Escaping a Hostage Situation
In rare instances, a killer might intentionally block the basement stairs, preventing survivors from leaving without hitting them. This can create a frustrating “hostage” scenario where the game cannot progress. While disconnecting is a quicker option, it can impact your rank. A method exists to escape without disconnecting:
To push a killer blocking the stairs, you need an item. Stand directly in front of the killer and repeatedly drop and pick up your item. Each time you perform this action, the killer will be pushed back a small distance. Over time, this can create enough space for you to move past them and escape the basement. This technique is believed to work with any item. While it can be a lengthy process, it allows you to maintain your rank if you were performing well in the match.
Escaping After Saving a Teammate
Saving a teammate from the basement can be risky, especially if the killer is nearby. Successfully escaping often depends on careful planning and execution.
One common strategy involves using a locker. If you have the Quick and Quiet perk, you can hide in a locker near the basement chest (behind the lockers at the base of the basement stairs). Wait for the killer to begin searching, then rush the stairs to freedom. Another tactic is to crouch in the corner directly to the left of the stairs. Killers sometimes overlook this spot, allowing you to run behind them. This might result in taking a hit, but could grant an escape.
Other less conventional methods include using a pebble to distract the killer when they are coming downstairs, or deploying fireworks to blind them. Some survivors have also found success by pointing at a locker, making the killer believe a survivor is hiding there, and then using the distraction to escape.
Perks and Items for Basement Escapes
Several perks and items can significantly improve your chances of escaping the basement, particularly after a rescue attempt.
Perks:
- Borrowed Time (BT): This perk is frequently recommended for basement saves. If you have BT and are healthy, it provides a window of protection for the unhooked survivor, making it easier for both of you to escape. It can help bait the killer into hitting the unhooked survivor, giving you time to move.
- Head On: If you have this perk, you can wait in a locker for the killer to approach. A well-timed Head On stun can provide enough time to reach the stairs and vault a window.
- Dead Hard: This perk can give you a burst of speed to evade the killer and reach safety.
- Quick and Quiet: Useful for hiding in lockers and then quickly moving to the stairs without alerting the killer.
Items:
- Toolbox (or any item): As mentioned, items can be used to push a killer blocking the stairs.
- Medkit with Styptic Agent: An “ace in the hole” for a quick heal to get out.
- Fireworks: Can be used to blind the killer and create a diversion.
General Advice for Basement Situations
Approaching the basement requires careful consideration to maximize your survival chances.
- Be Healthy: Always try to enter the basement in a healthy state. This gives you a better chance to absorb a hit if necessary.
- Avoid Scratch Marks: Do not run directly into the basement if the killer is nearby, as your scratch marks will alert them to your presence and encourage them to stay.
- Prioritize Generators: If the killer is actively camping the basement, it is often more effective to focus on completing generators to progress the game rather than attempting a high-risk save. Giving camping killers hooks or kills can encourage this playstyle.
- Hook Trading: If the killer is following you towards a hooked teammate, a hook trade is often inevitable. This holds true even outside the basement, which is designed to be an advantageous area for the killer.
FAQ
What if the killer is camping the basement? If the killer is hard camping the basement, it is generally advised to focus on completing generators instead of attempting a save. This prevents the killer from getting more hooks or kills, which can encourage camping.
Can I escape the basement if the killer is blocking the stairs? Yes, if the killer is blocking the stairs without hitting you, you can use an item (like a toolbox) to push them back. By repeatedly dropping and picking up the item in front of them, you can slowly move them out of the way.
What perks are good for basement saves? Borrowed Time (BT) and Head On are frequently recommended. BT provides protection after unhooking, and Head On can stun the killer from a locker. Dead Hard and Quick and Quiet can also be useful.
Should I always attempt a basement save? No. If the killer is hard camping or you are injured, attempting a save can be very risky and may lead to both survivors being downed. Sometimes, focusing on generators is the better strategy.