SCP: Secret Laboratory (SCP: SL) is a free-to-play multiplayer horror game set within the SCP universe. If you’re new to the game, this guide will introduce you to its mechanics, roles, and survival strategies to help you jump into the action with confidence.
What is SCP: Secret Laboratory?
SCP: SL is a team-based survival horror game based on the SCP Foundation’s lore. The game takes place in Site-02, a containment facility that has suffered a breach, releasing dangerous anomalies known as SCPs. Players take on different roles, including Class-D personnel, scientists, security staff, and the SCPs themselves. The game is highly dynamic, with procedurally generated maps ensuring that no two rounds are alike.
Game Zones and Structure
The game features four primary zones:
- Light Containment Zone (LCZ) – The starting area for Class-D and Scientists.
- Heavy Containment Zone (HCZ) – Where most SCPs spawn and high-risk assets are located.
- Entrance Zone (EZ) – Where Facility Guards, MTF, and Chaos Insurgents operate.
- Surface Zone (SZ) – The exit point for escaping personnel and the battleground for final engagements.
Each round features a unique map layout with different loot spawn locations, ensuring unpredictable experiences each session.
Playable Roles
Human Roles
Class-D Personnel (“D-Boys”)
- Objective: Escape the facility.
- Spawn Location: Light Containment.
- Starting Gear: None.
- Gameplay: Scavenge for keycards and supplies, upgrade them at SCP-914, and avoid SCPs and facility personnel.
Scientists
- Objective: Escape the facility while aiding the SCP Foundation.
- Spawn Location: Light Containment.
- Starting Gear: Scientist keycard and a Medkit.
- Gameplay: Work with security personnel and MTF to escape safely.
Facility Guards
- Objective: Secure the facility and escort Scientists.
- Spawn Location: Entrance Zone.
- Starting Gear: Basic firearms and equipment.
- Gameplay: Protect Scientists and eliminate SCPs or Class-D personnel if they pose a threat.
Mobile Task Force (MTF)
- Objective: Secure the facility and eliminate all SCPs and Chaos Insurgents.
- Spawn Location: Surface Zone.
- Gameplay: Well-equipped with weapons and keycards, acting as reinforcements for Facility Guards.
Chaos Insurgency
- Objective: Eliminate Foundation personnel and aid Class-D escapes.
- Spawn Location: Surface Zone.
- Gameplay: Equipped similarly to MTF but opposed to them, acting as an anti-Foundation force.
SCP Roles
SCPs are powerful anomalies whose goal is to eliminate all human players. Each SCP has unique abilities:
- SCP-173 (The Statue): Moves when not observed, instantly snapping necks.
- SCP-049 (The Plague Doctor): Kills humans and revives them as “zombies.”
- SCP-096 (Shy Guy): Becomes enraged when looked at, attacking all in sight.
- SCP-106 (The Old Man): Can teleport and send victims to a “pocket dimension.”
- SCP-939 (Dog): Mimics human voices and detects movement via sound.
- SCP-079 (AI): Hacks facility doors, assisting other SCPs.
- SCP-3114 (Skeleton): Can disguise as humans and manipulate items.
Each SCP plays differently, offering various strategic approaches.
Key Mechanics
Keycards and SCP-914 (The Upgrade Machine)
Keycards allow access to restricted areas and gates. The lowest level required for escape is the Operative Keycard, but most players aim for the O5 Keycard for full access. SCP-914 upgrades items based on its setting:
- “1:1” – Minor upgrade.
- “Fine” – Good upgrade (recommended for keycards).
- “Very Fine” – Risky but can create unique items.
SCP Items
Throughout the facility, you can find SCP objects that grant unique advantages:
- SCP-018 (Bouncy Ball): Ricochets chaotically, causing damage.
- SCP-207 (Coca-Cola): Increases speed temporarily.
- SCP-500 (Panacea): Heals all status effects.
- SCP-268 (Invisibility Hat): Temporarily hides the wearer.
Weapons and Customization
Weapons can be customized at workbenches found around the facility. Attachments include sights, suppressors, and grips. Weapon choice and modification play a crucial role in gunfights, especially in the final battles at the Surface Zone.
Game Progression
1. Light Containment Zone (LCZ)
- Spawns: Class-D, Scientists, SCP-914.
- Objective: Find keycards, upgrade at SCP-914, and reach Heavy Containment.
2. Heavy Containment Zone (HCZ)
- Spawns: SCPs, Micro-HID, high-level keycards.
- Objective: Avoid SCPs and get better gear.
3. Entrance Zone (EZ)
- Spawns: Facility Guards, MTF, Chaos Insurgents.
- Objective: Escape the facility or eliminate threats.
4. Surface Zone (SZ)
- Spawns: Final extraction points and respawns for MTF/Chaos.
- Objective: Escape or secure facility control.
Survival Tips for New Players
- Always grab a keycard. Upgrading it in SCP-914 can drastically improve your chances of survival.
- Pay attention to footstep sounds. Different roles have distinct movement sounds, helping you identify threats.
- Use voice chat wisely. Communication is key for coordinating with allies and bluffing enemies.
- Be cautious around SCP-914. Hostile players may ambush you inside the upgrade room.
- Hide when necessary. Stealth can be as effective as combat when dealing with SCPs.
- Know SCP abilities. Understanding their attack patterns helps you counter them effectively.
- Use hotkeys. Customize your controls for quick actions like dropping keycards or switching weapons.
- Watch out for Chaos and MTF. Their objectives change depending on who they encounter.
- If you’re SCP-3114, disguise early. Scientists are the best initial disguise choice.
- Don’t rely on one escape path. Multiple routes exist, so adapt based on enemy presence.
Final Thoughts
SCP: Secret Laboratory is an unpredictable and chaotic multiplayer experience with deep strategy and horror elements. Whether you’re a D-Class scrambling for survival, an MTF soldier securing the site, or an SCP hunting your prey, every round offers new and exciting challenges.
By following this guide, you’ll have a solid foundation to jump into the game with confidence. Now, get out there, avoid the SCPs, and survive the madness!
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