Rat's Nest

Rat's Nest

Snowmelt from Kilimanjaro feeds reservoirs every bit as vital as the fuel and ammunition stores.

DATA STREAM

Recommended Game Variants:

• Team Slayer
• Multiflag
• One Flag
• Assault
• One Bomb
• Neutral Assault
• Rocket Race

Number of Players:

• Recommended: 8-16
• Maximum: 16

Advantageous Equipment:

• Rockets
• Sniper
• Shotgun
• Warthog
• Camo
• Gravity Hammer

Available Equipment & Gear Respawn Times

Weapons

Vehicles

Equipment

Call-out Locations

Hangars

Other names: Red Base, Blue Base, Red Spawn, Blue Spawn
In most game variants, your main spawn is in one of the Hangars. You can tell which base you spawn at by the red or blue markings on the walls inside your base. Include these in your call-outs (e.g., Blue Hangar). Two Warthogs, two Mongooses, a Trip Mine, and two Frag Grenades spawn in each Hangar.

Objective

Other names: Flag, 1st BR, Home
When you spawn, walk straight from Hangar and you will enter Objective. This location is comprised of two different levels. Lower Objective serves as the home for your flag in Capture the Flag (CTF) and for your bomb in Neutral Assault, Assault, and One Bomb. A Battle Rifle spawns on the right wall (aka, 1st BR), a Needler spawns alongside the left wall, and an Assault Rifle spawns on the floor when you enter. Upper Objective is horseshoe-shaped and is accessible by the stairs that run along the inside of the room. Two SMGs spawn in Upper Objective.

Brick

Other names: N/A
If you continue walking straight through Objective to the next room, you will enter Brick. This area got its name because the section is made of bricks. On the left side in Lower Brick, you will find 2nd BR. Two Spikers spawn to the right. Connected to Upper Objective is Upper Brick, where a BR spawns.

Garage

Other names: N/A
Brick comprises a small section of the Garage, which is made of two levels (Upper and Lower). Upper Garage has three doors (Middle Bridge, Ops Center, Halls), and Lower Garage has one main/large door that connects to Mid (middle of map). The stairs on the left lead to Upper Garage; the Brute Shot spawns on the stair landing. If you continue up the stairs, you will find a Regenerator. Down the stairs, the Shotgun spawns on the left and a Bubble Shield on the right. This door connects to Mid.

Ops Center/Turret

Other names: N/A
Through the left door in Upper Garage is Ops Center. Here you’ll find the Turret, which rests above Mid. If you continue walking across Turret, you will enter the enemy’s Upper Garage.

Halls

Other names: N/A
The door across from the Ops Center is known as the Hall Entrance. Through this door, you will enter a hall that contains blue or red streaks of paint on the wall, depending on which base you are in. If you exit the hall through the first door you see, you will enter the outer street, which circles the entire map. A BR spawns at this doorway, along with two Frag Grenades. If you continue down the hall, you will end at the Upper Hangar of the Red or Blue Base. Each hall contains two Maulers and two Plasma Grenades.

Middle

Other names: Mid, Connector, Gravity Hammer Street
Mid is the area that connects both bases and has multiple sections. These include Turret, Bridge, Gravity Hammer, and Camo.

Bridge

Other names: N/A
This is the only bridge on the map. Bridge connects Upper Red and Upper Blue Garage. Below the bridge on Mid Street, the Warhammer and two Plasma Grenades spawn.

Camo

Other names: Cloak
On the opposite side of Turret, the Camo spawns in the middle of the area with a Grav Lift on each side. On one side of Camo is a set of pipes; on the other side is a group of boxes. Use either of these to jump onto the ledge above Camo to grab the Sniper Rifle.

Blue Street

Other names: Blue Track
This street runs outside the Blue Base and connects to Sniper Street and Main Street. This also connects to an entrance to Blue Hall.

Red Street

Other names: Red Track
This street runs outside of Red Base and connects to Sniper Street and Main Street. You may enter Red Hall through the entrance on this street.

Sniper Street

Other names: Sniper Spawn, Ghost Spawn
This is the street on which the Sniper Rifle and Ghost spawn. It is accessible from Camo or Blue/Red Street.

