Welcome to the thrilling world of SCP: Secret Laboratory! If you're new to this free multiplayer horror game or curious about the upcoming Parabellum update, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know to dive into the dangerous underground facility and survive against anomalous threats.
Understanding SCP: Secret Laboratory
SCP: Secret Laboratory is a unique multiplayer horror experience that has captivated gamers since its release in 2017. Developed by Northwood Studios, this free-to-play game draws inspiration from the collaborative writing project known as the SCP Foundation. The game pits humans against terrifying creatures known as SCPs in a high-stakes game of survival, escape, and containment.
Set in a mysterious underground facility, players take on various roles with conflicting objectives, creating intense and unpredictable gameplay scenarios. The game's popularity has soared, with concurrent player counts regularly exceeding 25,000 on Steam, a testament to its engaging gameplay and dedicated community.
Key Features That Set It Apart
What makes SCP: Secret Laboratory stand out in the crowded multiplayer horror genre? Several key features contribute to its unique appeal:
- Free-to-play model: Unlike many multiplayer games, SCP: Secret Laboratory is entirely free to play, with no pay-to-win mechanics.
- Multiple teams with different objectives: The game's asymmetrical structure creates a dynamic environment where alliances can shift mid-round.
- Player-controlled monsters: SCPs are not AI-controlled but are instead played by other players, adding an unpredictable and intelligent threat.
- Voice chat communication: Real-time voice chat allows for negotiation, strategy, and immersive roleplay.
- Regular updates: The development team consistently adds new content and balances gameplay based on community feedback.
The Parabellum Update: A Game-Changer
The Parabellum update, version 11.0 of SCP: Secret Laboratory, represents one of the most significant overhauls in the game's history. Currently in public beta, this update promises to breathe new life into the game with a host of changes and improvements.
What's New in Parabellum?
- Redesigned and rebalanced SCPs: Each anomalous entity has been carefully reworked to provide a more balanced and engaging experience.
- New mechanics and weapons: Fresh gameplay elements add depth to the combat and survival aspects of the game.
- Updated models and visuals: A visual refresh brings the game's aesthetics up to modern standards.
- Improved gameplay balance: Careful adjustments aim to create a fair playing field for all roles.
To access the Parabellum beta on Steam, follow these steps:
- Right-click on SCP: Secret Laboratory in your Steam library
- Select "Properties"
- Navigate to the "Betas" tab
- Choose "publicbeta – 11.0.0" from the dropdown menu
It's worth noting that the beta may have some instability, as is common with pre-release software. However, participating in the beta allows players to provide valuable feedback to the developers and get a head start on learning the new mechanics.
Diving into Gameplay: Teams and Objectives
SCP: Secret Laboratory's unique gameplay revolves around several teams, each with its own objectives and playstyles. Understanding these roles is crucial for new players to grasp the game's dynamics.
Human Teams
- Class-D Personnel: Dressed in distinctive orange jumpsuits, these prisoners start in the Light Containment Zone and must escape the facility. They begin with minimal equipment and must scavenge to survive.
- Scientists: Clad in white lab coats, scientists also aim to escape but start with slightly better gear, including a low-level keycard.
- Mobile Task Force (MTF): These elite soldiers, recognizable by their blue uniforms, are tasked with rescuing scientists, recontaining SCPs, and eliminating other threats.
- Facility Guards: Wearing gray uniforms, guards have similar objectives to the MTF but start inside the facility.
SCP Team
The SCP team consists of player-controlled anomalous entities, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Their primary goal is to eliminate all human players. Some notable SCPs include:
- SCP-173: A statue that moves at incredible speeds when not observed.
- SCP-106: An entity that can phase through walls and teleport using portals.
- SCP-049: The Plague Doctor, capable of instantly killing humans and creating zombies.
- SCP-096: A shy creature that becomes extremely dangerous when its face is observed.
- SCP-939: A dog-like entity with voice mimicry abilities.
- SCP-079: An AI that controls facility systems and provides intel to other SCPs.
Chaos Insurgency
This rogue faction, dressed in green, aims to rescue Class-D personnel and oppose the MTF. They add another layer of complexity to the game's team dynamics.
The game takes place across three main zones, each with its own characteristics and dangers:
- Light Containment Zone: The starting area for Class-D and Scientists, featuring simpler puzzles and lower-level SCPs.
- Heavy Containment Zone: Where most SCPs begin, this area houses more dangerous anomalies and complex navigation.
- Entrance Zone: The final area before escape, often the site of intense confrontations between teams.
Key to survival is finding keycards to access different areas. Players can upgrade their keycards using SCP-914, a machine that can improve or degrade items based on its settings.
Advanced Strategies for Success
As players become more familiar with the game, they can employ advanced strategies to increase their chances of success:
For Human Teams:
- Bargaining: Use voice chat to negotiate with SCPs or other human teams. Sometimes, a temporary alliance can be crucial for survival.
- Resource management: Share keycards and weapons with teammates to maximize your team's effectiveness.
- Map knowledge: Learn the layout of each zone to plan efficient escape routes and avoid common ambush points.
For SCP Players:
- Coordinate with other SCPs: Use your unique abilities in tandem with other SCPs for maximum effect.
- Psychological warfare: Leverage voice chat to intimidate or mislead human players.
- Strategic positioning: Learn key choke points and high-traffic areas to maximize your impact.
The Vibrant Community and Modded Servers
One of SCP: Secret Laboratory's greatest strengths is its active community. The game supports modded servers, allowing for a wide variety of custom experiences:
- Servers with modified health values for SCPs
- Alternative win conditions and game modes
- New roles and items
When joining modded servers, always check the server information to understand any modifications. This variety keeps the game fresh and allows players to find experiences tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion: Embracing the Chaos
SCP: Secret Laboratory offers a thrilling, unpredictable multiplayer experience that keeps players coming back for more. With the Parabellum update bringing fresh content and balance changes, there's never been a better time to jump into this unique game.
Remember, the true joy of SCP: Secret Laboratory lies in its chaotic nature and the emergent stories that unfold in each round. Don't stress about being the best – focus on having fun, trying new strategies, and embracing the unexpected turns each game can take.
Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, the underground facility of SCP: Secret Laboratory awaits. Will you escape, contain, or become the very anomaly that others fear? The choice is yours in this gripping multiplayer horror adventure. Dive in, communicate with your team, and prepare for an experience unlike any other in the world of multiplayer gaming.
