How to Play Ready or Not: Beginner’s Guide to Tactical Success

Stepping into Ready or Not as a new player can be overwhelming. This tactical first-person shooter is not about running and gunning—it requires precision, patience, and strategic execution. Success depends on planning every move, making the right equipment choices, and understanding how to engage with both suspects and civilians in high-pressure scenarios. If you’re just getting started, this guide will help you develop the skills needed to excel in the field.

Understanding the Core Mechanics

What is Ready or Not?

Ready or Not puts you in the role of a SWAT officer responding to high-risk situations in the crime-ridden city of Los Suenos. From armed hostage situations to bomb threats, every mission presents unpredictable dangers that require careful decision-making. The game emphasizes realism—meaning a single mistake can result in mission failure.

Weapons and Equipment

Before stepping into a mission, selecting the right weapons and tools is critical. Players have access to:

• Primary Weapons: Rifles, submachine guns, and shotguns, each suited for different situations.

• Secondary Weapons: Handguns for backup when primary weapons are not viable.

• Tactical Equipment: Flashbangs, tear gas, breaching charges, and door wedges to control engagements.

• Non-Lethal Options: Tasers, beanbag shotguns, and pepper spray to subdue suspects without lethal force.

Rules of Engagement

Unlike traditional shooters, Ready or Not prioritizes proper protocol. Your mission isn’t just to neutralize threats but to handle situations responsibly. Arresting suspects whenever possible leads to higher mission scores and better rankings. Unjustified lethal force results in penalties, reinforcing the need for a measured approach.

Beginner Strategies for Success

1. Move Slowly and Deliberately

Rushing into rooms without assessing the situation often leads to disaster. The best approach is slow and methodical movement, using cover and corners to your advantage. Walk instead of running to minimize noise and prevent alerting enemies.

2. Master Room Clearing Techniques

Entering a room blindly is a recipe for failure. Use tactical strategies like:

• Pie Slicing: Slowly angle around corners to reveal enemies without exposing yourself.

• Stacking Up: Have teammates line up at a door before breaching to ensure controlled entry.

• Flash and Clear: Deploy flashbangs or gas before entering a room to disorient suspects.

3. Secure Areas Effectively

Never assume a cleared area is completely safe. Suspects may move or ambush you from unexpected angles. Use door wedges to block access points and prevent threats from flanking you.

4. Utilize Tactical Equipment Wisely

Each piece of gear serves a purpose:

• Mirror Guns: Use these under doors to scout rooms before breaching.

• Battering Rams: Quickly break through locked doors for fast entry.

• Ballistic Shields: Provide cover when engaging armed suspects in open spaces.

Choosing the right tools for the mission can make the difference between success and failure.

5. Issue Commands and Control Suspects

Suspects don’t always comply immediately. Use voice commands to order them to surrender, and be prepared to escalate force if necessary. Some may fake surrender or attempt to escape, so remain alert at all times.

6. Play the Shooting Range

Before jumping into missions, take time to practice weapon handling at the shooting range. This helps improve accuracy and familiarizes you with recoil, reload times, and sight alignment.

7. Work as a Team

Whether playing solo with AI teammates or in a multiplayer squad, coordination is key. Assign roles like breacher, negotiator, and sniper to maintain control over the operation. Communication ensures smooth execution and fewer casualties.

8. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Situational awareness can prevent ambushes and surprise attacks. Keep an eye on windows, doorways, and possible escape routes that suspects might use.

9. Manage Your Ammunition

Reloading at the wrong time can leave you exposed. Track your ammunition count and reload when safe to avoid running out during a firefight.

10. Use Non-Lethal Force When Possible

Using tasers, pepper spray, or beanbag rounds can lead to better mission scores and make arrests safer. Whenever possible, opt for non-lethal takedowns.

Preparing for Missions

Choosing the Right Loadout

Your gear should match the mission type. In hostage situations, opt for non-lethal equipment. In a raid, prioritize breaching tools and protective armor. Adjusting your loadout for each scenario increases your chances of success.

Studying Mission Briefings

Every mission provides a briefing with vital details. Pay close attention to:

• Suspect intelligence

• Expected civilian presence

• Environmental hazards

• Mission objectives

Planning ahead prevents mistakes and ensures better execution.

Understanding the AI System

Suspect AI in Ready or Not is unpredictable. Some criminals surrender immediately, while others resist arrest or even ambush you. Civilians may panic, making it harder to secure them. Always expect the unexpected and adjust tactics accordingly.

Enhancing Your Experience

Upgrade Your Hardware

For a truly immersive experience, consider using:

• A high-quality headset for precise audio cues

• A responsive gaming mouse for improved aiming

• A mechanical keyboard for faster reaction times

Explore Customization Options

Tailoring your character’s gear and loadout helps improve both style and effectiveness. Try different equipment combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.

Join the Community

Engaging with the Ready or Not community through forums and Discord servers can provide valuable strategies, mod recommendations, and gameplay insights from experienced players.

Stay Up to Date on Updates and Mods

Ready or Not is actively developed, with updates improving mechanics, AI, and content. The game also supports mods that enhance visuals, add new missions, and improve AI behavior. Exploring community-made content can expand your experience.

Get Ready for Action

Mastering Ready or Not takes practice, but with patience and strategy, you'll become an effective SWAT operator. Whether playing solo or with a team, following these guidelines will help you tackle missions with confidence and precision.

To begin your journey, ensure you have a legitimate copy of the game. Purchase your Ready or Not Steam CD Key from RoyalCDKeys for a secure and affordable way to jump into the action.

Equip yourself, plan your approach, and execute with precision—the streets of Los Suenos await.

Don’t forget to explore our previous post: Technical Documentation Guide: Templates & Tips