Main Street

Other names: Rocket Street, Rocket Spawn, Open Street
Rockets spawn on this street, along with a BR and two Frag Grenades at each light pole. This street is connected to the large entrance to Lower Mid, below Turret.

BR Ramp and Platform

Other names : N/A
Blue Street and Red Street each contain a platform between the base’s Hangar and Main Street. This platform is made of two sets of stairs and spawns one BR and two Plasma Grenades. This is also considered a secondary spawn.

Tactical Knowledge

Rat’s Nest is basically a giant circle, consisting of an outer street surrounding the entire map, two main bases, and a large open area in the map’s middle, where Gravity Hammer and Camo are located. The map is symmetric in that both bases contain the same weapons and structure. Because the map is basically streets and bases, players must choose whether to risk playing in the open streets or to use the levels and terrain of their respective bases to their advantage.
Both bases are also equipped with an adequate set of vehicles, while the middle of the map (Middle/Sniper Street) houses a neutral Ghost, given to whoever reaches it first. This vehicle allows for fast and efficient maneuvering around the map.
The Middle is a highly traveled spot on the map, as it has both Camo and the Gravity Hammer, with a detachable Turret above the Hammer. With no place for cover, traveling in this section is dangerous but is necessary, as it houses power spots and weapons.
As the map is symmetrical, both team’s bases are identical. Each base consists of two rooms complete with multiple ramps and stairs housing many different weapons. The most important weapons in the bases include the Shotgun and the BR. Both bases also include a Hangar with two Mongooses and two Warthogs, giving you more than enough opportunity to get your fill of vehicular manslaughter.
Along with a bottom level, the bases have a separate top level, which is the preferable vantage point, as you can see enemies below and ahead. You can use the top level to reach various places on the map that the bottom level does not have access to (i.e., Turret and Bridge) and to reach a Regenerator (located on the route to Turret) that can be very useful in-game. The bottom level, while a little more risky to be in, contains the Needler; the BR; and, most importantly, the Shotgun and Bubble Shield.

General Tactics

Exploit the various tactical hideouts on Rat’s Nest (i.e., doorways, pipes, etc.).
Achieving the “high ground” is of greater importance on Rat’s Nest than on other maps because of the use of vehicles.
One teammate should rush for the Shotgun and Bubble Shield (opposite from each other), while another rushes for Camo and the Sniper Rifle.
The rest of the teammates should rush for Rockets, as these are the most important weapons on the map.
If your team has Rockets, utilize the vehicles around the map. If not, use the “high ground” on the map.
If a vehicle is approaching, use the boxes and barriers scattered throughout the map for cover.
Avoid leaving yourself exposed while on open streets, as you will surely die.
Useful sniping spots include Ghost Spawn, Bridge, Overhead Pipes, and Turret.
In vehicles, attempt to control the main streets, but be wary of enemies camping with Plasma Grenades along the outside walls.
Avoid camping in Bottom Middle, as you are vulnerable in every direction.

Game Variant Strategies

General Slayer Tips

Weapon control is more important in Slayer-based games rather than in Objective games, as the sole objective is to kill.
Players should utilize the vehicles on the map, especially in Big Team Slayer, because there are many targets and many roadways for you to drive on.
Do not put the player with Rockets into a vehicle, as it is harder to shoot a target while moving, and losing or wasting Rockets can seriously affect your game.
Take advantage of the high grounds of this map, as there are many chances for one to jump down from the high ground and assassinate an unsuspecting player.

General Assault Tips

Because there are two bombs in Assault, deciding whether to be offensive or defensive is crucial. Offensive play and defensive play differ immensely, but in the end, you can succeed using either style.
Both team’s bombs are located in their respective lower section of Objective. The bombs are marked by an icon above it that states how far away the bomb is from you.
An enemy bomb takes four seconds to disarm, so once your team has successfully planted the bomb, and it reaches that four-second mark, have your team return to your base and escort the new bomb carrier (your teammate who should already have the new bomb) back to the enemy base for a quick second cap. Doing this in sync can win you the game in a ridiculously short amount of time.

