Can You Kill Soldiers in "This War of Mine"?

In the dark and harrowing world of "This War of Mine," one of the most compelling questions that players inevitably face is this: Can you kill soldiers? The answer, as you might expect in a game that emphasizes moral ambiguity and the human cost of war, is not straightforward. Yes, you can kill soldiers, but the decision to do so is laden with moral consequences, practical considerations, and game-altering repercussions. This article dives deep into this pivotal aspect of gameplay, exploring the implications, strategies, and ethical dilemmas that come with choosing to take a soldier's life.

The Brutality of Survival

This War of Mine throws players into a bleak, war-torn city where the primary goal is survival. You control a group of civilians, each with unique skills and personalities, struggling to stay alive amidst the chaos. The game’s mechanics are unforgiving, and resources are scarce. Every decision counts—whether it's scouring for food, medicine, or deciding how to deal with the many dangers that lurk in the shadows. Among these dangers are the soldiers, representing one of the most formidable threats in the game.

The Soldiers: Friend or Foe?

Soldiers in This War of Mine are often portrayed as antagonistic forces. They are heavily armed, aggressive, and sometimes downright predatory. Players will encounter them at various locations, typically guarding valuable resources or terrorizing innocent civilians. In many cases, soldiers are not just obstacles but moral quandaries, forcing players to decide between self-preservation and their character's ethical compass.

Encountering Soldiers: The Scenarios

1. The Guarded Warehouse: One of the most iconic scenarios in This War of Mine is the warehouse guarded by soldiers. It's a treasure trove of supplies, but getting to those resources means dealing with the soldiers. Here, players must decide—do you try to sneak past them, trade with them, or engage in combat?

2. The Rape House: Perhaps one of the most distressing encounters in the game is finding soldiers in the act of committing atrocities, such as rape. In these moments, the game forces a critical ethical choice—do you intervene, risking your own life and the lives of your group, or do you walk away, leaving the victims to their fate?

Killing Soldiers: The Mechanics

Killing soldiers is not as simple as pulling a trigger. This War of Mine employs a real-time strategy mechanic that makes combat tense and fraught with danger. Soldiers are typically well-armed and can take down a civilian in just a few shots. To kill a soldier, players need to plan carefully, using stealth and the environment to their advantage.

Key Strategies for Killing Soldiers:

1. Stealth: The most reliable way to kill a soldier is through stealth. Approaching quietly, hiding in the shadows, and waiting for the right moment to strike are essential. A well-timed knife attack can take down a soldier silently, preventing an alarm from being raised.

2. Use of Weapons: If you have managed to scavenge firearms or explosive devices, these can be used to take down soldiers. However, combat is risky, and soldiers will fight back fiercely. It's crucial to have a plan of escape or backup if things go wrong.

3. Exploiting the Environment: Soldiers often patrol predictable routes. Traps, such as rigging doors with explosives or creating noise to lure them into an ambush, can be effective ways to eliminate them without direct confrontation.

The Moral Dilemma

Killing a soldier in This War of Mine is more than just a gameplay decision; it’s a moral one. The game is designed to make you feel the weight of every life you take. Unlike many other war games where enemies are faceless and nameless, This War of Mine humanizes its characters, including the soldiers. They are not mere obstacles; they are people, often with their own backstories and motivations. This complexity adds a significant emotional burden to the act of killing.

Psychological Impact on Characters:

When you kill a soldier, the civilians in your group will react. Some may be relieved, especially if the soldier was threatening their safety. Others might become depressed, feeling the moral weight of having taken a life. The game does not shy away from showing the psychological toll that such actions can have on your characters, affecting their performance and interactions.

Ethical Implications:

The ethical implications of killing soldiers are profound. The game forces players to confront their own morality. Is it justifiable to kill a soldier who is threatening your group? What if that soldier is also just trying to survive in this brutal world? The game presents these questions without easy answers, leaving players to grapple with their own sense of right and wrong.

Consequences and Repercussions

Killing a soldier in This War of Mine can have immediate and long-term consequences. In the short term, it might secure you valuable resources or save a civilian's life. However, the long-term repercussions can be severe. Soldiers often patrol in groups, and killing one might alert others, leading to a deadly confrontation. Additionally, the psychological impact on your group can lead to depression, loss of morale, and even suicide among your characters.

Alternative Approaches: Non-Lethal Options

While killing soldiers is an option, it’s not the only one. The game allows for non-lethal approaches, which can be equally effective and less morally compromising.

1. Stealth and Avoidance: Sometimes the best option is to avoid confrontation altogether. Using stealth to sneak past soldiers can allow you to achieve your objectives without bloodshed.

2. Bribery and Trade: In some scenarios, soldiers can be bribed or traded with. Offering them resources in exchange for safe passage or supplies can be a way to resolve the situation without violence.

3. Helping Civilians: In situations where soldiers are oppressing or harming civilians, you can choose to help without resorting to killing. Distracting the soldiers or creating a diversion can give the civilians time to escape.

The Player’s Choice

Ultimately, This War of Mine is a game about choices, and the decision to kill a soldier is one of the most significant. It’s a choice that reflects not just the dire circumstances of the game’s world but also the player’s own values and beliefs. Every playthrough is different, and the impact of your decisions will vary depending on the context and the characters involved.

Reflection on War and Humanity:

The game’s portrayal of soldiers is not black and white. While they often represent a threat, they are also victims of the war, just like the civilians you control. This ambiguity forces players to reflect on the nature of war and the cost of survival. Is killing ever justified? And if so, at what cost?

Conclusion: The Weight of Life and Death in "This War of Mine"

Killing soldiers in This War of Mine is not just a gameplay mechanic; it’s a profound statement on the nature of war and the human condition. The game’s design ensures that every life taken weighs heavily on the player, forcing a deep introspection on morality, survival, and the lengths one will go to protect those they care about. Whether you choose to kill soldiers or find another way, This War of Mine will make sure you remember that choice long after the game is over.