Ascending the Pyramid

Ascending the Pyramid

Welcome, Sam, to the monumental challenge of The Great Pyramid. This section of our guide focuses specifically on the initial ascent, guiding you from the pyramid's base through its lower exterior terraces and into its labyrinthine interior passages, culminating in your emergence onto a higher exterior level. Prepare for relentless combat and strategic navigation.

Initial Ascent: Exterior Terraces and Courtyards

Your journey begins at the very base of The Great Pyramid, facing its colossal structure. The path immediately ahead is a series of wide, ascending ramps and expansive terraces. This initial phase is a brutal gauntlet designed to test your crowd control abilities.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough:

1. The Grand Staircase: As you approach the first set of wide, stone steps leading upwards, expect an immediate ambush.
• Enemies: A large contingent of Headless Kamikazes will charge from the front, often accompanied by several Kleer Skeletons flanking from the sides.
• Strategy: Prioritize the Kamikazes to prevent them from detonating too close. The Shotgun or Double Shotgun is excellent for clearing groups at close range. Use strafing to avoid Kleer charges.
• Items: Scattered along these initial steps and ledges, you'll find Shotgun Shells and Small Health Packs.
2. First Terrace Gauntlet: Reaching the first major terrace will trigger another significant wave.
• Enemies: Expect more Headless Kamikazes, Kleer Skeletons, and the introduction of Sirian Werebulls charging from the far end of the terrace.
• Strategy: Maintain distance from the Werebulls; their charge is devastating. The Minigun is effective for sustained fire against them, or a well-placed Cannonball can stun and damage multiple targets. Use the architecture for cover if possible.
• Items: Look for Minigun Ammo and Medium Health Packs near the edges of the terrace.
3. Ascending Ramps to Interior Entrance: Continue upwards through a series of narrower ramps and smaller platforms.
• Enemies: This section is often populated by Kleer Skeletons and Gargoyles (also known as "Fiendian Reptiloids") flying in from above.
• Strategy: The Shotgun is good for Kleers in confined spaces. For Gargoyles, the Minigun or even the Revolver can take them down efficiently if you aim for their heads. Keep moving to avoid their projectiles.
• Items: You'll typically find Revolver Ammo and Small Armor Shards in alcoves along these ramps.

Into the Labyrinth: Pyramid Interior

Upon reaching a large, ornate entrance, you'll transition from the open exterior to the claustrophobic, puzzle-laden interior of The Great Pyramid. This section demands careful movement and environmental awareness.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough:

1. The Entrance Hall: The first interior chamber is often a large, square room.
• Enemies: Usually a mix of Headless Kamikazes and Kleer Skeletons.
• Strategy: Utilize the room's space to kite enemies and avoid being cornered. The Double Shotgun excels here.
• Items: Often a Large Health Pack or Armor Vest can be found in a central alcove or on a raised platform.
2. The Pressure Plate Puzzle: You'll soon encounter a corridor blocked by a massive stone door, with one or more pressure plates on the floor nearby.
• Puzzle Solution: Step on the pressure plate(s). This will often trigger an enemy spawn before the door opens.
• Enemies: Typically Headless Kamikazes or Kleer Skeletons will appear from hidden compartments.
• Strategy: Be ready to fight immediately after activating the plate. Sometimes, standing on multiple plates simultaneously (if present) is required, which can be tricky if you're alone.
• Items: Behind the opened door, you might find Rocket Launcher Ammo or Serious Damage power-ups.
3. Acquiring the Lasergun: This is a crucial moment in the pyramid. The Lasergun is usually found in a hidden chamber or at the end of a short, enemy-filled detour within the pyramid's lower interior.
• Location: Look for a slightly recessed wall or a suspicious-looking block. Sometimes, a small, barely visible switch on a pillar will reveal the path. The room is often guarded by a few Headless Kamikazes or a Sirian Werebull.
• Weapon Stats:
  • Weapon Type: Energy
  • Ammo Type: Laser Cells
  • Fire Rate: Very High
  • Damage: Moderate (sustained beam)
  • Special: Continuous beam, excellent for melting smaller enemies and sustained damage on larger ones. Overheats if fired continuously for too long.
• Strategy: Once acquired, the Lasergun becomes a primary tool. Use it to efficiently clear groups of weaker enemies like Kamikazes and Kleers. For Werebulls, aim for sustained fire to their heads. Be mindful of its overheating mechanic; short bursts are often more effective than holding the trigger down until it stops.
• Items: The room containing the Lasergun will always have a generous supply of Laser Cells.
4. Corridor Ambush: The interior corridors are tight and often feature pop-up enemy spawns.
• Enemies: Expect Headless Kamikazes, Kleer Skeletons, and occasionally a Gargoyle or two in larger chambers.
• Strategy: Always be ready for enemies to spawn behind you or from side passages. The Lasergun is excellent for clearing these tight spaces. Use the Rocket Launcher for larger, more durable enemies if they appear.
• Common Pitfall: Getting trapped between two groups of enemies in a narrow corridor. Backpedal and use area-of-effect weapons if this happens.
5. The Lift Chamber: Your path will eventually lead to a large chamber with a central lift mechanism.
• Activation: Look for a prominent switch or lever on a nearby wall or pedestal. Activating it will lower the lift.
• Enemies: Expect a significant wave of enemies to spawn as the lift descends or ascends. This often includes Sirian Werebulls and Headless Kamikazes.
• Strategy: Clear the room before activating the lift if possible. Once the lift is moving, use its height advantage to target enemies below. The Minigun or Lasergun are good choices here.
• Items: Before or after the lift sequence, you'll often find Cannonballs and Health Vials.

Emergence: Higher Exterior Terrace

The lift will carry you upwards, eventually depositing you onto a higher exterior terrace of The Great Pyramid, offering a breathtaking (and often terrifying) view of the landscape below and the next section of your ascent.

Final Steps of this Section:

1. Terrace Welcome Party: As you step off the lift, be prepared for another wave of enemies.
• Enemies: Typically Gargoyles flying in from the open sky, combined with Kleer Skeletons or Headless Kamikazes already present on the terrace.
• Strategy: Prioritize the flying enemies with the Lasergun or Minigun. Use the wider space of the terrace to maneuver against ground threats.
• Items: This terrace usually holds Laser Cells and Armor Shards, preparing you for the next stage of the pyramid.

Recommended Loadout and General Tips

• Primary Weapons: Always have your Double Shotgun ready for close-quarters crowd control, and the Minigun or newly acquired Lasergun for sustained damage on larger targets and flying enemies.
• Explosives: Conserve Rocket Launcher and Cannon ammo for groups of Werebulls or unexpected heavy spawns.
• Movement: Constant strafing and backpedaling are crucial, especially in the tight interior corridors. Never stand still.
• Environmental Awareness: Always check corners, look for hidden switches, and be aware of potential enemy spawn points (often marked by small, dark openings or recessed walls).
• Resource Management: Pick up all health and ammo. Don't be afraid to use your more powerful weapons when overwhelmed, but try to save some for the inevitable larger encounters.

Successfully navigating this initial ascent will position you for the next, even more challenging, stages of The Great Pyramid. Stay vigilant, Sam!