SCP-173 Guide: How SCP-173 works
About
OverviewSCP-173 [Demonstration] puts you inside a facility with SCP-173, a creature that can only move when nobody is looking at it. There are no objectives or quests — you explore the map, watch the SCP, and roleplay with other players however you like.
What is on this page
Contents
How SCP-173 works
Summary
SCP-173 moves only when no player is looking at it. The moment all players look away — or blink, or turn around — it can close distance instantly. As of September 1, 2026, it can also open doors, so being behind a closed door no longer guarantees safety.
- Watched SCP-173 cannot move at all while at least one player is looking directly at it.
- Unwatched the instant no one is watching, it moves and can reach you very quickly.
- Doors SCP-173 can open doors, so do not rely on them as your only protection.
- Numbers help the more players watching together, the longer you can keep it in one place.
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Surviving an encounter
Step
If you spot SCP-173 nearby, keep watching it. Alert other players through chat so someone can take over the watch while you reposition.
- Spot it as soon as you see SCP-173, stop and lock your view onto it.
- Alert others use chat to tell nearby players exactly where SCP-173 is.
- Hand off the watch before you look away for any reason, confirm that another player is already looking at it.
- Use walls as a last resort putting a wall or building between you and it buys a moment to regroup.
Learning the facility
Tips
The facility has multiple rooms and corridors. Getting familiar with its structure early makes every situation easier to handle.
- Walk along walls rather than through the middle of corridors — it helps you track where you are.
- Memorise where the staircases are early; moving between floors opens up escape routes.
- Revisit the same areas on purpose until the layout sticks in your memory.
- Before entering a dark room, check whether any other player is going in with you.
Group watch rotations
CheckWatching SCP-173 as a group is far safer than doing it alone, but only if the group stays coordinated.
- At least one player is watching SCP-173 at all times.
- The next watcher signals they are ready before the current watcher looks away.
- Players who need to move or look elsewhere announce it in chat first.
Roleplay without objectives
TipsSCP-173 [Demonstration] is exactly what it says — a demonstration with no story or quests. Players create their own entertainment by assigning roles and building scenarios together.
- Try taking on roles like facility guard, researcher, or escaped test subject to give your session a direction.
- Observe SCP-173's behaviour and weave it into whatever story your group is telling.
Glossary
Glossary- SCP-173
- The creature at the centre of the game — it cannot move while any player is looking at it, but moves instantly the moment no one is watching.
- Facility
- The building that makes up the game's map, made up of multiple rooms and corridors.
- Demonstration
- The game's own description of itself — it is a proof-of-concept experience with no objectives, not a finished story-driven game.
- Roleplay
- When players invent their own roles and scenarios to give the session a story, since the game provides none by default.
Common questions
FAQIs there anything to complete or win in this game?
No. The game is a demonstration with no objectives, quests, or win conditions. You explore the facility, interact with SCP-173, and roleplay with other players.
SCP-173 keeps getting me — what am I doing wrong?
Work with other players so at least one person always has eyes on SCP-173, and make sure handoffs between watchers are clearly communicated before anyone looks away.
Can SCP-173 get through closed doors?
Yes. As of September 1, 2026, SCP-173 can open doors on its own.
Is there anything else by the same developer?
The developer has made similar demonstration games for SCP-096 and SCP-106. You can find links to both on the game's Roblox page.
Game updates can change what is on this page. If you spot something, get in touch and let us know.
