11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Playing Silent Hill f

Silent Hill f has entered a new era this week with the arrival of the highly anticipated survival horror series. The game aims to deliver Silent Hill's themes of dreadful, psychological horror in a brand new setting, featuring new characters and a new combat system. As a journalist who spent tens of hours on this game in both Story and Hard mode, I've learned some valuable lessons that I wish I knew before jumping in.

1. Silo Crafting is a Thing

You can improve Hinako's max health, stamina, and sanity by crafting items like omamori. You can also increase the maximum amount of omamori slots by spending enough faith at shrines. While improving your stamina first might be a good idea, it's still essential to check which omamori you've collected thus far to improve your combat skills. Unlocking an extra omamori slot can be quite advantageous.

2. Don't Hang onto Random Offerings

The various offerings like antique combs and dried carcasses have no utility beyond earning faith by offering them up at a shrine. However, they do take up inventory space. It's essential to check your inventory for offerings every time you're at a shrine to ensure you don't waste space with items that don't contribute much to the game.

3. Invest in Stamina First, Sanity Second

Hinako's superpower is her stamina. While she can bash monsters with a steel pipe, weapons break quickly, and there are many occasions when you can get overwhelmed by enemies. To avoid this, invest in improving your stamina first, followed by sanity second. Having enough stamina will allow you to maneuver out of the way of enemies, while having sufficient sanity will enable you to deliver powerful strikes.

4. Don't Get into Useless Fights

The creatures of the fog might be creepy, but many of them are easy to take down. Resist the urge to go wild and clear the town of monsters. Instead, pick your battles strategically, especially when using fragile weapons like pipes or crowbars. Hinako can't punch or kick, so having a weapon is crucial in combat.

5. Manage Your Stamina with Higashi

Eating Higashi, which restores stamina, might seem unnecessary during normal gameplay, but it's essential when facing tough enemies or bosses. In Hard mode, eating Higashi will give you unlimited stamina for a short period, allowing you to spam your dodge and attack with ease.

6. Keep Your Distance and Use the Camera

Silent Hill f is relatively low on jump scares, but there are many instances where monsters will ambush you. To avoid these situations, keep a safe distance from enemies and use the third-person camera to peer around corners before exposing yourself. The game's gentle static sound effect can alert you when a monster is nearby.

7. Counter Attacks Get Easier with Charged-Ups

Unlocking Hinako's charged-up attack makes counter-attacks easier. Once you charge up your light attack, focus on the enemy and hit your heavy attack button to trigger the counterattack. Dodge just before an enemy strikes, and Hinako will hack the Matrix to slow down time and recharge her stamina instantly.

8. Look Out for Helpful Items During Boss Fights

Fragile weapons and sparse items can make combat challenging, especially during boss fights. Keep your eyes peeled for helpful items like health-restoring items or upgrades that can aid you in the fight.

9. Explore the Journal and In-Game Documents

The journal and in-game documents contain valuable information about the game's story, characters, and Japanese folklore. Take the time to read them, as they offer a deeper understanding of the game's world and themes.

10. Don't Brute-Force Puzzles (Trust Us on This One)

Puzzles in Silent Hill f often have too many variables for brute-forcing to succeed. Take the time to study Hinako's notebook and clues, as they will help you solve puzzles in a reasonable amount of time.

11. Enjoy the Rhythm of Combat

Silent Hill f has a satisfying combat system that settles into place over the course of the game. While it may take some time to get used to, the rhythm of combat becomes engaging and rewarding. With these tips, you'll be better equipped to survive the fog and uncover the game's dark tale.