F.E.A.R. 3 Cover and combat: control the arena
Use the cover system and slow motion without losing track of flanks.
Edition covered
Original 2011 F.E.A.R. 3 campaign and original PC publisher pictures. Co-op and competitive modes are described as game features; current server availability is not assumed.
Cover is a position, not a guarantee
F.E.A.R. 3 uses an active cover system. Enter a position that blocks the current firing line, then check its sides. Grenades, close attackers and enemies approaching from a second direction can force a move even while the front is protected.
| Threat | Useful response | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Direct rifle fire | Use solid cover | Breaks the main firing line. |
| Grenade lands nearby | Move to a second position | Cover cannot cancel the blast. |
| Flanking soldier | Turn or relocate | The original barrier faces the wrong angle. |
| Close paranormal attacker | Create space | A distant aiming position can become a trap. |
Choose the engagement distance
A shotgun needs a nearby target, while rifles support longer firing lanes. Carry weapons that cover different distances. Crossing a room to suit the wrong gun is usually riskier than changing to the appropriate weapon from cover.
| Weapon role | Preferred situation | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Near rushers | Distant guarded targets. |
| Briggs SMG | Several close to medium threats | Long uncontrolled bursts. |
| Precision weapon | Clear distant shot | Standing still through return fire. |
| Heavy equipment | Durable target | Waste on a single easy infantry enemy. |
Recover after breaking line of sight
Damage recovery depends on creating a gap in incoming fire. Stay behind solid cover long enough to recover and reload. If enemies are already flanking, moving to a second position is safer than waiting in a compromised corner.
Mechs change the shape of a fight
Armored combat brings heavier weapons and larger targets. Use the supplied cover and arena space, keep track of incoming heavy fire and leave ordinary infantry habits behind when the objective introduces vehicle-scale threats.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game description and pictures | store.steampowered.com |
| Original publisher manual | files.replacementdocs.com |