The klaxon screams, a mechanical wail cutting through the desolate atmosphere. Something monstrous is sniffing at your heels, its grotesque form barely visible through the swirling fog. You’re scrambling back to the only thing standing between you and oblivion: the Cruiser, your battered, second-hand starship that is both your escape and your prison in the unforgiving world of Lethal Company.
What exactly is the Cruiser? It’s not just a spaceship. It’s your mobile base of operations, your transportation to the resource-rich (and monster-infested) moons, and essentially, the only home you have left. It’s where you deposit the precious scrap you risk your life to obtain, where you strategize with your crew, and where you (attempt to) sleep between terrifying excursions. The Cruiser is your livelihood, your escape, and arguably the most important piece of equipment you’ll interact with in Lethal Company.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to mastering the Cruiser’s potential. We’ll cover everything from the most basic functions to advanced survival strategies and techniques to maximize your profits while minimizing your chances of ending up as monster chow in the depths of some forgotten industrial complex. Understanding and using the Cruiser in Lethal Company efficiently is the difference between a successful run and becoming yet another forgotten scrap heap.
Understanding the Core Systems
The Cruiser is more than just a ride; it’s a complex machine with various systems to manage. Familiarity with these is paramount to success.
Navigating the Cosmos
Piloting the Cruiser is your gateway to untold riches – and untold horrors. To begin, access the navigation console, a central hub for choosing your next destination. You’ll be presented with a map of available moons, each one a different landscape with unique dangers and rewards. Learn to interpret the information presented: weather conditions, potential loot, and the all-important threat level. More dangerous moons offer more valuable scrap, but they also come with creatures that can turn your salvage operation into a nightmare. Consider the cost of each trip, too. Certain moons demand a fee for entry.
Powering Your Survival
Power is the lifeblood of the Cruiser. It fuels the lights that keep the darkness at bay, the teleporter that can be your lifeline, and the all-important monitors that provide crucial information. Pay close attention to your power consumption. Leaving lights on unnecessarily or running the teleporter too often can drain your reserves, leaving you vulnerable. Learn to conserve power by turning off lights in unused areas and being mindful of teleporter usage. A dark Cruiser is a dangerous Cruiser, and a dead battery spells doom.
Storage Solutions
The Cruiser’s storage capacity is limited, making efficient inventory management critical. Organize your scrap strategically. Designate areas for different types of loot, prioritizing the most valuable items. Remember, you only have a limited amount of space, so make tough decisions about what to bring back. Prioritize what you bring back. Do you really need that rubber duck, or should you take that large bolt worth a lot of money? Don’t neglect your personal inventory either. Consider assigning roles where certain players are dedicated to carrying certain items.
Monitors and Command
The main monitor is your eye in the sky, displaying crucial information about the outside world. Use it to detect approaching enemies, monitor your crew’s status, and identify potential dangers before they become a threat. The terminal is your gateway to the outside world, allowing you to purchase essential equipment, access company information, and scan for valuable loot on the moons. Mastering the terminal is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your profits. You can also use the terminal to find out what the enemies are that haunt the moons.
Tools of the Trade: Maximizing Your Cruiser’s Features
The Cruiser isn’t just transportation; it’s equipped with tools that can dramatically influence your survival.
The Teleporter: Your Instant Escape (and Potential Death Trap)
The teleporter is a double-edged sword. It allows for rapid extraction from dangerous situations, but it also comes with its own set of risks. Before teleporting, ensure the area is clear of enemies. Blindly teleporting can drop you right into the jaws of a waiting monster. Use the teleporter strategically to move valuable scrap back to the ship, saving time and reducing the risk of carrying it across treacherous terrain. Coordinate with your team to designate one person as the “teleporter operator,” responsible for monitoring the situation and teleporting players out of danger.
The Monitor: Your Early Warning System
The monitor is your best friend when it comes to avoiding unexpected encounters. Learn to interpret the symbols and signals it displays. Different enemy types have different visual representations on the monitor, allowing you to anticipate threats and plan your response accordingly. Use the monitor to track enemy movement and communicate warnings to your teammates on the ground. A well-coordinated team using the monitor effectively can avoid many potential disasters. Communicate with the person watching the monitor, so they know who is doing what, and where.
Using Other features on the ship
The light switches on the ship can be used to help you conserve battery, or make it easier to see what you are doing on the ship. The boombox can be used to distract certain creatures. You can also use it to keep moral up on the ship while travelling.
