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Phase 1: Melee Rush
Romeo is a Dead Man

Phase 1: Melee Rush

Get the upper hand in Romeo is a Dead Man's 'Phase 1: Melee Rush' with this expert guide. Learn essential tactics and strategies to dominate early combat encounters.

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Phase 1: Melee Rush

Get the upper hand in Romeo is a Dead Man's 'Phase 1: Melee Rush' with this expert guide. Learn essential tactics and strategies to dominate early combat encounters.

Alright, let's dive into the first real challenge: 'Phase 1: Melee Rush'. This is where the game really starts to test your reflexes and how well you've grasped the basic controls. Don't worry if it feels a bit chaotic at first; we'll break it down so you can get through it smoothly.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    You'll start in a relatively confined area, likely with a few enemies closing in fast. The key here is immediate action. Don't hesitate; you need to get your first few hits in before they can overwhelm you.
  2. 2
    Focus on using your primary melee weapon. If you've picked up the CROWBAR or COMBAT KNIFE, equip them now. Practice the basic attack combo – usually a rapid series of button presses.
  3. 3
    Keep an eye on your stamina or any movement restrictions. Sometimes, spamming attacks can leave you vulnerable. Try to time your strikes with enemy attack patterns if you can spot them.
  4. 4
    If you have any throwable items like LAMs (proximity mines) or grenades, now's a good time to use them to create space or stagger groups of enemies. Remember, throwing a LAM requires a specific grip animation; if JC just chucks it, you're too close or facing the wrong way and it'll just bounce off.
  5. 5
    Pay attention to environmental hazards. Sometimes, you can lure enemies near explosive barrels or other traps. Shooting a TNT Crate, for instance, can take out multiple foes at once, but make sure the bot or enemy is close enough to be affected.
  6. 6
    If you get spotted by a bot, remember they're often bullet-resistant. Your best bet is to use the environment to your advantage, like the TNT crates, or try to evade and reposition. They don't have hearing, but their line of sight is crucial.
  7. 7
    Anna Navarre's stealth section in the training is a good primer for avoiding detection. If you need to sneak past enemies, use crouching or walking to minimize noise. Throwing Lab Flasks can distract them by drawing their attention to the sound.
  8. 8
    Remember that enemies react to light. If you can manipulate light sources or use darkness to your advantage, do it.
  9. 9
    For the final test with the security bot, using the CROWBAR to open crates for potential items or using the PISTOL to detonate TNT Crates are your best options. Don't waste ammo shooting the bot directly.
  10. 10
    If you get caught, don't panic. Your Torso Health won't drop below 10, giving you a buffer. Use a Medical Bot if you find one, or pop a MEDICAL KIT if you have one.
Tips
  • Prioritize melee weapons early on; they're often more reliable than your starting pistol for quick takedowns.
  • Don't be afraid to use your consumables like LOCKPICKS and MULTITOOLS. The training mission is designed to teach you their value.
  • If you get stuck on a particular enemy or section, try to find a different approach. Sometimes backtracking slightly to find a different item or path can make all the difference.
  • Listen to your Infolink! Jaime Reyes and Joseph Manderley offer crucial advice and context.
  • Keep an eye out for hidden switches or secret rooms, like the one behind the UNATCO Trooper hologram. These often contain valuable items or upgrades.

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