Warzone & Execution
This map’s highlight is the Scorcher atop the level’s highest accessible platform. Race up the steps from the spawn area and take cover behind the walls that pop up before you reach the flamethrower. The weapon is the same distance from both teams, so don’t rush in blindly to claim it. Advance toward the Scorcher only when the immediate area is secure or you know no enemies have come for it. Continue across the bridge to flank the enemy.
An opposing Longshot and Torque Bow overlook the Imulsion pit in the middle of the map. They’re at a corner comprised of the pop-up walls one finds throughout the map. The weapons appear each round in the same location, so access to them switches between teams. Don’t let your guard down once you’ve obtained this weapon. Be wary of fire coming from above, near the Scorcher, and from behind. The opposition can close the distance between spawns quickly before you have time to set up.
A Boomshield paired with either the Boltok or Gorgon Pistol is a valuable combo on this arena-style map. The disorienting corridors lead to many close encounters; the Boomshield’s defensive edge paired with the pistol’s increased stopping power proves invaluable. This is especially true when you consider that the Boomshield can absorb all direct fire from the Scorcher!
Submission
The Stranded sometimes spawns on the platform with the Scorcher and sometimes in the small alcoves opposite the Longshot and Torque Bow drops. The capture points are the three power weapon spawns. The capture points are sometimes next to the Stranded’s spawn location. You can’t afford to go running off in search of better weaponry—head to the Stranded’s location immediately!
The Scorcher platform is an ideal position from which to down enemy players who possess the Stranded. Make it a point to use the Boomshield when you’re face to face with the player dragging the Stranded. Give yourself enough time to knock the captive loose and still protect yourself from the Stranded’s mighty shotgun blasts!
Using meat shields is particularly important on this map, given the tight confines and the absence of weapons like the Boomshot or Mortar. This can be especially helpful when you try to dislodge the Stranded from the other team.
Wingman
Each round, one lucky team begins near the Boomshield pickup. When it’s your team’s turn, have one teammate use its cover to down enemies while another teammate waits in tow, ready to run in for the execution. Pair the Boomshield with a pistol upgrade, which is available around the corner from both the Longshot and Torque Bow.
When you spawn near the Longshot or Torque Bow, take the weapon and move to the Scorcher platform to gain a commanding view over the map’s central area. One teammate can defend against opponents rushing up the stairs while the one with the long-range weapon picks off distracted enemies elsewhere on the map.
The disorienting corridors throughout this map can make players lose their bearings and run aimlessly in circles. To pad your kill total, exploit players’ navigational difficulties by planting proximity mines on the most heavily trafficked intersections. Place them on the ends of walls coming up from the downstairs and by the Scorcher bridge to catch enemies by surprise.
Guardian
If the leader stays in the spawn area, enemies will spawn on top of him and take him out. At least two teammates should protect this person at all times. You might even decide to roam the map as a group of three. The quickness with which the two teams can converge and the absolute lack of chokepoints make defending your Team Leader very difficult. Have someone collect the Boomshield and pass it to the Team Leader. Collect the Frag Grenades for use as proximity mines. This is one map where the best defense is a good offense. Keep the Team Leader as safe as possible by rushing the opposing team and taking out their Team Leader as quickly as possible.
Annex & King of the Hill
The three capture locations on Ruins are the Scorcher, Longshot and Torque Bow weapon pickups. The Scorcher location has a clear view of both of the other capture points. Consider leaving one team member in that spot to lay down covering fire and harass the opposition when they attempt to capture either of the other points.
Remember to always take the lower path when you run between capture points. This offers some cover and allows you to grab the Frag Grenades or Boomshield, both of which come in handy on this map. The Frag Grenades can be invaluable for clearing out the enclosed Longshot and Torque Bow capture areas. The Boomshield can help hold a position, particularly against Scorcher fire.
Horde
This is a very difficult map on which to play Horde. There’s no way to fully cordon off an area and force the enemy to attack from a single direction. The complex geometry, confusing pathways, and general lack of cover only add to the difficulty. You can institute two primary tactics when you play Horde on this map: you can stick together and roam the halls, hunting the Horde as a single pack; or you can set up shop on the bridge and try to hold it as best you can. We recommend the latter of these two tactics, and we’ll show you how to do it.
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Ammo: There are two ammo crates on this map, between the main team spawn points and where the Torque Bow and Longshot are located. Variables: The pop-up cover stays up permanently once it’s triggered, so it won’t be an issue. Guard against the possibility of getting knocked off the bridge into the Imulsion. Watch for incoming grenades and Boomshot blasts! |
The team should split up across the bridge, taking cover behind the pop-up walls and using the sides of the stairs for extra protection. Enemy fire comes from all directions, but the Horde can get up close from only two sides. Split your team to have two on each side of the bridge and a fifth player up top, serving as a spotter. The Locust fire at those on the bridge from the perimeter, so you must shoot fast and stay in cover, particularly when the Theron Guards start to appear! This is a very difficult map for Horde mode, but it can be very rewarding as well. Just be sure to target Kantuses as soon as they emerge, else their Ink Grenades will render the bridge useless and force the team to split up and run.
Know Your Role
The following tactics correspond to the numbered positions marked on the accompanying map. Follow these tips carefully for maximum survivability. These tips assume a five-person team.
The first player to the bridge should proceed to the top, take the Scorcher, and lend support where needed. This person primarily serves as the spotter, calling out enemies where he sees them and alternating between the Scorcher and Lancer to lend a hand where it’s appropriate. Use the bridge’s height to soften up distant foes, enabling the others to kill them that much faster.
These players should stick close to the stairs, but make an occasional run for the Longshot and Torque Bow. When you seek long-range kills with these power weapons, take a position atop the steps on either side of the bridge. When you’re out of ammo, descend the stairs and lend the front-line defenses some extra firepower. These players should avoid crossing the bridge to avoid accidentally leaving one side unprotected. This also limits any confusion atop the bridge with player #1.
Players #4 and #5 share the same responsibility, but on opposite sides of the bridge. These important roles are best filled with the players most capable of running out on their own to secure Frag Grenades and the Boomshield. Place Frag Grenades on the walls and ledges leading toward the bridge. Then hang back behind the short walls to pick off everything that moves. Call for support when necessary—players #2 and #3 should be really close. Gather up as many enemy weapons as possible. Long-range weapons won’t help as much on this lower area, but the Scorcher, Boomshot, and especially the Boomshield (with the Boltok Pistol) work wonders. Players manning these roles get a lot of kills and score plenty of points, but the risk of getting overrun is high.