Ready or Not is a tactical shooter built around careful movement, room-clearing procedures, and squad coordination rather than fast-paced run-and-gun combat. New players should be prepared to inspect doors, identify threats, use equipment selectively, and follow a plan instead of rushing toward the next objective.
Before choosing a platform or edition, it is worth checking the current ready or not price in the official store. The cost may differ between standard and Deluxe editions, while regional promotions and platform availability can also affect the final purchase decision.
The game can seem difficult at first because suspects, civilians, locked doors, traps, and mission objectives require constant attention. However, a structured approach makes the first missions much easier: learn the controls, choose balanced equipment, inspect every entrance, and clear rooms one section at a time.
Start With the Training Area
New players should begin by learning movement, weapon handling, door interaction, equipment selection, and squad commands. It is important to understand how to switch between lethal and less-lethal equipment, use the Optiwand, issue orders to AI teammates, and restrain compliant suspects or civilians.
The game has many controls, so beginners should customize key bindings before starting serious missions. Important actions include leaning, opening and wedging doors, switching equipment, using tactical devices, checking ammunition, and communicating with the squad. A comfortable control layout prevents hesitation during a breach.
Choose Simple Equipment
A balanced loadout is generally better for a first mission than a specialized one. An assault rifle or submachine gun provides reliable performance in most indoor engagements, while a pistol acts as a backup when the primary weapon needs to be reloaded.
Players should also carry equipment that supports the mission rather than filling every slot with grenades. Flashbangs and CS gas can help control rooms, while a mirror gun or Optiwand provides valuable information before entry. A light or laser can improve visibility, but it may also reveal the operator’s position.
Armor requires a compromise between protection and available equipment. Heavier armor offers better survivability but may reduce mobility and limit the number of carried items. Beginners who frequently die from gunfire may benefit from additional protection, while experienced players can choose lighter equipment when speed and flexibility are more important.
Inspect Every Door
The safest approach is to treat every closed door as a potential threat. Use the Optiwand to check for suspects, civilians, and traps before opening it. If a door is trapped, the team should avoid opening it normally and choose an appropriate method to disarm or breach it.
A locked door should not automatically be forced. A loud breach may alert suspects in nearby rooms, so the squad should decide whether speed or stealth is more important. Looking beneath the door and checking its hinges can also provide useful information about the room’s layout.
Clear Rooms Slowly
The first operator should enter decisively while the rest of the squad covers remaining angles. Do not allow the entire team to stare at the same suspect or corner. Hallways, open doorways, and blind corners should be checked before the squad advances deeper into the building.
Once a suspect surrenders, restrain them immediately and secure any dropped weapon. Leaving civilians or evidence unattended can prevent mission objectives from being completed. The same applies to teammates: reviving an injured operator and maintaining squad strength is usually more important than pushing forward alone.
Communicate Clearly
In multiplayer, short callouts are more effective than constant conversation. “Trap on door,” “civilian left,” “suspect armed,” and “room clear” provide information that the whole team can use. Players should also tell the squad before throwing a grenade or entering a room from another direction.
Do Not Rush the Score
The goal is not simply to finish a mission quickly. Careful identification, proper arrests, evidence collection, civilian safety, and controlled movement usually produce better results. The basic beginner routine is straightforward: gather information, plan the entry, clear one area at a time, and never move farther than the squad can support.
