Welcome, warriors! I’m Librarian Husky, here to guide you through the dark art of victory. Whether you’re new to the battlefield or a seasoned fighter, this guide will arm you with the knowledge to dominate your opponents. In this realm, we don’t play fair—we win. Prepare yourself to embrace the tactics that will elevate your game and ensure your success in every skirmish. Let’s get started!

The Art of Unfair Tactics

When it comes to securing victory, playing fair isn’t enough—you need to dominate your enemies by any means necessary. The art of unfair tactics lies in leveraging every possible advantage, whether conventional or not. If you’re not willing to play dirty, you’re not trying hard enough. Forget any lofty ideas of honor or fairness, because this is about achieving victory at any cost. In the heat of battle, only the outcome matters, and to secure that win, you must be ready to bend or break the rules as needed. Winning isn’t about playing the game the way it’s meant to be played, it’s about ensuring that your opponent stands no chance against you.

The Feel-Good Myth vs. Winning

It’s tempting to stick to tactics that feel good—those strategies that make you feel accomplished or skillful. But here’s the hard truth: winning feels even better than any tactic that simply “feels right.” If you’ve been consistently falling short, it’s likely because you’ve prioritized feeling good over actual success. This guide is about learning how to win, not how to fight. Leave your dignity at the door, because in the pursuit of victory, what counts isn’t how you get there, but that you do. Sometimes, the dirtiest tactics yield the best results, and in the end, the winner writes the story.

Dealing with Bad Teammates

One of the harsh realities in any team-based game is that sometimes, you simply can’t carry bad teammates. There are matches where no matter how well you perform, your team’s weaknesses will hold you back. Recognizing when to cut your losses is crucial. If your team is lagging behind and not picking up the pace, there’s no shame in abandoning the match to save your time and effort. Wasting your energy on a hopeless situation only delays you from finding a better opportunity to win. It’s all about efficiency—your time is too valuable to be spent trying to salvage a match that’s already lost.

Abandoning a Bad Team

Some players may criticize you for abandoning your team, but the reality is that mid-game matchmaking happens quickly. Once you leave, someone will fill your spot almost immediately, so it’s not as if you’re dooming your team entirely. The one drawback to this strategy is missing out on experience gain at the end of the match. However, if you’re consistently at the top of the leaderboard compared to both your teammates and your opponents, it might be worth leaving the lobby and moving on to the next match. In these cases, cutting your losses early will ultimately benefit you in the long run.

Evaluating Your Teammates

One quick way to tilt the odds in your favor is to evaluate your teammates’ skill levels. Before the match starts, take a moment to glance over their levels. Ideally, you want your team’s levels to be equal to or higher than the opposing team’s on a player-to-player basis. This simple check can give you an idea of whether you’re in for an uphill battle or a more balanced game. If the balance doesn’t favor you, it’s a warning sign that you might need to prepare for a more challenging match—or even reconsider sticking around.

The Level Scale for Success

The level of a player often correlates with their skill and experience in the game. Players at level 10 or below are generally indistinguishable, as nearly anyone can reach this stage with minimal effort. These players typically lack the awareness and skill to pose a significant threat. As you encounter players in the 11 to 15 range, you’ll notice they have become competent enough to use their abilities and weapons effectively, though they are still relatively easy to outplay with advanced tactics. Levels 16 to 23 often represent the backbone of most successful teams—these players frequently carry their squads with better situational awareness and execution. However, something curious happens at levels 24 and 25. For some reason, players at these levels often underperform unless they are grouped with others of the same level. It’s an odd trend, but one worth considering when evaluating your team.

The Mystery of Level 25 Players

There’s something about reaching level 25 that seems to cause a drop in player competence. It’s as though crossing that threshold leads to an inexplicable decline in performance. If anyone has insight into why this happens, it would be valuable to share, because it remains a mystery. Perhaps it’s overconfidence, or maybe these players feel like they’ve “made it” and become complacent. Whatever the reason, when you see level 25 players on your team, treat their contributions with caution unless they are part of a cohesive group.

Loadout Essentials: What to Use and What to Avoid

When considering your loadout, there are more “don’ts” than “dos.” While there’s room for personal preference, certain items should be avoided unless you know exactly how to use them. For example, stun grenades are a reliable choice in most situations, and melta bombs can be devastating if you understand their mechanics. However, if you’re unsure of how to use the melta bomb effectively, it’s best to steer clear for now. Additionally, avoid using melta bombs in PvP scenarios unless you want to make yourself an easy target.

Understanding PvP Situations

In PvP, melta bombs may seem like a powerful option, but they often do more harm than good. While they can be effective against less skilled players, the better opponents will easily exploit your use of them. Inexperienced players may fall prey to the blast radius, but more advanced enemies will see you coming and use your melta bomb deployment as an opportunity to take you down. Melta bombs work better in operations, where the risk is lower and the environment more controlled. In PvP, smarter tactics are needed to avoid unnecessary deaths.

