Advanced Noise & Detection Tactics
Understanding how monsters detect players is crucial for surviving long expeditions. While most creatures rely on line‑of‑sight, a few—most notably the Huntsman—hunt by sound. Noise resets respawn timers and can attract patrols, so controlling your auditory footprint can mean the difference between life and death.
Sound vs. Sight
According to community research and the official wiki, nearly all monsters detect players visually. They possess cones of vision that can be narrowed by crouching or hiding. The Huntsman, however, has hearing five times greater than other enemies. Footsteps, running, dropped items and voice chat will bring it—and often other monsters—straight to you.
Practical Tactics
- Stay low and slow: Crouch whenever possible. Crouching reduces the vision cones of sight‑based enemies and dampens your footfall.
- Avoid slamming doors: Close doors gently to minimise noise. Slamming a metal door can be heard through walls.
- Sling loud loot: Items such as bottles or instruments will clatter if dropped. Secure them on your cart or hand them off before sprinting.
- Use sound as a tool: When being chased, throw an object down a hallway to divert the Huntsman. Because it prioritises noise, this trick can save your team.
- Silence communications: Keep voice chat volume low or use pings. Loud talking can trigger detection in close quarters.
- Stay patient: When an enemy passes, hold still. Movement and noise reset the detection timer, while stillness lets monsters wander away.
Beyond Basics
Monsters respawn over time when noise thresholds are met, so sustained racket will lead to overwhelming numbers. Plan routes that minimise backtracking and avoid repeatedly traversing the same corridors. Use glowsticks instead of flashlights to reduce light‑based detection, and invest in upgrades that increase stamina—allowing you to carry loot while remaining in stealth longer.
For a sound‑focused enemy guide, read our Huntsman dossier. If you're just starting out, the Beginner Survival Guide covers basic quiet movement and team etiquette.