Deep Rock Galactic continues to welcome new miners every day, and while the caves of Hoxxes IV are filled with adventure and riches, they can also be unforgiving for the unprepared. Whether you’re still figuring out your playstyle or just looking for ways to get more out of the game, these 12 essential tips will help you improve your skills and enhance your overall experience in DRG.

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1. Stick Together – Strength in Numbers

Teamwork is at the heart of Deep Rock Galactic. Splitting up can leave you vulnerable to hostile creatures, environmental hazards, or simply getting lost in the cave system. Staying close to your teammates not only increases survivability but also helps you learn each class’s strengths and weaknesses. If you’re unsure about what to do in a given situation, observe and follow your teammates’ lead.

2. Mine All the Nitra – Including the Crust

Nitra is one of the most critical resources in DRG, as it allows teams to call in resupply pods. Many players focus on mining the core of a Nitra vein but often leave the outer crust. This is a big mistake—those leftover bits add up quickly and can be the difference between surviving or running out of ammo in a dire situation. Think of it like eating the crust of a sandwich: it may not be the best part, but it’s still valuable.

3. Supply Pod Etiquette – Share the Goods

Resupply pods restore ammo, health, and equipment, but they must be shared fairly. The golden rule is simple:

• If there are four players, each takes one resupply.
• If there are two players, take two each.
• If there are three players, check ammo levels before deciding who gets an extra dose.

By using the laser pointer tool, you can check each player’s remaining ammo in segments of 25%. Prioritize teammates who have little to no ammo and those who are low on health.

4. The Ready Check – Type ‘R’ Before Major Actions

Before triggering any significant event—whether it’s activating a mission objective, a machine event, or calling in the extraction pod—it’s courteous to type ‘R’ in the chat to confirm everyone is ready. If you’re on console, an alternative method is to ping the object with the laser pointer and use the Rock and Stone! emote to gauge reactions.

5. Claim Your Perk Milestones

Perks are game-changing abilities that provide passive or active benefits, such as extra speed, the ability to revive yourself, or even taming a hostile creature. Many new players forget to claim their perk milestones, leaving valuable upgrades unused. Regularly check your milestone progress and claim perk points at the terminal in the space rig to unlock and equip perks.

6. Learn the Basics of Each Class

Each of DRG’s four classes has a unique role:

• Gunner – High damage output and protective shields.
• Scout – Provides mobility and lights up dark areas.
• Engineer – Builds platforms and defensive turrets.
• Driller – Carves paths and manipulates terrain.

Even if you prefer a specific class, understanding how each one functions will make you a better teammate and help you anticipate what your squad needs in any given mission.

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Class-Specific Tips

7. Scout – Keep Those Flares Lit

The Scout’s flare gun is one of the most valuable tools for visibility in DRG. Unlike throwable flares, these last significantly longer and illuminate large areas, making mining and combat much easier. Use them primarily in wide-open caves and high-ceiling areas. Manage your ammo wisely and avoid wasting flares in narrow corridors that can be lit with standard flares.

8. Gunner – Use the Shield Generator Proactively

Many Gunners hesitate to use their Shield Generator, saving it for a “perfect moment” that never comes. Don’t make this mistake! Deploy the shield whenever your team is overwhelmed, reviving a teammate, or holding a defensive position. It’s better to use it and stay alive than to hoard it and die with it unused.

9. Engineer – Place Platforms for Your Scout

As an Engineer, your platform gun is an incredible utility tool. Work with your Scout to create accessible paths to high-up mineral deposits. By placing a platform beneath a mineral vein, you provide a stable surface for your Scout to grapple onto and mine efficiently. Your team will thank you for this small but impactful teamwork play.

10. Driller – Dig a Path to the Drop Pod

Once the mission is complete, the drop pod timer begins, and getting back safely can be chaotic. The Driller’s reinforced drills allow you to carve a direct path back, bypassing complex cave layouts and dangerous enemies. Check the terrain scanner to locate the drop pod’s position and start digging a straight-line tunnel to safety. This can drastically increase extraction success rates, especially in difficult missions.

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General Gameplay Tips

11. Prepare to Fail – It’s Part of the Learning Process

Hoxxes IV is an unforgiving planet, and failure is inevitable. Whether it’s an overwhelming swarm, a surprise Bulk Detonator, or an unlucky cave layout, things can go wrong quickly. Instead of getting frustrated, use these moments as learning opportunities. Each defeat brings valuable experience that helps you adapt and improve.

12. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Deep Rock Galactic has a lot of mechanics, from class-based playstyles to mission variations, enemy types, biomes, and upgrades. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at first. Remember that everyone starts as a greenbeard, and mistakes are part of the journey. The community is generally welcoming, especially in lower hazard levels, so play at your own pace and enjoy the ride.

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Final Thoughts

These beginner-friendly tips will help you build confidence, improve teamwork, and get the most out of Deep Rock Galactic. Whether it’s staying close to your squad, managing resources wisely, or mastering your class’s abilities, each step brings you closer to becoming an elite miner.

Above all, remember to Rock and Stone!