Class Selection for Beginners

If you’re new to the game, it’s wise to avoid the more complex armor classes right off the bat. Instead, start with something more beginner-friendly like Tactical or Heavy. These classes offer a good balance of offensive and defensive capabilities while being easier to master. Over time, as you gain experience and familiarity with the maps and different playstyles, flexibility will become one of your greatest assets. Understanding which class works best in different scenarios will give you an edge as you develop your skills.

Optimizing Sniper and Class Selection for the Map

Sniper classes excel in certain environments and suffer in others, so it’s essential to optimize your selection based on the map. For example, snipers with bolt rifles perform exceptionally well on long-sight maps like Cathedral, where they can pick off enemies from a distance. On the other hand, snipers with bolt carbines are better suited to close-quarters maps like Maum, where they can use flanking routes to catch opponents off guard. Similarly, class selection varies depending on the mode—some classes are better at holding objectives, while others shine in free-for-all scenarios.

The Role of Assault Classes

Assault classes are designed for aggressive gameplay and are best suited for charging directly into objectives. However, they often ignore situational awareness, which can lead to mistakes. As an Assault player, it’s important to recognize when and where your role is most effective. Charging blindly into battle won’t always guarantee success, so you’ll need to adjust your approach depending on the map and game mode. If you choose this class, be mindful of your surroundings and adapt to the situation as it unfolds.

Choosing Targets: Good vs. Bad Enemies

In any match, you’ll face a mix of skilled and weaker opponents. Deciding who to focus on can influence the outcome of the game. Targeting strong opponents might lead to more deaths on your part, but it keeps these dangerous players out of key fights. On the other hand, focusing on weaker players can help you rack up kills, but it may leave your team vulnerable to the stronger enemies. The best strategy depends on your team’s overall strength—if your team is solid, focus on the star players. If your team is struggling, it might be better to focus on weaker enemies to keep the kill count in your favor.

General Combat Tips

Whether you’re taking on stronger or weaker opponents, always position yourself to your advantage. Make sure your right side is around cover whenever possible, allowing you to peek and shoot without exposing too much of your body. Additionally, always keep an eye out for potential flankers—other players who try to catch you off guard by attacking from the side or behind. A combination of good positioning, awareness, and target prioritization will keep you alive and effective in combat.

The Art of Flanking

Flanking is one of the most effective tactics in any combat situation. Always aim to flank from behind, rather than from the side, as most enemies rarely watch their backs. This allows you to approach undetected and take them out before they even realize you’re there. Use distractions—such as your teammates engaging the enemy head-on—to sneak around and attack from the rear. A well-executed flank can turn the tide of battle, especially when you eliminate key opponents.

Understanding the Tactical Class

The Tactical class is a versatile option that works well in nearly any map or mode, making it an excellent choice for beginners. With solid armor, a wide range of weapons, and a balanced skill set, this class provides a strong foundation for new players. It’s a reliable pick that offers enough flexibility to adapt to various scenarios, and it doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses compared to other classes. As you grow more familiar with the game, Tactical will continue to serve as a dependable choice.

Weapon Positioning and Flexibility

Your positioning on the battlefield will depend on the weapon you’ve chosen for the match. For instance, if you’re using the Marksman carbine, a semi-automatic weapon with decent range, you’ll want to stay further back in team fights, supporting your allies from a distance. On the other hand, if you’re wielding an autoc carbine, which is better suited for close-range engagements, you’ll need to focus on flanking and surprise attacks. The choice of weapon will dictate your role in the fight, so pick one that complements your playstyle.

Using the Scan Ability

The scan ability is a powerful tool that reveals enemy positions through walls in a large radius. To use it effectively, make sure to deploy it from behind cover to avoid exposing yourself. The scan can disrupt enemy advances, as it forces them to reconsider their approach when they know they’ve been spotted. This ability can give your team the upper hand by providing critical information about enemy movements, allowing you to plan your attacks more strategically.

Vanguard: Master of Relocation and Flanking

The Vanguard class thrives in its ability to quickly reposition on the battlefield and flank enemies with ease. Its mobility is unmatched, making it the perfect counter to snipers and other stationary units, especially on maps that offer high ground such as Bastion. By leveraging their grapple ability, Vanguards can swiftly relocate to key vantage points or outflank unaware enemies, turning the tide of battle with a surprise assault.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Vanguard

Although Vanguard shares a common weakness with Assault in confined spaces, where movement is limited, it generally outperforms the Assault class due to its superior infiltration capabilities. Vanguard’s strength lies in eliminating key targets behind enemy lines, disrupting their formations, and creating chaos. In wide, open areas, Vanguard can truly shine, but when forced into tight corridors, it may struggle.

Effective Use of Grapple and Tactics

The key to mastering Vanguard lies in the effective use of the grapple ability. Use it to quickly reach high ground, where you can surprise and outflank enemies who are unaware of your presence. Timing is essential—when descending on enemies, combine precise gunfire with quick melee strikes for maximum impact. Your mobility is your greatest weapon, so always stay on the move and strike from unexpected angles.

