Overview

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Survival is the most complex and challenging diversion in the game. It is a brand-new feature for the Saint Row series and something everyone will want to check out.

Survival occurs when you are not engaged in any other form of active gameplay. One of the Saints, an anonymous tipster, or even an enemy calls you on the phone with a tip for where to find some action. If you accept the call and reach the location they mention quickly, a radius will be marked on your map and you’ll find some enemies in the area. Taking them out will start the survival.

Once survival starts, you must face repeated waves of enemies. You can flee and abandon the fight, but if you want the rewards, you must stand and face them. Sometimes you need to kill off a set number of enemies to progress to the next wave, and other times you just need to survive while the timer counts down.

There are 26 survival fights scattered around Steelport. Most are against the law or the Syndicate: Morningstar, Luchadores, or Deckers. There are a few unique scenarios to find as well, such as the battles against hordes of mascots near Let’s Pretend and other crazy situations. You could start receiving calls for survival fights as early as the end of Mission 3, but there are additional scenarios that become available after the Pool Party and Zombie Attack missions in the Campaign. If you want to complete all 26 battles, you’ll need to wait until later in the game.

How to Start Survival

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You’ll only be called for survival when nothing else is going on. If you have law or gang notoriety, if you’re driving, if you’re shopping at a store, or if you’re doing a mission or activity, then you won’t be called. Therefore, survival works best when exploring the city for collectibles, running around to purchase properties, or doing short bursts of light harassment of citizens. In these circumstances, you’ll get a call every five minutes, give or take...