: As you attempt to exit the security office, the main security door will be blocked by a new, more advanced Uroboros variant: the Uroboros Aheri.
Boss Strategy: Uroboros Aheri
The Uroboros Aheri is a significant threat, far more aggressive and resilient than its predecessor. It has a distinctive glowing orange core that is its primary weak point.
- Weak Point: The large, glowing orange core.
- Recommended Weapons: Flamethrower (if you have it from Chapter 4-1), Magnum, Grenade Launcher (Flame Rounds), Incendiary Grenades.
- Tactics:
- Maintain Distance: Aheri's tendril attacks have a wide reach. Keep moving and create space.
- Exposing the Core: Aheri will periodically expose its core. This is your window to attack.
- Flame Damage: Fire is incredibly effective. If you have the Flamethrower, unleash its full power on the core. Each burst of flame will cause significant damage and force it to recoil.
- Incendiary Grenades: Throw Incendiary Grenades directly at the core. They deal continuous burn damage.
- Magnum/Rifle Shots: If you're out of flame-based options, rapid-fire Magnum or Rifle shots to the core will also work, but it will take longer.
- Environmental Hazard: Look for explosive barrels or gas cylinders in the arena. Lure Aheri near them and detonate for extra damage.
- Companion Focus: Coordinate with your partner to focus all fire on the exposed core.
- Post-Fight: Once Uroboros Aheri is defeated, the path forward will clear.
Exit the Facility
- Final Door: Use the Security Keycard on the now-unlocked main security door.
- End of Chapter: Proceed through the door to complete Chapter 5-1.
Collectible Items & Treasures:
- Gold Ring: In the first lab where you find the Lab Keycard, check the drawers or a small container.
- Emerald (Square): Dropped by a specific Majini or found in a crate in the Containment Hallway.
- Diamond (Brilliant): Often dropped by the Reaper in the central chamber.
- Various Ammunition: Scattered throughout the facility in crates, barrels, and on shelves.
- Green Herbs: Common healing item, usually found in wall-mounted first aid kits or on tables.
Common Pitfalls & Tips:
- Reaper Instant Kills: Do not get grabbed by a Reaper. If you hear its distinct clicking sound, be ready to dodge or use a Flash Grenade.
- Ammo Conservation: While there are many enemies, conserve your heavy ammo (Magnum, Grenade Launcher) for the Uroboros Aheri.
- Partner AI: Ensure your partner has adequate healing items and a good weapon for the Uroboros fight. Set their command to "Attack" during boss encounters.
- Explosive Barrels: Utilize the environment! Explosive barrels can clear groups of Majini or deal significant damage to larger B.O.W.s.
- Check Every Room: The facility can be confusing. Double-check each room for hidden items or ammo before moving on.