Reconnaissance

Battlefield Specifics

Seeder

The enormous crater in the middle of the map wasn’t created from an asteroid collision, as one might be prone to think. No, this crater is actually the home of one of the largest Seeders ever seen. It’s completely harmless to players—it doesn’t spew any Nemacysts—but this doesn’t mean its screeching won’t send shivers up COG spines across the map. The Seeder typically emerges from its subterranean hollow only once per match, then vanishes just as suddenly as it arrives. New players will no doubt be distracted by its presence, so take advantage of any turned heads or lapses in concentration you encounter! To avoid potential confusion, the Seeder doesn’t appear during Horde matches.

Exploding Cars

Sure, the cars in the road serve as great cover, but three of them can actually be detonated on command. Each of the three traffic-lined branches of the intersection has a car with external fuel tanks just below the doors—there is a tank on both sides of the car. These tanks are as rusty as the cars themselves, but are cylindrical in shape and easy to distinguish from the rest of the car. Shoot the tank twice to create a small fire inside the car’s interior, and then stand back and watch as it erupts moments later! The exploding cars inflict very little damage to the player, but every little bit helps!

Spawn Point Awareness

The two spawn points are on the northern and southern ends of the intersecting roads. The massive depression in the center forces teams to either advance to the east or west, toward the two staircases leading up onto the balconies atop the theater and arcade. Depending on the gameplay mode (see below), you’ll likely want to make a mad dash for the balcony nearest your spawn point at the start of the map to procure one of the two deadlier weapons. Fortunately for you, it’s easy to figure out which one to go for. Unlike some of the other maps, you can rush for your side’s nearest weapon pickup without competition from the enemy team. That’s because your adversaries have their own weapon to go after, and the distance to your side’s weapon limits the chance of them beating you to yours.

North Spawn

Those starting at the northern spawn point will recognize where they are at once by noticing the yellow theater marquis to the left. Perhaps even more instantly recognizable is the water-filled trench and large concrete block in the center of the road. Regardless of which landmark you prefer, the path is the same: sprint toward the neon yellow sign and cut the corner on an angle to reach the stairs leading up to the balcony. That’s where the Hammer of Dawn (or Mortar) is located.

South Spawn

The southern spawn point is easily recognizable thanks to the arcade’s neon blue lights on the corner to the left. Those fortunate enough to begin nearest the arcade have the option of grabbing either the Boomshield inside the arcade at ground level or running up the stairs around the corner to procure the Longshot (or Torque Bow).

Essential Tactics

• Elevation Devastation: Players from both sides will be drawn to the two opposing balconies on the facades of the theater and arcade. These positions offer a grand view of the battlefield, and they are the spawn locations for the map’s most powerful weaponry. Each team begins the round closer to one of these balconies than the other, so the initial rush will see little contention. Try to disrupt your opponents by sending three of your squad mates to their balcony at the start of the fight. They won’t be expecting it, and you just may get their primary weapon in addition to your own!
• Light My Fire: Just because there aren’t any grenade pickups on this map doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fiery goodness to unleash upon your foes. Each round features three explosive cars that you can detonate with a couple of shots from any weapon. Use these to your advantage by targeting those nearest your enemy, particularly when they’re taking cover near one of the cars.
• Jojo Vs Jimmy: All is not lost if you fail to secure either of the advanced weapons on the balconies. Just head inside the arcade under the blue neon lights and take up position behind the counter. Use the Boomshield to block enemy fire from the side door and place your grenade on the foosball table. The interior of the arcade offers full protection from the Mortar and Hammer of Dawn, and you’ll force your enemy to draw in close. The arcade cabinets funnel them directly toward you for easy pickings!