1. Keybinding Optimization
- Key bindings are found in the controls setting menu
Ever pressed the wrong button at the wrong time or been too slow reaching for a key? Well try changing your keys to cluster around your movement keys better; here are some of my favorite changes.
- [Key Cards from default key[LCTRL] to unbound key[3], LCTRL key disrupts hand placement from ASDW and requires adjustment]
- [Player list from default key[N] to unbound key[4], enables rapid response to Mic Spamming]
- You can flick your view to avoid damage, this works because in Scp lab characters move in response to changes in view. A skilled player can use flicks to avoid danger at even low stamina but newer players can use sprinting to enlarge their flicks (Larger circles are generally better.) All you have to do is jump and then move your mouse in a circular motion.
2. 079 Toggle View Mode
- This setting is found in the gameplay setting menu
When playing as 079 do you find it hard to navigate through cameras or generally experience frustration? Then I’m here to help.
As Scp-079 you have 2 view modes, one where you need to use your mouse to drag the screen and one that tracks with your mouse. Both offer their own benefits and most will have their own preference. With toggle, you no longer need to actively select the screen tracking mode (to me a more pleasant mode.)
- Scp-079 can trigger a power outage in specific rooms. Close doors on hostile human classes fleeing from your friends, you will quickly rank up. Also, make sure you open doors that are usually unopenable for Scps. You’ll be able to power out sections in no time.
3. FPS limit
- This setting is found in the video settings menu.
Depending on your hardware you’ll have a different sweet spot for FPS locking, but this can smooth any stuttering issues (but not screen tearing) and if set low enough can decrease stress on your PC (your GPU will make less frames per cycle thus sparing it of hard work.)
- If you’re playing as Scp-173 and someone is using one of my tips on you, you can just walk away and have Scp-939 deal with them. Scp-939 is not a Scp where you need to aim your attack, you merely have to be touching another player to attack them.
4. Vsync
- Vsync is found in the video settings menu
Vsync is similar to an FPS limit but they both cause and fix different problems, Vsync can solve screen tearing (your GPU waits to send images in their entirety) but it can also cause stuttering. As it pauses the image before it's sent to your screen to fully complete it thus solving tearing and possibly causing stuttering.
- When you’re badly lagging as SCP-096 you can use your charge to kill players who might otherwise avoid your swings (they appear on your screen where they aren't so you hit the wrong spots.) To activate charge you can just click your RMB (default) in the direction you want to charge.
5. FXAA or MSAA?
- Both can be found in Anti-Aliasing In the video settings menu
FXAA and MSAA while both being anti-aliasing perform differently. FXAA can quickly fix jagged edges but can’t fix other jagged surfaces and causes motion blur at higher speeds. MSAA can perform better but requires large amounts of resources. Think of it like this, FXAA is a quick and dirty but effective solution; MSAA is a higher quality but more costly solution.
- If you’re having trouble getting the Scp class you can try joining less populated servers, some modded servers also let you swap Scps if you get one you don’t like. This works because classes are assigned randomly based on the populations of the server at the beginning of the match.
6. Shadows
- Shadows can be found in the audio settings menu
Turning Shadows down can greatly destress your PC at little cost to your enjoyment of the game.Turn Distance and resolution down to either low or medium to pair the performance boost.
- You can sometimes tactically surprise chasing Scps or humans by turning a corner hiding in the shadows for a second and then walking around them suddenly (not sprinting or jumping at them.) Find a corner with a wide enough angle it would be hard to see you at first. Slowly walk in a zigzag pattern and then once your clear sprint away while closing doors
7. Voice Volume
- Can be found in the audio settings menu
Do you ever just want to play the game without other people’s chat getting in your way? Maybe you want some extra horror? Then toggle this setting and experience the game like nothing you’re used to.
- If you find yourself being run down by Scps often then remember to close the doors on them, even Larry who can walk through them is slowed down quite a lot. Doors are pivotal game mechanics in Scp lab. Press E or the interact key to close/open doors when they aren’t damaged
8. Menu theme
- Can be found in the audio settings menu
Tired of the old menu music or want something new? Then toggle this setting and find a new groove.
- If you’re chaos you can bargain with the Scps in most servers. Don’t shoot them and generally (not always) they won’t attack you either.
9. Do not track
- Can be found in the others settings menu
I would highly recommend you toggle this setting as it ensures your privacy. Default on and if you have a special need then turn it off.
- Don’t run straight to 914 as Scps and possibly armed hostile classes will be drawn first. Instead gather resources you want to upgrade first.
10. Rich Presence
- Can be found in the gameplay settings menu
With the Display setting, anyone can easily navigate to your steam profile. This is most useful if you want to play with friends or accept invites from players you like.
- Don’t run at Scps by yourself, they will demolish you easily. Instead, gather a group of others together and lay down fire. TeamKill exists exactly because of this tip as it makes the game more challenging.
11. Toggle sprint
- Can be found in the gameplay settings menu
By applying toggle sprint to your settings you no longer have to waste time holding down the shift key. Instead press once and you’re good; this also enables efficient stamina management.
