Editing Defense structures
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{{for|strategies against threats|Defense tactics}} | {{for|strategies against threats|Defense tactics}} | ||
− | Raids are frequent and numerous as enemies don't journey towards your base from their "camp" but just spawn on your map nor need to maintain their base like players do. So players must wisely consider protective measures while still taking | + | Raids are frequent and numerous as enemies don't journey towards your base from their "camp" but just spawn on your map nor need to maintain their base like players do. So players must wisely consider protective measures while still taking every thing else into account, whereas hostiles only attack. |
Basically, players have to fight the same enemy AI programming for each type of hostile but the approach to it may differ according to gameplay preferences, either face to face for a more combative experience or behind killboxes for a less threatening measure, or both combined. | Basically, players have to fight the same enemy AI programming for each type of hostile but the approach to it may differ according to gameplay preferences, either face to face for a more combative experience or behind killboxes for a less threatening measure, or both combined. | ||
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== Map features == | == Map features == | ||
− | Before laying blueprints, first inspect the | + | Before laying blueprints, first inspect the natural features that can work as defenses, such as marshes, mountains and rivers. |
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=== Moats === | === Moats === | ||
− | Water or marsh tiles can be used as moats which will considerably slow down | + | Water or marsh tiles can be used as moats which will considerably slow down enemy advance, giving you some time to shoot and soften the clash. |
− | [[File:Moats.png|600px|thumb|center|Marsh used as moats to slow enemy advance, with little islands full of | + | [[File:Moats.png|600px|thumb|center|Marsh used as moats to slow enemy advance, with little islands full of deadfall traps.]] |
=== Rivers === | === Rivers === | ||
− | In maps with rivers | + | In maps with rivers you can build bridges (1.0 or mods) and cover on top of it, and by funneling enemies into the river, you can slow them down significantly while exposing them. |
=== Mountains === | === Mountains === | ||
− | Mountains (in | + | Mountains (in Small hills or Large hills maps) that align with each other can become part of your defensive walls by filling the gap in-between. Mountainous maps, however, are better used by digging in tunnels and caves or walling out a section surrounded by mountains. |
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=== Map borders === | === Map borders === | ||
− | Pay attention when expanding towards the edges of the | + | Pay attention when expanding towards the edges of the map, as there's a boundary you can't build beyond that is only visible when the "Structure" tab is selected. |
== Early-game defense == | == Early-game defense == | ||
− | At the very beginning your most primitive | + | At the very beginning your most primitive security choices are deadfall traps, sandbags and stone chunks. You will need to find a balance between these three to make the most out of the available materials without costing too much time. Analyze the terrain to find choke points, natural walls, and other features you can use to defend your colony. |
[[File:Stone chunks at the outer side to prevent fire spree in tropical forest.png|400px|thumb|right|Stone chunks at the outer side to slow wildfires in tropical forest.]] | [[File:Stone chunks at the outer side to prevent fire spree in tropical forest.png|400px|thumb|right|Stone chunks at the outer side to slow wildfires in tropical forest.]] | ||
− | === | + | === Stone chunk manipulation === |
− | From the start, | + | From the start, it's very likely you will have to move stone chunks either to build or to open a growing zone, while gathering raw materials into a stockpile zone. As you move stone chunks around, you might as well create a Dumping stockpile zone on the outside of your wall, covering its width and expanding it further. This is a little help as fire prevention, since stone chunks will slow the spread of fires by preventing grass growth, thus naturally removing any flammables below. Fires can spread up to 4 tiles away, so this won't completely stop fires unless you put a thick enough line. |
Performing this action can be time consuming, so just a single line covering your entire wall width would be a good start. | Performing this action can be time consuming, so just a single line covering your entire wall width would be a good start. | ||
− | Your speed in this matter is greatly affected by the number of haulers available. | + | Your speed in this matter is greatly affected by the number of haulers available. It becomes faster if you can tame and train intelligent animals to do the hauling for you, allowing you to actually build defensive structures while the animals do this for you. Taming hauling animals is also time and food consuming so you will need to allocate resources carefully rather than getting 20 pets right away. |
