This guide assumes you have completed the Beginner Guide and understand basic mechanics. Here we focus on room-by-room strategies and entity avoidance at scale.
Phase 1: Rooms 1–30 (The Basics)
- Focus on learning entity audio cues — each entity sounds different
- The Angler is your main threat in early rooms — watch for flickering lights
- Collect data and documents — they often contain hints about later rooms
- Stockpile Kroner for later — you will need it for critical items
- Find a consistent pace — speed comes naturally as you learn
Phase 2: Rooms 31–60 (The Grind)
- New entities appear: The Waith, Stalker, and others — each requires different strategies
- Rare rooms start appearing — explore them for bonus rewards
- Use Kroner wisely — save for revive items or key unlocks
- Communication with teammates is critical if playing multiplayer
- High-pressure areas with steam: look for valves before crossing
Phase 3: Rooms 61–90 (The Deep)
- Entity density increases significantly — expect 2-3 threats per room
- Gaster may appear — treat as high priority threat, do not engage
- Flesh Mines areas introduce The Flesh — move slowly and quietly
- Rare rooms become more frequent — they are worth investigating
- The submarine approach begins — listen for audio cues pointing to it
Phase 4: Rooms 91–115 (The Escape)
- Highest entity density of the entire run — stay alert
- The Harbinger (secret) can appear in Endless Mode — avoid at all costs
- Find the crystal — it unlocks the submarine exit
- After obtaining the crystal, follow the announcer to the submarine
- This is the most rewarding and dangerous part — do not rush