Death Valley

This is an epic Rush battle spread across five zones, requiring the US attackers to knock out 10 M-COM stations for the win. Fortunately for the US, they have a significant vehicle advantage throughout the battle, deploying a mix of quad bikes and M1128 tank destroyers in addition to the orbiting gunship. The RU team, on the other hand, is stuck with only one SPRUT-SD tank destroyer throughout the entire battle. As a result, the RU team must brush up on engineer tactics if they want to hold back the US attackers. A defending team primarily comprising engineers can help turn the tide, using mines, rocket launchers, and anti-air missiles to counter the threat posed by the US team’s vehicles. Since the battle occurs at night, consider equipping IRNV (IR 1x) scopes for your weapons and thermal optics for your tank destroyers. Whether attacking or defending, spotting the enemy through the darkness can give your team a significant advantage.

Zone 1: Logging Camp

US Deployment

Deployment Area Assets

For the US team, speed is the key to destroying the first pair of objectives, located south of the US deployment area. Fortunately, the US has plenty of options for reaching the target area. Parachuting out of the gunship is the quickest way to reach the M-COM stations before the RU team has a chance to dig in. The quad bikes spawned at the deployment area are also a great way to rush toward the objectives. But don’t forget to bring the M1128 tank destroyers forward too. Their powerful guns can come in handy for pounding defenders as well as the RU team’s SPRUT-SD. Meanwhile, use the gunship’s powerful weapons to suppress defenders camped around the objectives. Once within the logging camp, deploy radio beacons to maintain a presence within the area.

RU Deployment

Deployment Area Assets

With only a single SPRUT-SD in their possession, the RU team has their work cut out for them in this challenging Rush battle. At the start of the battle expect the US team to rush the objectives with everything they have. As a result, the RU troops must sprint toward the logging camp and engage the steady stream of attackers approaching from the north and from the gunship. With no anti-air assets, the RU team must rely on engineers armed with IGLA anti-air missiles to counter the threat posed by the gunship. A team of two or three engineers equipped with IGLA launchers should have no problem shooting down the gunship. But the bulk of the team needs to focus on the ground forces approaching from the north. Once again, engineers are crucial for knocking out the US tank destroyers as well as keeping the SPRUT-SD repaired.

M-COM Station A

M-COM Station A is on the north end of the logging camp, often making it the first target of the attackers rushing in on quad bikes from the US deployment area. The objective is nestled between two large transformers on the camp’s northeast corner. While the terrain outside the camp is wide open, the transformers, perimeter wall, and structures limit visibility in this area. As a result, be prepared for close-quarters encounters when operating around this objective—PDWs and shotguns are great for engaging opponents in this tight space. Attackers should rely on the gunship to spot and engage defenders around the objective prior to setting a charge. The RU team has a tough time reaching this objective at the outset of the battle, so the attackers should try to take it out as quickly as possible.

M-COM Station B

This objective is located deeper within the logging camp, giving the RU defenders a slightly better chance of securing it during the frantic opening moments of the battle. However, defenders should be mindful of the large cylindrical propane tanks on the east side of the objective. If these tanks are intact, avoid hiding near them as they’re likely to be destroyed by bombardment from the US gunship. Instead of driving through the center of the logging camp, attackers should attempt to flank this objective from the east, using explosives to breach the camp’s perimeter wall. Once again, coordinated close air support provided by the gunship is essential when setting the charge here. If the fight for this objective persists, both teams should deploy radio beacons nearby in an attempt to maintain a steady presence within the logging camp.

Zone 2: Power Station

US Deployment

Deployment Area Assets

Once the US takes out the first two objectives, the logging camp becomes their new deployment area. For this next phase of the battle the US team maintains the same mix of vehicles, minus a couple of quad bikes. So when spawning here, take a good look around for teammates in need of a ride before peeling out in a quad bike or M1128. This time the RU team has a chance to consolidate forces around the objectives, so a coordinated push is necessary to drive the defenders back. Consider holding back at the deployment area until you have a sizable task force, then push forward simultaneously in an effort to overwhelm the defenders. A coordinated ground attack supported from the air by the gunship is the best way to reach the power station and knock out the next pair of M-COM stations.

RU Deployment

Deployment Area Assets

The battle doesn’t get much easier for the RU defenders in this phase, benefiting only from a single SPRUT-SD with which to turn back the attackers. But unlike in the first phase, the RU team has a few seconds to consolidate their forces around the power station before the US attackers arrive. Get the SPRUT-SD to the north side of the power station so it can pound attackers rushing in from the logging camp. It’s important to keep the SPRUT-SD repaired, so surround it with engineers. Once again, engineers are also vital for engaging the pesky US gunship circling above. Since you lack serious anti-air defense, the shoulder-fired IGLA anti-air missiles are your best bet for countering this threat. But don’t get too distracted by the gunship. Expect the bulk of the attackers to approach from the logging camp to the north.

M-COM Station A

M-COM Station A is positioned outside a concrete building on the west side of the power station. This perimeter location makes it particularly vulnerable to flanking attacks from the west. The perimeter chain-link fence isn’t much of an obstacle for knife-wielding attackers seeking to plant a charge on the objective without being noticed. As a result, the RU team should post a squad along this western flank to watch for such sneak attacks. At the very least, consider booby-trapping the short alley between the concrete building and the metal shed—both claymores and C4 work well here. If you’re planning on hiding in the nearby concrete building, pay attention to how much damage it takes. The structure will collapse after sustaining significant damage.

