First Mission Walkthrough — the prologue, step by step
The opening mission as shown in IGN's official prologue gameplay footage: atmospheric processor defense, the rescue of Captain Ko, and the evac. Watch the footage in our video library as you read.
Before you drop
The prologue teaches the sequel's core loop, so set yourself up: pick a forgiving class (see best class for you), stay on Standard or lower (see difficulty), and let the AI teammates Alpha, Beta and Gamma fill empty seats (GamingBolt).
Beat 1 — the atmosphere processor defense
The prologue's set piece, shown in IGN's official prologue gameplay video, is a defense at the atmosphere processor. Waves push your position while you hold ground — the game's way of teaching lane control, vent awareness and focus fire on Drones. Hold angles rather than chasing kills; the objective is the processor, not your kill count.
Beat 2 — rescuing Captain Ko
The mission escalates into a rescue of Captain Ko — the Endeavor's commanding officer named in GamingBolt's hands-on. Escort beats punish rushing: keep the squad between the objective and the hive, and let your most mobile player handle flanks.
Beat 3 — the evac
The prologue closes with the evac: a final push under pressure. Save your big cooldowns and consumables for it — the mission is teaching you that extraction is a fight, not a cutscene.
What the prologue teaches you (that players miss)
- Vents are attack lanes — watch ceilings from minute one (G2A)
- Defense objectives reward discipline over aggression
- Extraction waves are the real exam — hoard resources for them
Ready for what comes after? The full structure lives in missions & biomes and the campaign guide.
Sources: official prologue gameplay via IGN (video above; Aliens Fireteam Elite on YouTube), GamingBolt, GamingBolt.