Outbreak Guide: First steps when a round begins
About
OverviewOutbreak is a strategy simulation game where you spread a pathogen across the globe, evolve it to be more dangerous, and try to stay ahead of humanity's response efforts. Up to 15 players can compete in the same world at once.
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Contents
First steps when a round begins
Step
Every round starts with you picking a pathogen and watching it begin to move across the world map. Your goal is to outpace the global response before it can shut you down. Keep an eye on the world map throughout — it tells you where you are winning and where you need to push harder.
- Pick your pathogen choose which pathogen you will play for the round.
- Watch the map check the world map to see where your pathogen is already spreading.
- Monitor the global response watch how strongly humanity is reacting and adjust your next upgrades around it.
- Evolve steadily keep upgrading transmission and impact.
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Unlocking pathogens, difficulties, and genes
Tips
You start with a limited selection of pathogens and difficulty levels. Playing repeatedly unlocks unique pathogens, each with its own characteristics that push you toward different tactics. Genes are another layer on top of that — they shape what your pathogen can do and are tied to unlocks, Premium membership, and group membership.
- Each new pathogen you unlock plays differently.
- Joining the official group unlocks an exclusive gene you cannot get any other way.
- A Premium membership gives you a 10% discount on coin purchases and access to the special Premium-tier gene.
Time-limited challenges
Check
The game runs time-limited challenges separate from normal rounds. A leaderboard lets you see how you rank against other players during the event.
- Check whether a challenge is currently running before you start a session.
- Use the leaderboard to gauge what other players are doing.
Redeem codes
StepThe game has a code redemption system that hands out extra resources or unlocks. New codes have been released at like milestones, with another promised at 55,000 likes.
- Open the menu find the code entry field inside the game's menu.
- Type the code enter it exactly as given.
- Collect your reward after a successful entry, the bonus resources or unlocks are added to your account.
- Act quickly codes can expire.
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Solo play vs. multiplayer
Table
Both modes use the same world map and the same pathogen mechanics.
| Solo | full control of the pace. |
| Multiplayer | up to 15 players competing in one world. |
Community strategy ideas
CommunityThese ideas and tips come from people playing the game. Share your discoveries too!
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Outbreak
Glossary
Glossary- Transmission
- How quickly and widely your pathogen spreads — the higher it is, the more people and regions it reaches.
- Impact
- How much damage your pathogen causes; raising it also makes the global response react more aggressively.
- Global response
- The combined effort by the game world to contain and cure your pathogen — if it advances too far, your spread stops.
- Gene
- A trait that modifies your pathogen's abilities; genes come from unlocks, Premium membership, or group membership.
- Difficulty
- A setting that controls how strongly the global response fights back — higher settings demand sharper strategy.
Common questions
FAQCan I play Outbreak alone, or do I need other players?
You can play solo or with up to 15 players in the same world.
How do I unlock more pathogens?
You unlock new pathogens by continuing to play the game and meeting unlock conditions. Each one has different characteristics.
What does joining the official group actually give me?
Group members receive an exclusive gene that is not available through any other means.
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