The Best Tips & Tricks for Shadows Awaken
Use the Flashlight Wisely
The flashlight is your main tool to illuminate the dark environments of FNAF Shadows Awaken. However, it’s not just about lighting your way—it’s also key to managing your anxiety levels.
- Don’t Waste Power: Keep your flashlight usage to a minimum when you’re in well-lit areas. It’s crucial to conserve battery life for when you truly need it in darker sections of the game.
- Scan Dark Areas: When entering a dark room, quickly flash your light to check for enemies. This can help you spot lurking dangers like Sciomnia Freddy before it’s too late.
- Manage Anxiety: The game introduces an anxiety mechanic that increases when Michael is in the dark for too long. Staying in the light or using your flashlight helps calm him down, preventing high anxiety levels from leading to disaster.
Master the Focus Mechanic
One of the most unique mechanics in FNAF Shadows Awaken is the Focus ability, which allows Michael to “hear” beyond the physical world. This is essential for tracking invisible enemies and locating key objectives.
- Take Your Time: When using the Focus, don’t rush. The longer you stay focused, the louder and clearer the sounds will become, allowing you to pinpoint enemies or objectives more accurately.
- Stay Still: Focus requires Michael to stay immobile. Make sure you’re in a safe, well-lit area before activating it. Enemies can ambush you if you’re not careful.
- Track The Ghost: Focus is especially important for locating The Ghost in Chapter 1. Listen for the eerie sounds it makes and be prepared to snap a photo when you hear it nearby.
Use the Camera Effectively
The camera in FNAF Shadows Awaken is not just a tool for taking pictures—it’s a weapon against the nightmarish entities that stalk you. Here’s how to use it to your advantage:
- Stun Enemies: The camera flash is one of your main tools for stunning enemies like Sciomnia Freddy. Use it to stop them in their tracks and give yourself time to escape.
- Reveal Hidden Threats: Some enemies, like The Ghost, are invisible until you use the camera flash. Keep this in mind as you explore new areas, especially if you hear strange noises or feel the presence of an enemy.
- Avoid Overuse: The camera flash can increase Michael’s anxiety if used excessively, so use it sparingly and only when necessary.
Understand the Trauma Mechanic
Michael’s mental state is an essential part of the gameplay. The Trauma Mechanic adds an extra layer of difficulty by forcing you to keep Michael calm and avoid collapsing under stress.
- Stay in the Light: Being in dark areas for too long will cause Michael’s trauma to build up, making him more vulnerable to attacks. Always seek out sources of light when you feel your anxiety rising.
- Avoid High-Tension Areas: Some areas of the game, particularly narrow corridors and basements, are designed to increase tension. Be cautious in these spaces and move quickly to prevent trauma from overwhelming you.
- Use Calm Spaces: When things get too overwhelming, retreat to a safe, well-lit room to lower Michael’s anxiety and trauma. Give yourself a moment to regroup before moving forward.
Know When to Confront or Flee
In FNAF Shadows Awaken, you’ll often face tough choices: should you confront an enemy head-on or try to escape?
- Confront When Necessary: Use the camera flash or other tools when you need to stun or deter enemies like Sciomnia Freddy. But remember, some enemies can only be temporarily repelled, so use these moments to create distance.
- Flee to Survive: If you can’t defeat an enemy, sometimes the best option is to flee. Learn the layout of each area and know where to retreat if things go wrong. Escaping is sometimes your best defense.
- Don’t Linger: Staying too long in one area can be dangerous, especially when enemies like Sciomnia Freddy start hunting you. Always have an escape route in mind.
Listen to the Environment
Sound plays a crucial role in FNAF Shadows Awaken. From footsteps to eerie whispers, your environment will provide key audio cues to help you navigate the game.
- Listen for Threats: Certain enemies make distinct sounds when they’re nearby, such as the scratching or whispering of The Ghost. Keep your ears open and use Focus to identify these threats before they strike.
- Stay Alert for Story Cues: Radio broadcasts, environmental sounds, and background music often signal important moments in the game’s story. Pay attention to these details, as they can also provide clues to help you progress.
Plan for Future Chapters
As the game is released chapter by chapter, each new installment will introduce more complex mechanics and characters. Be ready to adapt your strategies as the game evolves.
- Study New Enemies: Each chapter is expected to bring new antagonists, like Sciomnia Bonnie in Chapter 2. Learn their mechanics and adjust your tactics accordingly.
- Expect New Mechanics: Future chapters may introduce additional gameplay elements, so stay flexible and be ready to master new tools or abilities as they become available.
- Explore Thoroughly: Don’t rush through the chapters. Take your time to explore each area, uncover secrets, and learn about the lore hidden throughout the game.