Whilst you may want to sit back and watch all the character drama (That you have inevitably caused) unfold, you may find that the game can throw you a curve-ball when you’re least expecting. Even during dialogue-heavy portions of the game, something can suddenly spring out and you and if you’re still in your lounge position, you’ll find yourself in deep trouble. The game moves at a very brisk pace, so keep focused on what’s really happening and how to react accordingly.

By all means, soak up as much of the story and characters as you can, but be aware of your surroundings and think back to all of those slasher movie cliches you’ve become so accustomed to over the years. Nobody is ever safe in Until Dawn and only your quick-thinking and reflexes can save them.

This one should be a no-brainer, but for players who aren’t well versed in survival horror exploration could be the furthest thing from their minds. Think about it, taking extra time to explore dark corners could open you up to attack and hinder your streak of keeping everyone alive. It’s a good train of thought and helps to keep you on the right track, but you’d do better by taking the extra time to seek out the game’s many collectables and potential weapons to aid you in tight situations.

The best reason to explore is to find as many Totems as possible. These items give you slight premonitions into potential events in the future, such as a character death and can help you to avoid a gruesome end. Also littered around the land are numerous clues that offer a better insight into game’s backstory and are essential to getting a full grasp of what’s going on.

On paper this may sound like a strange one, but believe it helps. There are several points in the game where you are required to keep your controller still in order to avoid being detected. Sounds easy enough right?

Well, yes and no. If things get particularly tense you may find yourself trembling and the game’s vibration function doesn’t help matters either. Simple trick, hold your breath during these segments and you’re less likely to twitch the controller and fail the quick-time event.

Keeping the core-cast of characters happy and group morale high is a great way to approach this game. It may be tempting to skew events and let certain juicy secrets let loose so you can fulfil some twisted fantasies you keep in your head, but this can have negative consequences in the long-run. If two characters begin to hate one another it will mean that they’re less likely to stay together. Common sense and decency do apply here.

Resist the urge to create friction and keep the group together as a strong unit. You’re more likely to survive as a whole, not as splintered group of passive aggressive housemates. Although, on a replay, feel free to create as much drama as you like.

Relating back to my last point, any situations in which you have the option to hide must be approached cautiously. Your current character may be concealed away from the killer’s view, but that can make you a much easier target. Confining yourself to one space as opposed to high-tailing it to another room could cost you a character so always think carefully.

If your character is in possession of a weapon, then you may a bit more freedom in this regard, although I’d suggest meeting any danger head-on, as long as you’re well equipped.