Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a great game even though it was met with a lukewarm reception. While there are issues with the game, it's still quite fun to play and gets better with friends. A year after launch, Aliens: Fireteam Elite is getting its first post-launch content release, called the "Pathogen," which will have players and their squad head into the monster's den — or rather, the hive of Aliens, where they will face the game's first-ever boss.

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While the DLC comes with a bunch of new content, including maps and weapons, the game still plays the same way. However, even though not much has changed, the new enemies types and the new boss do change up the meta. If players have mastered the base game, they just need to make minor adjustments for the Pathogen DLC.

5 Use Abilities

alien fireteam elite aline being shot at

A player's abilities can make or break their loadout. These are unique depending on the player's class, and can emphasize their playstyle. The classes that players can pick is probably one of the highlights of Aliens: Fireteam Elite, because they allow the player to show off their strengths, like holding down a position or healing the squad. It adds a new element of gameplay to each session.

The best way to get breathing room is by using class abilities. However, players need to time their use carefully because of the cooldown. The best part about these abilities is that while players should rely on them, and they should use them often, they can feel the impact of the abilities long after they've used them, provided, they are actively fighting and using their abilities at the same time.

4 Stay Mobile

aliens fireteam elite players shooting at new alien type

Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a difficult game, and though many players take issue with the lack of checkpoints, there are other ways to help them overcome that. The main thing is to keep moving, especially when facing the Xenomorphs, because they can have a better range of attacks. If someone in the squad lays down a turret, there's no reason for anyone to stay in place.

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On top of that, dodging plays a huge role in this area. The more players move, the more they can dodge, attacks which becomes even more important when facing the boss, the Xenomorph Queen. By moving, players will be harder to hit, and can turn around and counterattack. This rule is even more important when players play on harder difficulties where attack is even more damaging. Dodging, moving, and countering will mean more for those sections.

3 Look Out For Health

aliens fireteam elite players shooting a hallway with aliens

As mentioned before, the game does not feature checkpoints, so if players die, they'll need to restart the mission. The good thing about Aliens: Fireteam Elite is that health can be acquired in many ways. The first is by looking for it in each level, as it is plentiful enough. The other way is for a player in the squad to have an ability that gives health.

When holding a position, it's a good idea to not touch the health until it's needed because. If players get hit a lot once the hordes come by, they'll need to heal as soon as possible. So it's a better idea to health in reserve. Much like ammo, health can be stacked, which some players may miss on doing. So as long as they have health in reserve and time when to use it, players can last the whole mission.

2 Squad Composition

aliens fireteam elite sqaud preparing for session

The team's makeup is important and mixes everything together because the abilities and the loadouts show this off. When players are doing their role, everything becomes easy. For example, if the squad has a player that can heal, another player that can dish out heavy attacks, and one final balanced build, getting through the game will be more fluid.

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If each team member is playing their role, they can get into a rhythm that will allow the team to fight more aggressively. Instead of holding a position, they can now go closer to the aliens knowing that they have teammates near them that can assist them. The more diverse the squad is, the tougher the players become. This is crucial when fighting the game boss and the harder enemies.

1 Play With Friends

aliens fire team elite players shooting in sequence

Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a multiplayer-only game. If players choose to go solo, they'll be paired with AI, which can hinder gameplay. Alternatively, they can opt to do matchmaking to play with someone online, which can have pros and cons on its own. Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a great game for the PVE element, but for players to get more immersed, it's better to play with friends. Not only does it make combat easier, but things also get more entertaining, which in turn allows the game itself to be fun.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a social game which boasts some great gameplay; however, the issue with this is that players need to play with friends in order to fully realize this. Once they do this, the game becomes something else, and the fun allows it to be more immersive. When going up against the boss in the Pathogen DLC, this tip becomes even more important. Playing with friends allows players to communicate what they want to do, which is essential when fighting the boss in this DLC.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite Pathogen DLC is available now on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC.

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