Raid Mode: Stages & Missions
Raid Mode offers a challenging, replayable experience separate from the main campaign, focusing on combat prowess and character progression. Each stage is a modified section of a campaign map, populated with various enemies and objectives. Success in Raid Mode hinges on understanding enemy types, optimizing your weapon loadouts, and mastering character abilities.
General Strategies for Success
- Know Your Enemies: Each Ooze variant (Puddle, Chunk, Scagdead, etc.) has unique weaknesses and attack patterns. Learn them to prioritize targets and conserve ammo. Hunters and Fenrir wolves are fast and aggressive; prioritize stunning or staggering them.
- Weapon Specialization: Don't try to make one weapon do everything. Equip a shotgun for close-quarters crowd control, a rifle for long-range precision, and a machine gun for sustained damage. Handguns are good for headshots on weaker enemies or conserving ammo.
- Custom Parts are Key: As you progress, you'll unlock and find Custom Parts. These are crucial for enhancing your weapons. Prioritize parts like "Damage," "Fire Rate," "Capacity," and elemental upgrades like "Electric" or "Ice" for crowd control. "Auto Loader" is a game-changer for high-capacity weapons.
- Character Abilities: Each character has unique abilities. Jill's Dodge is excellent for avoiding damage, while Chris's melee attacks are powerful. Raymond's "Charge Shot" can be devastating. Choose characters that complement your playstyle or the mission's demands.
- Co-op Advantage: Playing with a partner significantly increases your chances of success, especially on harder difficulties. Coordinate attacks, cover each other, and revive fallen teammates.
- Explore for Bonuses: Many stages have hidden weapon crates, ammo, and health items. Take a moment to explore safe areas, but don't linger too long as time affects your final score.
Stage Breakdown & Walkthroughs
Raid Mode stages are unlocked by progressing through the main campaign. Each stage has three difficulty levels: Chasm, Trench, and Abyss, offering increasing challenge and better rewards.
Stage 1: Comm Tower
- Location: Based on the opening sections of the Queen Zenobia.
- Enemies: Primarily Ooze (Puddle, Chunk), occasional Fenrir.
- Strategy:
- Start in the comms room. Clear the initial Ooze.
- Proceed through the hallway. A few Puddle Ooze will emerge from vents. Use your handgun for headshots.
- In the larger open area with the broken bridge, a Chunk Ooze will drop. Aim for its weak point (the glowing core) with a shotgun or rifle.
- Continue to the next hallway, dealing with more Puddle Ooze.
- The final area is a small room with a few Ooze and potentially a Fenrir. Use a shotgun to quickly dispatch the Fenrir if it appears.
- Bonus: Check behind the desk in the comms room for a potential weapon crate.
Stage 2: Promenade
- Location: The promenade deck of the Queen Zenobia.
- Enemies: Ooze (Puddle, Chunk, Scagdead), Fenrir.
- Strategy:
- Begin in the promenade. Several Puddle Ooze will appear.
- As you move forward, a Scagdead will often spawn near the overturned tables. This enemy is dangerous; aim for its exposed brain with powerful weapons (shotgun, rifle). Keep your distance and dodge its charge attack.
- Further along, Fenrir wolves will attack from the sides. A well-placed shotgun blast can stun them.
- The mission often ends in the area near the casino entrance. Be prepared for a final wave of Ooze.
- Bonus: There's often a weapon crate or ammo in the small alcoves off the main promenade path.
Stage 3: Casino
- Location: The casino area of the Queen Zenobia.
- Enemies: Ooze (Puddle, Chunk, Scarmiglione), Fenrir, possibly Hunters.
- Strategy:
- Enter the casino. Clear the initial Ooze.
- As you move towards the slot machines, a Scarmiglione (the Ooze with the blade arm) may appear. Target its head or the exposed core on its back. It's slow but hits hard.
- Hunters can appear in this stage, especially on higher difficulties. They are fast and can jump. Use a shotgun to knock them down or a machine gun for sustained fire.
- The mission often requires you to traverse the entire casino floor. Be mindful of enemies spawning from behind you.
- Bonus: Check the small office behind the bar for items.
Stage 4: Research Facility
- Location: The laboratory and research areas.
- Enemies: Ooze (Puddle, Chunk, Scarmiglione), Hunters, Globsters.
- Strategy:
- Start in the lab. Clear the initial Ooze.
- Proceed through the corridors. Globsters (the large, immobile Ooze) will often block paths. They are slow but can spit corrosive bile. Target their mouths when open.
- Hunters are common here. Use the tight corridors to your advantage by funneling them into shotgun range.
- The mission might involve activating a console or reaching a specific exit. Be aware of timed enemy spawns during these objectives.
- Bonus: Look for weapon crates in side rooms or behind lab equipment.
Continue to explore and adapt your strategies for each subsequent stage. Remember that enemy placement and types can vary slightly even within the same stage, adding to the replayability. Good luck, and happy hunting!