_DECRYPTION // ADVANCED TACTICS

The remaining part of this chapter focuses on the 11 different Decryption maps, showing where the key file spawns and the best locations to take the key and defend from. However, you should think about more advanced tactics too (which work on every map). Check the following superior techniques.

ADVANCED TACTICS // Gameplay

/// Wingmen

In a team of four, work in unison with two teammates in a lead vehicle with a good defensive capability (like the armored truck or fire engine). Place the file carrier inside this truck, with a passenger guard who shoots anyone who gets close. The other two teammates each drive faster vehicles (sport or performance types) and block anyone who gets close to the carrier.

/// Eggs in One Basket

Have all of your team pile into one vehicle with the fire carrier driving it. The three teammates shoot out of the windows (or from the roof if there isn’t time to scramble into the backseats) at anyone venturing too close.

/// Holing Up

The rest of this chapter details dozens of excellent places to retreat to; find the one most difficult to reach, and have the file carrier as high up as they can get (such as near a ctOS tower) with the remaining teammates aggressively hunting and chasing the enemy.

/// The Moving Fortress

A classic technique using the truck with the large open metal container attached to the flatbed. One player jumps into the driver’s seat, while the others scramble into the open container bed. The walls of the dump truck’s bed provide cover for standing players without obstructing their view. The driver then maneuvers around the map, while those in the back dispatch foes.

/// Out of Bounds

Don’t be afraid to drive out of bounds with the file; if someone is chasing you and stealing the file, they usually follow you out, sometimes without realizing they are leaving the zone. However, when they are outside the zone, their wireless theft is blocked, allowing you to turn around and return to the zone before your key is lost and respawns.

/// Stay Focused

It’s easy to ignore your Focus ability during this game mode, but it becomes extremely useful, as it has a slightly different function: Instead of slowing time down, Focus actually increases the accuracy of your shots despite the action continuing at the same speed. So when you’re engaging the enemy (especially at range and with rapid-fire weaponry or pistol fire), be sure to activate Focus as soon as combat starts.

/// Path of Destruction

If you’re not finding a hiding place, stay on the move and choose a vehicle that allows you to maneuver through the zone in a manner you prefer: This is a great way to stop foes from reaching you.

Bikes allow access to areas other vehicles can’t reach, like alleys and L-train tracks. Performance vehicles allow escape at speed, which can really annoy pedestrian enemies. Heavy vehicles allow you to crash into foes and continue your escape for a much longer time.

Also check the maps for clusters of parked vehicles (such as parking lots), arriving there to swap cars just as your previous vehicle starts to belch black smoke.

ADVANCED TACTICS // LOADOUTS

While there are benefits for every weapon you wield, the following are battle-tested and approved for different styles of play:

/// Grenade Launcher

Learn the arc and the aiming, as this weapon is exceptional at blowing up both people and vehicles!

/// Vector .45ACP SMG

This has a very low recoil and is easy to spray. A firm favorite and great for hunting down enemy snipers.

/// M-107 Sniper Rifle

If you’re great at camping, and your teammates can act as spotters, this takes out cars in one or two hits.

/// U-100 and Proximity IEDs

The Heavy Duty loadout has both of these, and using them when you’re holed up is a great defensive tactic.

/// Chrome M-8M Pistol

This has high damage and is a fairly accurate burst-fire weapon; use it against long-ranged foes.

/// Remote IEDs

These are great for removing foes dug in behind cover; throw over the head of a foe, and hack it to explode as the IED sails over the foe’s head! More accurate than a grenade!

NOTORIETY REWARDS

Aside from Meaningful Actions XP gains, what kind of rewards or losses should you expect from this game mode?

Available Decryption Zones