# Hostile Planets – Gameplay

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## Objectives

Each level in Hostile Planets has a defined goal displayed on the in-game HUD. Objectives vary by zone and may include survival milestones, enemy elimination targets, or zone-specific challenges.

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## Combat

Hostile Planets features both ranged and close-quarters combat. Key points:

- Different enemy types have different behaviors — adapt your tactics for each zone.
- Ranged engagement is often safer, but close-quarters combat can be more efficient for certain enemy types.
- Watch for environmental hazards in each zone that can be used to your advantage.

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## Progression

Upgrades earned during a run carry forward within that session:

- **Character upgrades** – Improve survivability, damage output, or utility.
- **Equipment upgrades** – Enhance weapons or add new capabilities.
- Experiment with different upgrade combinations to find builds that suit your play style.

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## Leaderboards

- After completing a level, your score is submitted automatically if you are signed in to your WDS account.
- Leaderboards track performance per level.
- Scores are based on completion time, enemies defeated, and survival performance.

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## Controls

Default controls are shown and can be rebound in the in-game settings menu.

| Action | Keyboard (Default) | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Move | WASD / Arrow keys | Left Stick |
| Aim | Mouse | Right Stick |
| Primary Attack | Left Click | Right Trigger |
| Secondary Attack | Right Click | Left Trigger |
| Interact | E | A / Cross |
| Pause / Menu | Escape | Start |

Full controller support is available for Xbox and PlayStation layouts on PC, and native input on Steam Deck.

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## Tips for New Players

- Take time to learn each zone's enemy patterns before pushing for high scores.
- Upgrade survivability early — staying alive longer leads to better scores.
- Use the leaderboard view to see what scores others are achieving on each level.
- Check the in-game settings for display and control options before your first run.

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**→ [README](./README.md) · [Overview](./Overview.md) · [Getting Started](./Getting-Started.md) · [Implementation Notes](./Implementation-Notes.md)**