4-1: Underground Garden

Welcome to the treacherous Underground Garden, a verdant yet perilous labyrinth teeming with deadly Lickers. This section demands careful navigation, precise combat, and keen observation to uncover its secrets. Your primary goal is to activate a series of pressure-sensitive switches to open a massive gate, granting access to the next area. Be prepared for intense close-quarters combat and remember that stealth can be your greatest ally.

Key Objectives:

Navigate the Underground Garden, avoiding or eliminating Lickers.
Activate three pressure-sensitive switches to open the main gate.
Collect valuable treasures and ammunition hidden throughout the area.

Recommended Loadout:

For this chapter, a balanced loadout is crucial. Given the prevalence of Lickers, weapons with high stopping power or precision are highly recommended.

Shotgun (M3/J. Breaker): Excellent for one-shotting Lickers at close range or knocking them down. Essential for panic situations.
Handgun (M92F/H&K P8): Reliable for headshots on Majini and conserving stronger ammo. Less effective against Lickers unless aiming for the exposed brain.
Rifle (S75/Dragunov): While less useful against Lickers due to their speed, it's good for picking off distant Majini or hitting the Licker's brain if you have a clear shot.
Grenades (Flash/Incendiary): Flash Grenades can stun Lickers, allowing for easy follow-up shots. Incendiary Grenades are effective for area denial and damage over time.
Stun Rod/Combat Knife: Useful for quick melee attacks on downed enemies or breaking crates without wasting ammo.

Enemy Intel: Lickers

Lickers are blind but possess extremely acute hearing and a devastating tongue attack. They are heavily armored, making body shots largely ineffective. Their primary weakness is their exposed brain, located on their back. When they rear up to attack, their brain is briefly vulnerable.

Weak Point: Exposed brain on their back.
Attacks: Long-range tongue lash, close-range claw swipe.
Behavior: Patrol fixed routes, react to sound (footsteps, gunshots, breaking objects).

Licker Combat Strategies:

Stealth is Key: Move slowly (hold the walk button) to avoid detection. If you must pass near a Licker, wait for it to move away or use a Flash Grenade to stun it and run past.
Shotgun Blast: If a Licker detects you, a well-placed shotgun blast to the head or body (at very close range) can often stagger or kill it. Aim for the head if possible.
Flash Grenade + Melee/Shotgun: A highly effective tactic. Throw a Flash Grenade to stun the Licker, then run behind it for a melee attack (if available) or a powerful shotgun blast to its exposed brain.
Partner Coordination: If playing co-op, one player can distract the Licker while the other flanks and shoots its brain. Alternatively, use a "cover and shoot" strategy where one player draws fire while the other aims for the weak point.
Environmental Hazards: Look for explosive barrels or environmental traps that can be used to damage or distract Lickers.

Walkthrough: Activating the Switches

Upon entering the Underground Garden, you'll find yourself in a large, circular area with a central platform and several paths branching off. The main gate is directly ahead but requires three pressure-sensitive switches to be activated.

Initial Area & First Licker Encounter:
- From the starting point, proceed forward. You'll immediately notice the lush vegetation and the distinctive clicking sounds of Lickers.
- Treasure (Right Path): Before moving too far, turn right and follow the short path. You'll find a small alcove with a Green Herb and a Ruby (Pear) in a wooden crate.
- Return to the main path. A Licker patrols the central circular platform. Use stealth to observe its pattern.
- Strategy: Either sneak past it by moving slowly around the perimeter or engage it using a Flash Grenade + Shotgun combo.
- Item: On the central platform, near the statue, you can find Handgun Ammo x30.
- Activating Switch #1 (Left Path):
  - Take the path leading to the left of the central platform. This path is relatively clear of immediate Licker threats.
  - Follow the winding path until you reach a small chamber with the first pressure switch.
  - Switch Activation: Both Chris and Sheva must stand on the switch simultaneously to activate it. A brief cutscene will confirm activation.
  - Treasure (Hidden): Before leaving this chamber, look for a small, overgrown corner. You'll find a Gold Ring sparkling on the ground.
  - Item: Nearby, there's a crate containing Shotgun Shells x10.
  - After activating the switch, prepare for a Licker ambush as you exit the chamber. One Licker will drop from the ceiling. Be ready with your shotgun.
- Activating Switch #2 (Right Path - Upper Level):
  - Return to the central platform. This time, take the path leading to the right.
  - This path leads to an elevated section of the garden. You'll encounter at least two Lickers patrolling this area.
  - Strategy: Use the environmental cover (large plants, broken pillars) to break line of sight and move stealthily. Engage Lickers only when necessary or when you have a clear tactical advantage.
  - Item: Along this path, you'll find a crate with Rifle Ammo x15.
  - Continue along the upper path until you reach another chamber with the second pressure switch.
  - Switch Activation: Both partners must stand on this switch.
  - Treasure (Visible): On a small pedestal next to this switch, you'll find a gleaming Emerald (Square).
  - Common Pitfall: Do not rush out after activating the switch. Another Licker often spawns or moves into position near the exit of this chamber.
- Activating Switch #3 (Central Lower Path):
  - After activating the second switch, head back down to the central area.
  - Locate the path that leads directly forward from the main gate, descending slightly into a lower section of the garden.
  - This area is often heavily patrolled by 2-3 Lickers. Proceed with extreme caution.
  - Strategy: Consider using a Flash Grenade to clear a path or create an opening to run past them. If engaging, prioritize one Licker at a time.
  - Item: In a small alcove to the right of this path, there's a crate containing First Aid Spray x1.
  - Follow this path to the final chamber containing the third pressure switch.
  - Switch Activation: Both partners must stand on the switch.
  - Treasure (Hidden): Near the third switch, behind some foliage, you can spot a Sapphire (Trilliant).
- Opening the Main Gate:
  - Once all three switches are activated, a short cutscene will show the massive main gate slowly opening.
  - Return to the central platform and proceed through the now-open gate to exit the Underground Garden.
  - Important: Be aware that as you approach the exit, a final Licker or two might spawn near the gate as a last challenge.

Treasures and Collectibles:

Keep an eye out for these valuable items to boost your cash reserves for weapon upgrades!

Ruby (Pear): Found in a wooden crate on the short path to the right of the initial entrance.
Gold Ring: Hidden in a small, overgrown corner in the chamber of Switch #1.
Emerald (Square): On a pedestal next to Switch #2.
Sapphire (Trilliant): Hidden behind foliage near Switch #3.
Green Herb: Multiple locations, often in crates or on the ground.
Handgun Ammo x30: On the central platform.
Shotgun Shells x10: In a crate near Switch #1.
Rifle Ammo x15: In a crate along the path to Switch #2.
First Aid Spray x1: In an alcove near the path to Switch #3.

By following these detailed steps and employing effective Licker strategies, you'll navigate the Underground Garden successfully and emerge ready for the challenges ahead.