Help me! (complete newbie)

[Fight_like_a_cow]

So, I've landed on the easy start planet and (having watched several hours of vids) decided to set off a find a good spot.

I soon get attacked by "armadillos" and immediately die. I chose the respawn (RMB) option and get attacked again before I can get to my black box (it's miles away).

I cannot get the zapper to work to defend myself. I obviously managed to deconstruct the pod so something works!

After 3 or 4 failed attempts I actually found some low rocks and had 2 critters noshing at my feet (without any damage) and the zapper does absolutely nothing. If I put it away I can't even kick/punch.

Is it broken? Does it need recharging? Is it range-critical and I'm outside of that range?

I'm obviously doing something fundamentally wrong but all the instructions say is LMB to attack.

Advice appreciated!

[Scoob454]

The zapper is a melee weapon. You've got to be close to the enemy to hit them. No charging necessary. If you aren't ready to fight an enemy, just run from it. They won't follow you very far.

Make use of the sprint/slide/jump technique to avoid enemies if needed. Press crouch while sprinting, then jump during the slide (sliding doesn't work on inclines).

I'm assuming you have the zapper equipped (if you can see it in your hand, you're good).

Also, something that I didn't realize until well into the game is that there is only one starting planet. It's all one large map and the starting area only determines how difficult the game will be at the start.

[Fight_like_a_cow]

Originally posted by Scoob454:

The zapper is a melee weapon. You've got to be close to the enemy to hit them. No charging necessary. If you aren't ready to fight an enemy, just run from it. They won't follow you very far.

Make use of the sprint/slide/jump technique to avoid enemies if needed. Press crouch while sprinting, then jump during the slide (sliding doesn't work on inclines).

I'm assuming you have the zapper equipped (if you can see it in your hand, you're good).

Also, something that I didn't realize until well into the game is that there is only one starting planet. It's all one large map and the starting area only determines how difficult the game will be at the start.

Thanks Scoob,

Most of my early dies were up close & personal and my standing on a rock LOOKED as if I should have been able to connect with them, but then again...! Maybe the zapper was working but having 2 (or more) critters going at me was too much!

I'll take a more "cautious" approach!

[Scoob454]

Originally posted by mr.nick.lea:

Thanks Scoob,

Most of my early dies were up close & personal and my standing on a rock LOOKED as if I should have been able to connect with them, but then again...! Maybe the zapper was working but having 2 (or more) critters going at me was too much!

I'll take a more "cautious" approach!

No worries!

There are a few other weapons you'll be able to unlock once you start progressing though the tiers (and the M.A.M.). I'd recommend getting a good feel for the movement system. Also, if you see anything that spits fireballs, avoid them until you're comfortable with the combat. They are tougher than the hogs.

Have fun!

[Twitching Finger]

My 2c..

What I've come to do w/ the Zeno-Zapper, I usually LMB - Jump - Turn n Face Hogs - LMB - Jump.. After 2-3x's they will die..

As for the Fireball/Green Fireball spitters.. Ill get up close to them as you can move left or right and or jump over their fireballs, they are actually simpler to kill (IMO) than the hogs, as hogs tend to get into a crackhead mode and start running in fast circles around you... When this happened, run towards them and time your LMB, if you land a hit, they will stop, giving you time to LMB (Again) then Jump - Turn n Face them, Repeat..

Man all that sounded better in my head.. Hope I didn't confuse ya..

[Maehlice]

Even with a good weapon, combat can be troublesome when you don't know what the mobs are doing.

If you don't play with headphones or play at a low volume, turn on "directional subtitles".

Otherwise, the best advice I can give is to make a hotbar for exploring and put on it:

• 2m foundation - can be easily built to get up above all types of hogs.
  
• Wall - Walling off protects you from everything but gas.
  
• MAM - provides cover from spitters while still being able to see them.
  
• Ladder - can climb up out of range from all mobs except spitters
  
• Stackable Conveyor Pole - can be used instead of ladders and to trap a boss hog

Once you're familiar with the different mobs and their behaviour, you'll find you can beat them on foot with even the xeno zapper.

