Crysis: Fight, Survive, Conquer! – The Ultimate Guide to Mastering the Island – Act III

The ultimate guide to mastering the grand finale of Crysis: the third and final act.

Having covered everything you need to know about Crysis’ equipment, weapons, vehicles, and enemies, and having uncovered the secrets of the first two acts, it’s now time to turn our attention to the grand finale: the third and final act of the game. In this guide, you’ll find vital strategies, expert tips, and essential advice to help you navigate this thrilling concluding phase. Ready to experience the epic finale of Crysis? Then read on and discover all the crucial details.

A brief introduction to Act III of Crysis

The pivotal phase of the story begins here, as the island’s deepest secrets are finally uncovered, setting the stage for a fierce battle for survival. With high stakes at play, the seventh chapter, Core, unfolds, drawing us into the heart of this exhilarating and decisive final act.

Chapter 7: Core

The chapter begins near the previously collapsed elevator.

Preparation for Action

• You will be contacted by the VTOL pilot, who will suggest an escape route. However, you decide to refuse and continue exploring the unknown structure.
• Equip yourself with pistols and weapons near the entrance: SMG and shotgun.
• You’ll also find an FY71, but only collect ammunition for this weapon, as it will be helpful in the next chapter.

Important Note: Ammunition supplies will be extremely limited in this level. Make sure to stock up before advancing.

Exploration of the Alien Structure

• Enter the unknown structure, characterized by unique alien architecture. Take some time to observe the environmental details, which contribute to creating an extraordinary atmosphere.
• Proceed straight to a large dark corridor crossed by a massive pipe.
• Continue to the end of the gallery: at this point, the structure will activate, and you’ll lose gravity.

Inside the now-illuminated massive pipe, you’ll notice the presence of alien creatures encountered earlier.

• Move toward the next opening to reach a cave system. Here, you’ll witness spectacular volumetric light and cloud effects.

Confrontation with the Ceph

• Follow the current inside the cave until you locate a power source: destroy it to open the passage and move forward.
• Advance to an illuminated opening, where you’ll be attacked by a Ceph without an exoskeleton.

Now you must traverse a complex section. The Ceph will throw you out of the structure. Re-enter through the conduit and move forward until you reach a large room with multiple power systems.

Combat in the Energy Room

• In this area, you’ll encounter numerous armed Ceph. Use the “armor” mode to protect yourself, as their close-range attacks can kill you with just two hits.
• Destroy the energy tubes in the room to unlock a passage at the bottom and go through it to proceed.

Continue Exploring

Follow the cave system and pass through a damaged conduit to arrive in a room with an energy duct.

• Eliminate the Ceph guarding the area and look for ammunition in nearby storage rooms.
• Move through the open conduit on the other side of the room.

Following the duct, you’ll reach a control room.

• Wait for the Ceph to flee (not before), then cross the opening above the control panel to enter a corridor with timed portals.
• Pass through the portals to reach two conduits with different currents.
• Enter the conduit with the internal current and enjoy the journey, paying close attention to as many details as possible.

At the end of the path, you’ll arrive in a cave with:

• A control system.
• A reinforced door.
• A window overlooking the Ceph army, including a Hunter.

Explore the area carefully: you’ll find ammunition and weapons in small side chambers along the perimeter of the cave. Collect everything you can before moving forward.

Final Section: Survival Test

• Head to the reinforced door, which will open. Cross it, and you’ll face another door.
• The entrance door will close behind you, isolating you in a hostile area, and you’ll be temporarily blinded.
• You must survive waves of enemies until the next door opens. This process will take time, so prepare for prolonged resistance.

When the door opens, you’ll be dazzled by an intense light. Follow it along the tunnel leading outside to conclude the chapter.

Crysis: Guide to Chapter Eight: Paradise Lost

The chapter starts with a cutscene where the VTOL crashes.

• Move to the right and check your equipment.
• Look for a cabin where you’ll find ammo for the FY71 and the shotgun.
• Modify the shotgun by applying a tighter pellet spread to deal more damage to enemy exoskeletons.
• Advance along the road and face alien enemies in exoskeletons. Stay calm, use cover effectively, and manage your ammo wisely.
• Continue until you find an overturned truck, where you can collect additional ammunition.

The Village and the Ambush

• Reach a village and jump down to the lower level.
• Once on the ground, a cutscene will reveal Prophet’s return. Despite his earlier disappearance, he is alive.

While Prophet fights off enemies:

• Enter the armored container.
• Swap the FY71 for the Scar.
• Collect all available Scar ammo and grenades.

After gearing up, use the shotgun to eliminate any remaining enemies.

• At the end of the fight, Prophet’s suit will malfunction due to the extreme cold.
• Prophet will hand you the MOAC rifle. Take it and replace your shotgun with it.
• Using the MOAC:

• Attach the laser pointer for greater accuracy.
• Use the “armor” mode to withstand enemy attacks better.
• Control your fire bursts carefully, as the MOAC overheats quickly.

