Directive 8020, the upcoming sci-fi horror game from Supermassive Games, blends intense survival horror with intricate group management and strategic combat. Set on a perilous space mission where crew members might be alien imposters, players must make quick decisions under pressure, as survival hinges on their every move. Here are expert tips and insights from recent hands-on impressions to help you navigate and master the game’s core mechanics.
Evaluate and Assign Crew Roles Strategically
Success in Directive 8020 relies on understanding and utilizing your crew’s unique abilities:
Scouts excel at recon, detecting threats and hazards early. They should be deployed to scout ahead safely.Medics are invaluable in keeping your team alive by stabilizing injured members during combat.Technicians provide technological advantages by hacking security systems or unlocking doors, opening critical new pathways.
A balanced crew is essential. Pairing Scouts with Technicians can facilitate efficient exploration, while Medics need to be ready for action during firefights. Be adaptable—alter roles mid-mission if unexpected threats arise.
Use Environmental Tactics to Your Advantage
The ship’s narrow corridors and hazardous rooms present opportunities for tactical maneuvers:
Flank enemies by luring them into tight spaces using baits or distractions, then attack from the rear.- Set ambushes near debris or clutter where enemies can be trapped or slowed down.
- Hack automated turrets throughout the facility to create deadly kill zones for enemy waves.
This strategic use of the environment can turn isolation into an advantage against alien threats.
Navigate Alliances and Betrayals Carefully
Directive 8020 builds further suspense by introducing the fear of imposters among your team:
- Form
temporary alliances with dubious NPCs when it suits high-stakes missions like escorting or securing resources. - Watch for
betrayal signs – irregular actions such as excessive weapon checks might suggest infected or treacherous crew members. - Exploit conflicts between hostile NPCs by letting them weaken each other before stepping in.
Utilize the
Conserve Ammo and Scavenge Resources
Survival relies on effective resource management amidst limited supplies:
- Opt for
stealth tactics such as using silenced weapons or melee attacks to avoid intense combat and horde alerts. Scavenge thoroughly from enemy corpses and abandoned lockers, using tools like “highlight pickups” (D-pad up) to locate rare ammo and gear.- Switch weapons strategically: deploy
shotguns in close quarters andplasma rifles against armored foes.
Overcome Boss Encounters with Precision
Cinematic and brutal, boss fights demand coordination and quick thinking:
- Identify
weak points with scouting tools, such as glowing tendrils or exposed spines. - Assign your
strongest firepower to concentrate on these areas while others provide support. - Exploit
environmental hazards ; detonate barrels to erect barriers, distract bosses, or inflict heavy damage.
For instance, target a towering alien’s vulnerable spine with rapid firepower to stagger it, creating an opening for attacks.
Leverage the New Turning Point System
Directive 8020 introduces an innovative
- Examine all story avenues without redoing entire playthroughs.
- Rescue crewmates from fatal scenarios by opting for well-informed decisions.
- Discover secrets woven into the storyline.
By employing these strategies—balancing roles, leveraging the environment, managing alliances and paranoia, conserving resources, and using the Turning Point system—you’ll increase your chances of survival and fully immerse yourself in the gripping, complex horror of Directive 8020. The game is slated to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on October 2, 2025, marking a sophisticated advance in Supermassive Games’ celebrated cinematic horror tradition.