Hell-Strain

How do you access the main elevator after restoring power in the intro section?

Once you have restored power in the intro section, you can access the main elevator and reach the surface.

Where is the door to exit the safe house from the first floor?

There's a door on the south side of the first floor of the safe house that leads outside.

What is the gym code in the game?

The gym code consists of three numbers: 5, 3, and 8.

How do you add data chips to the database?

In your inventory, there are two data chips. Eating them will add those numbers to the database.

Where can I use the data chips in my inventory?

You can use the data chips on the couch located on the first floor (the room south of the Bedroom).

Where are the controls for sneaking and other actions shown?

There is no specific place to check controls, but they should be displayed during gameplay. If you forget which key it said was for sneaking, you may need to refer back to earlier parts of the game or look at the tutorial sections again.

How do I progress past the large doors in the Syntech facility executive suite?

You need to pick up the roof key and take the elevator back to the safehouse (F2th Admin Office). The path to the roof is there, which should help you proceed further.

Where can I read skill books or any other books in the game?

You can read books at various locations throughout the game. Check specific areas designated for reading materials or places where books are typically found within the environment.

What enemies are located in 'Eddie's Pizza' and what are their names?

The enemies in 'Eddie's Pizza' include Gabby Mk.II, Gabby Mk.I, Lori Mk.II, and Lori Mk.I. Additionally, Gym Rat and Roid Horse can be found in the dungeon on the top left of the map.

Where is the 357 magnum gun located?

The 357 magnum is available in the starting area before your base. You need to go to B3 (Medical & Application) and obtain a key from the bottom right room.

Where can I find Velora the Demon Lady and Cult Matron?

Velora the Demon Lady is the first encounter in the Mall, while Cult Matron (Goat lady) is another enemy you will face. Check these locations for encounters with them.

How do I add enemies to my bestiary?

To add an enemy to your bestiary, simply scan them during the encounter. You can also reengage defeated enemies in certain areas if you haven't progressed too far into the story.

How do you get level 3?

You can get level 3, but it requires a lot more XP (the exact amount is not specified).

What perks are available during/after sex?

There's a perk where you cannot lose energy during or after sex.

How do I unlock the Sim-Space?

To unlock the Sim-Space, complete the Eddie's Pizza dungeon located in the north-west side of the first town, to the right of the gym. This will also grant you access to the monster scanner.

What enemies spawn inside houses?

Crawlers spawn inside houses in the overworld.

How do I obtain a Kunai weapon?

In the Sym office building, there's a boss on the roof entrance (accessed from floor 2) that leaves behind a Kunai upon defeat. You cannot enter directly through the massive door at the fourth floor.

How do I fix the STCP-1471-a Data Chip bug?

The STCP-1471-a Data Chip is currently bugged and provides data for The Smiler instead of its intended target. This will be fixed in an upcoming hotfix patch, expected within a few days. In the meantime, either scan STCP-1471-a when you meet her or hold off from using the Data Chip until the patch has been released.

How do I escape combat if my stamina is low?

You can save up stamina and inside battle use 'retreat' if you're on red-yellow or 'step back' when you're on green, then 'escape'. This allows you to avoid sleeping for health recovery.

How do I dodge enemy grabs?

Dodging enemy grabs is mostly determined by your current Arousal level. They become more difficult or impossible if your arousal is very high or at max.

Gameplay Tips

• Use the 'scan' skill during combat; it unlocks when you obtain the simulator chair.
• Look for green markers on vents in some rooms to access them.

Technical Troubleshooting

• Fix file name mismatches between the game and its folder by renaming files as indicated. This resolves issues caused by discrepancies like uppercase vs lowercase names.
• If you cannot exit the surface access house and the door is securely locked, ensure there are no bugs by checking if all items and keys have been collected correctly.
• In hypnosis level 1 or 2, a new option should appear in the fight menu under skills to help manage hypnosis.

Survival Mechanics

• The game's survival mechanics, such as limited-resource management and the importance of distance during encounters, are integral to its unique identity. Pay close attention to every bullet and resource.
• Avoid reducing difficulty too much in escape mechanics; instead, focus on character progression and weaknesses for more dynamic interactions.
• You don't need to sleep as often as it seems; sleeping frequently can deplete resources unnecessarily.
• Use the 'rest' option on beds to save your game without consuming resources.
• Complete delves to unlock scavenging opportunities for themed resources based on the location theme, which is worth doing even late in the game.

Weakness and Preference System

• The weakness/preference system is a standout feature. Avoid adding easy ways to erase addictions or reset preferences as it can lead to homogenized playthroughs.
• Each run should have its own identity based on the character's developed weaknesses over time.

Combat and Visual Variety

• Combat could benefit from more visual variety, such as teasing poses that interact with player-developed weaknesses to increase replay value.
• Enemies can be reset by moving through doorways. Instead of resetting danger completely, consider reducing it to create a stronger sense of presence.
• Consider adding elite variants of enemies that are rarer and offer better rewards but are harder to defeat.
• Introducing unique enemy types such as a nine-tailed version of trash foxes could add variety.

Encounters and Locations

• Once you've unlocked the 'Scan' ability and the Sim Chair, simulate scanned enemies for lust-based attacks only.
• The Pale Lady is a random encounter outside on the streets at night. Failure-X7B can be found in SynTech Dungeoun's F3 (Containment Lab) as a random encounter.
• STCP-1,471-A (Mal0) is found at night behind your house in the alley northwest. Find two fuses and a key to progress.
• To encounter Mal0 again after losing her initially, find an item on the second floor of your base and wear it before sleeping.
• The M-110 hunting rifle does not level up the marksman skill, while the ST-A2 uses 6 bullets for 3 shots.
• Use the enemy scanner to collect enemies for later recollection or study.

Late-Game Balance

• Survival games become easier once players understand resource management. Consider allowing resource abundance to influence encounter rates or danger levels to maintain tension.
• Avoid excessive hoarding by adjusting game mechanics to discourage it.