Shadow gradient layering
Sample three values from the same surface: highlight, mid-tone, shadow. Brush vertically on wall leans and horizontally on floor flats. Seekers spot flat single-tone bodies instantly.
Pattern continuation
- Extend real grout lines across your limbs — do not invent new grids
- On checkered maps, align your body square edges to floor square edges
- Break pattern only where the real environment also breaks
Seeker FPP micro-scan
First-person view catches edge errors on frames and shelves. Slow pan at eye level, then crouch for floor-tier hides. Tag only after second pass confirmation to save time.
Round time budgeting
- First 40%: perimeter + high-probability zones
- Middle 40%: re-check suspicious clusters
- Final 20%: open area rush + whistle bait responses
Anti-obvious bait hides
Meme spots get rushed first. Hide one object away from the obvious mimic — paint 80% well in a boring corner beats 100% in a viral spot.
Workshop map discipline
Custom maps punish reused palettes. Re-sample every round on Workshop stages — official map muscle memory misleads you.
Party team coordination
- Multiple Hiders: spread color profiles — do not cluster identical paint
- Multiple Seekers: assign aisles/zones verbally
- Spectator whistles as coordinated distraction — once per round max
Go deeper
Related tips
Community tips — verify in your lobby and patch version. Map meta evolves quickly after launch.