Fight the new enemies carefully and eliminate all threats.

• Once all enemies are down, a path through the rock will open. Head toward it.
• At this point, another cutscene will begin.

Fighting the Scouts, Heading to the Bridge
After the cutscene:

• Approach a burning vehicle.
• While Prophet recharges his suit, cover him using the MOAC. Stay in “armor” mode to handle enemy attacks better.

You’ll encounter a new enemy type: Scouts.

• They move slowly but are highly durable.
• Two or three controlled bursts from the MOAC are enough to take them down.

Follow this pattern:

1. Reach the burning vehicle.
2. Eliminate the enemies.
3. Move forward until you reach a bridge.

As you approach the bridge, you’ll see a Ceph warship emerging from the sphere. Cross the bridge to complete the chapter.

Chapter Nine: Exodus

The chapter begins as you cross the sphere’s boundary.

Move along the road until you reach a small outpost operated by Strickland‘s recovery team. During the briefing on the current situation, collect ammo for the Scar and swap the MOAC for the Gauss rifle.

The Base
Prepare the base for defense:

• Use the Scar to deal with smaller exoskeletons.
• Deploy the Gauss rifle against Scouts, requiring only two well-placed shots to take them down.
• After defeating the wave of enemies, grab a second ammo crate for the Gauss rifle.
• Then head to Prophet’s jeep.

Jeep Escape

• Once aboard the jeep, defend it from attacking Scouts.
  • Beware of the turret overheating; control your fire to prevent this.
• During the escape:
  • Other convoy jeeps will come under attack.
  • A VTOL will crash into the valley below.

Crash Site Area

After the escape, Prophet will stop where the road has collapsed:

• Descend to the crash site, choosing either:
  • The main road.
  • The river, as an alternative path.
• At the crash site:
  • Eliminate two Scouts with the Gauss rifle.
  • Defend the area while Prophet attempts to access the blocked VTOL.
  • Use the anti-aircraft turret for combat.

Note: The turret has low durability but delivers significant power. Use it to eliminate as many enemies as possible quickly.

• Once the situation is under control, Prophet will successfully extract Elena from the trapped VTOL.
• Elena and Prophet will depart in another recovery vehicle, heading for the ship.

Hunter Battle

Immediately after the VTOL departs, a Hunter will break through the mountain and approach.

• To slow it down:
  • Use the anti-aircraft turret as long as possible.
  • The Hunter will begin charging its freezing beam shortly after. Move away quickly, as it can easily wipe out some of your allies.
    
• Continue along the road as the Hunter pursues you, slowed by allied fire.
• Reach Strickland at the evacuation point to coordinate the escape.

Final Steps

• Speak with Strickland.
• Use the Gauss rifle and the anti-aircraft turret to fend off attacking Scouts.
• Prepare for a tougher fight, as the number of enemies will increase significantly.

When two VTOLs arrive, approach the one carrying Strickland and board it.During the departure, Strickland will sacrifice himself, staying behind to ensure the VTOL takes off safely.

Chapter Ten: Ascension

This chapter is known for its technical and emotional intensity, making it one of the most praised by Digital Foundry for its graphical and technical impact, despite its complexity for PCs from 2007 to the present.

After the Difficult Escape

• The VTOL’s pilot will get hit, causing the vehicle to go into a freefall.
• During this chaotic sequence:
  • With the help of a marine, eliminate the Scout stationed at the tail of the VTOL.
  • Take control of the vehicle.

Objective: Survive and Protect

In this level, you must:

1. Follow allied VTOLs flying ahead of you.
2. Destroy Scouts attacking in groups of various sizes.
3. Defend your allies during recovery operations.
4. Survive harsh weather conditions, including devastating tornadoes.

Facing the Tornadoes

• Tornadoes pose a significant challenge:
  • Perform roll maneuvers using the Q and E keys to avoid them.
  • Use the afterburner to accelerate and escape being sucked in.

Note: A single maneuvering error could lead to your crash.

Dogfight: Facing the Enemies

The chapter takes place in a massive linear valley that you’ll traverse in a straight path. There are no alternate routes, so focus is critical for survival.

To manage aerial combat effectively:

1. Maintain high altitude for better enemy visibility and quicker reactions.
2. Execute evasive maneuvers—keep moving and watch for attacks.
3. When opportunities arise, utilize:
   • Lock-on missiles for targeted strikes.
   • Heavy machine gun bursts for direct attacks.

Important: Do not try to flee from enemies. If you do, they’ll pursue you relentlessly, complicating the fight further.

Conclusion of the Chapter

• The battle will damage the VTOL. The vehicle has an integrated auto-repair system. When damage exceeds 50%, wait for repairs to complete before continuing.
• Proceed with the VTOL along the valley, following the path until you reach the beach and head toward the sea to finish the chapter.