Bullwark’s Role in Multiplayer

The Bullwark class, in contrast to Vanguard, excels in a defensive role across all game modes. Bullwarks are particularly effective when holding objectives, using their shields to absorb damage and force enemies into close-quarters combat. Once in melee range, Bullwark dominates with powerful strikes and the ability to withstand enemy fire, making them an invaluable asset in objective-based modes.

The Power of Enclosed Area Fights

Bullwark is most potent in enclosed areas, where their shields and banner abilities provide invulnerability to most incoming gunfire. In such spaces, they can force enemies into close combat, where Bullwark’s melee strength is nearly unbeatable. To succeed as Bullwark, use the terrain to your advantage, forcing enemies into your zone of control and punishing them when they get too close.

Understanding Your Role

As a Bullwark, your primary role is to hold the front line and protect your team’s position. Don’t try to outflank the enemy yourself—your strength lies in standing your ground, absorbing damage, and letting flankers and more mobile teammates do their jobs. By locking down key areas, you allow your team to maneuver around the battlefield with more freedom.

Infiltration Master: The Best Flanker

When it comes to pure flanking, few classes can rival the Infiltrator. This class excels at sneaking behind enemy lines undetected, sowing chaos, and dismantling their formations from within. Regardless of the map or game mode, an effective Infiltrator can turn the tide of battle by exploiting their stealth and infiltration abilities to disrupt the enemy’s strategy.

Psychological Warfare of Flanking

A skilled flanker does more than just rack up kills; they create psychological pressure on the enemy team. Even if the flanker is not actively attacking, their mere presence forces enemies to constantly check their backs and become paranoid about potential threats. This breakdown in enemy cohesion often leads to easy victories, as they become disorganized and vulnerable.

The Heavy: The Brick House of the Group

The Heavy class is the cornerstone of any team, excelling at controlling lanes and dominating close-range firefights. Their ability to lay down continuous suppressive fire makes them a key player in holding objectives and preventing enemy advances. Heavies are built to anchor their team, providing both offensive and defensive power in equal measure.

Strategic Positioning and Threats

Heavies are most vulnerable when caught in long, open sight lines, where their lack of mobility can be exploited. To mitigate this, focus on controlling key areas of the battlefield where you can maintain cover and suppress enemy movements. Your job is to apply constant pressure, making it difficult for the enemy to push forward or secure objectives.

Offensive Powerhouse

While Bullwark focuses on defense, the Heavy class is all about offense. By laying down a steady stream of firepower, you can prevent enemies from advancing, choke their lanes of movement, and create opportunities for your teammates to push forward. However, you must always be mindful of flankers, who will target you due to your importance in suppressing the enemy team.

Countering Other Classes

The Heavy class doesn’t have a direct counter for Tactical players, so you’ll need to outplay them by maximizing your suppression capabilities and controlling the flow of the battle. Assault players can be neutralized by securing high ground or laying down heavy fire to stop them from closing the gap. Ultimately, your success as a Heavy depends on your ability to maintain control of key areas and outlast your opponents in firefights.

How to Counter Various Classes

When countering different classes, your greatest advantage comes from positional awareness and tactical use of firepower. Every class has its own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding these will allow you to exploit their vulnerabilities. Heavy classes, for example, rely on their ability to control lanes and suppress enemies with sustained firepower, but they can be neutralized with smart positioning, using cover to avoid their line of fire and timing your movements to flank them. Flankers, on the other hand, thrive in catching opponents off guard, so you’ll need to be aware of your surroundings and anticipate their movements, making sure you’re not an easy target for their sneaky tactics.

Dealing with Vanguards

Vanguards, while incredibly mobile and dangerous in close quarters, are vulnerable during their grapples. When you see a Vanguard grappling toward you, this is your prime opportunity to strike. Timing is key—shoot them as they descend, using their airborne state to your advantage since they’re easier to hit. If they manage to get close, be prepared to parry their kick or melee attacks, then follow up with a swift counterattack. Vanguards rely on their mobility and surprise, but a well-prepared player can neutralize them before they have a chance to wreak havoc.

Handling Bullwark Players

Bullwark players pose a unique challenge due to their strong defensive capabilities. Their shield makes them hard to deal with head-on, so the key to taking down a Bullwark lies in getting up close and personal. Force them to raise their shield by pressuring them with gunfire, then quickly change your positioning and strike from an unexpected angle. If you’re able to get in close, stomping on their feet or using a melee attack can break their focus, leaving them vulnerable. Bullwarks thrive in defensive roles, but if you disrupt their rhythm, you can catch them off guard and dismantle their defenses.

Sniper Class Vulnerabilities

Snipers, though deadly at long range, are highly vulnerable when flanked. Their lack of mobility and weaker close-range combat skills make them prime targets for those who can get in close without being noticed. The best way to handle snipers is to outmaneuver them—flank from an unexpected direction, or use flash grenades to disorient them and close the gap quickly. Once you get in range, snipers are easy to take down, as their weapons are designed for precision rather than rapid-fire. Always be mindful of sniper positions and move strategically to avoid getting picked off.