The Elephant mission in Ready or Not, a tactical SWAT simulator, is one of the game’s most intense and challenging scenarios. Players must rescue hostages while neutralizing threats, all without harming innocent civilians. Failing to save civilians can result in mission failure, lower scores, and a frustrating gameplay experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully save civilians in the Elephant mission and become a pro at Ready or Not.
What Makes Saving Civilians in the Elephant Mission So Challenging?
The Elephant mission tests your ability to think quickly, act tactically, and prioritize the safety of civilians under pressure. Hostages are often held in unpredictable locations, surrounded by heavily armed suspects. To make things even tougher, split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death for the hostages—and accidental civilian casualties can lead to mission failure. Understanding the mission’s mechanics and preparing your team effectively are key to success.
What Is Ready or Not and Why Is It So Popular?
Ready or Not by Void Interactive is a hyper-realistic tactical shooter that places players in the role of SWAT officers. The game emphasizes precision, strategy, and teamwork in high-stakes missions. From rescuing hostages to defusing bombs, every mission requires careful planning and execution.
The Elephant mission, like many others in Ready or Not, challenges players to:
- Save hostages (referred to as civilians).
- Neutralize or arrest suspects.
- Maintain strict rules of engagement to avoid harming innocents.
Its combination of strategy, tension, and realism has made Ready or Not a favorite among tactical shooter fans.
How to Save Civilians in the Elephant in Ready or Not
Saving civilians requires a mix of preparation, teamwork, and precise execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure mission success:
Step 1: Gather Intel Before Entering the Building
Before starting the mission, use the planning phase to gather information about the environment and potential threats. Review:
- Civilian Locations: Hostages are often held in high-risk areas like locked rooms or basements.
- Suspect Behavior: Expect some suspects to use hostages as shields or to fire upon them if they feel cornered.
- Map Layout: Study the layout of the Elephant mission to identify potential entry points and danger zones.
Knowing what to expect reduces the risk of surprises and ensures smoother execution.
Step 2: Use Non-Lethal Tools Effectively
Non-lethal equipment is vital for subduing suspects without harming civilians. Equip your team with:
- Flashbangs: Temporarily blind and disorient suspects, allowing you to secure hostages safely.
- Stingers: These grenades release rubber pellets to incapacitate suspects in crowded areas.
- Tasers: Useful for neutralizing suspects without the risk of accidental shootings.
Deploy non-lethal tools before entering rooms with civilians to control the situation and minimize collateral damage.
Step 3: Prioritize Civilians in Hostage Situations
Once you enter a room, your first priority should be to secure the hostages:
- Shout commands to civilians using the “Comply” button.
- Use zip ties to restrain civilians, preventing them from wandering into danger zones.
- Neutralize nearby suspects to ensure the area is safe.
Tip: Keep a close eye on suspects who might use hostages as shields. Use precision aiming or non-lethal options to avoid harming the hostage.
Step 4: Communicate Clearly with Your Team
Whether you’re playing solo with AI teammates or in a co-op session, communication is crucial:
- Assign roles to each team member, such as breaching, covering fire, or hostage securing.
- Use voice commands or in-game tools to coordinate actions and avoid friendly fire.
- Clear rooms methodically to ensure no threats are left behind.
Effective communication reduces chaos and ensures the safety of civilians.
Step 5: Avoid Civilian Harm at All Costs
Accidentally harming civilians is one of the fastest ways to fail the mission. Maintain strict trigger discipline:
- Verify targets before shooting, especially in crowded areas.
- Use non-lethal takedowns whenever possible to avoid unnecessary risks.
- If a suspect surrenders, secure them instead of using lethal force.
Precision and discipline are the cornerstones of a successful hostage rescue mission.
Pro Tips to Master the Elephant Mission in Ready or Not
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some advanced strategies to elevate your gameplay:
Optimize Your Loadout
Equip your team with a balanced mix of lethal and non-lethal weapons, as well as tools like door wedges to control movement.
Check Corners and Blind Spots
Always assume a threat is waiting around corners or behind doors. Use mirrors to scout rooms before entering.
Use Teammate AI Effectively
Assign specific tasks to AI teammates, such as covering hallways or breaching doors, to reduce risks and improve efficiency.
Keep Civilians Calm
Hostages are less likely to move unpredictably if you shout commands frequently. Use the “shout” button as you enter rooms.
Rehearse and Replay
Familiarity with the map layout and enemy patterns is key to consistent success. Replay the mission multiple times to refine your strategy.
Why Saving Civilians Matters in Ready or Not
Saving civilians is not just about completing the mission—it’s central to the ethics and scoring system of Ready or Not:
- Mission Score: Higher scores are awarded for successful hostage rescues and minimal casualties.
- Realism: As a SWAT officer, preserving life is your primary duty, making civilian safety the ultimate goal.
- Challenge: The strict rules of engagement add depth and realism, pushing players to adopt smarter strategies.
Failing to save civilians can result in penalties, mission failure, or lower rankings, emphasizing the importance of precision and discipline.
Conclusion: Ready to Save Civilians Like a Pro?
The Elephant mission in Ready or Not is a challenging test of your tactical skills, but with the right preparation, tools, and teamwork, you can save civilians successfully. By mastering strategies like using non-lethal tools, securing hostages quickly, and maintaining strict trigger discipline, you’ll not only complete the mission but also elevate your SWAT gameplay.
Have your own tips for saving civilians in Ready or Not? Share them in the comments below and let’s help each other become tactical pros!