Neutral Assault Tips

In Neutral Assault, the single bomb is located directly in front of Rockets, which can be very dangerous.
Because there is only one bomb in this game type, an offensive setup is favored over a defensive one.
Being the first team to arrive at the bomb is crucial, as you want to quickly gain control over the Rockets after you obtain the bomb.
If you are the first team to arrive and the opposing team is nowhere to be found, have one player get Rockets while the rest of the team escorts the bomb carrier to the opposing base. Camp in the upper levels of Middle, as the opposing team might arrive on the scene late and will be blown to bits by the deadly Rockets.
Camo is very important in Neutral Assault, as a single player with both Camo and the bomb can annihilate the opposing team’s chance at a defense.
An enemy bomb takes four seconds to disarm, so once your team has successfully planted the bomb, and it reaches that four-second mark, have your team return to your base and escort the new bomb carrier (your teammate who should already have the new bomb) back to the enemy base for a quick second cap. Doing this in sync can win you the game in a ridiculously short amount of time.

General Multiflag CTF Tips

Multiflag is a lot like Assault except it is faster paced. Once your flag hits the opposing team’s flag point, you score, so it is quite possible to win the game in less than two minutes.
Instead of going directly through the Middle, as one might in Assault, have your team utilize either the Mongoose or the Warthog and drive to the map’s opposite side. Because these vehicles are fast, the opposing team will have a harder time both finding and killing your team.

Offensive Plays

In an offensive setup, the entire team (or at least three of the four teammates) will escort the bomb carrier or flag holder. The strategy is to take the fastest route to the opposing team’s base—which means going straight through Middle—with teammates gathering the power weapons and equipment (i.e., Rockets, Bubble Shields, Camo, Shotguns) in the shortest amount of time and helping to ambush the opposing team’s Objective.
In Assault or Neutral Assault, have a single player get the Shotgun and the Bubble Shield; they will be the one to camp in the opposing team’s Objective while the bomb is being armed. When attacked, this player will throw the Bubble Shield on top of the bomb and camp inside it with the Shotgun. This can be a deadly combination. Also, if possible, have another player attempt to steal the opposing team’s Shotgun and Bubble Shield; controlling these weapons is crucial.
After scoring the first time, have a player (preferably one with the Shotgun), camp inside the opposing team’s base, eliminating the opposing team’s chances of establishing a defense.

Defensive Plays

In some ways, defensive play is closely related to offensive play. Have two players rush Rockets, while one player grabs the Shotgun, Bubble Shield, and Camo. All players should return to Objective.
Instead of rushing out to find enemies, wait until the opposing team makes the mistake of entering the base, where they will be ambushed.
The player in possession of Rockets should crouch above a doorway or somewhere on the upper level of their team’s Objective.
Have all players rotate between positions, making sure to cover all openings and doors into the base; this ensure no one can sneak in undetected.
If your team is not able to grab Camo, be on the lookout for an enemy player sneaking in with the bomb or the flag, as they can do this easily.
If your team is successful in thwarting the opposing team’s attempt to arm their bomb or capture the flag, have one player stay inside the Objective (preferably with a Shotgun and Bubble Shield) while the other players escort the bomb carrier through the middle of the map.
Be sure to switch up the ways your team delivers the bomb or tries to capture the flag, as your opponent will quickly catch on to your strategies if you use them to excess. An example of this is if your team has carried the bomb directly through the Middle for two out of three successful bomb plants and is getting killed before even exiting your base, try getting into a Mongoose and driving through the back streets and tagging the opposing team from an unexpected position.

