The Basics

Synthetik is game with a variety of different and unique mechanics, some of which may even be unfamiliar for seasoned shooter players. It is important to become accustomed to the controls and intricacies of Synthetik if you wish to take down the Machine Legion and free humanity from its clutches. Below is a basic overview of all the things you should get familiar with when starting the game for the first time.



The User Interface and Related Mechanics
It is important to familiarize yourself with the heads up display (HUD) elements in Synthetik, as they will provide you with much needed information both in and out of combat.

The Target Reticle and Active Reloading


Reloading is a core mechanic in every shooter game, but Synthetik emphasizes it even more. For most weapons, there are three steps to reloading. By default keybindings, the player presses E to eject the magazine (and any bullets left inside), then R or Space to begin the act of inserting a new magazine. As the bar (3 in the table above) fills, the player then tries to press R or Space once more when the white bar is within the active reload area (4 in the table above). Hitting this active reload correctly grants any number of buffs to all shots fired from the new magazine, from increased damage or firerate to better recoil control and more.

Manual ejections can be turned off in the difficulty modifiers section of the main menu, at the expense of slower reloads and 10% less Data and XP rewards.

Weapon Jamming


Your weapon may jam at any time, as long as the Weapon Jamming difficulty modifier is activated. To clear a jam, simply mash the Reload key (default R or Space) until the jam clears. You can also clear most of a jam by continually trying to fire however this will take significantly longer and will still require a single R press when the jam is 99% cleared. The weapon will have a full magazine, and the ammo in the jammed magazine will be lost.

Enemy Health Bar


''Note: By default enemies will only display their ammo count when low or reloading. This can be changed in the options menu to where enemy ammo count is always visible to the player.''

Upgrading and Enhancing


Throughout the run, you will have the chance to acquire and upgrade many kinds of Weapons and Items, as well as enhance the base stats of your android. These helpful tools can be found in a variety of ways, including the Chests randomly found in levels, Shrines where you can buy them for credits, or even as random drops from enemies (and plenty of other means). Items can be given more power at Item Upgrade Shrines. Android perk and stat upgrades can be found via Module Pickups, special chests, and certain item passives. Weapons can be given stat boosts at Weapon Upgrade Shrines.

Weapons can also gain Attachments that both enhance their power and change the way they function. Look out for the blue upgrade kits to obtain these enhancements:

Difficulty Modifiers
Difficulty modifiers are additional changes to the gameplay that make the game harder in exchange for a increased difficulty modifier to experience and data, as well as each providing their own unique gameplay bonus. Difficulty modifiers may be enabled or disabled from the main menu before the start of a run.

Research
Research items add small things to the game, and can be purchased for Data from the main menu. Many have a minimum Profile Level requirement before they can be purchased. Once purchased, Research items are permanently added to the game.

Supply Hack/Weapon Tokens
Upon obtaining the 'Supply Hack' research, the player can alter spawnrates and improve the quality of certain items and weapons when found. Each set of weapon and item hacks is tracked separately per player class. (i.e. Engineer can have a different set of items affected than Heavy Gunner or Breacher.) Legendary items cannot be affected by occurrence arrows.



Lab levels
This measures your progress in the game.


 * Every level gained with any class adds to this
 * Every prestige gained increases this by 25 flat
 * Required for research
 * Required to unlock specific weapons:
 * Spectre at level 5
 * Human RPG-7 at level 5
 * LS Laser Sub at level 7
 * Medic FMG-9 at level 7
 * Ballistic CRX-Bow at level 7
 * T 8-00-Gauge at level 20

General Tips and Tricks

 * Synthetik supports both careful tactical play and quick and hectic play. It is highly recommended to always play carefully however. Never rush blindly into a situation you might not be prepared for.
 * While careful play is certainly encouraged, that doesn't mean to get too sheepish- it's a good idea to learn to keep moving while in combat. Stagnant play is punished when tough bosses and beefy enemies start appearing.
 * Feeling like your kit isn't working out? Try a different class! There are many ways to play the game, and the right class for you might not be what you initially expect, so try them all.
 * If you're having trouble reloading, try using the spacebar exclusively instead of the E and R keys.
 * Dashing is a key component to moving around the battlefield. Dash and dash often. Learning the timing and utilizing it correctly will save you from a lot of dangerous situations.
 * Use your credits wisely. Think twice about buying that shiny new gun when you already have two upgraded death machines but almost no items to speak of.
 * If you're playing in co-op have some common courtesy- most chests are not shared so be sure to not to leave your buddy high and dry, sharing is caring. You can press L to drop weapons, and you can drop unwanted items by dragging them above your item bar.
 * Tap firing is generally better than going full auto with high recoil weapons, be sure to get acquainted with the arsenal so you know what weapons suit your general playstyle better.
 * Dying a lot? That's okay, it happens. The more you play the better you become. If you're finding the game a bit too challenging, lower your difficulty modifiers or invest in a mystery boost (if you've unlocked it via research).
 * Experiment. There are a lot of items, weapons, mods, and equipment at your disposal, so don't be afraid to pick up that strange new red item you see at the shrine. Might be the best thing ever, who knows?
 * Stutter-stepping or pausing during movement are adequate ways to increase your accuracy on the fly. If you run around at max speed with a precision rifle, don't expect to hit much unless the barrel of your gun is touching them.
 * Classes get minor damage bonuses for using specific weapons. Guardians prefer shotguns and SMGs, Rogues prefer DMRs and Snipers, Commandos prefer ARs and heavy MGs, (Although they don't actually get any stat bonuses from them.) and Specialists prefer laser, plasma and explosive weaponry.
 * While the above point should be kept in mind, don't feel afraid to experiment with different weapons either! Almost anything can work for any class, the class bonus is more of a suggestive guideline than a rule.
 * Don't underestimate your pistol! If you take your time and aim for headshots, the first two floors can easily be cleared with just your starting handgun. No need to rush for that weapons crate.
 * Spend your data! Data caps at 1000, so be sure to use it when you have it to unlock everything.
 * If your item bar is full and you want to use that weapon upgrade kit just lying there, simply drag an item off the bar (not recycle), pick up and use the kit, and grab your item again. No more waste!