Slitterhead: Guide to Conquer Possessions, Recruit Characters and Slay Monsters
Key Takeaways:
- Possession Strategy is Key: Master the art of possession to transform civilians into effective warriors and strategically recruit “Rarity” characters for their unique abilities.
- Rarity Character Management: Recruit Rarities throughout missions to unlock powerful fighters with special combat skills, essential for surviving the game’s nightmarish creatures.
- Combining Powers and Strategy: Select and pair Rarity characters for maximum synergy and dominate the city of Kowlong, where horror and action meet in gruesome combat.
“Slitterhead” offers a horror experience that’s a blend of survival, action, and strategy, casting you as a supernatural spirit who takes control of human hosts to fight off terrifying monsters in the gritty city of Kowlong. Unlike traditional horror games, “Slitterhead” requires you to harness the powers of unique characters called “Rarities” special individuals with abilities that can turn the tide in battle. This guide walks you through everything from recruiting these key characters to mastering combat and understanding the game’s possession mechanics.
Possession Mechanics: The Foundation of Slitterhead’s Gameplay
The core gameplay in “Slitterhead” revolves around possession. As a disembodied spirit, you have the ability to jump into the bodies of civilians, using them as shields, decoys, and fighters against the monstrous creatures called Slitterheads. This isn’t simply a gameplay gimmick it’s a vital survival strategy.
Possessing everyday citizens can give you temporary health boosts and attack bonuses, making them useful in a pinch. However, most civilians lack the strength and durability needed to fend off Slitterheads effectively. Enter the Rarities powerful characters with unique abilities that make them invaluable allies in your fight.
Recruiting Rarity Characters: Unlocking Essential Allies
Recruiting Rarities in “Slitterhead” involves finding and possessing specific individuals during missions, often by revisiting earlier parts of the game through time travel. These characters not only enhance your starting roster but also bring unique powers to battles. Here’s how to recruit each Rarity character in the game:
1. Julee (Prologue)
- Mission: Prologue
- How to Recruit: Complete the Prologue mission. Julee will name the spirit “Night Owl,” and from then on, she becomes selectable.
- Abilities: Julee’s Sonic Claws offer close-range attacks, while her healing and Empower upgrades bolster civilian hosts’ stats, making her a versatile asset.
2. Anita (Day 3)
- Mission: “Missing Girl RE (2nd Loop)”
- How to Recruit: After unlocking time travel, return to this mission and prevent Anita’s death.
- Abilities: Anita uses the Blood Halberd for impressive yet risky combos, and her Devil’s Scent skill spawns additional hosts for possession, turning civilians into an attacking mob.
3. Alex (Day 1)
- Mission: “Black Payback”
- How to Recruit: After unlocking time travel, revisit this mission to rescue Alex.
- Abilities: Alex’s Blood Blade allows him to attack from a distance, while his Gravity Well skill traps enemies, perfect for mob control.
4. Blake (Any Day)
- Mission: Complete several missions, then finish “Oppressive Force RE (2nd Loop)” or “Lurking Parasite RE (2nd Loop).”
- Abilities: A master of ranged attacks, Blake’s Bloody Shot and Bloody Mine skills make him ideal for keeping Slitterheads at a distance and setting traps.
5. Doni (Day 2)
- Mission: “Sleepless Zone RE (2nd Loop)”
- How to Recruit: Use Edo to pick a lock, enter possession mode, and locate Doni by navigating through vents.
- Abilities: Doni specializes in melee attacks with a focus on close-quarters combat.
6. Edo (Day 1)
- Mission: “Lurking Parasite RE (2nd Loop)”
- How to Recruit: Find and possess a dog near the Fish and Eggs Restaurant, which will lead you to Edo.
- Abilities: With powerful Blood Fist attacks and deflection skills, Edo is a high-risk, high-reward fighter suitable for expert players.
7. Tri (Day 2)
- Mission: “Hidden Cave RE (2nd Loop)”
- How to Recruit: Eavesdrop for information, then navigate to the third floor of a chapel building to possess Tri.
- Abilities: Tri’s powers focus on evasion and survival tactics, ideal for wearing down enemies over time.
8. Betty (Days 1–3)
- Mission: Complete six encounters with the “Mysterious Old Lady” across various missions.
- Abilities: Betty’s skills focus on stealth and strategy, with an emphasis on evading enemies and providing support.
Combat Mechanics: Maximizing Rarity Powers and Strategy
In “Slitterhead,” combat is brutal and unforgiving. Rarities bring unique abilities to the battlefield that can make the difference between life and death. Regular civilians are expendable, useful for defense and as shields, but when Rarities are in play, it’s essential to leverage their powers strategically.
Understanding Blood Power
Each Rarity character requires Blood Power, which you replenish by possessing civilians and absorbing their vitality. Blood Power fuels special abilities, so using civilians effectively allows you to maintain combat prowess and restore health during tough encounters.
Guarding and Parrying: Essential Techniques
Although it may be tempting to go all-in on offense, guarding and parrying are crucial for survival. Slitterhead monsters can counterattack, and getting caught mid-combo can lead to devastating losses. Mastering parries opens up Blood Time a slow-motion counter-attack mode that gives you a chance to strike back and inflict significant damage.
Best Rarity Pair Combinations for Effective Combat
Selecting the right Rarity-Companion pair can create powerful synergies, allowing you to tackle tougher battles and extend your resources. Here are some recommended pairs:
- Anita and Alex: Anita’s Devil’s Scent followed by her Mind Hack can create a mob of possessed civilians, trapping enemies in Alex’s Gravity Well for devastating attacks.
- Julee and Edo: Julee’s Revive All skill provides healing for Edo, whose close-range attacks can clear out weaker enemies while Julee handles high-value targets.
- Blake and Tri: Blake’s ranged attacks keep enemies at bay, while Tri’s evasion abilities allow her to support him in prolonged encounters.
Strategies for Endgame Success
In the later stages of the game, battles become increasingly complex, requiring precision and timing. Here are a few advanced strategies:
- Constantly Switch Hosts: Possession allows you to take a step back and plan your next move. Use Possession Mode to assess threats and find the optimal host for each encounter.
- Use the Environment: Some missions offer environmental hazards. Use these strategically to damage Slitterheads without using up Blood Power.
- Manage Resources: While civilians are expendable, Rarities are not. Preserve their health by switching to civilian hosts as needed to avoid putting them in the line of fire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I unlock more Rarities?
- Progress through the main story missions, revisiting past missions when time travel becomes available. Specific requirements for each Rarity are outlined in the guide.
Q2: Can I switch Rarities mid-mission?
- No, you select your Rarity and Companion before each mission. However, you can possess civilians freely during missions to serve as temporary hosts.
Q3: What’s the best strategy for using civilians in combat?
- Use civilians as shields and distractions. Their Blood Power helps replenish health and allows you to keep your Rarity’s abilities charged.
Q4: Is guarding essential in the early game?
- While it’s not as crucial early on, mastering guard and parry techniques is vital for later battles where enemies counterattack frequently.