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=== Walls === | === Walls === | ||
− | An essential | + | An essential building to keep threats out, so long as the base is self-sustainable inside. Walls alone can fend off early game raids if enough repairmen can keep the walls standing while enemies start to starve and become tired. Walls protect from Predator attacks and Manhunter packs, which cannot reach colonists safely inside unless a colonist is seen passing through doors at which point they will attempt to break them down. |
− | As raids become stronger, walls alone won't hold off raids, so prepare additional defenses behind them such as lines of | + | As raids become stronger, walls alone won't hold off raids, so prepare additional defenses behind them such as lines of sandbags. |
− | Many layers can be raised as you expand. Initially it is faster to build with | + | Many layers can be raised as you expand. Initially it is faster to build with wood, but later on they should be made of stone. Placing several doors 15 to 25 tiles between each other allows multiple exits and the ability to flank enemies. |
− | If raising additional walls, instead of putting the second layer right next to the first, consider leaving a gap between both. Wide gaps give long-range shooters enough distance to pick off targets, while 1-tile gaps allow repairs without being exposed to enemy fire. <br> Double layer walls may seem more resistant protection but | + | If raising additional walls, instead of putting the second layer right next to the first, consider leaving a gap between both. Wide gaps give long-range shooters enough distance to pick off targets, while 1-tile gaps allow repairs without being exposed to enemy fire. <br> Double layer walls may seem more resistant protection but is discouraged as colonists cannot may go out to repair the side that is being attacked, placing themselves in harm's way. |
− | Wooden walls are weak and flammable, while all walls are weak against [[frag grenades]]. Grenadiers can easily breach them, so target those with explosive weapons first to prevent the wall from falling. When your efforts are not enough, this shall signal the time to retreat to your inner walls or any other defensive structure inside. | + | Wooden walls are weak and flammable, while all walls are weak against [[frag grenades]]. Grenadiers can easily breach them (sometimes killing their own comrades who are bashing down the same spot), so target those with explosive weapons first to prevent the wall from falling. When your efforts are not enough, this shall signal the time to retreat backwards to your inner walls or any other defensive structure inside. |
+ | |||
+ | When segments are broken through, they will become chokepoints which allow your colonists to concentrate fire on. | ||
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=== [[Cover]] === | === [[Cover]] === | ||
− | Cover is vital for firefights as it can block projectiles, reducing the amount of | + | Cover is vital for firefights as it can block projectiles, reducing the amount of damage received by your colonists. This is an essential defense as long as colonists or turrets are directly engaging. |
However, static defenders behind cover are vulnerable to explosives, so be careful. | However, static defenders behind cover are vulnerable to explosives, so be careful. | ||
− | ==== Sandbags | + | ==== Sandbags ==== |
− | + | Sandbags are very efficient when placed wisely. Their protection is inferior to walls (65% vs 75% from walls), but are more effective against diagonal fire as they can be placed side by side. Sandbags are faster to build but require steel instead. Some scenarios start with steel, but it is usually better used for other things. | |
− | Sandbags | + | Sandbags are a quick security measure when an extended wall would take many days to complete, as well as a fallback secondary defense when the perimeter is breached. It all depends in each game. |
The most common usages are in shape of a square's corners or a U shape with the opening towards fast retreat. | The most common usages are in shape of a square's corners or a U shape with the opening towards fast retreat. | ||
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Walls are the most effective cover, providing up to 75% cover. However, this restricts your colonist's effective attack area, and single pillars are greatly affected by direction, making them unable to protect against projectiles fired diagonally. | Walls are the most effective cover, providing up to 75% cover. However, this restricts your colonist's effective attack area, and single pillars are greatly affected by direction, making them unable to protect against projectiles fired diagonally. | ||
− | ==== | + | ==== Stone chunks ==== |
− | + | Stone chunks are natural resources with 50% cover efficiency, the weakest protection but still worth it. Their placing is similar to sandbags only that it requires hauling to previously set dumping zone lines, instead of construction. Helpful if you have no one well skilled in construction. | |
