More than 60% of new Lethal Company players die within their first three runs. That stat comes from community data, and it’s why I wrote this guide. Whether you’re running solo or with a crew, understanding the basics of scavenging and survival is the difference between making quota and losing your ship. This lethal company beginner guide covers everything you need to start strong.
What is Lethal Company?
Lethal Company is a cooperative horror game developed by Zeekerss. You play as a contracted worker for the Company, tasked with visiting abandoned moons to collect scrap. Each moon has a different layout, weather condition, and creature spawn set. Your goal is to meet a scrap quota each day - fail and you’re fired.
The Quota System
Your starting quota is around 120 credits. Scrap items range from 5 to 500 credits depending on value. You have three days to meet the quota. Each day, you deploy from your ship to a moon, scavenge for scrap, and return before the autopilot leaves at midnight. The replayability comes from procedural generation: loot spawns, creature locations, and even moon hazards change every run.
Multiplayer Dynamics
You can play solo or with up to three friends. Communication is critical - in-game voice chat has proximity, so monsters can hear you. Team roles emerge naturally: one player scouts, another carries heavy loot, and someone watches for threats. In my experience, the best crews split tasks early and regroup often.
How to Start Your First Scavenge Run
Follow these steps to maximize your survival odds on run one.
Step 1: Equip Your Gear
Your ship comes with a light, a scanner, and a control terminal. Grab the portable flashlight from the wall. It costs nothing and illuminates dark interiors. Avoid buying store gear until you have at least 200 credits saved. The shovel (30 credits) is the best first purchase because it can stun most small creatures.
Step 2: Choose a Beginner-Friendly Moon
Not all moons are created equal. Experimentation is the safest starting moon. It’s small, has open sightlines, and lacks dangerous indoor weather. Avoid Rend and Dine until you have several hours of experience - their enclosed spaces and high creature density wipe inexperienced teams.
Step 3: Scan and Tag Scrap
Use your scanner (right-click) to identify items. Small scrap like soda cans (15 credits) and toy cubes (20 credits) are low-value but easy to carry. Big items like big bolts (45 credits) or vases (60 credits) need two hands, limiting your ability to fight or run. Tag high-value scrap by pinging it with the middle mouse button so teammates can see it.
Step 4: Return Before Midnight
The autopilot leaves exactly at 00:00 in-game time. If you’re outside the ship, you are left behind and lose all carried scrap. Set a mental timer: when the clock shows 10 PM, start heading back. Common mistake - looting one more room and missing the ship.
Essential Tips for Surviving Moons
Survival in Lethal Company is about movement, awareness, and resource management.
Movement and Stamina
You sprint at 6.5 meters per second and have 100 stamina that regenerates only when walking. Never sprint continuously - alternate between sprint and walk to keep stamina for emergencies. Jumping costs stamina too. Use crouch (Ctrl) to squeeze under vents and hide from roaming creatures.
The Ship as a Safe Zone
Your ship is invulnerable to attacks. If a creature chases you, run to the ship ramp. Once inside, you’re safe - doors can be closed to block line of sight. Use the ship monitor to track teammates’ locations and the terminal to buy items or view the bestiary.
Weather and Hazards
Each day has random weather: fog, rain, storm, or flood. Fog reduces visibility, rain masks footsteps, storms cause lightning strikes, and flood forces you to climb. Check weather before deploying - if it’s flooding, skip that moon entirely because scrap spawns are submerged and unreachable.
Understanding the Creatures and Threats
Knowing what you’re up against is half the battle.
Bunker Spiders
These eight-legged arachnids web up doors and corridors. They move slowly but deal 90 damage per bite. Avoid their webs - you can cut webs with a shovel (two hits). If you see a web, the spider is nearby. Tip: listen for skittering sounds, they’re loudest when the spider is close.
Thumpers
Thumpers are blind but track sound. They charge at you when you run or talk near them. If spotted, stand still - they lose interest after a few seconds. Your best defense is crouching and moving slow. Actually, Thumpers can hear heartbeats, so holding breath (not talking) helps.
Bracken
The Bracken is a humanoid creature with a lowered head and hidden face. It stalks you from behind. If it catches you, it drags you to its nest and kills you instantly. The only defense: never let it get behind you. Turn around every few seconds. If you spot it, back away slowly - running triggers an instant charge.
Ghost Girl
This rare enemy appears only on indoor maps after enough scrap is collected. She moves silently and can kill you in one hit. If you hear a child’s laughter, leave immediately - she’s spawned. There is no counter; just run to the ship and close the door.
Where to Find the Best Lethal Company Merchandise
Whether you want to rep the Company on a hoodie or display a Bracken poster, fan-made merch is the way to go. Since the official store is limited, the community has created creative alternatives.
Fan-Made Apparel
A curated store offers designs inspired by in-game creatures and logos. Hoodies made from 280 GSM cotton blend are durable for daily wear. One popular piece is the "Survive Another Day" hoodie featuring the ship’s silhouette. Sizes run slightly large - order one down if you prefer a fitted look.
Home Decor and Collectibles
Canvas prints of moon maps are a favorite - they measure 12x18 inches and use fade-resistant ink. Another option is a mug that changes color when heated, showing the Company logo. These are print-on-demand, so orders ship within 5-10 business days domestically.
Important: Not Officially Licensed
This merchandise is fan-made and not affiliated with Zeekerss or the official Lethal Company brand. It’s a community effort to celebrate the game. Quality varies, so read reviews and check material descriptions before buying.
FAQ
How do I start a new game in Lethal Company?
Open the game and select "Host" or "Join." Hosting creates a lobby; share the invite code with friends. You can adjust difficulty modifiers like map size and creature spawn rate under advanced settings.
What is the best weapon in Lethal Company?
There are no weapons - only tools. The shovel (30 credits) is best for stunning creatures. The stop sign and yield sign work similarly but cost more. The zap gun (30 credits) paralyzes some enemies but uses battery.
Can I play Lethal Company solo?
Yes. Solo play is harder because creatures only target you. Use the terminal to buy extra inventory slots. Focus on low-risk moons like Experimentation and avoid any creature encounters by hiding.
How do I earn more credits?
Scrap is the only income source. High-value items include the gold bar (500 credits), the diamond (400 credits), and the laser pointer (350 credits). They spawn only on harder moons like Rend or Titan. Also, sell any extra scrap at the Company building before midnight.
Is there a way to revive dead teammates?
No. Once a player dies, they’re dead for the save file. The only way to get them back is to reload a previous day. The game does not allow respawning.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize learning on Experimentation moon before moving to harder ones.
- Manage stamina: never sprint empty, alternate walking and running.
- Know creature behaviors: stand still for Thumpers, never let Bracken behind you.
- Scrap value varies; focus on high-credit items from harder moons later.
- Fan-made merch is a good alternative to official products - check quality and shipping times.
