SCP: 5K guide: co-op tactical horror
SCP: 5K (formerly SCP: Pandemic) is a cooperative tactical horror game by Affray Interactive: a squad of Foundation operatives against rogue SCP objects and Chaos Insurgency teams. The game is in Steam early access and actively developed: regular updates add campaign chapters, multiplayer modes and new gear. Below is our survival guide.
Basics: how combat works
- Team tactics decide. This is not a run-with-a-flashlight game: formation movement, crossfire and role distribution keep a squad alive.
- Communication and marking. A microphone is mandatory equipment: players call out SCP and enemy positions by voice.
- Gear for the task. Rifles for open zones, shotguns for corridors, flashbangs and medkits are a shared squad pool.
- Difficulty punishes. Damage is high on both sides: peeking a corner alone means a quick respawn.
Modes
| Mode | What it is | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign | Story chapters: clearing sites and rescuing personnel | Start here with friends |
| Epsilon-11 co-op | Procedural MTF squad operations | Farming experience and gear |
| Multiplayer | "Foundation vs Chaos" battles | After learning the mechanics |
Campaign walkthrough: key rules
- Read the briefing before deploying: the objective list changes your route through the map.
- Move cover to cover: standing in an open corridor is a direct route to the respawn screen.
- Save flashbangs: they save you from SCPs better than bullets.
- Collect documents and artifacts: they unlock upgrades and lore.
- When clearing rooms — grenade before entry: there are plenty of "gifts" near doors.
Threats: enemies and counters
| Threat | Counter |
|---|---|
| Chaos snipers | Do not silhouette on lit streets, move in short dashes. |
| SCPs indoors | Flashbangs and falling back — never tank them head-on. |
| Mines and traps | Move second in line and watch your step near doors and stairs. |
| Close combat | A shotgun and a buddy's cover are the only answer. |
Tips
- Build a balanced squad: assault, sniper and support cover all ranges.
- Share ammo and medkits: a surviving teammate matters more than a personal stockpile.
- Use AI teammates when friends are unavailable — they hold formation better than randoms.
- Revisit difficulty: the campaign changes noticeably between levels.
- Watch the patch notes: weapon balance in early access shifts often.
Frequently asked questions
Are SCP: 5K and SCP: Pandemic the same game? Yes, the project was renamed from SCP: Pandemic to SCP: 5K.
How many campaign chapters are there? Chapters arrive in stages during early access — follow the Steam updates.
Can you play solo? Yes, with AI teammates, but the game fully unfolds in co-op for up to four players.
How much does it cost? It is a paid early access title on Steam; the price may change at release.
Is it similar to Containment Breach? No: 5K is a tactical squad shooter, while Containment Breach is a single-player escape horror.
Last updated: September 19, 2026.