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− | + | === [[Spike trap]]s === | |
− | When building | + | The only initially available defense that deals damage, is single use (rearmable and named as Deadfall trap in B18 and earlier) and needs careful placement. Common locations are in the corners of your base where enemies will likely make turns as well as narrow areas even outside your base that receive frequent traffic. If it doesn't seem obvious to you at first, one way to find out is by carefully studying raids pathing from the map borders as they close in towards your base. Watch where they go through and starting laying blueprints but forbidding them (as you are currently being attacked). |
+ | |||
+ | When building deadfall traps, you must also leave free areas so that your colonists and friendlies can pass harmlessly or else they are greatly slowed while trying to tiptoe through them, and may accidentally trigger one in the process. As such, putting them in a 1-wide corridor is not a good idea. | ||
Traps made of wood are highly flammable so its best to place them on rock or soil far from grass or trees, where wildfires won't waste them. Stone traps can't get burnt. Either can be destroyed by explosions so they shouldn't be placed right in front of your walls as grenadiers will blow them away altogether. | Traps made of wood are highly flammable so its best to place them on rock or soil far from grass or trees, where wildfires won't waste them. Stone traps can't get burnt. Either can be destroyed by explosions so they shouldn't be placed right in front of your walls as grenadiers will blow them away altogether. | ||
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<gallery widths="400px" heights="400px" class="center" mode="nolines"> | <gallery widths="400px" heights="400px" class="center" mode="nolines"> | ||
− | File: | + | File:Deadfall traps.png|'''Traps in a narrow passage''' |
File:Defense structures deadfall trap.png|'''Traps in potential enemy cover spots (map border)''' | File:Defense structures deadfall trap.png|'''Traps in potential enemy cover spots (map border)''' | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
=== Clearing the area === | === Clearing the area === | ||
− | [[File:Wildfire clearing.png|500px|thumb|right| | + | [[File:Wildfire clearing.png|500px|thumb|right|Controlled burning of a tropical rainforest.]] |
− | Once your basics had been covered, it's time to make improvements. On maps where flora is dense, it's best to clear the surroundings so that enemies won't have cover to fight, totally exposed to your fire. | + | Once your basics had been covered, it's time to make improvements. On maps where flora is dense, it's best to clear the surroundings so that enemies won't have cover to fight, totally exposed to your fire. Use the "Cut plants" order to remove trees and "Haul" to haul stone chunks away, gaining berries and wood in the process, and make your stonecutters walk around less. |
Clearing the area also prevents fires from reaching your base. On the other hand, vegetation on [[Biomes#Temperate forest|temperate forests]] or [[Biomes#Tropical rainforest|tropical rainforests]] never cease growing, so an easy way to clear your surroundings is to do controlled burnings of the surroundings, doing the job faster than chopping and cutting. Burned trees only provide 20% cover. | Clearing the area also prevents fires from reaching your base. On the other hand, vegetation on [[Biomes#Temperate forest|temperate forests]] or [[Biomes#Tropical rainforest|tropical rainforests]] never cease growing, so an easy way to clear your surroundings is to do controlled burnings of the surroundings, doing the job faster than chopping and cutting. Burned trees only provide 20% cover. | ||
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== Mid-game defense == | == Mid-game defense == | ||
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==== The "Fire Wall" ==== | ==== The "Fire Wall" ==== | ||
− | [[File:Cover_fire_wall.png|400px|thumb|right|Example of advanced cover using walls.<br> Colonists behind walls are enjoying full cover, with 75% of shots blocked. <br>Colonists behind sandbags are at half cover, with | + | [[File:Cover_fire_wall.png|400px|thumb|right|Example of advanced cover using walls.<br> Colonists behind walls are enjoying full cover, with 75% of shots blocked. <br>Colonists behind sandbags are at half cover, with 65% of shots blocked.]] |
− | An effective cover design is to alternate 2 walls and 1 sand bag. With this, you can have two defenders behind full cover firing out of one hole. The sandbags should be there mainly to soak fire coming from oblique angles; ideally | + | An effective cover design is to alternate 2 walls and 1 sand bag. With this, you can have two defenders behind full cover firing out of one hole. The sandbags should be there mainly to soak fire coming from oblique angles; ideally '''there shouldn't be anyone standing directly behind them''', otherwise stray fire directed at that colonist will easily hit others around him. |
+ | |||
+ | For an added bonus, build a constructed roof over your colonists' heads to shield them from rain. | ||
