Smile, We’ve Got 5 Easy Tips to Get You Started in We Happy Few

After a long stint in Early Access, Compulsion Games’ We Happy Few finally got its full release today on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. You play as three different characters in the city of Wellington Wells, where residents are supposed to take a drug known as Joy, that keeps them in a prolonged state of happiness. Those who refuse are labeled Downers and will be punished. The game puts an emphasis on stealth, as you attempt to make your way through the dangerous streets of the city, so if this is your first time venturing among the drug-induced residents, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Keep Throwable Weapons Handy

As mentioned above, stealth in We Happy Few is huge. The events in the beginning of the game escalate from 0 to 100 real quick, and finding ways to defend yourself once you’re out of that first area can be a challenge, and oftentimes a pain if you’re unprepared. It’s best to keep several bottles with you, as they can be used as both a distraction and in defense during a confrontation. If things get too out of control, you can always run. 

Explore Your Surroundings. Thoroughly

In the off chance you do need to make a quick exit, it’s good to remember where you last saw a trash bin. Make sure you’re not being followed, though, and once you’re out of immediate danger, hop inside and crouch among the rotten apples and spoiled potatoes. Yum.  

Speaking of Food…

It’s best not to ignore your hunger and thirst, but it can almost feel like an afterthought as you are learning the best ways to maneuver through the game and familiarizing yourself with the skills tree. We Happy Few throws a lot at you in a short period of time, that you may not realize your character is starving until a portion of your stamina bar has been blocked. Be warned- rotten food can cause food poisoning. It doesn’t necessarily happen every time you eat something foul, but it happens enough to keep you skeptical.

In terms of thirst, water isn’t that difficult to come by, but it can still trip you up in the wrong moments. Keep a canteen on hand, and keep it filled.

While We’re Still Talking about Food…

Grab a snack. Yes, you the player.

Yes, I’m serious.

We Happy Few can boast some nice load times, depending on the area you enter. The first time it happened, I was unprepared and it was a constant inner conflict of “should I move, or should I stay?” While you get to read loading screen quotes like “Happy is the country with no past”, it may be even better with food in front of you. 

Fists for Days

It may be really tempting, or even natural, to gravitate toward weapons during combat, but in the beginning of the game especially, your own two fists will probably be the best weapons you own. Angry NPCs can dish out quite the punch, but you can easily block it, and then return a blow that’s just as devastating.