Prey (2017) is an immersive sim set aboard Talos I, a space station orbiting the Moon that's been overrun by shape-shifting alien organisms called Typhon. As Morgan Yu, you choose between human abilities and alien Typhon powers via Neuromods, fundamentally changing how you approach every encounter and puzzle. The entire station is an interconnected open world you can explore in any order, with multiple solutions to every obstacle. The GLOO Cannon alone enables dozens of creative approaches by creating platforms, blocking hazards, and immobilizing enemies.
These tips go beyond the basics. They're the strategies experienced players use to play more efficiently, the hidden mechanics most people miss, and the optimizations that compound over a full playthrough.
Essential Tips
1. Scan every new Typhon type to 100% with the Psychoscope before killing it — you only unlock their Neuromod abilities through complete scans
Scan every new Typhon type to 100% with the Psychoscope before killing it — you only unlock their Neuromod abilities through complete scans.
2. The GLOO Cannon creates permanent platforms
The GLOO Cannon creates permanent platforms. GLOO the outside of Talos I during spacewalks to reach any airlock, bypassing entire sections of the station.
3. Recycler Charges create a mini black hole that consumes EVERYTHING nearby — items, enemies, and you
Recycler Charges create a mini black hole that consumes EVERYTHING nearby — items, enemies, and you. Throw them, don't place them at your feet.
4. Leverage 3 lets you throw heavy objects dealing 100+ damage
Leverage 3 lets you throw heavy objects dealing 100+ damage. Oxygen tanks thrown at Phantoms are more ammo-efficient than most weapons.
5. Turrets become hostile at Typhon Neuromod thresholds: 1-3 Typhon mods is safe, 4+ triggers hostility
Turrets become hostile at Typhon Neuromod thresholds: 1-3 Typhon mods is safe, 4+ triggers hostility. Plan your build around this cutoff.
6. Mimic Matter lets you become a coffee cup and roll through tiny gaps — this bypasses almost every locked door in the game if there's a vent or gap nearby
Mimic Matter lets you become a coffee cup and roll through tiny gaps — this bypasses almost every locked door in the game if there's a vent or gap nearby.
7. The Huntress Boltcaster (toy crossbow) triggers computer buttons and environmental switches from a distance
The Huntress Boltcaster (toy crossbow) triggers computer buttons and environmental switches from a distance. It costs zero resources and unlocks multiple shortcuts.
8. Fabricate Neuromods early and often — they cost 1 Exotic, 1 Mineral, 1 Synthetic each
Fabricate Neuromods early and often — they cost 1 Exotic, 1 Mineral, 1 Synthetic each. Recycling junk from offices produces enough materials for 2-3 per area.
9. Combat Focus (Human skill) slows time by 60% for 8 seconds
Combat Focus (Human skill) slows time by 60% for 8 seconds. Combined with the shotgun, you can kill a Phantom before it finishes its attack animation.
10. Save before installing your 4th Typhon Neuromod
Save before installing your 4th Typhon Neuromod. After this point, every turret on the station becomes your enemy — make sure you're ready.
Advanced Strategies
Role Optimization
The difference between an average build and an optimized one is massive:
For Human Only Build (S-Tier):
- Avoids all Typhon Neuromods, keeping turrets friendly and enabling the best ending outcomes. Focuses on Hacking, Repair, and Leverage for combat. Surprisingly powerful since Leverage lets you throw heavy objects for 100+ damage.
- Core gear: Shotgun, GLOO Cannon, Recycler Charges, Turrets (allied)
- Stat priority: Hacking 4, Leverage 3, Repair 3, Combat Focus 2
For Typhon Psionics Build (S-Tier):
- Goes deep into Typhon powers for devastating combat abilities. Kinetic Blast one-shots most enemies, Psychoshock disables Typhon powers, and Mindjack turns enemies into allies. The cost: turrets attack you on sight and the ending is affected.
- Core gear: Psychoscope, Psi Hypo supply, GLOO Cannon, Q-Beam
- Stat priority: Kinetic Blast 3, Psychoshock 2, Mindjack 2, Psi Pool
Mechanic Interactions
Understanding how Prey's systems interact is where the real optimization lives:
Neuromod skill trees + GLOO Cannon physics: Neuromods split into Human (Scientist, Engineer, Security) and Typhon (Energy, Morph, Telepathy) trees. Combined with GLOO Cannon physics, the gloo cannon fires expanding foam that sticks to any surface.