M-COM Station B

This objective is outside the large bank of transformers on the east side of the power station. The dirt road running east and west through the power station passes right by M-COM Station B, making it vulnerable to attacks by vehicles. Defenders should watch for quad bikes rushing in from the east or west. Booby-trapping this road with mines is a surefire way to safeguard this objective from speedy vehicle attacks. There aren’t too many objects or structures obscuring the view of this objective, making it relatively easy for defenders to watch from long range. As a result, attackers should consider bombarding the area using the gunship’s powerful weapons before attempting to set a charge. Popping smoke on the objective is also a good idea whether arming or disarming a charge.

Zone 3: Train Yard

US Deployment

Deployment Area Assets

As the RU team falls back to defend the train yard, the US team gains control of the power station. In this phase of the battle the US maintains the same type and number of vehicles as they did in the previous zone. Before rushing toward the train yard, assume the RU defenders have had ample time to secure the area. Instead of racing directly toward the objectives, use the quad bikes and M1128s to transport teammates toward the train yard and establish a presence on the perimeter. The dirt roads and rail bridge leading into the train yard are most likely guarded and mined. So instead, consider moving in on foot, preferably flanking from the east. Meanwhile, work to keep the gunship orbiting above the battlefield. In addition to providing close air support, the gunship is ideal for spotting opponents, giving friendly troops on the ground fair warning of enemy presence.

RU Deployment

Deployment Area Assets

Although the RU team doesn’t gain any extra support in the form of vehicles, the train yard is a relatively solid defensible area, giving the RU team a chance of stopping the US advance. The train yard sits on a slight hill southwest of the power station. Be ready to engage US traffic along the dirt roads leading up the hill. These roads are choke points and should be mined to prevent vehicle rush attacks. While traffic along the rail bridge is possible, it isn’t likely. Move the SPRUT-SD to the north side of the train yard so it can engage approaching vehicles and infantry pouring out of the power station. As usual, support the SPRUT-SD with plenty of engineers so they can provide repairs as needed. Also, don’t neglect the gunship orbiting above. If the US ground forces are stopped, watch out for enemy troops parachuting in from above. Spot and hunt down every parachuting soldier before they can establish a presence within the train yard.

M-COM Station A

M-COM Station A is tucked between two transformers near the center of the train yard. The surrounding walls and structures help insulate the objective from the chaos erupting on the periphery. Defenders have an easy time ambushing attackers here, hitting them at close range with shotguns and PDWs. The lack of long-range sight lines on the objective makes it difficult for defenders to watch from close range. So when defending, always keep a squad close to this objective. Instead of channeling through the only entry point on the south side, attackers should breach the perimeter wall in an effort to take defenders by surprise. The building directly behind the objective is also accessible. Consider taking out the wall directly behind the objective and attacking from the west.

M-COM Station B

This objective is within a small concrete building on the north edge of the train yard. Early during this phase, the RU defenders should rush troops to this position to prepare for rush attacks by the US. Given its proximity to the power station, this M-COM station is most likely to be targeted first. The nearby dirt road allows quick vehicle access, something defenders should always be prepared for. Parking the SPRUT-SD on this dirt road is one way to deter vehicle access. But defending engineers can bolster defenses by mining this road as well. If it can’t be destroyed early, attackers should approach this objective cautiously, preferably on foot. The building’s exterior walls can all be breached by explosives, so consider alternative entry points before approaching the M-COM station.

Zone 4: Highway Control

US Deployment

Deployment Area Assets

In preparation for the next phase of the attack, the US team deploys from the train yard. Once again, vehicle selection is rather limited, so be mindful of teammates looking for a ride before leaving this area on a quad bike or in an M1128—moving through the valley on foot is not recommended. While a frontal assault may be effective if conducted with the assistance of teammates in other vehicles and the gunship, it’s best to look for flanking opportunities when approaching the highway control area. Consider hooking around from the west, where the defenders are less likely to expect an assault. Such sneak attacks are a great way to gain access into the facility and take out M-COM Station B in the process.

RU Deployment

Deployment Area Assets

During this phase of the battle the RU team deploys just outside the highway control area, giving them only a few precious seconds to establish a perimeter around the next objectives before the US team arrives. Both teams have access to the same vehicles this time, so expect similar tactics from the US team. While frontal attacks by the M1128 tank destroyers and parachute drops from the gunship are common, pay close attention to flanking attacks staged by US troops on quad bikes. Post squads on the eastern and western flanks to watch for sneak attacks on the objectives. The SPRUT-SD spawns far to the south, so don’t forget to bring it forward—you’ll need the firepower to deal with the US team’s M1128 tank destroyers.

M-COM Station A

M-COM Station A is in a small prefabricated structure on the north edge of the highway control area. Defenders may wish to blow out the flimsy exterior walls of this small structure to provide better visibility of the objective. This makes it difficult for attackers to approach the M-COM station without being spotted. If the walls are destroyed, attackers must rely on smoke or the protection of tank destroyers to provide cover and concealment while planting a charge on the objective. Given its close proximity to the highway, defenders should watch for US vehicles rushing in from the north. Consider mining the highway and parking the SPRUT-SD nearby to provide fire support. Attackers are better off sneaking in from the west on foot.

M-COM Station B

Unlike M-COM Station A, this objective is housed within a sturdy mobile communications structure positioned on the west side of the highway control area. Only two doorways lead into this small structure, and the walls cannot be destroyed. Therefore, each doorway is a critical choke point and should be approached with extreme caution. Attackers should always assume the interior is booby-trapped with claymores or C4. So before entering, always toss a grenade through the doorway to detonate any booby traps. Grenades are also a great way to flush out defenders hiding inside. Instead of hiding inside, defenders should form a perimeter around the structure, keeping eyes on the two entry points at all times.