Table of Contents
R.E.P.O. is a cooperative online horror game that throws you and your team into haunted locations filled with terrifying monsters and valuable loot. This guide covers everything a new player needs to know to survive their first extraction runs.
Quick Start Guide
What is R.E.P.O.?
R.E.P.O. stands for "Retrieve, Extract, Profit, Operate." Your objective is simple: enter a haunted location, find valuable items, and extract them while avoiding or dealing with the monsters that roam the halls.
Basic Controls
- WASD: Movement
- Mouse: Look around / Grab items
- Left Click: Grab / Throw
- Right Click: Drop item
- E: Interact
- Shift: Sprint (consumes stamina)
- Tab: Open inventory / Map
- F: Flashlight
- V: Voice chat (proximity)
- Q: Emote wheel
The Extraction Loop
- Enter the location via the extraction truck
- Search rooms for valuable items (marked with a golden glow)
- Carry items to the extraction zone
- Survive monster encounters
- Extract when you have enough value or are overwhelmed
Essential Tips for New Players
1. Always Travel in Groups
Never go alone. Monsters are more likely to target isolated players, and having teammates nearby means:
- Someone can revive you if you get downed
- You can coordinate to distract monsters while others loot
- Shared flashlight coverage reduces surprise attacks
2. Learn Monster Behaviors
Each monster has unique behaviors and weaknesses. Some are blind but have excellent hearing; others chase on sight but move slowly. Check our R.E.P.O. Monsters List for detailed breakdowns.
3. Manage Your Stamina
Sprinting consumes stamina, and if you're caught with empty stamina, you're dead. Key rules:
- Walk when exploring safe areas
- Save sprint for escapes
- Don't carry overly heavy items when you need mobility
4. Understand Item Values
Not all items are worth the same. Small items like jewelry and figurines are easy to carry but lower value. Large items like paintings and sculptures are high value but slow you down significantly.
5. Know When to Extract
Greed gets you killed. If your team has accumulated enough value to meet the quota, or if monsters are overwhelming you, head to the extraction zone immediately. It's better to leave with something than nothing.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Mistake #1: Making Too Much Noise
Running, throwing items, and opening doors loudly attract monsters. Crouch walk (Ctrl) when near known monster locations.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Flashlight Battery
Your flashlight has limited battery. Use it sparingly in dark areas, and turn it off when not needed. You can recharge it at the truck between runs.
Mistake #3: Not Communicating
Use voice chat or the in-game ping system (Middle Mouse) to communicate monster locations, item finds, and danger warnings.
Upgrades and Progression
Between runs, visit the upgrade shop to improve your character:
- Speed upgrades: Move faster with heavy items
- Stamina upgrades: Sprint longer
- Health upgrades: Survive more hits
- Inventory upgrades: Carry more items
Check our R.E.P.O. Best Upgrades Guide for detailed upgrade priorities.
FAQ
How many players can play R.E.P.O.?
R.E.P.O. supports up to 6 players in co-op. The game scales monster difficulty and item spawn rates based on player count.
Can I play R.E.P.O. solo?
Yes, but it's significantly harder. Solo play is recommended only after you've mastered monster behaviors and map layouts.
What happens if everyone dies?
If the entire team is downed, the run ends and you lose all items collected in that run. Some upgrades and progress are retained.
How do I revive teammates?
Downed teammates can be revived by holding E on them for 3 seconds. Be careful — reviving makes noise that attracts nearby monsters.
Are there difficulty settings?
Currently, difficulty scales with the map tier you select. Higher-tier maps have more valuable items but deadlier monsters.
Summary
R.E.P.O. rewards communication, caution, and map knowledge. Start with easier maps, learn monster patterns, and always prioritize team survival over individual greed. With practice, you'll go from terrified beginner to confident extractor.
Last Updated: July 12, 2025 | Game Version: Early Access
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