We Happy Few: 5 Best Tips for Beginners

We Happy Few arriving on Xbox Game Pass earlier this month has given us yet another opportunity to slip into the satirical world of drug-infused Britain. It isn’t the first time we’ve had the pleasure of romping through the Joy-obsessed realm, but it is the first time we’ve been able to see it in all its modern glory. For that, we say, load us up on Joy, Compulsion Games — we’re ready to go a few more rounds.

If you are just starting out in We Happy Few, then be sure to read on for a few quick pointers. Here’s everything you should take into account before indulging in your first hit of the artificial substance.

5. Confrontation Isn’t Your Strong Suit

Before you do anything in We Happy Few, you should know that violence isn’t always going to be the answer — regardless of the situation at hand. In fact, nine times out of ten, you’ll find that stealth, and staying well clear of the radar, really, is the best and most effective way to progress deeper into the story. And while you will have to wade through your fair share of enemies every once in a while, you should also plan ahead wherever possible, if only to avoid having to deal with larger mobs with fewer resources.

The good news is, you can get around in We Happy Few by toggling the crouch option and using the foliage as a safety blanket. In built up districts, you’ll want to stick to the shadows, and only use the rainbow roads and other populated areas when absolutely necessary. Bottom line is, none of your heroes will be built for combat missions, so try not to push them too hard if you can help it. And if you do happen to stumble upon an overwhelming amount of foes by mistake, then aim to flee in order to break their line of sight before progressing.

4. Do Not OD on Joy

Joy is the artificial drug that makes the world of Wellington Wells go round, and should you choose to take it, then you should know that it comes with serious side effects, such as memory loss — the one thing you’re trying to prevent from happening. On the plus side, taking Joy does allow you to blend in with the locals, as well as enter certain areas that stand between you and the next section of the map. For this reason alone, you will need to take your Joy every once in a while. Overdoing it, however, will result in you losing all of your memory, and eventually, a game over screen.

The ultimate goal of We Happy Few is to progress through the world without overindulging in Joy. If you can help it, aim to avoid the pill whenever you find yourself in open areas, and only use it as a last resort to enter restricted areas, such as the capital. And even then, if you can move between houses and other landmarks without being seen, then consider skipping a dose until you’ve got nowhere left to turn.

3. Obey the Curfew

Curfew in and around the world of Wellington Wells begins at 9pm, and ends at 7am. To put it bluntly, if you’re spotted wandering the streets between these hours, then you’ll only wind up having to deal with some nasty, nasty guards. Of course, you can run, but this will only make your job harder, as you’ll not only need to whittle down any potential opponents, but also forage for even more supplies when certain locations won’t be as easily accessible. So, for the sake of making your life a whole lot easier, aim to be in bed by 9pm, basically.

The downside to sleeping, of course, is that you’ll wake up even more hungry and thirsty. To counter this, you’ll need to stock up on supplies before calling it a day. In most cases, you’ll find that a good loaf of bread and some water will be enough to satisfy your basic needs for a short while. You can find these items, along with other ingredients, either from searching homes in Wellington Wells, or in supply depots around the outside boroughs.

2. Attire Is Everything

If you’re sporting the wrong sort of gear in any of the available biomes, then you’ll wind up attracting the wrong sorts of people. For example, if you’re wearing some torn hand-me-downs in Wellington Wells, then you’ll wind up drawing the eyes of not only the locals, but also the guards, too. Similarly, if you wear a Proper Suit in the suburban districts, then you’ll attract the unwanted gaze of a few Joy-hating citizens. The point is, if you’re not representing the correct people in the correct attire, then you’ll only wind up drawing attention to your wrongdoings.

If possible, aim to strip down and sport a different outfit before entering a new location, even if it means risking a brief encounter with a nearby local. If you haven’t found the appropriate attire yet, then aim to loot one of the nearby dwellings for the necessary items.

1. Never Settle For Bad Items

Like a lot of survival games that employ a strict inventory space, We Happy Few doesn’t let you carry a huge amount of items. In fact, if you pick up one too many things, then you’ll eventually become sluggish and drained of energy, making it practically impossible to get around without drawing attention. For this reason alone, you should only collect items that’ll benefit you, and not things that’ll weigh you down in the long run.

It goes without saying that the best items in We Happy Few will be found in the homes of Wellington Wells, and not in the outskirts. To conserve energy, you should aim to collect fresh consumables, and nothing that’s moldy or completely rotten. Aside from food and water, you should also aim to keep ahold of a First Aid Kit, as well as a few lock picking tools.

So, what’s your take? Do you have any useful tips for We Happy Few newcomers? If so, then be sure to drop us a message over on our social handle here.