Warzone & Execution
This warehouse’s central area holds the four power weapons, one on the ground level and one on a catwalk directly above. The Torque Bow and Longshot alternate on the ground level, while the Boomshot and Mulcher alternate up above. Obtaining these weapons is dangerous, as neither presents ideal cover. The lower weapon at least has a pillar. Enemies can quickly flank the position. Though assault rifle bullets can penetrate the chain-link fence surrounding this spot, Torque Bow arrows cannot. This places you at a temporary disadvantage when you go after the weapon. Focus your early effort on controlling the upper level for its improved vantage point. You can easily fire the Boomshot down on enemies. The Mulcher is somewhat harder to wield from this position due to its inherent maneuverability limitations. Firing from the hip yields easier aiming at the cost of accuracy. Consider dropping back to ground level before you open fire with the Mulcher.
When you approach the lower power weapon position, grab the Frag/Ink Grenades located just before the pipe archway as you enter the central area. Lob your Smoke Grenade to the other side of the map, then do the same with the grenade pickups. The combination of smoke, concussive blast, and either explosions or poison makes obtaining the power weapon and falling back significantly less risky.
The spawn areas can be used as sniping spots when you obtain the Longshot. Grab grenades on your way back to the spawn to protect yourself from flanking maneuvers. Use the Gnasher to shoot a wide opening in the window, and then switch to the Longshot for sniping duty. However, bear in mind that teams swap spawn sides throughout the match, so you’ll likely have enemies spawn behind you if you camp.
Submission
Controlling the Boomshot/Mulcher position is crucial either when you move the Stranded or when you try to break up the enemy’s scoring chances. The catwalk location has a clear view of the scoring areas. A quick dash to the stairs provides a shot at the area beneath this weapon pickup. The destructive power of the weapons atop the catwalk wreaks havoc with the other team and breaks the Stranded free almost instantly.
A similar approach works with the Longshot/Torque Bow combo. Acquire the weapon and take to the catwalk or stairwell leading up to it to increase your firing field. With two elevated teammates picking off the enemy, the other three team members can quickly collect the Stranded and move him to the capture point. Use downed enemy players as meat shields to help you stay on your feet and outlast the opposition. This is vital if they focus their efforts on the ground and ignore your elevated teammates.
The Stranded often spawns in one of two ground-floor locations in the map’s central area. It’s then just a short distance to one of the pistol locations. Be aggressive at the beginning of each round to keep the opposing team from pulling a fast one on you.
Wingman
Work as a team to acquire the Boomshot or Mulcher if at all possible. Both weapons can deliver long-range kills and save you the risk of rushing in close for an execution. Whenever you down a player, wait a few extra seconds to see if a teammate rushes in revive him, or if someone from another team tries to steal a kill. The Boomshot destroys multiple targets in close proximity, and the Mulcher can also take out multiple targets in short order.
The Longshot/Torque Bow weapons require greater precisions and lack the destructive power of the Boomshot/Mulcher. But they’re still worth acquiring if the risk isn’t too great. Consider going after these weapons later in the round, when there’s less chance of getting downed as you collect them. Before then, use the trusted Lancer or Hammerburst to down remote opponents before you move in for the execution.
As always, use the mobile cover that meat shields provide. Moving in back-to-back formation with each teammate carrying a meat shields keeps you on your feet and the enemy off theirs. Toss in upgraded pistols to really make this approach work for you.
Guardian
The spawn areas are not good places to camp. Teams swap spawn sides throughout the match, so if you hang back long enough the enemy team will spawn on top of you.
With the two Team Leaders hanging back, usually with partners, seize this opportunity to snag the power weapons in the middle. Use them to assassinate the opposing leader. When the Boomshot is available, grab it as quickly as possible and rush the opponent’s spawn. Conversely, one team member can make the slow journey back to your spawn point with the Mulcher to bolster your defense.