[Fight_like_a_cow]

Originally posted by Kracka:

My 2c..

What I've come to do w/ the Zeno-Zapper, I usually LMB - Jump - Turn n Face Hogs - LMB - Jump.. After 2-3x's they will die..

As for the Fireball/Green Fireball spitters.. Ill get up close to them as you can move left or right and or jump over their fireballs, they are actually simpler to kill (IMO) than the hogs, as hogs tend to get into a crackhead mode and start running in fast circles around you... When this happened, run towards them and time your LMB, if you land a hit, they will stop, giving you time to LMB (Again) then Jump - Turn n Face them, Repeat..

Man all that sounded better in my head.. Hope I didn't confuse ya..

Thanks Kracka :)

It makes plenty of sense, it's just me working out the timing to land a hit I suspect! The "hogs" seem to beat me to the punch.

[Fight_like_a_cow]

Originally posted by Maehlice:

Even with a good weapon, combat can be troublesome when you don't know what the mobs are doing.

If you don't play with headphones or play at a low volume, turn on "directional subtitles".

Otherwise, the best advice I can give is to make a hotbar for exploring and put on it:

• 2m foundation - can be easily built to get up above all types of hogs.
  
• Wall - Walling off protects you from everything but gas.
  
• MAM - provides cover from spitters while still being able to see them.
  
• Ladder - can climb up out of range from all mobs except spitters
  
• Stackable Conveyor Pole - can be used instead of ladders and to trap a boss hog

Once you're familiar with the different mobs and their behaviour, you'll find you can beat them on foot with even the xeno zapper.

Thanks Maehlice! That sounds like my sort of tactic!

[nhatanh0475]

Originally posted by Scoob454:

The zapper is a melee weapon. You've got to be close to the enemy to hit them. No charging necessary. If you aren't ready to fight an enemy, just run from it. They won't follow you very far.

Well that true for the Hog but I hate the ranged one, it follow me EVERYWHERE! I even have to jump off a cliff just to run from it.

[kLuns]

fight your way through the mam, get the rebar gun, then build yourself up to tier 3 for improved melee combat

[Fight_like_a_cow]

Originally posted by kLuns:

fight your way through the mam, get the rebar gun, then build yourself up to tier 3 for improved melee combat

[NukeAJS]

That's all good general advice. However, if you're having too much trouble, don't be afraid to just restart. It's not like you're going to lose anything.

[Fight_like_a_cow]

Well, I have to thank everyone who took the time & interest to help me, it's really appreciated!

Ironically, I have solved my "issue" following a more focused start to a new game.

I was using <F> to equip the zapper. I did not appreciate that this disables its combat function, I thought it was just the hot-key to "equip" it!

Critters are immune to being deconstructed. Hence, my frustration (and ultimate death) as the zapper was completely ineffective.

Doubly ironically, they become deconstructed when you zap 'em.

[Fight_like_a_cow]

Originally posted by NukeAJS:

That's all good general advice. However, if you're having too much trouble, don't be afraid to just restart. It's not like you're going to lose anything.

Damn good point! See my next comment!

[Grizzt]

Great to see you've made it past the game's first (not insignificant) hurdle for new players. I've seen some players (even experienced YouTube peoples), not realize you start the game with a Zapper in your inventory, and fail to equip it to their hand slot.

One thing that got me for a few minutes starting the game for the first time: Not knowing about the Run toggle. Nor the fact that it can be switched in Options from "Hold Shift down to run" to "Press Shift to toggle Run mode On, press shift to toggle run mode Off".

Always being in Run mode (without bruising your pinkie holding it down all the time) definately helps in all aspects of combat and building (along with the slide-jump movement technique).

For the Hogs I've taken to just jumping straight up and punching at them with the zapper as they run beneath me. The Big Hogs need a bit more finesse, but the Xeno Basher is a nice finesse style weapon :)

[cudadown]

I sorta handle those armadillo type mobs as a bull fight. I don't approach them. I just keep turning and facing them. When they charge I just sidestep and swing. A little practice and they won't be tough at all. Later in game you will mow them down with much better weapons.