Just like in the first game, A Plague Tale: Requiem focuses on Amicia and Hugo who are trying to battle through life as children while coming of age against a horrible enemy. The main antagonists in Requiem are the Rats and the Guards, the same as in the first game, however, Amicia and Hugo now have more means to get past and kill enemies in this new game.
Like in A Plague Tale: Innocence, the rats can be tough to get past and deal with. They are one of the main challenges of the game and seem to have come back faster and stronger in Requiem. If you are struggling to get past the rats, or you want some tips before you take them on, then this guide should help!
Different Ways To Get Past Rats
Rats are something you are going to have to deal with a lot on Requiem, and with the new game, they seem to be faster, stronger and in hordes, making them a bit harder to deal with. However, all is not lost as you do have many abilities and different ways in order to get past the rats and in some cases use them to your advantage.
Alchemical Projectiles
One of the main ways you are going to be clearing rats is with your alchemical ammo: Ignifer and Odoris. Ignifer is the main one you will use in the beginning. This can be used to light fires and torches to help light up ways to cross the map. You can also combine Ignifer with a pot to create an Ignifer pot. When thrown on the ground, it will explode and start a fire that burns for a few seconds. This will give you just enough time to make it through that patch of rats to get to your next area of the map. With ignifer and the igniting of fires, you will also be able to light up torches and sticks. These will help you move through the rats unharmed. However, the sticks will burn out eventually, so make sure where you are heading is close and well lit.
In addition to the Ignifer, later in the game you will unlock Odoris. This is an attractant for rats, so you can fire or throw this to attract rats away from the path you would like to take. The good thing about Odoris is the rats will stay where you have fired it — this means you will have more time to explore and get to certain places, unlike the Ignifer which only burns for a certain amount of time. Another use for Odoris is to coat guards in it — not only will this attract rats away, but it also gets rid of a guard.
Utilize Pyrite In A Pinch
Like in the first game, once you have made it far enough into Requiem, you will have the choice to use Pyrite. However, unlike in Innocence where you could select it from the weapon wheel, you will only get the choice to throw it down if you are being overwhelmed. If you have been swarmed by rats, and you are about to be consumed, then you can opt to swing the sling and smash the Pyrite against the floor, you will do this for about 15 swings while being able to Move to a safe place where you can end the use of Pyrite. Bear in mind though that you can not do anything else while using Pyrite, so make sure there are no guards around — otherwise, you will be in danger.
Use Imperium With Hugo
When you have Hugo back by your side, you are able to use him to control the rats. This can be used to attack guards or to simply move the rats. It is best to use when you are out of other options, as when using Imperium for too long will cause stress to Hugo. If Hugo gets too stressed, then you will not be able to use his abilities for a period of time, which may hinder you further into the level. Also, this does not last very long when used on rats to move them, so make sure you are not traveling a long way using this method.
Use Prism With Sophia
When you have met Sophia and have her as a companion, you are able to use Prism — a crystal that will refract light from another light source like a torch or fire. You can use it to set fire to long grass to distract guards, and you can also use it to light your way by reflecting the light source nearby. This will light your way through rats as long as you stay close enough to light sources. Once you stray too far away from light, it will not work, and you will be consumed. If you see the light getting weaker, you can switch to another source of light closer to you, but be careful using Prism too long as it will stop you using abilities and slow your movement, so if any guards are close by you could be vulnerable.
