Rarely has such a simple game been so effectively terrifying and anxiety-inducing as Scott Cawthon's indie hit, Five Nights At Freddy’s. First released in 2014, it didn’t take long for this unique, survival-horror game to gain cult-classic status. Inspiring countless Youtube channels dedicated to both the gameplay and lore, various sequels, and a movie in the works, FNAF shows little signs of slowing down.
Taking the player into the world of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, it is up to a lone security guard to keep the monstrous animatronics inside of the restaurant. Despite the simplistic nature of the franchise's gameplay, it takes quick and strategic thinking that could easily be missed on the first playthrough.
10 Not Paying Attention To The Phone Messages
The first night of the original game begins with the player listening to a voicemail left by the previous security guard. It's long and tempting to get distracted while it plays, but it pays off to listen to his instructions.
He not only gives subtle tips on gameplay that may help players survive the night, but it is the first in hidden bits of lore that piece together the dark backstory of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, and the animatronics that live inside.
9 Panicking
It's a horror game. It's natural to be a bit jumpy, especially after that first scare! That said, panicking rather than paying attention will mean an almost definite "game over."
In a game that relies heavily on being able to swiftly decipher the camera screens, listening closely, and following in-game instructions, panic has no place in FNAF. If a player gets too nervous, they're likely to miss something that means the difference between a night won, and the next jump scare.
8 Running The Battery Out Early
The power bar located on the bottom left of the screen is every FNAF player's best friend. It indicates available power with both a green bar and a percentage, and it runs out fast.
One of the most important things to learn early on in the game is how quickly your power battery runs out, and which actions take up what amount of power. A player should be wary of keeping lights on, opening and shutting doors, or lingering on cameras too early in the night. If the power hits 0%, the animatronics win.
7 Ignoring Warning Signs
Though the games are known for their shocking jump scares and fast-paced gameplay, it can't be said that the player isn't at least warned first. Throughout the various games in the franchise, there are warnings that let the player know that one of the animatronics is near.
Always pay attention to any new visual or audio cues. These signs may differ from game to game, from glowing eyes, to a soft, tinkly music box getting progressively louder.
6 Focusing Too Much On Freddy
The game may be called Five Nights At Freddy's, but he isn't the only animatronic to worry about before the week is over. Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy are just as dangerous and far more active in the first game alone.
Foxy is a particularly sneaky one. He knows when the player isn't watching him closely, and will move faster if he isn't checked up on enough! Freddy is most likely to get up to mischief on the last couple of nights.
5 Using The Door Instead Of The Light
Opening and closing the doors frequently is a sure-fire way to run out the battery and potentially get into trouble with some sneaky animatronics. Check lights first, then cameras, then doors, in that order.
A player has the option to leave the doors open as well, and frequently check the lights on either side to verify if there is an animatronic approaching. If they are at the open door, close it immediately.
4 Playing Without Headphones
This may not be something that most players expect, especially when playing the games via console rather than PC, but it is much easier to play the game with a headset or earbuds.
This game relies heavily on recognizing the slightest of sounds, and hearing them soon enough might save a life! Always take a moment to listen carefully before checking cameras, lights, or opening doors.
3 Ignoring Movement Patterns
Each animatronic has certain patterns and times that they are more likely to look for the tasty, new, security guard. Bonnie is active on the first few nights and likes to show up on the left side, while Chica only appears at the door on the right.
Foxy starts out in Pirate's Cove. He isn't usually very active on the first night, and gradually peeks through the curtains more and more until he emerges entirely.
2 Not Checking The Cameras Often Enough
If nothing else, Five Night's At Freddy's is a game of strategy and balance. It is important to check the cameras frequently, but not so much that it runs out the battery. Use the camera's lights, but don't overuse them.
A good way to make each moment count is to memorize what animatronics tend to show up on which cameras on which days. Then it's just a matter of if the animatronic is there yet or not.
1 Taking Your Time
This is not a game where slow and steady wins the race. It takes quick thinking and processing of information. Players must train themselves to take in lots of details in brief glances at each security camera screen, often rapidly flipping from one to the next. Do not just sit and wait in the office only occasionally checking the lights or a camera, hoping to survive until morning. Spoiler: You won't.