This structure narrows the effective attack area, forcing both sides to fire straight at each other. Fire walls should be placed directly in front of where enemies will be attacking from, such as potential sources of cover. | This structure narrows the effective attack area, forcing both sides to fire straight at each other. Fire walls should be placed directly in front of where enemies will be attacking from, such as potential sources of cover. | ||
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Cons | Cons | ||
* May prevent colonists from ganging up on enemies | * May prevent colonists from ganging up on enemies | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
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For additional protection against shots not coming straight, sandbags can be built to the sides of where colonists will stand during combat. | For additional protection against shots not coming straight, sandbags can be built to the sides of where colonists will stand during combat. | ||
− | This does not result in a narrowed attack angle for your colonists, allowing them to attack enemies from a broader angle while still receiving comprehensive protection from fire, especially when enemies are almost firing horizontally at your colonists. Colonists also take | + | This does not result in a narrowed attack angle for your colonists, allowing them to attack enemies from a broader angle while still receiving comprehensive protection from fire, especially when enemies are almost firing horizontally at your colonists. Colonists also do not take any hits from missed shots as they are forced to stand 1 tile away from each other. |
− | This can be used to complement the aforementioned 'Fire walls' by placing them somewhere slightly | + | This can be used to complement the aforementioned 'Fire walls' by placing them somewhere slightly further away where defenders will fire diagonally at enemies. |
− | {{ | + | {{clr}} |
==== Cover removal ==== | ==== Cover removal ==== | ||
[[File:Cover removal or baiting.png|400px|thumb|right|Watch where enemies choose to hide and once the battle is over plan for the future.]] | [[File:Cover removal or baiting.png|400px|thumb|right|Watch where enemies choose to hide and once the battle is over plan for the future.]] | ||
− | While sandbags already give you an advantage over raiders in terms of cover ( | + | While sandbags already give you an advantage over raiders in terms of cover (65% vs 50% for stone chunks), removing all sources of cover near your base is still very useful when dealing with ranged enemies as they will then have nowhere to hide. |
− | Haul all stone chunks towards a dump behind your defensive lines so enemies can't use them. | + | Haul all stone chunks towards a dump behind your defensive lines so enemies can't use them. Enemy snipers can shoot from up to 45 tiles away, though most raiders can't shoot that far, so removing chunks around 30 tiles away from your defenses can deprive many enemies of suitable cover. |
− | Watch out for your crop fields, as colonists tend to move and lay out chunks in straight lines when planting on | + | Watch out for your crop fields, as colonists tend to move and lay out chunks in straight lines when planting on growing zone tiles, suitable for raiders to take cover behind. |
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
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[[File:Flanking_example.png|400px|thumb|right|Early-game example of cover baiting. Notice the rock chunks laid strategically so that shooters can lean out of doors to flank enemies hiding behind them. Enemies that reposition themselves to defend against one angle will be exposed to another, leaving nowhere safe to hide.]] | [[File:Flanking_example.png|400px|thumb|right|Early-game example of cover baiting. Notice the rock chunks laid strategically so that shooters can lean out of doors to flank enemies hiding behind them. Enemies that reposition themselves to defend against one angle will be exposed to another, leaving nowhere safe to hide.]] | ||
− | Once there's no suitable cover nearby, ranged attackers will scramble to find any objects usable as cover. You can exploit this by placing any form of low cover to attract them to a place where they can be dealt with more easily. [[Stool]]s work | + | Once there's no suitable cover nearby, ranged attackers will scramble to find any objects usable as cover. You can exploit this by placing any form of low cover to attract them to a place where they can be dealt with more easily. [[Stool]]s work good, though they wear out quite fast under constant fire. |
If the cover is hard to remove (such as plants and trees constantly regrowing in plant-rich biomes), you can manipulate stone chunks in ways that give them a disadvantage. For example, putting gaps between each chunk exposes the enemy behind to fire directed diagonally, or continuous lines allow missed shots to hit nearby covering enemies. If your defense line is big enough, you can bait enemies into taking cover in such a way that leaves them flanked (see picture). | If the cover is hard to remove (such as plants and trees constantly regrowing in plant-rich biomes), you can manipulate stone chunks in ways that give them a disadvantage. For example, putting gaps between each chunk exposes the enemy behind to fire directed diagonally, or continuous lines allow missed shots to hit nearby covering enemies. If your defense line is big enough, you can bait enemies into taking cover in such a way that leaves them flanked (see picture). | ||
