The day-one release of Still Wakes the Deep on Xbox Game Pass drew a larger audience than expected. However, some newcomers might not be familiar with the developer's style, as seen in Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. Such players could use some basic tips to enjoy this Scottish horror game. Here are some entry-level instructions to help new players get used to the gameplay and overcome the terrifying monsters on the oil rig more easily.
Before diving into the tips, it's important to note that Still Wakes the Deep offers a mostly linear gameplay experience that requires minimal extra effort from the player. This is not to say the game lacks appeal for fans; rather, its linear format makes the following tips more focused on the experience rather than gameplay mechanics.
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7 Play in Standard Mode
Story Mode Can Get Mundane
Still Wakes the Deep has two difficulty modes: Standard and Story. Story mode is a cinematic experience with reduced anxiety, like a no-death mode for those who want to follow the story of the haunted oil rig. Standard mode offers a balanced challenge where players must outsmart the Monsters using parkour elements such as pacing, crouching, and hiding. Standard mode is the best way to experience Still Wakes the Deep, as it more effectively conveys the various phobias the game aims to trigger.
As a short horror game, Still Wakes the Deep can be beaten in around three hours. (Speedrunners can beat the game in under an hour.)
6 Socialize During the Prologue
There's a Hidden Achievement for Talking to People
Although the prologue and introduction objectives in Still Wakes the Deep are arguably long, ditching optional dialogues might not be ideal for completionists. Players earn a specific achievement for talking to every fellow oil rig worker during the intro. The good news is that all these optional conversations are skippable, and the player only needs to initiate them to get the achievement.
Most of these dialogues can be triggered in the dining room of the rig, where the player meets Roy for the first time. Other dialogues are triggered once the player reaches the deck.
5 When Unsure, Follow the Yellow
Color-Coded Paths Are the New Objective Marks
When lost or off the main track, follow the yellow-colored objects. Color-coded visual clues are common in horror games, and thanks to games like the Resident Evil 4 remake, yellow is now recognized as a universal directional clue. Still Wakes the Deep cleverly uses this symbolism to guide players with yellow items or signs. This is done better than in most recent games because yellow fits the setting perfectly: yellow and red are the most common colors on oil rigs in real life as well.
Still Wakes the Deep takes a realistic approach to maps. Players must look for signs on the wall or inlay maps throughout the rig to find their way to the objective. There is also a "Hint" option in the settings that reveals the objective's path when turned on.
4 Don’t Waste Time Hiding
The Monsters Aren't that Brutal
While Still Wakes the Deep encourages players to hide in lockers, they are not a major part of the gameplay. Despite its terrifying monster encounters, the game mostly features linear missions with little to no randomness. Hiding in lockers often wastes time instead of helping bypass enemies.
A better strategy is to keep walking — or even running — toward the next air vent. This is because, firstly, the monsters are usually not fast enough to catch you. Secondly, they cannot enter the vents, making vents a much better option than lockers.
3 Make Liberal Use of Throwables
There Are Plenty of Things to Throw
Fortunately for players, the haunted oil rig in Still Wakes the Deep is filled with throwables, especially in monster-infested areas. Use these items to distract enemies and create a safe path. There's no need to worry about running out, as there are plenty available. A good place to find more throwables is in the vents, where players can often find cups, flasks, or helmets.
The best strategy for using throwables is to toss them in the opposite direction of the objective marker. This lures the Monster to the farthest part of the room, giving players enough time to navigate the area and complete parkour sections or puzzles.
Throwables come in handy when running away from Trots, the first significant enemy the player encounters. Players should just throw a cup in the opposite direction and run to the other side before Trots can catch up.
2 Puzzle Solutions Are on the Walls
No Need for a Trial-and-Error Approach
Though it is a short horror game, Still Wakes the Deep has very few challenging puzzles. If players do encounter difficulty, the solution is usually on the wall. Monsters do not bother players during puzzles, so it is advised for players to take their time and not rush. The sound effects might make some players feel otherwise, but there is no need to hurry.
1 Predict the Monster’s Whereabouts with Screen Flashes
Trust the Lights
The flashing lights on the screen reveal the enemy's location or hint at their direction. Players can use this in-game clue to predict where the Monsters are and plan their escape accordingly. This is especially useful in dark areas, where players can only hear the Monsters without seeing them.
Still Wakes the Deep
- Released
- June 18, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Use of Tobacco, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- The Chinese Room
- Publisher(s)
- Secret Mode
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
