Ghost / Assault Tactics

Introduction

Being a 4th Echelon operative affords you a degree of autonomy within the field. As such, you will find yourself presented with both lethal and nonlethal methods to successfully complete your objectives. Whether you choose to act as a phantom or a hellion is up to you. This chapter will brief you on the tactics and tools necessary to perform both the Ghost and Assault playstyles throughout the campaign. Here you will find each mission divided into checkpoints. Maintaining a specific playstyle throughout a checkpoint is the best way to maximize your score and the efficiency rating of each playstyle within your After Action Report. By keeping this in mind, it is possible to master all three playstyles (Ghost, Panther, and Assault) during the course of a single mission. This chapter focuses on the which areas and methods to use during each mission to execute both Ghost and Assault playstyles for maximum efficiency and scoring.

Style: Ghost

• Remain undetected for the duration of a checkpoint.
• When neutralizing hostiles, do so using nonlethal methods.
• Ensure that none of your victims are found.

If you wish to operate as a Ghost, it’s best to be prepared. Here is a brief rundown of some essential gadgets:

Sticky Camera

These useful devices are one of the first available to you and benefit both the Ghost and Panther styles. Their primary function is to survey and mark targets beyond your line of sight. Until you purchase Sleeping Gas, they also provide you with the ability to incapacitate enemies within a limited range. Purchase and equip the Flash Charge early in the Campaign to maximize their potential.

Tri-Rotor

Relatively silent and able to be upgraded, the Tri-Rotor is an indispensable tool that should be included in your loadout as soon as possible. This gadget is best used to fly ahead of your position and mark enemies, allowing you to track their movements during your approach.

Sticky EMP

With the ability to temporarily disable lights, cameras, and other electronic devices momentarily, the Sticky EMP is especially helpful in the control of Drones when their Operators are inaccessible.

Sleeping Gas

These gas grenades release the same chemical as the Sticky Camera, but in much larger quantity, engulfing and dispatching hostiles quickly leaving little room for error.

Style: Assault

• Detection by enemies is required for actions to be considered “Combat/Assault.”
• Lethal and nonlethal attacks are permitted when neutralizing hostiles.
• To maximize Assault scoring and efficiency, remain “Detected” while in combat.

When deciding to go Assault during a mission, the attempted difficulty level plays a deciding factor in the mission loadout. The Perfectionist difficulty presents the challenge of not being able to restock at Supply Caches. Take this into account when choosing your Ops Suit and weapon. When selecting your loud weapon, it is best to choose a weapon from the Alternate Weapon category to serve this purpose. Even this early in the campaign, you will have the option of an unsuppressed weapon and the funds to purchase an Extended Mag.

Here is a brief list of purchases to consider when preparing for an Assault playthrough:

Gadgets—Proximity Mine

After detection, placing these inconspicuous mines in your wake can ensure efficient kills as your pursuers approach your last known position.

Gadgets—Incendiary Grenade

These red grenades are efficiently lethal, allowing for a large area of hostiles to be engulfed in a flame that consumes armored and unarmored foes alike.

Ops Suit/Torso—AB Gel

The investment in the AB Gel upgrade to the Ops Suit’s torso is well worth it despite your play style of choice. Not only does the equipment afford a substantial increase in armor, but additional Gadgets and Magazines as well. The slight decrease in Stealth is easily offset by equipping upgraded boots.

Ammo—Armor Piercing

When you have chosen your Alternate Weapon of choice, be sure to invest in it by equipping the Armor Piercing ammo. Aside from the increase in stopping power, this comes in handy against Heavy Infantry soldiers by penetrating their helmets and armor.