There are currently two game modes in the Early Access title: free-for-all and team deathmatch.
Free-For-All
Free-for-all is pretty self-explanatory, as we have seen it in numerous first-person shooter titles. Basically, every single person in the game will face off against each other with their own hand-crafted weaponry and items in a fight to the death.
There are no teams, and only one person can survive the entire event.
Team Deathmatch
Team Deathmatch is another self-explanatory game mode, where multiple teams come together to tackle each other. The final team alive at the end of the match is the winner.
This game mode makes things a tad bit easier on everyone, though the risk and rewards are a bit downgraded.
Rewards
After dying or winning the game entirely, each player is entered into a loot roll in order to win a single cosmetic item. In total, there are over 300 different cosmetic loot items included within the game right now. That number can only go up with time, though.
Some rewards you may receive include:
Hairstyles Hats Helmets Masks T-Shirts Hoodies Goggles Pants
These items are Common, Uncommon, Rare, Very Rare, or Ultra-Rare. Each tier depends on how loot rolls turn out, where you place in the match, how many kills you have, and how long you survived with a single life.
Combating the Best
As of right now, there are four different aspects to melee combat in The Culling.
Weak Hit Charged Hit Blocking Pushing
Basically, the best, and easiest, way to win a fight in the game is to read your opponent and how they are moving and acting. If the other player is pushing, then use weak attacks. If they are blocking often, then make sure to use charged hits to break through their defense.
If you are pushed, you can either block the incoming hit or trade a hit. Basically, this means you will be struck, but you can also strike back. Blocking is the best option, as it staggers your opponent, allowing for two free hits before they recover.
Charged Hits are considered one of the easiest ways to win a fight. You can easily turn a losing fight into a winner by charging your hit beforehand. A single hit from a charged attack will remove a huge chunk of health, giving you a distinct advantage over your opponent.
Statuses
There are a couple of different statuses that come from combat in The Culling. These depend on the type of weapon you use and the attack.
Bleed Damage
Wound Intensity 1 = 6 Damage Across 12 Seconds Wound Intensity 2 = 12 Damage Across 12 Seconds Wound Intensity 3 = 18 Damage Over 12 Seconds
Weakness
Wound Intensity 1 = 10% Reduction to Damage Wound Intensity 2 = 20% Reduction to Damage Wound Intensity 3 = 30% Reduction to Damage
Headshots
While using a bow, headshots will add on 10 extra damage points.
Starting Tips
When first beginning the game, you will want to craft a spear or a knife as soon as possible. Every player starts with empty hands, but you want to receive a distinct advantage in defending yourself as early as possible into the game.
Next, locate the closest building and and begin looting. Take everything you can find any sell it to the nearest vendor to receive FUNC points towards better gear.
Should someone be using a bow or a blowgun, never run straight towards them, as they will deal more damage. Instead, swerve and zig-zag around their incoming attacks and simply beat them down from the side.
The Culling is a simple game to learn, but can be difficult to master. Playing numerous rounds in a row will enable you to learn new tactics and tricks. This guide will, and should be, your starting point.
