Scars Above thrusts you into the mysterious depths of an alien world, demanding not only sharp reflexes but also a keen sense of exploration and strategy. As you fight for survival and uncover the fate of your lost crew, these seven tips will help you get a strong start. From combat mechanics to hidden secrets in the terrain, here’s what you need to know.

1. Explore Beyond the Obvious Paths The first thing you’ll want to remember is to look around—a lot. While the main path will take you forward, deviating from it can reward you with valuable upgrades and knowledge cubes. These items are not always easy to spot and are often tucked away down narrow side paths or tucked into environmental nooks. Upgrades might boost your weapon efficiency or even give you an extra charge of healing—both crucial to survival in the tougher encounters later in the game. Missing these can make your journey significantly harder, so be curious and thorough.

2. Target Weak Points for Maximum Damage Combat in Scars Above isn’t just about shooting first—it’s about shooting smart. Enemies have weak spots, and targeting these can drastically shorten the length of a fight. When you hit these spots, you’ll see red numbers indicating critical damage. Some weak spots even have a color code that tells you what type of weapon to use. Blue areas, for example, are vulnerable to electric attacks. This system encourages tactical decision-making in the middle of fights—don’t just spray and pray, take a second to aim.

3. Pay Attention to the Crosshair Feedback The game gives you subtle but important visual cues when you aim. Your crosshair will change when you’re aiming at an enemy’s weak spot or when you’re pointing at an environmental trigger zone. This means that a reactive explosion or an elemental chain could be waiting if you shoot at the right moment. Use these cues to line up your shots and trigger the right effects at the right time. It adds an extra layer of timing and precision to encounters.

4. Master Elemental Interactions Elemental synergy is a core mechanic in Scars Above. Each weapon type interacts with the environment and enemy states differently. Electric weapons, for instance, become significantly stronger if enemies are standing in water or it’s raining. Likewise, consistent fire attacks can ignite enemies, while ice attacks can freeze them. These conditions can be layered—an enemy frozen solid will take much more damage from electricity, but far less from fire. Being mindful of these interactions will turn difficult fights into tactical advantages.

5. Manage Ammo Effectively Ammo management can be deceptively tricky. You have a limited carrying capacity for both loaded and unloaded ammunition. For example, if your gun is only loaded with five bullets and your inventory already holds the full 24 units, you won’t be able to pick up new ammo. You must reload to make room. To avoid missing out on pickups, make it a habit to reload your weapons after combat or even just before scavenging. It’s a small habit that can save you from big ammo shortages later.

6. Use the Pulse Scan Often Your pulse scan is more than a radar—it’s a tactical asset. It reveals nearby enemies and highlights weak points, giving you the upper hand in fights. Since it has a short cooldown and recharges automatically, there’s no reason to hold back. Spam it between skirmishes and even during exploration to uncover hidden advantages. It’s an essential part of your toolkit, not just a gimmick.

7. Spend Ability Points Wisely As you collect knowledge—through scans or hidden cubes—you’ll earn ability points. Early on, it’s recommended to invest in stamina and life upgrades to improve your survivability. However, don’t neglect the other branches of the ability tree. Depending on your playstyle, offensive or utility skills might become more valuable over time. Balance your choices based on the challenges you’re facing and your preferred approach to combat.

Final Thoughts Scars Above rewards thoughtful exploration, tactical combat, and environmental awareness. These seven tips lay a solid foundation for your early hours in the game and can prevent some of the frustration that comes from missing key systems or upgrades. As you get deeper into the story, you’ll discover more opportunities to fine-tune your loadout and strategy—but with this knowledge, you’re already ahead of the curve.

For those interested in diving deeper, Scars Above also features a story artbook available on Steam, filled with developer insights, short stories, and creature lore. Until then—good luck on the exoplanet, and remember to shoot smart, not just fast.