Get a head start in the Killzone: Mercenary multiplayer beta - hints, tricks, and tips

After a week of PS Plus 'exclusivity', the Killzone: Mercenary beta will go live on PSN today.

So, we thought we'd share some tips and tricks we've picked up during our time with the game that might just give you and your team the edge in the battle between the Helghast and the ISA.

The beta is made up of one map (Shoreline) and one mode (Warzone). That might not sound like a lot, but there's more than enough entertainment in the frantic 25-minute matches to make you realise the multiplayer portion of Killzone: Mercenary has some real potential.

Before we start, though, there are a couple of things you should know. Valour is the currency and XP system of the game. The more you earn, the higher your rank and the more you can spend on guns and equipment.

Bear in mind, too, that the Warzone mode is very much a team game. You're playing together and the best teams are always going to beat a group of individuals.

Each match is split into five different sections, and each of these sections contains a different objective. You earn your team victory points by completing these objectives, and the team with the most victory points at the end of the five sections wins.

The first chunk of the game is all about picking up valour cards. Your enemies drop these when they die. By picking them up, you gain a wodge of currency.

The second and fourth slices are about hacking VAN-guards. These are drop pods loaded with goodies that are unlocked after you complete a hacking mini-game.

You need to fit the shapes around the edge into the shape in the centre. There are always two pieces to slot in - you do so by tapping your choice then tapping the shape in the middle.

The third section is all about interrogating your enemy. Shoot your foe in the legs, then move up to its prone body and tap Triangle to perform a melee kill.

The last section is a violent free-for-all in which you try and kill as many people as you can. Each section has a 5-minute time bar and a points limit, so you need to keep an eye on a couple of counters and raise your game accordingly.

Play for the team

Each side is split into teams of four, and there are valour bonuses for being the best player on your side. These pale in comparison to the points you get for winning the round, mind. Learn the objectives and aim to make sure your team secures them.

Sometimes, that's going to mean taking a hit to your own Valour score and letting someone else grab a VAN-guard or pick up a card. Just remember you're going to get a big payout if your team wins.

Sticking together isn't essential, but sticking with your allies makes you a much more powerful unit than going solo would. And having a friend nearby means you might get revived before the other team can score points from your death.

The Shoreline map isn't huge, but it does have a lot of nooks, crannies, and secret passages to explore. The map in the corner can help a little with this, but exploring is the best way to learn the secrets.

Knowing you can scuttle across the pipes out of the caves and leap down near the spinning turbine will stand you in good stead if you need to get a VAN-guard fast.

Remembering where the VAN-guards land is helpful, too. They don't follow a pattern, you see. But when they hit the ground, it's always in one of a handful of places. Take a punt that one might land in a certain position, and you could get lucky.

Build a specialist

There aren't any roles in Killzone: Mercenary, but you can specialise using the kit and weapons you buy.

Want to be sneaky? Buy some stealth armour and guns with silencers. Want to be a bullet-soaking beast? Buy the heavy armour and a powerful machine gun.

If you want a nice all-round package, you should plump for a powerful medium-range rifle (for longer-distance engagements) and a solid shotgun or pistol (for when you're in the tighter spaces like the caves).

Swap your weapon when the situation dictates, and remember that a quick weapon change is better than a slow reload.

If you're feeling brave, then the Mercenary armour is a good way to rack up Valour, although it does leave you exposed. Play around with the kits to find what suits your play style best.

Also, you'll want to buy some grenades and a personal VAN-guard as soon as you can. And don't be afraid to build specialities for the different sections of the game - it's a good way to adapt to the situation.

Enemy Mantis Engines show up on your map as red dots, and they can kill you with a single touch. Take them out before they get too close.

And use your common sense when a friendly Sky Fury is engaged. Stick to the caves and try to root out the enemies who are taking shelter.

Aim for the head in a firefight - more often than not, you're going to win the fight. Keep moving, too, and use the Circle button to crouch and sprint to present a more difficult target to hit.

Keep an eye on your mini-map in the corner. Newly spawned enemies will flash up brightly for a second and can catch you unawares if you're not paying attention.

Louder guns and armour mean you're more visible on the map, too.

Make sure you always pick up ammo from the battlefield. Not only do you get more bullets, but you also get a Valour payout.

Last but not least, make sure you always slide or jump through the gaps in the spinning turbine. You don't need to, but it'll make you look totally cool.