- Don’t feel pressured to run around the facility constantly, your stamina is a precious resource that will let you avoid death many many times. Instead, if you have to get somewhere quickly run in short bursts and if you’re running away from a Scp, close doors and turn off your sprint to regenerate a little stamina.
12. Display Exact HP Value
- Can be found in the gameplay settings menu
As a newbie it might be better to not toggle this setting, but when you play as all the classes and understand their health limits you will no longer need exact values. Percents also allow you to quickly and efficiently manage your health without doing mental calculations.
- When facing Scp-939 you might hit a dead-end or run out of stamina. You can tank its attacks by preparing a medkit or healing item and using it while it’s near and about to hit you. This way you can turn your 100hp limit into a 200 or 300 hp limit. Since most healing items in the game have a timer that counts down once you activate them to heal, you can chain your healing inside of enemy attacks.
13. Hide IP
- Can be found in the gameplay settings menu
With this setting you can maintain your privacy along with other settings such as DNT and disabled Rich Presence.
- Some VPNs might not work on Scp lab, VPNs can also circumvent bans from server owners. This isn’t an endorsement, merely a fact. Sometimes griefers, trollers, or hackers can come back and harass a server.
14. Master Volume
- Can be found in the audio settings menu
Turning off your master volume will allow you to appreciate and value the sounds cues and music. This will make you a better player but can make it frustrating to play the game. Alternatively you could play music or a podcast in the background of your game, probably while in spectator to remove respawn boredom.
- Pay attention to the type and sound of footsteps as you can tell a lot from them; Chaos will sound metallic and clunky, SCP-173 will sound like glass shards scuttling, SCP-106 will sound like dark music, SCP-939 will sound like two people walking together, and every Other class will sound the same walking.
15. Motion Blur
- Can be found in the video settings menu
Motion blur might not offer a lot of utility to some players but others enjoy it for the realism it adds
- Scp-096 can and will work with other Scps to flush you out while depriving you of vision. Try throwing flashbangs at them to survive
16. Bloom
- Can be found in the video settings menu
Using bloom you can make your time in spc lab a more realistic and visually pleasing time
- One of the major advantages Scp-939 has is its ability to bargain with other classes and its stealth, using your hume shield you can grind down entire mtf waves. You must have a complex environment however. Without that you become a punching bag easily
17. Ambient Occlusion
- Can be found in the video settings menu
Using occlusion you can make any lighting effects you choose look more realistic and full
- Scp-079 can blackout rooms at higher levels, MTF should include flashlights on their guns unless they’re confident they can outmaneuver a fast instant death.
18. Decals
- Can be found in the video settings menu
Blood splatters and bullet holes fill the facility, these ques are crucial to your survival and objectives. Depending on the splatter or hole you can determine whether a hostile faction is nearby.
- Look very carefully at surface details; bodies with their necks twisted and walls stained with blood. These things will clue you into what Scp you’ll have to deal with.
19. Vol Light
- Can be found in the video settings menu
Can make your gameplay experience very immersive and beautiful.
- In the weapon editor you can view your guns stats; press the window at the bottom of the guns window
20. Sound Effect Volume
- Can be found in the audio settings menu
Sound effects in spectator aren’t entirely necessary and sometimes deafen you. Nuke sirens are also very loud and annoying. Tesla gates can however be a helpful audio cue.
- Chances are if a tesla gate is going off near you and you’re the only D-class in heavy it’s a death sentence to follow it
21. Head Bob
- Can be found in the gameplay settings menu
Can make the game more realistic and immerse you into the gameplay
- Keep your eyes on the ground when scp-096 is around. Looking at his face is a death sentence.
22. 079 Post Processing
- Can be found in the gameplay settings menu
For those who have a hard time coping with the 079 visuals you can disable them, personally I enjoy them.
- As Scp-079 if you aren’t with your teammates then you need to be, Scp-079 is a team player and literally cannot attack others. Guide your friends through the facility and help them score kills on other players by closing doors, locking doors, Blacking out rooms, sending elevators away from fleeing human classes, and scouting out areas for them
23. Graphics API
- Can be found in the video settings menu
This is for those with different hardware who need software capable of interfacing with drivers.
- Don’t be afraid to die shooting Scps, a coordinated team of at least 4 people can quickly and effectively drain a Scp’s hp.
- If team kill is on arrange yourselves in a curved line around a area and wait for a scp to enter and then shoot the Scps making sure to group up with your friends while keeping track of Scps and not rushing through doors for no reason; always check your corners.
24. Texture Quality
- Can be found in the video settings menu
Textures are one of the most important graphics in the game
- Navigating the facility isn't easy at first, but with enough hours in the game you can maneuver around on instinct alone.
25. Exclusive FullScreen
- Can be found in the video setting smenu
Fullscreen is the best way to experience any game as it helps with immersion and gameplay mechanics (bigger field of view.)
- Sometimes accepting failure will unlock new ways to succeed or win. Like with a bike, focusing on where you want to go is more important than focusing on the road (you go where you look.)
