Unleash Your Inner Vampire: Getting Your Claws on the Shadow Plague in Plague Inc.
You want to cause a vampire pandemic in Plague Inc.? You want the Shadow Plague, also known as Nox Eternis. Let’s get to it. You probably want tips on acquiring this without cashing out fully. Let’s dig in.
The Straight Dope: Shadow Plague Ain’t Exactly Free (Unless…)
First, let’s clear things up. In the standard version of Plague Inc., the Shadow Plague isn’t free. You need to go two routes to play as this night creature:
- Option 1: Pay the Piper: Buy the Shadow Plague for $1.99 USD. It’s a small price for global dominance.
- Option 2: Earn Your Stripes: If you avoid microtransactions, unlock the Shadow Plague by defeating the Simian Flu on Brutal difficulty or higher. It’s a serious challenge.
If you play Plague Inc: Evolved on PC or console, you’re in luck. You have access to the Shadow Plague at the start. Consider that a bonus.
Unlocking Pandemics: Beyond the Shadow Plague
Curious about unlocking more diseases in Plague Inc.? Here’s the info:
- General Plague Unlocking: Want all plague types? Plague Inc. requires effort to unlock them. You need to beat prior plagues at certain difficulty levels.
- Virus Unlock in Plague Inc: Evolved: For PC players, unlock the virus by beating the Fungus plague on Normal or higher. The Necroa Virus unlocks after defeating the Prion at the same difficulty.
- Pity Mode (Evolved Exclusive): It’s not as harsh as it sounds. Plague Inc: Evolved offers a “Pity Mode” to ease content unlocking if you find it tough.
DNA: The Lifeblood (or Plagueblood?) of Your Pandemic
Let’s discuss gameplay mechanics. DNA points help evolve your disease. DNA serves as your currency to make it deadly. Here’s how to gather those needed resources:
- Infecting New Lands: Click on those red biohazard bubbles over countries. That’s your key to early DNA. Infect new countries for more points.
- Orange Bubbles = Infection Explosion: Once established, look for orange bubbles. They indicate increased infection and are great for DNA gains. Click them quickly!
- Mortality = More DNA: As your disease grows and takes lives, you earn DNA points. Pandemics are not known for softness.
Genes: Your Pandemic’s Secret Weapon
Want to boost your DNA collection? Genes are your solution. Use them to enhance your pandemic:
- DNA Boost Genes: Genes like ATP Boost offer a DNA boost at the start. Cytochrome Surge and Metabolic Jump enhance DNA from specific bubbles. Catalytic Switch helps sabotage the cure. They’re cheat codes for DNA.
- DNA Conservation Genes: Short on DNA? Genes like Stasis, Ionised Helix, and Translesion + save your points. They conserve your resources in-game.
Plague 101: Transmission is King (or Vampire Lord)
Whether using the Shadow Plague or another virus, transmission is essential. A plague that cannot spread is useless. Make your disease extremely contagious. Think of coughing, sneezing, contaminated water, and, of course, bats for a vampiric touch.
Symptom Management: Play it Cool (Until You Don’t)
Early on, you need stealth. Random symptoms? Devolve them quickly. Symptoms raise awareness, which leads to cures. Devolving keeps your plague unnoticed till you’re ready. You’ll constantly change symptoms throughout your pandemic’s lifecycle.
Plague Inc. Flavors: Evolved, Mobile, and Mods
We’ve explored Plague Inc: Evolved, but let’s clarify your options for plague domination:
- Plague Inc: Evolved (PC/Console): The enhanced version, available on various consoles. Think of it as the “director’s cut” of Plague Inc.
- Plague Inc. Mobile App: The original mobile game gives access on-the-go. Watch out, as not all content is free.
- Plague Inc. Mods: For PC players, the modding community offers creative options. Want a political ideology or a sentient toaster? Mods bring unique twists.
Beyond Plague Inc.: A Quick Plague Pop Culture Tour
Plagues capture interest in games and history. Here’s a brief overview of plague-related themes:
- Special Plague Types in Plague Inc.: Besides Shadow Plague, consider mind-controlling Neurax Worms and zombie-creating Necroa Viruses.
- Historical Plagues: The Great Plague and Bubonic Plague remind us that real pandemics exist. Fleas often cause these outbreaks. Stick to digital pathogens!
- Plague in Other Games: From the Dancing Plague in FFXIV to Plague Doctors in Terraria, plagues have varied appearances in gaming contexts.
You now know how to access the Shadow Plague. It’s not free in the mobile game, but you can pay, earn, or dive into Plague Inc: Evolved. Embrace your inner vampire and enjoy the game!