Advanced Tactics

As this map has a lot of edges that stick out and random pieces of architecture, it allows for multiple hiding spots, which you can access via jumping.
You can access the green tubes that run along the top edges of the streets by jumping on the red tubes (located to the left and right of Sniper Spawn), and then crouch-jumping onto the green tubes. You can walk along these tubes as far as the beginning of Rocket Street. This can be very helpful to your team, as you have the higher vantage point and can detect any unsuspecting walking enemies.
Crouching atop the multiple doorways and entrances to the bases can be very helpful in a sneak attack. Not many players look on top of doorways or even think of the possibility of an aerial attack. You can jump onto nearly every doorway or entrance on the map. Take advantage of this, and you can have your enemies running for their lives.
Jumping to bridge pillars can be difficult to get used to and is not recommended if you cannot accomplish it at least 80 percent of the time, as it will reveal the position of those who can manage to reach it. Only do this jump if your team has control of the Turret, as getting shot from behind is never pleasant. Jump from the bridge to the pillar located to the left or right. You can stand on this pillar to escape an oncoming enemy or to ambush any unsuspecting foes crossing the bridge. Also, this spot is invisible to any enemies located at Camo or Sniper Spawn.
Located to the back left and right of Camo, Camo Pillars allow you to remain unseen by an enemy at Sniper Spawn. Camping here with Rockets is both valuable and dangerous. Be sure that your team has control of Turret and Bridge before trying to sneak attack an enemy coming from Sniper Spawn.

Sniper/Ambush Locations

Brick

Sitting atop this small brick wall can be very helpful to any player in possession of the Sniper Rifle. You can see any player coming in from both the bottom and top of Middle, and if you turn around, you can see any players coming from inside the Objective.

Turret

With Camo located directly on the ground in front of you, as well as access to the Ghost and Sniper Rifle, sitting atop this location with Rockets can be deadly for your opponent. You have a wide view of any enemies beneath and in front of you who try to grab the Ghost or Camo. Securing this position is very useful. This is also a great place for any player in possession of the Sniper Rifle.
With a teammate camping out on Sniper Spawn, this is an extremely advantageous position. With access to both bases, you can easily enter the enemy’s base unseen, as enemies frequently ignore the Turret area. In addition, any foes coming through Middle will frequently ignore the Turret, leaving them open to an attack. These strategies will allow you to defend the sniper and take a great deal of pressure off him or her. As the sniper is in a safer position and must defend only themselves from two directions instead of three, your team will get more kills. If your position is compromised, remember that the Turret is detachable. You will be able to obtain easy kills on approaching enemies who underestimate the power of the Turret. Happy killing!

Sniper Spawn

Be cautious of camping in this spot, as it is easy for the enemy to tag you with Grenades and Rockets and can be targeted from five different spots. While at this spot, grab the Camo, the Shotgun, and the Bubble Shield to allow for both close- and long-range combat.
While vulnerable in this location, you are given a slight chance at cover, as the Sniper Rifle rests on two metal crates, which can be vital to your survival in an enemy attack. This section of the map receives a lot of traffic, because it houses the Sniper Rifle and looks straight toward the Rockets, Gravity Hammer, Camo, and Turret. You also have a view of both sides of the streets (Red Street and Blue Street) and of Middle. You will have an advantage over any unsuspecting player rushing for the Ghost, Camo, Turret, Gravity Hammer, and Rockets.
This spot is a great location from which to establish map control. Also, because this area is so vulnerable, have a teammate watch your back while you are sniping. While you’re scoped in, it is impossible to see an enemy approaching from your blind spots (anywhere not in your scope); a teammate can warn you and help you attack the approaching enemy, and you can still hold down the position.
If you have low shields or if the other team has discovered you but you do not want to lose sight of possible approaching enemies, try some jumping techniques. Facing the wall, jump onto the metal crates that the Sniper Rifle rests on, then crouch-jump onto the doorway’s ledge. From this point, you can either crouch here to recover your shields or turn toward the green metal tube in front of you and crouch-jump atop that.

Bottom and Top Objective

These spots are great for any player in possession of the Shotgun. As these areas are small, the player will encounter close-quarter combat, and the player with the Shotgun is sure to beat out a surprised defenseless Assault Rifle wielder.

BR Ramp and Platform

With the ability to see Main Street and Red Street or Blue Street, sitting atop this platform perched with a Sniper Rifle is a great way to gain control over weapons. You can see any approaching vehicles and the spawn of Rockets. This is also a dangerous position, as you have zero cover to protect you from oncoming enemies.

Shotgun Spawn

With a Shotgun in hand, crouching in this spot gives you the gift of cover. Players rushing for Ghost, Shotgun, Rockets, Camo, or Gravity Hammer will get an unpleasant surprise if you come at them when they pass you. Be wary, though, as this spot does not provide full cover.