Typhon mimicry + recycler economy: Mimic Typhon disguise themselves as everyday objects — cups, chairs, boxes. When paired with recycler economy, the recycler machine breaks down any item into raw materials (mineral, synthetic, exotic, organic).
station exploration scaling: Talos I is a fully connected space station with multiple paths between areas. Locked doors can be bypassed with hacking, keycards, GLOO platforming, alternate vents, or Mimic Matter (shrink into a coffee cup and roll through gaps). No obstacle has only one solution.
Weapons Efficiency
| Weapon | Best Use Case | Why |
|---|---|---|
| GLOO Cannon | All builds | Fires expanding foam that immobilizes enemies, blocks hazards, and creates climbable platforms. |
| Q-Beam | Typhon Psionics, Combat Hybrid | Directed energy weapon that deals continuous damage in a beam. |
| Psychoscope | Typhon Psionics, Combat Hybrid | Head-mounted scanner that reveals Typhon weaknesses, hidden Mimics, and unlocks Typhon Neuromod abilities. |
| Shotgun | Human Only, Stealth Build | High damage per shot at close range. |
| Wrench | Engineer Build, Stealth Build | Your starting melee weapon. |
Location Efficiency
Talos I Lobby (Early Game (First Visit)): The central hub connecting most station areas. Contains the first Fabricator and Recycler you'll access. Multiple locked areas reward return visits with better hacking skills. The volunteer quarters above contain Neuromods and lore.
Psychotronics (Early-Mid Game): The Typhon research lab where experiments on captured aliens took place. The Psychoscope is found here, unlocking Typhon Neuromod access. Contains containment cells with live Typhon specimens and the first Telepath encounter.
Arboretum (Mid Game): A massive biodome with trees, a greenhouse, and open spaces. Contains Alex Yu's office with critical story items. One of the largest areas with multiple floors and hidden paths. The Nightmare Typhon frequently spawns here.
Deep Storage (Mid-Late Game): Data archive facility with a voice-locked door requiring a specific passphrase. Contains critical information about the Typhon outbreak's origin. Heavy Operator enemies patrol the halls. Multiple audio logs reveal major story twists.
GUTS (Mid Game): The zero-gravity maintenance tunnels connecting distant parts of the station. Navigation is disorienting without orientation cues. Contains Cystoid nests that explode on proximity. A shortcut between major areas once you learn the layout.
Mistakes Even Veterans Make
- Ignoring the GLOO Cannon because it doesn't deal damage directly — it's arguably the most powerful tool in the game for both combat and exploration.
- Installing Typhon Neuromods without understanding the turret hostility threshold at 4+ Typhon mods, suddenly turning every turret against you.
- Recycling unique items or keycards — some items are needed for quests or access and can't be re-obtained. Only recycle clearly marked junk.
- Fighting the Nightmare Typhon early instead of running — it's a massive bullet sponge that wastes resources. Hide for 3 minutes and it despawns.
- Not exploring thoroughly and missing Neuromods hidden in offices, corpses, and safes — there are over 100 Neuromods in the environment.
Efficiency Quick Reference
| Aspect | Optimal Choice | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Human Only Build | S-tier, best overall |
| Starter | Typhon Psionics Build | Most forgiving for learning |
| Weapons | GLOO Cannon | Best resource-to-power ratio |
| First area | Talos I Lobby | First Fabricator access, Neuromods, multiple keycards, story terminals |
| Priority mechanic | Neuromod skill trees | Everything else builds on this |
Pro Quick Tips
- Scan every new Typhon type to 100% with the Psychoscope before killing it — you only unlock their Neuromod abilities through complete scans.
- The GLOO Cannon creates permanent platforms. GLOO the outside of Talos I during spacewalks to reach any airlock, bypassing entire sections of the station.
- Recycler Charges create a mini black hole that consumes EVERYTHING nearby — items, enemies, and you. Throw them, don't place them at your feet.
- Start with Typhon Psionics Build, switch to Human Only Build when ready
- Invest in GLOO Cannon above everything else
- Clear areas in order: Talos I Lobby → Psychotronics → Arboretum → Deep Storage → GUTS
- Neuromod skill trees + GLOO Cannon physics together are stronger than either alone
For full build details, check builds. For progression path, see the walkthrough.
