Reconnaissance

Battlefield Specifics

Upper Hall Access

The doors in the upper hallways, near the two primary spawn points, remain sealed during all 5-on-5 gameplay modes. This forces players from both teams to sprint down the corridor and out into the courtyard opposite one another. However, the upper hallway doors are open in Wingman and Horde. This seemingly trivial detail carries with it critical implications. In Wingman, the open doors accommodate the additional three spawn points without crowding. However, in Horde, the open doors make forcing the Locust through a singular chokepoint impossible.

Mortar Gates

The Mortar is located inside a small, locked alcove on the map’s lower portion, behind the main cupola. One can access this weapon of mass dismemberment from either side, but only one of the gates can be opened per weapon respawn. Players must rush to the gate on their side and press the button on the wall near the gate. The other side cannot be opened until the weapon respawns. Both of these gates are open at the start of the round in Submission, Annex, King of the Hill, and Horde.

Spawn Point Awareness

The two primary spawn points are located inside lengthy hallways on the map’s east and west sides. Players from both sides are funneled down their respective ramps and out opposing doors, into the crisp air of an autumn afternoon. But there is no time to hesitate. Those planning to challenge for the Mulcher, Mortar, or Boomshield must immediately identify where they are on the map and sprint in the proper direction without delay. Look to the massive doors adjacent the spawn point to quickly pinpoint your location on the map. Because some players spawn a little ahead of the doors, the shack near the grenades up ahead is another indicator of your side of the map—the shack will be on the side of the map that you occupy.

West Spawn

The massive doors will be on the right. Sprint down the hallway and out the door on the right. Angle left to proceed to the Mulcher or Mortar, or make a hard right turn and head up the grassy slope toward the Boomshield.

East Spawn

If the giant doors are to the left of the spawn point, then you know you are on the map’s east side. Sprint down the stairs inside the hallway to the exit on the left. Then branch off to the right for the Mortar or Mulcher, or make a hard left turn to ascend the slope toward the Boomshield.

Essential Tactics

• The Gates of Mortar: Because only one of the two gates near the Mortar can ever be opened per weapon respawn, it’s in your best interest to rush to the Mortar and open the gate on your side even if you have no intention of using the Mortar. Doing so makes it impossible for opponents to reach the Mortar without first making their way clear across the map, which means passing the cupola.
• Secure the Mulcher: Both teams make a mad dash for the Mulcher, located in the cupola outside the two hallway exits. Your team must either fully commit to getting this weapon or decide up front to attempt a different tack. The sandbags and nearby cover make flushing the opposition out of this stronghold very difficult. If you’re playing with teams of five, send three team members on offense to repel the opposing team’s rushers. Your other two can then work together to claim the Mulcher and revive each other should one get cut down.
• The Boomshield Crawl: A stubborn, patient player who holes up inside the cupola with the Mulcher can be very difficult to dislodge. If you lack the numbers and the pest refuses to be drawn out from under cover, then your best bet is to make a dash for the Boomshield and slowly inch your way toward him while you use it for protection. Slam the shield into the ground to deploy it as cover. Then crouch down behind it—this offers better protection than walking with the shield. Wait for the Mulcher to overheat or wind down, and then carefully throw a grenade into the cupola. Rush the cupola with the Gnasher or Gorgon Pistol to finish off the rascal while he’s down.