How do I avoid the explosive barrels in the facilities in Lethal Company?

Avoiding explosive barrels in the facilities of Lethal Company is a critical skill for survival and mission success. These barrels are scattered throughout the indoor environments and can cause significant damage or even death if triggered. Understanding their mechanics, how to navigate around them, and how to mitigate risks is essential for both solo and team play.

Explosive barrels in Lethal Company are typically found in tight corridors, storage rooms, or near valuable loot. They are designed to explode when shot, hit with a melee weapon, or when a player or monster comes into direct contact with them. The explosion radius is large enough to damage nearby players, destroy loot, and even alert nearby monsters, making them a double-edged hazard. The key to avoiding them lies in awareness, careful movement, and strategic planning.

The first step in avoiding explosive barrels is to always be aware of your surroundings. When entering a facility, take a moment to scan the area for any red barrels, as these are the most common type of explosive hazard. They are often placed in predictable locations, such as near doorways, corners, or alongside walls. Use your flashlight or headlamp to illuminate dark areas, as barrels can be hidden in shadows. If you are playing with a team, communicate the location of any barrels you spot to ensure everyone is aware of the danger.

Movement is another critical factor. Avoid sprinting or running blindly through facilities, as this increases the risk of accidentally bumping into a barrel. Instead, move slowly and deliberately, especially in tight spaces. If you need to pass by a barrel, give it a wide berth to minimize the chance of contact. Crouching can also help you navigate narrow areas more safely, as it reduces your hitbox and makes it easier to squeeze past obstacles without triggering them.

When dealing with monsters, be extra cautious around explosive barrels. Some monsters, like the Bracken or the Hoarding Bug, can inadvertently knock over or trigger barrels during their attacks. If you are being chased, try to lead the monster away from barrels rather than toward them. If a barrel is in your path, consider using a stun grenade or flashbang to temporarily disable the monster, giving you time to safely navigate around the hazard.

Team coordination is vital when dealing with explosive barrels. Assign roles to your team members, such as having one player act as a scout to identify and mark barrels while others focus on looting or dealing with monsters. Use voice chat or in-game communication tools to share information about barrel locations and potential risks. If a barrel is blocking a critical path, consider having one player carefully move it out of the way while others provide cover or watch for monsters.

Risk management is another important aspect. Sometimes, it may be necessary to trigger a barrel intentionally, such as when it is blocking a valuable loot room or when you need to create a diversion. If you decide to do this, make sure all team members are at a safe distance and that you have a clear escape route. Use a ranged weapon like a shotgun or a shovel to trigger the barrel from a distance, and be prepared to deal with any monsters that may be attracted by the explosion.

Advanced techniques include using explosive barrels to your advantage. For example, you can lure monsters into the blast radius of a barrel and then trigger it to eliminate them. This is particularly effective against tougher enemies like the Forest Keeper or the Eyeless Dog. However, this strategy requires precise timing and coordination, as mistiming the explosion can result in friendly fire or wasted resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include ignoring barrels in high-traffic areas, underestimating their explosion radius, and failing to communicate their locations to your team. Always treat barrels as a serious threat, even if they seem harmless at first glance. Additionally, avoid stacking loot near barrels, as an accidental explosion can destroy valuable items and set your team back.

In specific scenarios, such as navigating the Titan moon's facilities, explosive barrels are often placed in narrow hallways or near loot crates. In these cases, take extra care to clear the area of monsters before attempting to move or trigger barrels. On moons with low visibility, like Experimentation, use your flashlight to spot barrels before they become a problem.

By following these strategies and maintaining constant awareness, you can effectively avoid explosive barrels and minimize the risks they pose. Whether you are playing solo or with a team, careful planning and communication are the keys to surviving and thriving in the hazardous environments of Lethal Company.