Strategic Usage for Increased Survival
The Cruiser is more than just a tool; it’s a strategic asset that can be used to gain an advantage.
Pre-Moon Planning: Laying the Groundwork for Success
Before setting foot on a moon, take the time to plan your strategy. Analyze the moon’s difficulty level and choose equipment that’s appropriate for the challenges you’ll face. Communicate with your team to assign roles and responsibilities. Who will be the designated scout? Who will carry the heavy equipment? Clear objectives before landing will help you stay focused and avoid confusion.
In-Mission Coordination: Staying Alive as a Team
Once you’re on the ground, constant communication is essential. Use the monitor to provide real-time updates on enemy positions and potential dangers. Call out any hazards you encounter. Coordinate your movements to avoid being separated from the group. Knowing when to retreat to the Cruiser is crucial for survival. Don’t be afraid to cut your losses and head back to the ship if the situation becomes too dangerous.
Scrap Management: Maximizing Profits
Efficient scrap management is key to maximizing your profits. Prioritize the most valuable scrap items and load them onto the Cruiser first. Organize the storage area to make it easy to find what you need. Don’t be afraid to leave less valuable items behind if you’re running out of space. Remember, the goal is to bring back the most valuable loot possible with the least amount of risk. If you run out of room, and don’t need something, throw it out the door, into space.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even experienced players can fall victim to common Cruiser-related mistakes.
Ignoring the Monitor: Blindly Walking to Your Doom
One of the most common mistakes is failing to pay attention to the monitor. Ignoring the warnings it provides can lead to ambushes and avoidable deaths. Always have someone monitoring the screen and communicating potential threats to the team.
Wasting Power: Running on Empty
Running out of power at a critical moment can be catastrophic. Conserve power by turning off lights when they’re not needed and being mindful of teleporter usage. Keep an eye on the power gauge and plan your activities accordingly. If you get an emergency you can also set it to use the bare minimum of power.
Poor Communication: Misunderstandings Lead to Mayhem
Lack of communication can create confusion and missed opportunities. Establish clear communication protocols before landing on a moon. Use voice chat or in-game text to relay information about enemy positions, scrap locations, and potential dangers.
Neglecting Cruiser Security: Leaving the Door Open for Trouble
Leaving the Cruiser vulnerable to attack can have disastrous consequences. Always close the doors behind you and be aware of your surroundings. Enemies can and will attempt to breach the ship, especially if you’re making a lot of noise.
Overstuffing the Ship: Chaos in the Cargo Hold
A disorganized Cruiser is a liability. Take the time to organize your scrap and equipment efficiently. A cluttered ship makes it difficult to find what you need in a hurry and increases the risk of tripping over items in a panic.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced strategies to further enhance your Cruiser usage.
Strategic Teleportation: Outsmarting Your Enemies
Use the teleporter for quick escapes or to set up ambushes. Teleporting a player behind a group of enemies can create a distraction and allow your teammates to escape. You can also use the teleporter to quickly move valuable scrap back to the ship, reducing the risk of carrying it across dangerous terrain.
Creative Use of Items: Turning the Tables on Your Foes
Experiment with different items to find creative ways to defend the Cruiser or manipulate enemies. The stun grenade can be used to temporarily disable enemies, allowing you to escape or buy time to repair damage to the ship. The jetpack can be used to reach elevated positions and survey the surrounding area.
Moon-Specific Strategies: Adapting to the Environment
Different moons require different strategies. Research the creatures and hazards present on each moon before landing. Adjust your equipment and tactics accordingly. A strategy that works on one moon may not be effective on another.
Optimal Crew Placement: Maximizing Team Efficiency
Assign roles based on individual strengths and weaknesses. Some players may be better suited for scouting, while others excel at combat or inventory management. By assigning roles that complement each other, you can create a well-rounded team that’s capable of handling any challenge.
In Conclusion: Owning the Company
The Cruiser in Lethal Company is more than just a spaceship; it’s your lifeline, your mobile base, and your key to survival. By understanding its core systems, mastering its features, and employing strategic tactics, you can transform it from a simple mode of transportation into a powerful asset that can help you conquer the moons and amass untold riches. But it’s also a potential liability, a fragile vessel that can be easily overwhelmed if you’re not careful.
So, take what you’ve learned here, jump back into Lethal Company, and put your Cruiser skills to the test. Experiment, adapt, and above all, communicate with your team. Mastering the Cruiser is the key to transforming from a terrified survivor to a hardened salvager in the unforgiving world of Lethal Company. Now go out there, make some scrap, and try not to get eaten!
