Cyclops use of shield

[IDNeon]

I want to optimize my use of shield but am on Hardcore so limiting my experimentation with threats.

My idea is the shield can be turned on right when the creature makes a charge to attack. And turned off again when the creature backs off before making another attack.

Has anyone any experience with this method to conserve power?

[Dirak2012]

Yes, it works.
However a much better tactic is to turn off the engine. After a single hit, the creature will stop attacking completely.

[admiral1018]

That method works fine. You can see how close the creature is by looking at the 3D-display in front of you at the bottom. It will highlight any threats as yellow or red triangles. When the triangles turn red -- meaning the leviathans are in striking distance -- turn on the shields. Usually just a few seconds is all that's needed if you're moving.

Also, as mentioned above, you can always just turn off the engines when a leviathan is close by. You're immune to damage if the Cyclops isn't producing sound. Using the cameras, watch for the leviathan swim away out of range and then resume moving.

[IDNeon]

Originally posted by admiral1018:

That method works fine. You can see how close the creature is by looking at the 3D-display in front of you at the bottom. It will highlight any threats as yellow or red triangles. When the triangles turn red -- meaning the leviathans are in striking distance -- turn on the shields. Usually just a few seconds is all that's needed if you're moving.

Also, as mentioned above, you can always just turn off the engines when a leviathan is close by. You're immune to damage if the Cyclops isn't producing sound. Using the cameras, watch for the leviathan swim away out of range and then resume moving.

Oh seems a little op to be immune to damage with engines off?

[Dirak2012]

Originally posted by IDNeon:

Originally posted by admiral1018:

That method works fine. You can see how close the creature is by looking at the 3D-display in front of you at the bottom. It will highlight any threats as yellow or red triangles. When the triangles turn red -- meaning the leviathans are in striking distance -- turn on the shields. Usually just a few seconds is all that's needed if you're moving.

Also, as mentioned above, you can always just turn off the engines when a leviathan is close by. You're immune to damage if the Cyclops isn't producing sound. Using the cameras, watch for the leviathan swim away out of range and then resume moving.

Oh seems a little op to be immune to damage with engines off?

Honestly, in 6 playthrougs, my Cyclops has never been damaged beyond a simple scratch.

If you are careful, you should absolutely never lose a Cyclops. If you are actually needing the shield, you are being reckless.

[IDNeon]

Originally posted by Dirak2012:

Originally posted by IDNeon:

Oh seems a little op to be immune to damage with engines off?

Honestly, in 6 playthrougs, my Cyclops has never been damaged beyond a simple scratch.

If you are careful, you should absolutely never lose a Cyclops. If you are actually needing the shield, you are being reckless.

So far I've been able to rely upon silent running. But thought as I progress the need for shield would be forced on me by game mechanics...

[meesha]

Originally posted by IDNeon:

I want to optimize my use of shield but am on Hardcore so limiting my experimentation with threats.

My idea is the shield can be turned on right when the creature makes a charge to attack. And turned off again when the creature backs off before making another attack.

Has anyone any experience with this method to conserve power?

Correct approach. You just cannot avoid them at all times, sometimes they just will get attracted by your sub. Observe when they will strike (as mentioned), enable, throw them a toy, and get out of that area.

After several playthroughs on hardcore I just ignore levs thanks to this device and go with my business unbothered.

[Hiro Protagonist]

Originally posted by IDNeon:

Originally posted by admiral1018:

Also, as mentioned above, you can always just turn off the engines when a leviathan is close by. You're immune to damage if the Cyclops isn't producing sound. Using the cameras, watch for the leviathan swim away out of range and then resume moving.

Oh seems a little op to be immune to damage with engines off?

I'm grateful for it really, as my Cyclops was parked outside the entrance to the PCF for quite a while with the Sea Dragon knocking on the door repeatedly whilst I did all the inside and hatching enzyme stuff with the Prawn - only retrieved it when I had basically finished the game and brought all my vehicles back to the surface for a group photo

[admiral1018]

Originally posted by IDNeon:

Originally posted by admiral1018:

That method works fine. You can see how close the creature is by looking at the 3D-display in front of you at the bottom. It will highlight any threats as yellow or red triangles. When the triangles turn red -- meaning the leviathans are in striking distance -- turn on the shields. Usually just a few seconds is all that's needed if you're moving.

Also, as mentioned above, you can always just turn off the engines when a leviathan is close by. You're immune to damage if the Cyclops isn't producing sound. Using the cameras, watch for the leviathan swim away out of range and then resume moving.

Oh seems a little op to be immune to damage with engines off?

It is, TBH. If you want to see something fun to demonstrate this, [save game first on a non-hardcore file], take the Cyclops about 100 meters into the void and turn off the engine. Within a couple of minutes, you will have 3 Ghost Leviathans swarming all over the Cyclops and even throwing it out of the water, but you won't take any damage.

I did this once and Ghosts actually moved the Cyclops about 150 meters, taking me safely out of the void. Not a scratch on the sub.