How to Guide Molly for Faster Extraction

Combat Summary

When Extraction is called, Molly will prioritize the shortest traversable path to the Drop Pod. This can lead to convoluted routes in complex caves. To prevent getting stuck or losing time:

• Clear the Path Early: Scout ahead and clear obstacles on the most direct routes before calling for extraction.
• Terrain Scanner is Key: Use your terrain scanner constantly to predict Molly’s path and identify potential choke points or dead ends.
• Lead the Way: Don’t just follow; actively create and illuminate the path you want Molly to take, especially in labyrinthine tunnels.

Mission Tactics

Molly’s pathfinding algorithms are logical but don’t account for miner sanity or optimal combat positions. In a Deep Rock Galactic mission, a poorly managed Molly path can mean mission failure. The moment the button for extraction is hit, her path is locked. Always take a moment before calling the pod to assess the terrain between your current position and the surface. Look for the most open, direct path.

Pre-Clear and Mark Routes

If you anticipate a difficult extraction, especially in large, multi-layered caves, identify potential paths to the Drop Pod early. Driller’s drills, Engineer’s platforms, and Scout’s grapple can all be used to modify terrain to your advantage. Clearing a direct vertical shaft or a wide tunnel before calling Molly ensures she uses the path you’ve prepared, saving crucial time when swarms are bearing down.

Leverage the Terrain Scanner

Your terrain scanner is your best friend during Mission Tactics. Molly’s intended path often becomes clear on the scanner. Use it to spot if she’s about to path through a deep pit, a narrow crevice, or an unnecessary detour. If you see a bad path, try to block it with terrain changes or open up a better, wider route. Remember, she prefers to avoid direct falls she can’t easily traverse, so smooth slopes or platforms can guide her.

Common Mistakes

• Calling Pod Blindly: Summoning Molly for extraction without any pre-planning or route assessment is a recipe for disaster. This often leads to running out of time as you chase her through unnecessary detours.
• Ignoring the Path: Simply following the Extraction beacon without observing Molly’s actual movement on the terrain scanner. You need to react if she starts taking a suboptimal route.
• No Path Preparation: Expecting Molly to magically find the safest or fastest way out without any miner intervention. In complex cave generation, this is rarely the case, particularly on higher Hazard levels.

When To Prioritize Molly Guidance

Always. While fighting off a swarm is critical, getting lost due to Molly’s pathing can be just as deadly. During intense moments, focus fire to create momentary breathing room, then quickly re-orient to Molly’s path. A few seconds spent clearing a direct tunnel can save minutes of frantic searching and fighting during the final countdown.