Creature Inhabitants:
Basking Cephaladon, Blitzleopard, Canyon Strider, Crowbill Sloth, Dune Beetle, Mammoth Bird, Megamouth, Nomad, Reaver, Trapjaw, Venomhound
Avoid the water and geysers in the acid biome, which can slowly drain the health of Hunters and Monsters.
Barracks
Potential Map Effect with Hunter Win:
Space Laser, Colonists, Forcefield, Fair Weather
Potential Map Effect with Monster Win:
Falling Satellite, Canyon Striders, Man-Eating Eels, Storms
EbonStar Tactical Solutions offers a range of outposts and armed contingents to choose from when contracting them to protect your settlement, like the ES29 “Three of a Kind” outpost fitted with quasar-class anti-artillery multicannons! Even a Sol Guard frigate must take notice and consider retreat when these babies start firing.
Tall geysers spew steam high into the air around the east side of the map. Climbing to the top damages Hunters and Monsters. The landing pad is a great fight location for the Hunters with its openness. Much of the west half of the map offers tighter spaces. The Power Relay sits in an enclosed area just west of the circular platform. Three entrances should be protected once the Monster reaches Stage 3.
Orbital Drill
Potential Map Effect with Hunter Win:
EbonStar Ally, Colonists, Fair Weather
Potential Map Effect with Monster Win:
EbonStar Corpses, Canyon Striders, Storms
NORDITA employs lots of tricks to tease heavy elements out of Shear’s crust. One is the Orbital Asthenospheric Fermionic Condenser, a deep-bore orbital energy drill that can punch a hole in the planet’s crust. The OAFC is controlled via satellite from this remote location.
The group of NORDITA buildings on the north side of Orbital Drill is the focus of a map that presents many nooks and crannies for the Monster to hide in. There are a few good, private spots around the area that are great to evolve in. The Power Relay sits inside the small circular building toward the center of the map. Entrances on the north and south sides are the only ways in. This makes it fairly easy to defend, but be careful that the team doesn’t group for an easier shot.
Rendering Plant
Potential Map Effect with Hunter Win:
EbonStar Ally, Space Laser, Forcefield, Teleport Gates, Cargo Ship, Fair Weather
Potential Map Effect with Monster Win:
EbonStar Corpses, Falling Satellite, Man-Eating Eels, Teleport Rifts, Second Monster, Storms
This settlement renders Marsh Striders down into the fatty oils, lipids, and other organic chemicals the colony uses as raw materials for a million everyday uses. It’s much cheaper and more efficient to mine the necessary hydrocarbons from the local wildlife rather than synthesize it all.
Rendering Plant is littered with buildings and rock ledges. Roads leading through the mostly man-made environment are vulnerable to attacks from above. Dangerous bodies of water surround the east and south, with rocks jutting out that allow the Monster to evolve in relative safety. The Power Relay is located on the side of one of the plant’s buildings. It has no cover at all, though surrounding structures give some protection.
Colonial Water & Power
Potential Map Effect with Hunter Win:
Armored Turrets
Potential Map Effect with Monster Win:
Armored Minions
One of the largest man-made structures on Shear, CW&P routes all power generated at the fusion plant and hydroelectric plant, as well as all fresh water. Built over a hydrologically active geothermal site, the plant is self-powered and self-sustaining. It has to be, as all life in the colony depends on its water and energy.
Colonial Water & Power is only available in Defend mode. Monsters spawn at the very bottom, in a narrow strip to the left. The final objective lies all the way in the northwest corner. While the minions may take the long way to the first generator, it is a relatively close hike for the Monster. You can find a natural environment along the east edge of the map, but most of the action takes place at the facility. An upper floor surrounds the power source, which allows the Hunters to protect it from above.