Gameplay (2)

Understand the game's two primary gameplay types: brief daytime sequences for exposition and lengthy nighttime sequences focused on reaching objectives while fending off enemies.

Be aware that the game uses a single save file that is continuously overwritten.

Rely on the generous checkpointing system to minimize time loss if defeated, but note that levels generally do not allow backtracking, meaning missed collectibles usually require replaying the section via Episode Select.

Recognize that most enemies are 'Taken', former humans shrouded in darkness and immune to damage while protected.

To damage Taken, you must first remove their protection by focusing your torch beam on them, which rapidly drains the battery.

The torch battery recharges slowly on its own, but you can replace it with spare batteries by tapping the △ button.

Find replacement batteries in the environment; one pack provides two units of charge, and a pack of lithium batteries adds four units.

You can hold a maximum of 20 battery units at any one time.

If you run out of batteries, you can still use your torch, but it will recharge naturally over time.

Identify different types of Taken: Common Taken (ranged attacks), Flanker (quick close-range attacks), Tele-Flanker (fast, hard-to-pin-down close-range attacks), Assault Taken (powerful, two-handed weapons, charge when injured), and Assault Taken (Chainsaw) (even tougher, high damage attacks).

Note that the damage required to kill enemies varies by enemy type, difficulty, and weapon.

Avoid enemy weapon attacks by using the L1 button and analog stick to 'duck' out of the way, potentially triggering a 'cinematic dodge' for a brief slow-motion counterattack opportunity.

Deal with small flocks of birds using your torch, or use a flare for larger flocks.

Use light to destroy possessed objects, which can range in size from pipes to bulldozers or combine harvesters.

Find weapons in the environment as equipment generally does not carry over between sections.

Equip weapons using the directional buttons: Revolver (→), Shotgun/Hunting Rifle (↑), Flare Gun (←), Flares/Flashbangs (↓).

Switch between flares and flashbangs by pressing ↓ multiple times if both are equipped.

Fire your currently equipped weapon using R2.

Use R1 to deploy a flare or throw a flashbang.

Reload your weapon by repeatedly pressing ▢ if it runs out of ammo, noting that reloading can be interrupted to fire.

Understand weapon details: Revolver (6 bullets per cylinder, max 42 bullets), Shotgun (2 shells per cylinder, max 32 shells, slow reload, rare ammo), Pump-Action Shotgun (8 shells per cylinder, faster firing than double-barrel), Hunting Rifle (5 bullets per cylinder, max 25 bullets, high stopping power, rare ammo), Flare Gun (1 flare per cylinder, max 12 rounds, most powerful, kills groups, ignores shrouds), Flashbang (max 20 grenades, wide radius, cannot be used at range, kills most enemies instantaneously, kills multiple enemies), Flare (max 20 flares, keeps enemies at bay, hold R1 to deploy).