The Alien franchise is often regarded as one of the most terrifying additions to the science fiction genre. Its inclusion of the otherworldly and petrifying Xenomorph has garnered it much popularity. The attention the franchise has received over the years has sparked the creation of many new additions, most notably video games. The total number of Alien-based video games has risen to 23 with the latest release of Aliens: Fireteam Elite.
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Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a cooperative third-person shooter set 23 years after the original Alien trilogy. As marines, players will band together in teams of three to face against Xenomorph hordes and Synthetic swarms. Whileit seems simple enough, Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a challenging shooter that is unforgiving of mistakes. Fortunately, the most common faults can easily be avoided.
Ignoring Your Role
There are five unique classes in Aliens: Fireteam Elite for players to choose from. Every class has its own specialty and approach to combat. As such, each class is suited for a specific role on a fireteam that they must suit. Even so, many players forego their designated role to run and gun, thus hindering their fireteam's efforts.
The five classes include and their roles are as follows:
- Gunner, a damage dealer
- Demolisher, a heavy hitter
- Technician, a supporter
- Doc, a healer
- Recon, a scout
Every class has its strengths and weaknesses that compensate for one another. With that in mind, players should fulfill their roles to guarantee a more balanced and capable fireteam.
Playing With An Unbalanced Fireteam
With five classes available and three spots to fill, balancing a team in Aliens: Fireteam Elite is considerably difficult. While every class is viable, certain combinations — such as Technician, Doc, and Recon — do not bode well for fireteams. Despite this, many players will knowingly or unknowingly create teams that are doomed to fail.
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When facing hordes of Xenomorphs and swarms of Synthetics, players must work together to create a well-rounded and capable team. There are numerous fireteam combinations, but the most viable consists of an offensive class, supportive class, and a Doc. This balanced composition will ensure the longevity of a fireteam.
Treading Through Acid
Xenomorphs possess many qualities that make them proficient killers. They are intelligent, powerful, and fast, but by far their most deadly attribute is their acid. Xenomorphs bear corrosive bodily fluids that can be used as a weapon or a means of killing others upon death. Despite its lethality, many players will rush through pools of acid and succumb to its harmful effects.
Even in dire situations, players should avoid treading through Xenomorph acid. It inflicts a great deal of damage and could very well cost marines their lives. Regardless of the intensity of a situation, players should always dodge pools of acid lest they meet a horrible end.
Neglecting Your Surroundings
There is a multitude of dangers that fireteams must be wary of in Aliens: Fireteam Elite. While hordes of Xenomorphs are the most common and blatant threat, many others are underlying. These hazards require a keen eye and often go unnoticed, despite their lethality.
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Aside from Drones and Runners, other Xenomorph variants take advantage of unsuspecting marines. Prowlers, for instance, will stalk fireteams and unleash a devastating attack without warning. This is only one of the many dangers that lie in wait for unobservant marines. Thus, maintaining a watchful eye is of the utmost importance.
Leaving Eggs Alone
As seen throughout the Alien franchise, dismissing seemingly harmless eggs often ends with the malevolent embrace of a Facehugger. The same is true in Aliens: Fireteam Elite. Eggs are lying around throughout planet LV-895, patiently waiting for an unsuspecting victim to pass by. Regardless of the danger they pose, many players will neglect the eggs deeming them unworthy of their ammo and time.
However, eggs are far more dangerous than they appear to be. Should the Facehuggers be set loose, they will attempt to latch on to marines. While Facehuggers are unsuccessful in incubating, marines will be preoccupied with their attempts and consequently be unable to shoot. Therefore, destroying eggs is a top priority.
Using Cover Against Xenomorphs
Most Xenomorphs are relentless killers that will assault marines with unyielding ferocity. They will not allow any obstacle or other hindrance to come between them and their prey. Unfortunately, this means players can do very little to slow a Xenomorph's advance. Thus, seeking cover is a fruitless effort, yet one that many players take regardless.
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While cover is useful against Synthetics and Xenomorph Spitters, other enemies will be unaffected. In fact, remaining in one place for too long will leave marines vulnerable to being swarmed. Therefore, players should do their best to avoid cover when facing oncoming Xenomorphs.
Forgetting To Switch Ammo
In Aliens: Fireteam Elite, there are two types of enemies fireteams will come across: Xenomorphs and Synthetics. Each adversary is vastly different from the other, and requires a particular means of dispatching them. Normal bullets work fine, but special ammo works wonders. Even so, many players forget to utilize this beneficial ammunition.
Special ammo consists of bullets that can deal either fire or shock damage. Fire ammunition is effective against Xenomorphs, while shock ammunition debilitates Synthetics. Fireteams should know when to use these special ammo types, as they can change the momentum of battle.
Not Stocking Up
Aliens: Fireteam Elite missions will typically have one or two points where marines can stock up. These areas boast a few crates filled with ammo, medkits, and consumables. Marines can utilize these points to continuously restock and heal following a Xenomorph assault. However, many players fail to resupply before progressing beyond these areas.
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Having an adequate number of resources is vital for a fireteam's success. Therefore, giving up the opportunity to replenish will lead marines towards a path of hardship. Bbefore leaving these resupply points, players should always ensure that they are stocked.
Wasting Resources
Being stocked up on resources is pointless if players do not use them wisely. Things such as medkits, consumables, and ammo must be used sparingly. Failure to do so is almost as costly as forgetting to restock. Despite this, many players get caught up in firefights and expend their resources too soon.
There are threats in Aliens: Fireteam Elite are far more dangerous than Xenomorph Drones or Working Joes. Enemies such as Xenomorph Warriors and Synth Wardens require a greater degree of effort to overcome. Thus, expending resources too soon will leave players unprepared for more capable threats ahead.
Going In Alone
Fireteams consist of three capable marines that must work together against all odds. They will account for each other's weaknesses, and defend one another in times of need. Without anyone to rely on, a marine would surely fail. Even so, many players forfeit cooperation in favor of going alone.
In Aliens: Fireteam Elite and many other co-op shooters, it is tempting to rush into combat alone. However, doing so will leave marines vulnerable, and should they fall, the chances of being revived in time are slim. To avoid this tragedy altogether, players should stay close.
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