For those striving to consistently earn an A+ in The Outlast Trials, understanding the game’s grading system is essential. With the right strategy, refined habits, and an optimized approach, you can dramatically improve your performance. This guide distills over a year of experience into a comprehensive system covering settings, tactics, and gameplay optimizations to maximize your points while minimizing errors.

Understanding the Grading System

Earning an A+ in The Outlast Trials revolves around the point system presented on your end-of-trial scorecard. Negative actions (marked in red) lower your grade, while positive actions (in black) contribute to a higher score. The most influential factors are listed at the top of the scorecard, decreasing in importance as you move down.

Key Factors for Achieving an A+:

1. Secondary Objectives: Completing secondary objectives has the highest impact on your final grade. Prioritize these before finishing the main trial.
2. Collect Posters: Even if you don’t need them, always grab posters. They are invaluable for boosting your score.
3. Using Items & Throwables: Every time you use an item—whether a bottle, brick, or health pack—it contributes positively to your final score.
4. Headshots with Throwables: Throwing objects at an enemy’s head grants additional points.
5. Final Inventory Usage: Before leaving a trial, use any remaining items to squeeze in extra points.

Essential Settings for Success

Adjusting in-game settings can significantly enhance your ability to earn an A+ by improving visibility, awareness, and control. Navigate to Settings > Interface Elements and make the following changes:

• Stamina Display: Set to Auto-hide so you can track your endurance.
• Noise Indicator: Turn it on to measure how much sound you’re making.
• Darkness Indicator: Keep it active to determine enemy sight range.
• Secondary Objective Display: Set to Permanent so you never lose track of it.
• Group Health Display: Turn it on for better team coordination.

Optimizing Your Loadout for A+ Runs

Your Loadout should prioritize abilities that require minimal effort to activate and provide continuous benefits. The following Amps (perks) and Rigs (equipment) are ideal for high scores:

Best Amps for A+ Performance:

• Stun – Stuns enemies and can be used to disarm traps.
• Noise Reduction – Allows you to sprint without being heard.
• Smash – Breaks doors in one hit, reducing escape time.
• Incognito – Greatly increases crouch speed for improved stealth.

For new players, Slippers (reducing noise when moving) is a decent alternative but doesn’t provide as much value as the core Amps above. Prioritize unlocking the best Amps early.

Key Gameplay Mechanics & Strategies

Understanding Noise, Light, and Stamina Indicators

• Noise Levels: Range from 0 (silent) to 3 (very loud). Running without Noise Reduction is at level 2, meaning enemies can hear you from a distance.
• Darkness Indicator: A moon icon means you’re hidden in the dark; a sun icon means you’re visible.
• Stamina Bar: Once depleted, allow it to fully run out before stopping; this triggers an almost instant regeneration instead of a slow recovery.

Survival & Score Optimization Tips

1. Take it Slow: Speed doesn’t impact your grade. A patient, methodical approach will help you avoid costly mistakes.
2. Choose Your Battles: Avoid unnecessary confrontations. If running through gas saves stamina rather than dodging, take the hit.
3. Ignore Glass Traps: Surprisingly, glass does not impact your grade significantly. Running over it is often better than wasting time avoiding it.
4. Crouch Before Opening Doors: Always crouch before opening doors to avoid potential door traps.
5. Play on Lower Difficulties First: If you’re struggling, start with Standard or Introductory trials to build confidence and learn map layouts.
6. Use Throwables Effectively: Keep a bottle in your inventory at all times. It can distract enemies, disarm traps, or force Pouncers (closet monsters) to vacate hiding spots.

Advanced Techniques for Efficient Play

• Fast Stamina Regeneration: If stamina runs out completely, the regeneration speed is nearly instantaneous. Don’t stop running—let it fully deplete before taking a break.
• Managing Enemies:
  • Pouncers: If blocking a path, throw a bottle at their hiding spot to make them leave.
  • The Pusher (Gas Man): He operates in shifts. If he disappears, use that time to complete objectives.
  • Electric Traps: Can be disarmed by throwing an object at them.

Multiplayer & Team Coordination Tips

• Reviving Teammates: Syringes function as extra lives in multiplayer and can be used to revive downed allies.
• Door Traps & Assistance: If a teammate is caught in an animation (e.g., hit by a crossbow trap), you can help free them.
• Shortcut Unlocking: Some doors require two players to open together, while others allow a boost-over mechanic.
• Use Pings & Proximity Chat: Ping traps and enemies for better coordination.

Final Thoughts: Building the Right Habits

Mastering The Outlast Trials and consistently earning A+ grades is a process. The key to long-term success lies in developing strong gameplay habits:

• Prioritize Secondary Objectives
• Use Throwables Wisely
• Manage Stamina Efficiently
• Optimize Loadouts & Settings
• Crouch Before Doors & Avoid Unnecessary Fights

A+ rankings are easy to achieve when you play smart, but achieving them quickly requires practice. As you continue refining your strategies and building muscle memory, your runs will become smoother, faster, and more effective.

With dedication and strategic play, you’ll find yourself consistently excelling in The Outlast Trials. Now get out there, apply these methods, and dominate the game!