Annex & King of the Hill
The capture points on Stasis are the two power weapon locations, as well as the two pistol drops. Each trip out of the spawn takes you close to the Frag/Ink Grenade pickup, so stop to grab the power grenades or a discarded Smoke Grenade on each pass. These are invaluable for breaking the opposition’s hold on a position, so don’t overlook them.
When the Boomshot/Mulcher position is the capture location, do everything in your power to capture this position first. It’s a difficult spot to overtake, thanks to the location’s limited access. The firepower you gain from either of these weapons goes a long way toward keeping your enemy at bay.
When you hold the Torque Bow/Longshot position, have a teammate stay in the circle for King of the Hill matches. Others should take positions on the ground, around the chain-link fence’s perimeter, to harass enemy attempts to break your hold. Drop everyone back in Annex. The point contains little cover; having your team spread along the central area’s perimeter allows you to reach the next capture point in minimal time.
Horde
Stasis is a fun but challenging map on which to play Horde. The upper spawn areas and catwalk over the map’s center provide two very different opportunities to mount a defensive and limit the Horde’s approach. We recommend a hybrid plan that secures the upper spawn area but also puts plenty of forces on the ground. These players, near the stairs, cut down enemies before they get too close. The catwalk offers weaponry and a tremendous view of the action. The flipside is that it offers very little cover and leaves the team heavily exposed to fire from below.
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Ammo: The two ammo crates are on the map’s lower level, between the grenade pickups on either side of the pillar. Variables: Use the glass in the upper balcony to your advantage by shooting out only a small segment of the window. This way, you can snipe through the glass and preserve some protection from enemy fire. |
Although you should maintain at least one team member in the spawn area to prevent the Locust spawning behind you, most of the action takes place on the main floor inside the warehouse. Place two pairs of teammates near the bottom of each staircase so they can work as partners. Their goal is to cut down the Locust before they get too close. Work together to hold the upstairs at all costs so that the team always has a place to which it can fall back.
The Locust primarily spawn on the lower level, at the map’s far end. Many also appear at the other elevated spawn room. They have a lengthy, rather complex trip across the warehouse before they can even think about charging the upper stronghold. Your forward teams should frequently use the grenades that spawn nearby. They should take turns claiming the weapons at the Boomshot and Torque Bow pickups. Should things go sour and the Locust overrun your defense system, simply run up the steps to the spawn area. Regroup, wait for the Locust to come up the stairs, and finish off the wave as it rounds the corner. Leave the last foe alive long enough to refortify your position, and try again in the next wave.
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 team’s best sniper should quickly grab either the Torque Bow or Longshot from the center and retreat to the upstairs spawn area. Place some proximity mines on the upper area’s desks and cabinets just in case. Then begin sniping the Locust down below. Shoot a small hole in the window with the Gnasher. Then use one of the long-range weapons to kill off the larger, slower-moving Locust. To avoid wasting ammo, leave the weaker Locust for your ground troops.
Players #2 and #3 should split up and guard each of the two staircases leading up to player #1’s room. These players should stay close to the stairs to prevent any Locust from slipping past. But they have to move forward enough to see the incoming enemies. Make sure to revive players #4 and #5 when necessary. Between waves, take the time to gather the Frag Grenades and plant more proximity mines on the columns and near the pipes. Resist the urge to advance too far from the stairs. These players must hang back to provide defense and support, not act as the point person in the attack.
The pair filling these roles must be comfortable in the thick of the battle and possess the discipline to resist venturing too far from the rest of the team. Players #4 and #5 split between the two sides of the map, one near each of the staircases. Use the columns and stasis tanks for cover. The responsibility is simple: eliminate as many Locust as possible by any means necessary. Make the occasional foray up to the catwalk to get the Boomshot or Mulcher, but return quickly. Most of the Locust approach from the two side alleys, past the pistol pickups. Thus, it’s essential to stay near players #2 and #4 and focus on the sides of the map. Player #1 can take out many of the Locust coming across the center, so resist the urge to drift toward the middle. It’s best to err on the side of safety and stay close to the stairs leading up to the spawn area.