The Callisto Protocol throws players into a terrifying, hostile environment where survival is anything but guaranteed. As you navigate the depths of Black Iron Prison, you’ll face relentless monsters, scarce resources, and an unforgiving combat system. While the game provides basic tutorials, it leaves much of the strategy up to you. This guide will equip you with the essential tips and tricks to help you survive your first few hours and beyond.

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1. Master Defensive Combat

As in many survival horror titles, health and healing items are limited. The quickest way to deplete your HP is by being overly aggressive. Unlike some action-heavy games, The Callisto Protocol does not feature a super-powered protagonist—you play as Jacob, a pilot struggling to survive.

• Prioritize dodging before attacking. Each enemy has a distinct attack pattern, and well-timed dodges leave them vulnerable.
• Avoid spamming attacks. Swinging too many times in a row makes Jacob slower, increasing your risk of getting hit.
• Pace yourself. A measured approach ensures you can capitalize on openings without recklessly taking damage.

If you want to conserve healing items, patience and defensive play are key.

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2. Inventory Management: Choose Wisely

At first glance, The Callisto Protocol doesn’t appear to emphasize inventory management. However, as you progress, inventory space becomes a major challenge.

• Your inventory is extremely limited. Most items do not stack, so you’ll quickly run out of space.
• Dropping items is a necessary evil. Holding onto everything is impossible, so make strategic choices about what to keep.
• Prioritize key resources. While everything has value, health injectors, batteries, and upgrade materials often take precedence over excessive ammo or lesser valuables.

Since inventory space is such a constraint, regularly reassess what you’re carrying to avoid wasting opportunities.

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3. Spend Callisto Credits on Upgrades, Not Supplies

Callisto Credits serve as the game’s currency, used for upgrading weapons and gear at Reforge stations. You can also buy ammo and healing items, but this is generally a waste of resources.

• Focus on upgrading weapons early. These improvements drastically increase your combat efficiency.
• Supplies are usually found in the environment. Buying them should only be a last resort when absolutely necessary.
• You don’t earn a surplus of credits. Unlike some games where currency is plentiful, The Callisto Protocol limits your income, making each purchase significant.

Investing wisely in upgrades makes long-term survival much easier.

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4. Explore Every Path for Hidden Loot

While the game follows a mostly linear structure, it does feature optional side paths and hidden areas containing valuable supplies and collectibles.

• Keep an eye out for alternate routes. These often lead to extra resources, giving you an edge in future encounters.
• The game’s dark environments make some paths easy to miss. Stay vigilant and check for branching areas.
• Exploration is rewarding. Whether it’s Callisto Credits, ammo, or useful upgrades, taking detours is almost always worth the effort.

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5. Stealth is Your Friend

Jacob is not a trained soldier, and rushing into combat isn’t always the best approach. Whenever possible, take advantage of stealth mechanics to thin out enemy numbers before engaging in direct fights.

• Use takedowns. If enemies haven’t noticed you, you can instantly kill them with a stealth attack, conserving ammo and health.
• Avoid unnecessary fights. If enemies are unaware of your presence, sometimes it’s smarter to sneak past theminstead of risking a costly battle.
• Stealth isn’t always an option, but when it is, use it to your advantage.

Efficient use of stealth helps preserve resources, making later encounters easier.

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6. Balance Ammo Usage & Inventory Space

Like classic Resident Evil games, The Callisto Protocol limits ammo availability to heighten the tension.

• Don’t hoard too much ammo. Since bullets take up individual slots in your inventory, having excessive amounts prevents you from carrying other critical items.
• Use ammo when necessary. Don’t hesitate to fire on weaker enemies to free up inventory space—but always ensure you have enough reserved for tougher foes.
• Balance gunplay with melee combat. Sometimes, saving bullets for later encounters is the smarter move.

Efficient ammo management is crucial for sustained survival.

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7. Stomp Enemy Corpses After Every Fight

One of The Callisto Protocol’s most important mechanics is stomping on fallen enemies. This serves multiple purposes:

• Enemies drop loot when stomped. Just like Dead Space, crushing bodies often rewards you with ammo, health, or Callisto Credits.
• Some enemies revive if not stomped. Certain creatures can return to life if you don’t finish them off completely. Stomping prevents this.

Make it a habit to stomp after every battle—it’s a free source of supplies and a necessary safety measure.

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Final Thoughts

Surviving The Callisto Protocol isn’t just about combat—it’s about smart resource management, strategic decision-making, and understanding the game’s mechanics. By mastering defensive combat, carefully managing your inventory and credits, and exploring hidden areas, you can significantly improve your odds of making it through the horrors of Black Iron Prison.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead. Stay sharp, conserve your resources, and remember—stomp those corpses!