Basic combat tips?

[Taka]

I'm not really too familiar with strategy games and I'm getting my butt handed to me. I think I've only beaten 1 or 2 missions on the first try and I'm in like the 5th chapter or so. Can I get some basic tips to keep me from getting utterly destroyed in most battles?

Also, how should I be raising my levels? I've been raising all classes equally and they're currently all level 4. But is there some better way of doing it? What's the cap anyway? And what exactly increases at level up?

[Myri]

Forest mission? Running toward bases head-on might not be the best way....

[Taka]

Originally posted by biv:

Forest mission? Running toward bases head-on might not be the best way....

Oh I haven't done the forest mission yet. My last save was at the start of that chapter. I'm just talking in general, in any mission.

[Rambo First Blunt]

If i remember correctly, its been a while since i played it. I own it on PS3, but when shooting enemies i remember you have to aim a little higher to get the hits especially in the beginning, you have to find that spot.

I remember snipers being extrmely useful/op in the PS3 version. I assume this is a straight port. Get Catherine the sniper for sure, i remember her being really good.

[Sir Fluffykins]

Levels don't really "matter", but they give a tiny bit of HP, accuracy and unlock class "Potentials".

So basically you don't have to level, but it tends to make you stronger and challenges easier over time, the more you invest.

Before doing a Chapter mission, they should have described the location, bring units with an affinity for the location, for example, woodlands bring your nature lovers and the guys who get boosts on grass and dirt. Leave the "allergic to plants guys" at home. Factory map, do the reverse. Squad mostly female? Bring the lesbian and catholic girl who has a phobia to men.

I haven't unlocked a characters "hidden potential" yet, but bringing characters with positive potentials related to the map get more bonuses running around.

[Gamivore]

It is highly recommended NOT upgrade everything equally. For early game, shock troopers are probably the way to go.

But some tips:

-If enemy is in cover and can't be killed in a single attack (ex: shocktroopers and lancers) then it's better to use an explosive (grenade, rocket launcer, etc.) to knock them out of cover and then headshot them

-Cover means the difference between life and death. For both you and your enemies. Open up the battle with a sniper headshotting everything that's not under cover. Always keep your troops crouching if you can. Usually, it'll take three or 4 turns to kill a unit that's under cover (or 5 to 6 if we're talking about the beefier classes) but critical hits can kill a unit in a single blow. When there's no sandbags, try hiding behind a wall/using your tank as a moving meatshield

-Critical hits. Alway aim for the head if they're human or radiators if they're a tank. Critical hits do a huge amount of damage

-ORDERS, ORDERS, ORDERS. Use and abuse your orders. One of the biggest mistakes that new players make is that they completely ignore using orders and instead choose to bum rush with units. Putting dodge and evade boost on a unit turns it into an unstoppable juggernaut that can walk through turret fire


Also, somewhat "cheaper" stuff:

-Save game on every turn. Don't be afraid to reload if your bazooka flies into the horizon instead of hitting an enemy

-Grind skirmish maps for exp

-Use the skirmish maps to unlock your character's hidden potentials.

[landman]

Basics:

Characters can be used more than once per turn

Aim for the head on troops, go for radiator's on tanks

Scouts are like athlete snipers

Shocktroopers are like infantry tanks

Orders can be overpowered, allowing a shocktrooper or even a scout to destroy a tank with a machinegun/rifle

Engineer are almost like scouts with extra grenades

Lancers and Snipers have their mobility so reduced they are only situational, they also have limited amunition.

[Wormhole Enthusiast]

don't die

[The nameless Gamer]

Among all the useful tips you got, here is another one. It takes a bit of time, but is generally a good thing to do in any strategic game: multi-angular attacks. Have a few units move onto the enemy's flank. Try not to get spotted in the process, and be careful not to get outflanked yourself. In case there is no cover available nearby, look for line of sight blocking obstacles, another good way of not getting hit.