Introduction to the Reaper in R.E.P.O.
In the world of R.E.P.O., the Reaper is more than just a creepy scarecrow; she’s the relentless protector of all maps and your biggest obstacle in reaching your quota to pay the Taxman. This hulking, slow-moving figure can deal a substantial amount of damage if she catches you, making her a formidable adversary. Despite her intimidating appearance and deadly attacks, the Reaper has her own set of weaknesses and quirks that you can exploit to stay alive and complete your objectives. In this guide, we’ll provide you with comprehensive strategies to deal with the Reaper, ensuring you can navigate the dangerous maps with a better chance of success.
Understanding the Reaper’s Behavior
The Reaper is not the sharpest tool in the shed, which can work to your advantage. She moves around the map using her stick legs, waddling slowly and clumsily. Her primary attack mode involves running at you and flailing her double swords, attempting to deal continuous damage. Once she starts her attack, the Reaper can quickly reduce your health, leading to a swift and painful demise if you don’t act quickly. However, her slow movement and predictable attack patterns can be used to your benefit.
Evading the Reaper
The Reaper’s short attention span is one of her most significant weaknesses. She often loses track of her target, especially if you leave a room and close the door behind you. This means that weaving in and out of rooms, hugging the walls, hiding under furniture, or moving to another floor can effectively keep her off your trail. Climbing a flight of stairs and shutting doors or using cover to hide can disrupt her tracking ability, giving you precious moments to escape or reposition. Running in a straight line is the worst strategy, as the Reaper can follow this simple path without losing sight of you. Instead, stay active and reposition frequently to make her forget about your existence.
Strategic Hiding and Movement
When the Reaper is after you, it’s crucial to stay one step ahead of her. She won’t follow you into a room if you’ve shut the door behind you, so use this to your advantage. Once you enter a room, immediately close the door to prevent her from tracking you further. If you are spotted, avoid hiding in the same place, as she will remember where you are. Instead, use furniture to conceal yourself or tuck yourself around a corner, out of her line of sight. The Reaper’s inability to track you for long periods means that strategic hiding and movement can buy you the time you need to evade her and continue your mission.
Killing the Reaper
While evading the Reaper is often the best strategy, there are times when you might need to take her down. The Reaper can be killed, just like any other monster in R.E.P.O. While firearms are the most powerful weapons, a more cost-effective and consistent option is the Baseball Bat. This melee weapon can stun or stagger the Reaper, allowing you to attack her without wasting valuable throwables. The key to killing the Reaper is to stay behind her at all times. Use cover to your advantage, hiding under furniture or around corners to stay out of her line of sight. Wait for the perfect moment to strike, and when she is distracted or facing away from you, swing the Baseball Bat to knock her down. Keep hitting her to prevent her from getting back up. Eventually, the Reaper will transform into a life orb, which you can collect and take to the extraction point to help reach your next quota.
Weapon Choices and Tactics
While melee weapons like the Baseball Bat and Frying Pan are effective for ambushing and killing the Reaper, you have other options. The Gun or Tranq Gun, paired with either the Baseball Bat or Frying Pan, can also be viable. The Tranq Gun can temporarily incapacitate the Reaper, giving you a clear shot to finish her off with a melee weapon. However, the Reaper will disarm you if you attack her while she is in her attack mode, so timing and positioning are crucial. Always attack from behind, and keep moving to avoid being cornered or disarmed. By using a combination of stealth, strategic movement, and the right weapons, you can turn the Reaper from a fearsome foe into a helpful resource.
Final Tips and Tricks
The Reaper’s predictable patterns and short attention span make her a manageable threat if you stay alert and use the right strategies. Remember to close doors behind you, hide effectively, and reposition frequently to keep her off your trail. When it comes to killing the Reaper, prioritize melee weapons and attack from behind to avoid being disarmed. The life orb she leaves behind can be a valuable asset, helping you reach your quota and pay the Taxman. By mastering these techniques, you can navigate the maps of R.E.P.O. with greater confidence and a higher chance of survival.