Crysis: A Guide to the Eleventh Chapter, Reckoning

The final chapter of Crysis is one of the game’s most epic sections, designed to push PCs to their limits while taking full advantage of the technology of its time. Prepare your system for a serious challenge and configure it properly: this level is packed with explosions, particle effects, aggressive enemies, and water effects. Note: Expect one or two game crashes at most.

Mission Start

1. Arrival on the Aircraft Carrier
   
   • Step off the VTOL and onto the main command carrier.
   • After a short cutscene, follow Psycho to the command center, where you’ll participate in a briefing with the Admiral.
   • Next, head to the armory to analyze and discuss your suit. Prophet will then leave to “finish what he started.”
2. Il ponte e la testata atomica
   
   • Follow the signs to the deck.
   • Once there, Prophet will depart in a VTOL. Shortly after, an aircraft will take off to launch a nuclear warhead at the alien sphere.
   • Watch the spectacular detonation, but stay alert: the Ceph army will attack the fleet and put it under immense pressure.

Battle on the Flight Deck

1. Initial Loadout
   
   • Head to the flight deck. As you descend, make sure you equip:
     • Pistol
     • GAUSS Rifle
     • Minigun
   • On the Flight Deck:
     • While your allies and artillery take down enemies, drop the Minigun at the first ammo depot near the door and grab a rocket launcher (don’t use it immediately).
     • Restock GAUSS Rifle ammo and gather Scar ammunition at various depots.
2. Facing the Scouts
   • Once fully equipped, prepare for intense combat.
   • Take out the remaining Scouts: this level features larger and more aggressive ones.
   • After the battle, restock ammo and use the elevator to descend. Ensure the laser sight is attached to the Scar.

Inside the Aircraft Carrier

1. Reactor Repairs
   
   • Equip the laser sight on the Scar and proceed to a room with an elevator. It will crash as you enter.
   • Move through the room.
   • Follow the technicians’ instructions to repair the reactor:
     • Use the “strength” mode with powered punches by holding F to lower the containment rods.

Note: Be cautious of radiation; it drains your energy quickly.

2. Navigating Flooded Areas
   
   • Exit and retrace your steps.
   • Shoot the electrical meter to stop electrified water.
   • In the next room, the generator will be submerged.
   • Jump across to avoid damage from the electrified water.
3. Reaching the Armory
   
   • Eliminate enemies blocking your path.
   • Take the elevator to the armory.
   • Retrieve the TAC cannon, which is critical for the final battle.

The Final Battle

1. The Hunter
   
   • Return to the command deck, where the Admiral dies while ordering the crew’s evacuation.
   • Head to the flight deck, replace the Scar with the Minigun, and keep your distance as the Hunter destroys soldiers and an attack VTOL.
   • Elena and Psycho will arrive in a VTOL. Elena will deploy an EMP blast from her nanosuit to weaken the Hunter’s shield.
   • Once the shield drops, use “strength” mode and aim precise bursts at the Hunter’s jaw. After several hits, it will collapse and self-destruct.
2. The Ceph Warship
   
   • Replace the Minigun with the Scar and take cover near an infinite rocket launcher crate.
   • Face the warship as it emerges from the water:
     • Destroy its four side cannons with rockets.
     • Eliminate the Scouts armed with GAUSS Rifles attacking you.
   • Once the ship’s shield overloads, lock onto one of its two main cannons with the TAC cannon and fire to destroy it.
   • Defeat more Scouts and repeat for the second cannon.
3. Conclusion
   
   • The ship will begin crashing toward the deck. At this point, you have two options:
     • Reach Psycho’s VTOL and board it.
     • Destroy the ship’s core with two TAC rounds to complete the mission, then head for the VTOL.

Epilogue

After the battle, a final cutscene plays: enjoy the stunning explosions, the interplay of light across the ocean, and the cliffhanger that paves the way for the future of the series, leaving you breathless.

Tips to Enhance Your Crysis Experience

1. Performance and Setup
   
   • Ensure your PC is properly configured for the best experience.
   • Max out graphical settings, including motion blur, to fully enjoy the game’s visual brilliance.
2. Game Version
   
   • The original version is no longer available on Steam. It’s recommended to purchase the GOG version, which is the most stable.
     • The game includes the CryEngine 2 sandbox editor, allowing you to experiment and create custom levels and maps.
   • Important Note: The remastered version sacrifices much of the original game’s essence, losing numerous small—but significant—details and diminishing the authentic spirit of the experience.
3. Mods and Customization
   
   • Use the Blackfire Mod to enhance lighting and textures, making the game even more immersive. This mod allows you to:
     • Remove the HUD.
     • Change the time of day.
     • Add other visual improvements.
4. Expansions and the Saga
   
   • Continue the series with Crysis Warhead, an excellent standalone expansion featuring Psycho. It further explores the island and expands the game.
   • Dive deeper into the story through official comics that bridge the gap between the first and second chapters.
   • EA’s management placed significant pressure to adapt all subsequent chapters for consoles. This decision drastically altered the original plans for the trilogy. Despite this, Crytek delivered a high-quality series that continued to set graphical benchmarks for the entire industry.