Survivor mode is a fantastic addition to the excellent Alien: Isolation. In the base game, you will get access to The Basement, which is the first of the survivor mode maps. However, those lucky ducks who pick up the excellent mobile port will have access to every survivor mode map, as they are all included in that version off the jump.

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However, no matter which version of the game you are playing, there are a number of tips that will help make your experience a smooth one. Keep these in mind and your chances of surviving will improve. You're still going to die, of course, but you will die less. Progress is progress.

10 Running Is Almost Always A Bad Idea

Alien: Isolation- Depicting the last thing you see: the dual mouths of the xenomorph

Don't run. It isn't worth it. Alien: Isolation is all about stealthily keeping a low profile. If you run, that isn't going to happen. While there are certain applications for running, if you don't know the map like the back of your hand, running isn't something you should be concerning yourself with.

A common mistake is running when the elevator is in sight at the end, but that is a trap. Most of the maps have a vent placed close to that elevator. Keep a cool head and make sure that you don't run into the hands of death.

9 Noise Makers, Flares, And Smoke Bombs Keep you Safe

Alien: Isolation- Utilizing the flare

If you are leaving a room via a vent, it isn't a terrible idea to drop a noisemaker in that room before you go. It is going to draw the alien to the place where you are not, which is exactly what you want to do. Those things can hold the alien's attention for prolonged periods of time, so it is always a great option.

Similarly, if you are going left down a hall, throw a flare to the right. And if you know you are going to have to linger in an area for multiple seconds, dropping a smoke bomb makes it harder for the alien to locate you. Of course, the better you know a map, the better you will be able to utilize these items.

8 Learn The Map

Alien: Isolation- A picture depicting the map screen

It is absolutely possible that you are going to be able to deftly avoid the alien on your first go, crouch at the right moments, and just organically locate every objective. It is believable that you could definitely do that if you played cautiously enough (and got a little lucky).

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However, if we are being realistic, you are going to die. A lot. So, the best thing you can do is make those deaths productive. Most elements of the survivor mode maps are static, which means that you can totally learn what obstacles to avoid and where the key items on the map are. Every failure is just another step on the road to success.

7 The Alien Is Predictable

Alien Isolation. The alien is creeping around, stalking Amanda Ripley. Dark lighting with white light beams in the background.

The more you play, the more you will realize that the alien has a few starting positions. You can often predict where it will be (roughly) and you can manipulate it with your items (such as the noisemaker). Keep track of where you see the alien each time you attempt a run.

Make a mental note of that and you will be on your way to pathing out safe routes for each subsequent run. The alien will certainly throw you the occasional curveball and catch you off guard (it wouldn't be fun otherwise), but you will get a good idea of where it is going to be.

6 Choose When To Stand Your Ground

Alien Isolation Flamethrower Screenshot Xenomorph

Ideally, you are crouching behind something, or under something, as the alien walks past you. However, if it starts running, never try to get away; it is too late for that. Instead, you need to stand your ground and fight. You may not win, but that is literally your only chance.

One tank of the flamethrower fuel is enough to discourage the xenomorph and send them packing. There are some other fairly effective weapons too, such as the pipe bomb or the Molotov cocktail. Use these to discourage the alien and give yourself some breathing room.

5 Characters Aren't Simply Cosmetic

Alien isolation - Mike Tanaka, concept art

You may think that the different characters in survivor mode are simply an aesthetic flourish, but you would be dead wrong. The characters all have different load-outs. The way you will play each map will change depending on which character you choose.

Some will definitely make your life easier, but for those looking to mix things up, it is always fun to jump in with a completely new starting kit. Be careful about using Ransome, Parker, or Dallas; they don't start with the flamethrower.

4 There Are No Safe Areas

Alien Isolation The Xenomorph

You may run into people online claiming that certain sections are safe. However, outside of the starting area, this is absolutely not the case. While there are definitely sections of each map that feel relatively secure, if you make enough racket the alien will pay you a visit.

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Survivor mode is all about remaining inconspicuous and keeping the noise down to a minimum. Take nothing for granted and never feel too relaxed.

3 For A Better Completion Time, Ignore All Items And Objectives

Alien Isolation Screenshot Player Hiding Behind Desk

No collecting key cards. No locking down the stairwell. You aren't here for those bonus points, those are for the people looking for a high score. Remember, every second counts here. As an example, the best runs for The Basement are all under a minute.

If you want to hit that kind of time you don't have a second to even grab the good stuff (outside of the starting area, where you have all the time in the world). Once again, the objectives are for other people, your only job is to book it.

2 For The Best Time, Run!

Alien: Isolation- Showing a man running

Okay, yes, that contradicts the advice that you shouldn't run In Alien Isolation. Well, running is almost always a mistake. However, this is the notable exception. Those who are competing for the best time in survivor mode are going to have to throw all of that caution out the window.

Once you have a solid understanding of where you need to go (and that is deadly important), you are going to want to beeline it through the map. Do you see that Alien? Run up and set its butt on fire. We don't have time to mess around, here. You need to hit that end button as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence.

1 For A Big Score Just Be Perfect

Alien: Isolation- Score screen from Survival mode

You know, don't pick anything up (that isn't an objective), don't ever get detected, don't use your flamethrower, don't use the motion tracker, and never hide. Oh, and make sure to hit all the objectives and do everything as quickly as humanly possible. Easy peasy, right?

Basically, if you want to get a big score, you are going to need to be intimately familiar with every nook and cranny of the map you are playing. So, this really isn't something you should be too worried about the first few times you play through the map. Getting the bonuses can be a fun challenge, but it really feels like most of this should be saved for subsequent runs.

Next: Tips For Salvage Mode