Noise
The noise system is a game mechanic.
Description
This system works in a simple manner - certain actions, mostly related to combat, such as firing weapons, grenade explosions, etc. emit a certain level of noise that travels through the map. This will cause silent weapons to have an edge over louder weapon types when doing a stealth assassination.
In addition to this, many NPCs will holler for help on their turn if they are not stunned or incapacitated, so it's important to dispose of them quickly and silently if you want to avoid fighting the whole camp.
NPCs react to noise by moving to investigate the source of the sound they heard. They will still have to detect the player visually. Certain NPCs do not react to noise.
Noise levels
The precise amount of noise made by an action is not displayed anywhere and there are no noise indicators other than what you hear, so it's all down to common sense.
Examples of very loud actions include mining with jackhammers, explosions (TNT charges, explosive grenades, mines) and gunfire, especially rifle fire.
Noiseless weapons include crossbows, silenced 5mm firearms and melee weapons. Physical psi abilities make some noise, but mental effects do not.
Noise propagation
Noise travels through the map, with walls and other obstacles dampening their propagation. Certain thick walls do so drastically.
History
See also
- Introduction of noise system in Dev Log #41