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 volume
The volume of noise caused by an action is not displayed anywhere in-game 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 most melee weapons. Physical psi abilities make some noise, but mental effects do not.
| Category | Source | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Gun | Laser | 12 |
| Gun | Plasma | 12 |
| Gun | Phase Gun | 12 |
| Gun | Blob Gun | 12 |
| Gun | 5mm Firearm | 15 |
| Gun | 7.62mm Firearm | 20 |
| Gun | 8.6mm Firearm | 20 |
| Gun | 9mm Firearm | 20 |
| Gun | .44 Firearm | 25 |
| Gun | 12.7mm Firearm | 25 |
| Gun | Shotgun E | 25 |
| Melee | Sledgehammer Into Flesh | 8 |
| Melee | Sledgehammer Into Ice | 10 |
| Melee | Sledgehammer Into Rock | 15 |
| Melee | Sledgehammer Into Metal | 20 |
| Melee | Pneumatic Hammer | 5 |
| Melee | Energy Cut E | 6 |
| Other | Electroshock | 3 |
| Combat Utility | Shoot Electrobolt | 15 |
| Combat Utility | Standard Grenade | 35 |
| Combat Utility | Plasma Grenade E | 25 |
| Combat Utility | Flashbang | 30 |
| Combat Utility | Stingball Grenade E | 20 |
| Combat Utility | EMP Grenade | 15 |
| Combat Utility | Molotov | 15 |
| Psi | Implosion | 5 |
| Psi | Launch Cryokinesis | 5 |
| Psi | Cryokinesis Hit | 5 |
| Psi | Cryokinetic Orb Smash | 20 |
| Psi | Shattering | 15 |
| Psi | Pyrokinesis | 15 |
| Psi | Telekinetic Punch | 10 |
| Psi | Temporal Distortion E | 10 |
| Other | Backup Yell | 20 |
| Other | Force Ventilation Shaft | 10 |
| Other | Dreadnought Drill | 15 |
| Other | Shoot Rocket | 15 |
| Other | Explosive Hit | 3 |
| Other | Rock Mining | 20 |
| Other | TNT Explosion | 100 |
| Other | Fusion Explosion E | 15 |
| Other | Split Gate | 18 |
| Other | Warehouse Gate | 12 |
| Other | Thrown Rock Impact | 15 |
| Other | Barrel Impact | 15 |
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