Killzone: Shadow Fall Beginner’s Tips

Killzone: Shadow Fall, the latest game in the first-person shooter series from Guerrilla Games, takes a huge leap forward over previous entries, with an even bigger world to explore, as well as new gameplay additions and plenty of nasty Helghan soldiers to wipe out.

It’s a lot to take in, especially with its new open-world structure. Thankfully, we’ve got some tips that will help you out so that you can survive the fight.

How does the open world work in Killzone: Shadow Fall?

With Shadow Fall, there’s a new open-world approach to some levels, where you’ll have multiple objectives that are highlighted. They can be a ways off in the distance, too, which means you’ve got some footwork ahead of you – unless you can find a vehicle, obviously.

The cool thing about these multiple objectives is that you can complete them any way you see fit. So you could have a guard station that needs to be overrun at one point, and some soldiers that could use rescuing in the other, and you can tackle them in any order.

It can be easy to get lost in these massive levels, but not to worry. A simple upward tap on your DualShock 4’s D-pad and they’ll be highlighted for you, so you can head off in the right direction.

One more thing – along the way, you may run into some Helghan foot patrols. You can try to avoid them if you prefer, but keep in mind that if you set off any alarms, these guys may be the first ones that come running to you. It’s best to wipe them out ahead of time, rather than have to deal with them when you’re already overrun with soldiers at your objective.

What weapons can I use in Killzone: Shadow Fall?

Throughout Killzone: Shadow Fall, you’ll get your hands on some fantastic weapons, including a multi-fire shotgun, several assault rifles and, over the course of the game, some great big boom makers. It’s important to use your shots sparingly, though, as you’re likely to run out of ammunition quickly, and be too far away from a refill point.

Keep in mind, however, that you can always steal other soldiers’ weapons when the going gets tough. Once you down a soldier, his weapon will be highlighted on the ground. Simply walk over it and you’ll have the option to swap out your current gun for it. If it’s the same kind of gun you’re carrying at the time, the bullets will automatically add to your collection.

Finally, you’ll have a knife. This is particularly useful when it comes to melee kills, as there are a number of remarkable ways you can subdue Helghan enemies, as well as other threats. Use it only when the situation calls for it, though – when you have five or six guys gunning for you, you don’t want to bring a knife to a gunfight. Literally.

Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to always be on the same level as an enemy with knife kills. Sometimes, you can pounce on one from above. At the start of the game, when you first enter the opening facility, you’ll have the chance to do just that, climbing on top of a crate and then plunging downward on a soldier who isn’t expecting you. 

In fact, this tactic is superb when it comes to quietly clearing out a room. If you see two soldiers nearby – as you will in the first stage – wait for one to walk away, and silently pounce on the second before chasing after him. It beats being fired upon and having to run like crazy towards someone with an assault rifle.

How do alternate routes work in Killzone: Shadow Fall?

With Killzone: Shadow Fall, you don’t always have to stay on the beaten path. Considering the scope of some of the open-world levels, it pays to explore and find an alternate ways around. Not only does it sometimes get you around troublesome areas, but it also may give you a shortcut to your objective.

Here’s an example of an alternate route. In the facility in the first stage, you have to run across some platforms. Along the way, there are security cameras that will take you out if they spot you. Don’t take the chance on getting fired upon. Instead, go to the other set of platforms on the left. You’ll see a pipe that leads to a middle platform. Yes, you can jump down to the pipe safely, travel across it (don’t slip!) and make your way to said platform. From there, activate a lever and you’ll safely make your way across, without activating the cameras – and thus getting filled with bullet holes.

Look around – this isn’t a marathon, and sometimes wandering off the beaten path will come with rewards.

What is the O.W.L. in Killzone: Shadow Fall? 

The O.W.L. is your automated guide that travels along with you. You’ll use it for a number of instances that will keep you alive, which we cover more in-depth in our Advanced Tips guide. Be sure to look that up to get the most use out of it.

Killzone: Shadow Fall is available now for PlayStation 4.