Hell Is Us: Defeat Common Enemy Types

This guide covers the most common enemy types you’ll face in Hell Is Us and how to beat them efficiently. You’ll learn their attack patterns, weak points, and the best strategies for each, so you can survive longer and waste less ammo and healing items.

What You’ll Need

• A decent melee weapon (the starting machete works, but anything with longer reach is better)
• At least one ranged weapon (pistol or SMG) for aerial and fast enemies
• 2-3 healing items (medkits or stims) for when things go wrong
• Patience – rushing into groups of enemies is the fastest way to die

Step-by-Step

1. The Shambler (Basic Walker)

1. Identify: Slow-moving humanoid, shambles toward you, arms outstretched. Often appears in groups of 2-4.
2. Approach: Walk toward it, but stop just outside its attack range. It will swing its arms in a wide arc.
3. Dodge: When it starts its swing, dodge backward or to the side. The dodge has i-frames, so time it right.
4. Punish: After its swing misses, step in and hit it 2-3 times with your melee weapon. Then back off.
5. Repeat: Do this until it dies. For groups, keep moving and isolate one at a time.

2. The Spitter (Ranged Attacker)

1. Identify: Pale, hunched creature that spits acid or bile. It stays at mid-range and tries to keep distance.
2. Close the gap: Use cover or dodge rolls to close distance quickly. The spit has a travel time, so you can sidestep it.
3. Stagger: Once close, hit it with a heavy attack to stagger. It has low health, so 2-3 hits usually kill it.
4. If it’s in a group: Prioritize Spitters first, as they’ll chip away at your health from afar.

3. The Leaper (Fast Jumper)

1. Identify: Small, agile creature that hops and lunges at you. It moves erratically and is hard to hit.
2. Wait for the lunge: It will often pause before jumping. When it does, be ready.
3. Dodge toward it: When it leaps, dodge forward (through it) – this puts you behind it.
4. Backstab: It has low health and is vulnerable from behind. Hit it once or twice.
5. Use a shotgun or SMG: If you have a shotgun, wait for it to jump and shoot it mid-air – it will stagger and fall.

4. The Brute (Heavy Tank)

1. Identify: Large, muscular enemy with a melee weapon (sledgehammer or pipe). It’s slow but hits very hard.
2. Don’t trade blows: Never attack it head-on. Its attacks have huge range and knockback.
3. Wait for the slam: It will often do a ground slam that leaves it stuck for a moment.
4. Hit the back: After the slam, run behind it and hit it 2-3 times. Then back off.
5. Use explosives: If you have grenades or a rocket launcher, use them. It’s weak to explosive damage.
6. Patience is key: This fight takes time. Don’t get greedy – one hit from this guy takes half your health.

5. The Screamer (Support)

1. Identify: Female-looking creature that stands still and screams, which buffs other enemies or calls more.
2. Kill it first: As soon as you see one, focus all fire on it. It has low health.
3. Use a sniper or rifle: If it’s far away, use a scoped weapon to take it out before it starts screaming.
4. If it screams: The buff lasts ~10 seconds. During that time, avoid fighting and just run/dodge until it wears off.

6. The Flyer (Aerial)

1. Identify: Flying creature that swoops down to attack. It’s hard to hit with melee.
2. Use a gun: Switch to a pistol or SMG. Wait for it to hover or swoop in a straight line.
3. Lead your shots: Aim slightly ahead of its path. It has low health, so a few hits kill it.
4. When it swoops: Dodge to the side and then shoot it as it passes.

Common Mistakes

• Rushing into groups: Always try to pull enemies one at a time using a thrown object or by backing away.
• Ignoring the Spitters: They’ll wear you down. Kill them first.
• Getting greedy with Brutes: One extra hit can get you killed. Always leave stamina to dodge.
• Using melee on Flyers: You’ll just swing at air. Use a gun.
• Not using your dodge i-frames: The dodge has invincibility frames – use them to avoid damage, not just to move.

Tips

• Learn the attack telegraphs: Every enemy has a wind-up animation. Learn to recognize them and dodge accordingly.
• Use the environment: Funneling enemies through doorways or corridors makes them easier to hit.
• Upgrade your melee weapon: A better weapon means fewer hits to kill, reducing risk.
• Carry a medkit always: You never know when a surprise attack will happen.
• Listen for audio cues: Screamers and Leapers make distinct sounds – you can hear them before you see them.

Troubleshooting

• If you keep dying to a specific enemy: Try changing your approach. If melee isn’t working, use a gun. If you’re out of ammo, try kiting the enemy into a trap or explosive barrel.
• If you’re overwhelmed by a group: Run away. There’s no shame in retreating to a safer area, healing, and coming back with a better plan.
• If your weapon breaks: Always have a backup. If you’re stuck, look for crafting materials to repair or find a new weapon.
• If the enemy glitches (stuck in a wall): Try shooting it. If that doesn’t work, reload the game – it will reset the enemy’s position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best weapon against Brutes?

A: Explosives are most effective. If you don’t have any, use a heavy melee weapon (like a sledgehammer) and hit them from behind after they slam.

Q: How do I dodge the Leaper’s jump?

A: Wait until it’s mid-air, then dodge forward (toward it). This will put you behind it and give you a free hit.

Q: Can I stealth kill enemies?

A: Yes, if you approach from behind without being seen, you can perform a stealth takedown. This works on Shamblers and Spitters, but not on Brutes or Flyers.

Q: How do I deal with multiple Screamers at once?

A: Use a grenade or a scoped rifle to take them out quickly. If you can’t, focus on one at a time and try to interrupt their scream with a stagger.

Q: What’s the best way to conserve ammo?

A: Use melee on weak enemies (Shamblers, Spitters) and save guns for Flyers and Brutes. Headshots do extra damage, so aim carefully.

Q: Are there any enemies that are immune to melee?

A: Flyers are very hard to hit with melee, but not immune. Brutes resist melee damage, so it’s better to use guns or explosives on them.

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