Aliens: Dark Descent takes place on the planet Lethe as players descend into a planet infested by aliens. It's an intriguing take on Alien franchise video games, as players see the alien outbreak unfold before their eyes rather than only show up to a scene of chaos. The planet of Lethe has a lot in store for players, and many might wonder how Aliens: Dark Descent's infestation level works, one of the game's mechanics focused on timing.
In the Command Deck menu, players may notice a red bar on the right side of the screen called Planet Infestation. This relates to how infested the planet Lethe is measured in levels, but it can move up or down depending on what actions and choices players make.
How Does Infestation Level Work In Aliens: Dark Descent?
When players begin Aliens: Dark Descent, the Infestation Level begins at level 1, with 5 bars to advance until it reaches level 2, when the bar count increases to 6. Aliens: Dark Descent's Infestation level goes up 1 bar per day that passes, as the planet Lethe is gradually getting even more infested with aliens. However, the number of bars gradually increases at the same time to 8 bars. During missions, players can expect to encounter significantly more aliens as the Infestation level increases. Players receive an on-screen warning in the Command Deck when the Infestation Level increases.
If playing on medium difficulty, Aliens: Dark Descent's Infestation level can reach around level 4 after about 30 in-game days. Some players might want to skip days to look after their squad quicker, but this approach may push up the Infestation Level faster. When players progress through the story missions, a 25-day countdown eventually begins.
How To Lower Infestation Level In Aliens: Dark Descent
In between missions, players often have no choice but to advance a day ahead until a new mission deployment becomes available. This involves making off-screen side mission choices, such as deciding how to respond to a distress signal. Depending on the decisions players pick during these side missions, the Infestation Level may increase or decrease as the in-game day advances.
Ideally, it's best to complete as many activities as possible for each mission to avoid advancing a day forward to keep the Infestation Level lower, but sometimes skipping time and a rise in Infestation is inevitable.
Aliens: Dark Descent is available to play now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and Xbox One.