Silent Hill f – 8 Beginner’s Tips & Tricks

Silent Hill f is by no means an easy game. Unlike your normal Silent Hill game, this one features elements like stamina and sanity that can be pretty challenging to manage. There are also boss fights that are way longer and difficult.

As there are more mechanics in this game, it may overwhelm you, and that is the last thing you want. If you have yet to give it a shot, then you are in luck, as I have prepared eight best tips and tricks to get you started. I selected these tips based on my 20+ hours of Silent Hill f playthrough, so I hope they can be of any help to you.

Also, head over to its Steam page for more information regarding the game.

---

Master The Combat

I know this feels like one of those simple tips, but believe me, master the combat as soon as you can in Silent Hill f. The combat in this game is important, and that is exactly why you should understand it. It isn’t that hard to master, as I will break it down for you.

First of all, the dodge timing isn’t that brutal. Sure, there are some enemies who have weird movements and can be tricky to dodge, but that all comes down to your reflexes and attention to detail. The best you can do is get the hang of the dodge, as it is a big leap. Other than that, I highly recommend using counters more in your combats.

Counter is a game-changer in this game. Not only does it deal a tremendous amount of damage, but it also stuns the opponent, too. If you are playing in the story mode, most of the enemies will die after getting hit by a single heavy attack, followed by three light attacks.

Another tip I have regarding combat is that time your heavy attacks. Some enemies like to take their time to approach, so when they are near enough, press the heavy attack button. By the time the enemy reaches you, your attack will land.

Learn How To Utilize The Focus Attacks

I ignored the focus attacks mechanics for quite a long time, but you don’t have to. It is actually quite useful and makes the battle easier. This is more like a double-edged sword; sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

However, the higher the risk, the better the reward, right? You can charge your focus attacks by pressing L2 on your controller. Once your Sanity gauge has been drained, Hinako will unleash a massive blow on the opponent that deals a lot of damage and also stuns the enemy.

Do note that if you are interrupted, you and the opponent both will take damage. Also, if your Sanity depletes, keep in mind that you can restore it with items like Ramune and Divine Water.

Explore, Explore, and Explore

I am very well aware that Silent Hill f is a linear game, so this might be one of those tips that may not make a lot of sense. However, it features a lot of exploration. If you do explore, you will come across many different items that can be very helpful to you.

You can come across heals, items that restore your Sanity, items that can give you buffs, and even weapons. Steel pipe isn’t going to be your only weapon in the game, as there will be some way better options.

Also, if you don’t explore, you can miss some achievements like O Divine Tree. Such achievements are missable, so you would have to start another playthrough or an NG+ to get them.

Even if you don’t think you will find anything, I recommend exploring every nook and cranny of the game. This way, you will always have more items than you could use.

Avoid Unnecessary Battles

There is absolutely no need to fight every single enemy on the way. Run away whenever needed, as there is no shame in doing so. There are some chasing sequences in the game, and a lot of enemies will be along the way; you just can’t fight them.

Similarly, there are multiple enemies scattered throughout both worlds, so it just isn’t worth fighting them. If they dropped some loot, then it may have been worth it.

If there is more than one enemy in one place, I highly recommend running away. Fighting them would be a total waste of resources. Not only would you damage yourself, but your weapon will wear down, too.

There are certain enemies, like Ara-Abare, that stay down. Even if you defeat this enemy, it will come back to life, so fighting it is absolutely worthless.

You Can Upgrade Hinako’s Attributes

Silent Hill f is actually the first game in the franchise that features attributes. Once you get an Ema, you will be able to upgrade an attribute of your choice. There are four attributes you can upgrade: Health, Stamina, Sanity, and Omamori Slots.

Each of the attributes requires an Ema and Faith to be upgraded. There are a total of 22 Ema tablets scattered around the map. Regarding Faith, you get that by offering items to the shrine. Items like Dried Carcass and Antique Comb can go up for quite a bit of Faith, so make sure to get these whenever you get the chance.

Aside from that, you can also draw an Omamori. These are basically talismans with a special ability. They can be found across the maps and can also be drawn at the shrine.

You can also upgrade your storage space by getting a School Bag in Chapter Six of Silent Hill f. Upon getting one, your inventory space will be increased.

Play On Story Difficulty For Your First Paythrough

Playing on the easier difficulty at your first playthrough can actually be a lot different from playing it at the hard difficulty. The puzzles and combat will be much more difficult for you if you choose the latter.

On your first playthrough, you should always choose the difficulty that won’t frustrate you. Even if you have to look at guides for the story difficulty, that is completely fine.

After you are aware of almost all of the mechanics, you should up the difficulty and enjoy the challenge. This way, you will be able to cherish your experience, and that is much better than bragging about completing the game at hard difficulty on the first playthrough.

Use The Map Constantly

Before starting a Chapter, I usually look at a map thoroughly and try to memorize anything I can. Then, as I proceed from time to time, I will check the map to understand the way. This makes it easier for me to explore and go back in case I am lost.

If you feel like you are lost or don’t know where to go, open the map. It usually has clues to where to go, and if you reach a dead end, it will mark them for you, so you won’t go there again. The map narrows down your options, making it extremely easy for you to navigate.

Don’t Underestimate The Boss Fights

I won’t give you spoilers, but the boss fights aren’t a piece of cake in this game. They aren’t as challenging as they are in Souslike titles. However, if you underestimate a boss, they will easily best you.

Treat a boss in Silent Hill f like you would treat a boss normally in any video game. Be prepared, try to learn the boss’s moveset and pattern, and even if it takes you a few tries. That’s all for my Silent Hill f tips and tricks. Hopefully, you’ll find them helpful.

---

Below you can find some more walkthroughs and guides:

• Silent Hill f Walkthrough – Dark Shrine Path
• Silent Hill f Walkthrough – Ebisugaoka Alleyways
• Silent Hill f – How To Level Up Attributes
• Silent Hill f – How To Get O Divine Tree Achievement
• Silent Hill f Walkthrough – Dark Shrine Worship Hall
• Silent Hill f Walkthrough – Ebisugaoka