Games set in the Aliens series are always something of a challenge.

It should be no surprise, then, that Aliens: Dark Descent lives up to the billing, yet still manages to be one of this years’ best releases.

If you need a bit of help figuring out your way or how to stay alive out there, we’ve got a few tips that might help you on the way.

Picking the right team

Probably the most important of all steps – making sure you’re sending out the right squad for the mission. Without doubt, you need a medic out there. Your units will get hurt and they will need someone to patch them up.

From there, you’ve got three slots to choose for between four different classes. Recon, Sergeant, Gunner and Tecker. Each offers something a little bit different and can be customised in ways to enhance the weapons they hold and abilities they use.

So it makes sense to pay attention to the mission structure, what it calls for and who would be best suited. The Recon, for instance, can use a sniper for long-range attacks but if upgraded far enough, can add haste to the entire squad. Super helpful if Aliens are on the hunt.

Teckers, meanwhile, are very handy to have around if you need to get into locked doors and systems. They can even increase damage output.

Think wisely about approach, and don’t let yourself go in unprepared.

Set up ambushes

There’s more aliens than marines, so you’re going to need to get creative.

Look for environmental hazards like explosive barrels. Make sure you’re watching each other’s backs and set up a perimeter. Weld the doors and hide around corners, ready to blast them in the face with a shotgun.

Squads move as one, so they’re always in close proximity, but you can still cover a room to great effect.

Stockpile your resources

Be sure to look for crates, boxes, datapads and anything else you can get your hands on. Resources in the field can be used back at base to help with research and furthering your campaign progress.

They can also be used to help you weld doors shut, build up ammo to keep your weapons armed, and even sentry guns to protect you when things get hairy.

Get as many as you can, leave nothing behind and you’ll be all the more grateful for it.

Watch your stress levels

Marines don’t perform to their best if they’re stressed. Which probably sounds super relatable, especially when you’ve got a murderous xenomorph on your tail.

When stressed, marines inhabit a mind of their own, their aim isn’t as good, they become nervous and they’re not going to be reliable when a crisis emerges.

So make sure to rest your troops when you need it, welding a room and creating a shelter. Or, if you’ve lost people or think the situation is untenable, don’t be afraid to evacuate. Save your souls for another day.

Make use of your ARC

When all other options run out, use your ARC. The device drops you off on missions and you’ll need it to return to complete missions, but it can actually be a barrier between you and the aliens.

You can board it to escape, and hide behind it for cover. It will even automatically fire at nearby enemies to protect you.

Super helpful in a pinch.