Getting Started

Getting Started Guide for SOMA

Welcome to SOMA, a first-person sci-fi survival horror game that focuses on story, atmosphere, and existential dread rather than combat. There is no character creation—you play as Simon Jarrett, a man trapped in an underwater research facility after a mysterious disaster. This guide will help you survive your first hour, understand the interface, and avoid common pitfalls.

First Hour Walkthrough (Spoiler-Free)

1. Opening Cutscene (0-5 min) – The game begins with Simon in a strange apartment. Follow the linear path to trigger a conversation with a doctor named Munshi. After a blackout, you wake up in a derelict underwater station.
2. Tutorial Section (5-20 min) – You are in the PATHOS-II Upsilon facility. Use the on-screen prompts to learn:
- Movement: WASD (PC) or left stick (console)
- Interact: E (PC) or X/A button
- Use Tool Wheel: Tab (PC) or right bumper (console) – to equip items like torch or omnitool
- Run: Shift (PC) or left stick click (console) – but don't overuse it; it's not for combat.
3. First Encounter (20-30 min) – In a room with a broken robot, you'll find a PDAtablet and an Omnitool. The omnitool is your primary utility device. Equip it and use it to hack doors, read data, and interact with consoles.
4. Early Objective – Find the Shuttle (30-45 min) – Follow the objective marker to a shuttle bay. You need a Brainscan key item to proceed. Locate it in a nearby room with a dead corpse. Insert the scan into the shuttle console to start a tram sequence.
5. Arrival at Delta (45-60 min) – The shuttle takes you to Delta station. Here the game opens up more. You'll encounter the first hostile robots and need to use stealth. Save at the first save station (a glowing sphere).

Key tip: Do not rush. Explore every room, read notes, and listen to audio logs. They explain the world and often provide hints for puzzles.

Controls (All Platforms)

#### PC (Mouse + Keyboard)
#### PC (Controller – Xbox or PlayStation)
Default controller layout
Note: You can remap controls in the Options menu.

#### PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5
Same as PC controller layout above using default PlayStation mapping.

#### Xbox One / Xbox Series X/S
Same as Xbox layout above.

Important: SOMA is a slow-paced game. Running is rarely required except to escape immediate danger. Crouching can hide you from enemy line of sight.

UI Overview

The HUD is minimal by design to maintain immersion.

1. Health Indicator – There is no visible health bar. Instead, your screen will blur, you'll hear heavy breathing, and you'll see red borders when damaged. Find a safe spot to wait for recovery (health regenerates slowly over time).
2. Oxygen Level (when underwater) – A percentage appears at the bottom center when you are submerged. You can find oxygen refill stations or air bubbles to replenish.
3. Inventory / Tool Wheel – Press Tab (PC) or RB/R1 to open the wheel. It shows: Omnitool, Torch/Lighter, Body Scanner, and other tools you acquire. Select one to equip.
4. Interaction Prompts – When you look at a usable object (door, item, panel), a small text prompt appears (e.g., "Press E to open").
5. Objective Marker – A white diamond on screen points toward your current main objective. You can also open your journal (J) to see list of tasks.
6. Save Stations – Glowing yellow orbs that you can activate to save progress. These are scattered throughout the game. Save often!

Essential Early Objectives

• Find the Omnitool – It's in Upsilon, not far from start. Mandatory for hacking doors and panels.


• Retrieve the Brainscan – Located in a room with a dead crew member. It's a green glowing canister. Insert it into the shuttle console.


• Travel to Delta Station – Follow the shuttle sequence. Once there, find the Save Station and save immediately.


• Explore Delta – Your next goal is to reach Theta Station. But take time to gather information from computers and audio logs. You'll need a keycard to unlock the next tram.




What to Do First (and What to Avoid)



#### ✅ Do:

• Explore thoroughly – Every drawer, locker, and computer station may hold crucial items or lore.


• Read and listen to all logs – They often contain puzzle solutions and story context.


• Save at every save station – They are not limited. If you die, you revert to your last save. Some enemies can oneshot you.


• Use your omnitool on every panel – Try it on anything that looks mechanical or glowing.


• Hide from enemies – You cannot kill monsters. Turn off lights, hide in closets, and crouch behind furniture.


• Manage oxygen – When underwater, plan your route to air pockets or refill stations.


#### ❌ Avoid:

• Running into unknown areas – You may trigger enemies or traps. Move cautiously.


• Ignoring the environment – Key items blend in with clutter. Look closely.


• Rushing through story segments – Important context is in optional dialogue and documents.


• Using the lighter in a dark area with enemies – Light attracts monsters. Use only when safe.


• Skipping the tutorial – Even if you're experienced, the controls and mechanics are unique.




Early Resource Priorities



SOMA does not have traditional resources like health packs or ammo. Your “resources” are tools and knowledge:

1. Omnitool – Your most used item. Keep it equipped most of the time.
2. Torch/Lighter – Essential for dark rooms; but consider using your omnitool's flashlight if you have one (some versions have it).
3. Body Scanner – Found later; used to scan creatures and environmental data.
4. Fuses and Power Cells – Required to unlock doors or activate machinery. Always carry at least one spare.
5. Notes and Access Codes – Write them down mentally or use the in-game journal. Some codes are needed hours later.
6. Audio Logs – Not collectibles; they contain vital story and puzzle clues. Listen to them fully.

Pro tip: You can carry unlimited items of most types except for one-of-a-kind key items. Your inventory in the wheel shows all you currently have.



Common Beginner Mistakes




• Not saving before dangerous encounters – Save stations are often placed just before tricky sections. Use them.


• Missing the omnitool – Some players wander aimlessly without realizing they need to equip it to hack. Check your tool wheel.


• Failing to understand the stealth mechanics – Enemies detect you by line of sight, sound (footsteps and running), and light. Crouch, move slowly, and stay in shadows.


• Dismissing the story – SOMA's narrative is its core. Skipping dialogues or logs will leave you confused later.


• Wasting time backtracking – If you think you missed something, don't panic. Most key items are close to where they are needed. Use the objective marker.


• Trying to fight enemies – You have no weapons. Running, hiding, or avoiding is always the correct approach.




Day-One Checklist



Use this checklist to ensure you start with confidence:


• [ ] Complete the opening tutorial – Up to riding the shuttle to Delta.


• [ ] Learn control bindings – Go to Options → Controls and customize if needed. Practice tool wheel, interaction, and hiding.


• [ ] Save at Delta’s save station – Immediately upon arrival.


• [ ] Equip the Omnitool – Assign it to a quick slot (1) for easy access.


• [ ] Read and listen to at least three audio logs – To grasp the story and gameplay hints.


• [ ] Explore Upsilon fully – Before leaving, check every room. Find the logs and any collectibles.


• [ ] Successfully use stealth to avoid the first enemy (robotic creature in Upsilon maintenance area) – practice hiding in lockers.


• [ ] Understand the save system – Saving overwrites your previous save (only one save slot on console; multiple on PC). Use manual saves.


• [ ] Set game difficulty – SOMA has three difficulty modes: Safe (no enemies, focus on story), Normal (standard horror), and Hard (more dangerous enemies). Newcomers may choose Normal; Safe is fine if you dislike horror.

Once you've ticked off all items on this list, you are ready to dive deeper into the haunting world of PATHOS-II. Remember: this is a game about surviving both physically and psychologically. Take your time, think critically, and enjoy the story.

Good luck, Simon. You'll need it.