What are the best ways to avoid the patrolling drones on the Vow moon in Lethal Company?

Avoiding the patrolling drones on the Vow moon in Lethal Company requires a combination of careful planning, situational awareness, and effective team coordination. These drones are a significant threat due to their high mobility, ability to detect players from a distance, and their tendency to patrol key areas where valuable loot is often located. Understanding their mechanics and how to counter them is essential for survival and mission success.

First, it is important to understand how the drones operate. The drones on the Vow moon are equipped with sensors that detect movement and sound within a certain radius. They patrol predefined paths, often circling around high-value areas such as entrances to facilities or resource-rich zones. When a drone detects a player, it will emit a loud alarm and begin pursuing the target, often calling in additional drones or other hostile entities. This makes stealth and timing critical when navigating areas where drones are present.

To avoid the drones, start by observing their patrol patterns. Drones typically follow a set route, and there are often gaps in their coverage where you can move without being detected. Use the environment to your advantage by staying behind cover, such as walls, crates, or natural terrain features. Move slowly and crouch to minimize noise and visibility. If you must cross an open area, wait for the drone to move away and then make your move quickly but quietly.

Team coordination is crucial when dealing with drones. Assign roles to team members, such as a scout to monitor drone movements and a carrier to handle loot. Communication is key, so use voice chat or in-game signals to keep everyone informed about drone positions and patrol patterns. If one player is spotted, the rest of the team should be ready to provide support or create a distraction to draw the drone away.

One effective strategy is to use distractions to manipulate drone behavior. For example, throwing a flare or other noisy item in the opposite direction can temporarily divert a drone's attention, giving your team a window to move past it. However, be cautious with this approach, as the noise may also attract other threats, such as monsters or additional drones.

Another important consideration is managing your stamina. Running increases your chances of being detected by drones, so conserve your stamina for critical moments when you need to move quickly. Keep an eye on your stamina bar and avoid sprinting unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, carrying heavy loot can slow you down and make you more vulnerable, so prioritize lightweight items when moving through drone-patrolled areas.

Common mistakes to avoid include moving too quickly, failing to communicate with your team, and underestimating the drones' detection range. Rushing through an area without checking for drones is a surefire way to get caught. Similarly, failing to coordinate with your team can lead to confusion and unnecessary risks. Always assume that drones have a longer detection range than you think, and err on the side of caution.

Advanced techniques involve using the environment to your advantage in creative ways. For example, some players have found success by using the terrain to break line of sight with drones. If a drone is approaching, ducking behind a large object or entering a narrow passage can cause it to lose track of you. Additionally, some facilities on the Vow moon have hidden paths or vents that allow you to bypass drone patrols entirely. Exploring these areas thoroughly can yield valuable shortcuts and safe routes.

Risk management is another critical aspect of dealing with drones. Always have an escape plan in case things go wrong. Identify safe zones where you can retreat if a drone spots you, and make sure your team knows where these zones are. If a drone does detect you, avoid panicking and running in random directions. Instead, move deliberately toward your designated safe zone while keeping an eye on the drone's movements.

Specific examples and scenarios can help illustrate these strategies. For instance, imagine your team is approaching a facility entrance guarded by two drones. The scout observes that the drones patrol in opposite directions, creating a brief window where neither drone is looking at the entrance. The team waits for this moment, then moves in quickly and quietly. Once inside, they use the facility's layout to avoid further drone encounters, sticking to narrow corridors and using cover to stay hidden.

In another scenario, a player is carrying a heavy piece of loot and needs to cross an open area patrolled by a drone. The team creates a distraction by throwing a flare to the side, causing the drone to investigate the noise. While the drone is distracted, the player moves across the open area and reaches safety. This coordinated effort minimizes risk and ensures the loot is secured.

In conclusion, avoiding the patrolling drones on the Vow moon requires a combination of stealth, observation, and teamwork. By understanding their mechanics, using the environment to your advantage, and coordinating effectively with your team, you can navigate drone-patrolled areas safely and efficiently. Always be prepared for unexpected situations, and remember that patience and communication are your greatest allies in Lethal Company.