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[[File:Makeshift_pillbox.png|320px|thumb|right|Map ruins converted into a pillbox.]] | [[File:Makeshift_pillbox.png|320px|thumb|right|Map ruins converted into a pillbox.]] | ||
− | A simple early game construct, effective | + | A simple early game construct, effective across most stages. Simply build a room in any shape (or convert them from ruins) and then deconstruct a few sections of wall facing the enemy to make some holes and replace with sandbags -- these will be firing holes for your shooters, where they can use the walls as cover for 75% protection from direct fire, and sandbags as cover from diagonal fire. |
Bunkers should be built out of stone, as they are durable and are non-flammable. | Bunkers should be built out of stone, as they are durable and are non-flammable. | ||
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'''Pros''' | '''Pros''' | ||
− | * Cheap -- | + | *Cheap -- all it takes is whatever materials you use for the walls |
− | * Simple -- | + | *Simple -- just make a room and knock out holes for your shooters |
− | * Upgrade-able and | + | *Upgrade-able -- can add turrets and extend or fortify the bunker |
− | * | + | *Makes it hard for enemies to hit your colonists since they are behind full cover |
− | ** Full cover | + | **Full cover also stops explosive damage if the explosion happened outside the wall -- additional walls can be built behind your shooters to take advantage of this |
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Pillboxes can be incorporated into perimeter walls, but make sure that there is no direct entry from there, such as by building a durable door. | Pillboxes can be incorporated into perimeter walls, but make sure that there is no direct entry from there, such as by building a durable door. | ||
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==== Burning floors ==== | ==== Burning floors ==== | ||
− | You can build | + | |
+ | You can build wooden floors to set on fire, burning enemies. Once the floors are burnt, they leave behind burnt floors that apply a hefty movement penalty, and will persist until removed. | ||
=== Traps === | === Traps === | ||
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==== Understanding A.I. ==== | ==== Understanding A.I. ==== | ||
− | Friendly AI will always prefer to move through doors and avoid traps, while enemies will prefer to go around structures by entering open spaces and are unable to see traps. | + | Friendly AI will always prefer to move through doors and avoid traps, while enemies will prefer to go around structures by entering open spaces and are unable to see traps. |
<center>[[File:Trap_choke.png|500px]]</center> | <center>[[File:Trap_choke.png|500px]]</center> | ||
− | Because of that, trap chokepoints like this one are effective. Enemies will prefer to use the corridors rather than attempting to destroy doors as it would be more time consuming, and being unable to see the traps, they will trip them hopelessly. On the other hand, your colonists can safely pass using the door instead. Enemies cannot | + | Because of that, trap chokepoints like this one are effective. Enemies will prefer to use the corridors rather than attempting to destroy doors as it would be more time consuming, and being unable to see the traps, they will trip them hopelessly. On the other hand, your colonists can safely pass using the door instead. Enemies cannot open doors unless they destroy them first. |
+ | |||
+ | ==== Trap memory ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Hostile factions can remember the tile location of your traps for a single quadrum, so long as any survivor manages to tell the tale by escaping the map. Factions keep this information to themselves and do not share with others. This is of course, once a trap has been triggered by someone walking over it only, causing them to attempt to avoid the tile in future attacks. | ||
+ | |||
+ | They will still walk over known trapped tiles in order to get to you, if there are no other routes available. | ||
==== Roof trap ==== | ==== Roof trap ==== | ||
− | This clever trap is simple to set up and hard-hitting when triggered. It can be considered a giant single-use | + | This clever trap is simple to set up and hard-hitting when triggered. It can be considered a giant single-use deadfall trap. |
All you need to do is to erect 1 pillar made of a low-HP material, optimally wood, then build a roof over it. When raiders walk near the pillar, demolish it from a distance with long-range guns. You can remove the home area near the pillar to prevent colonists from repairing it, then damage it until it can be destroyed in 1 hit. | All you need to do is to erect 1 pillar made of a low-HP material, optimally wood, then build a roof over it. When raiders walk near the pillar, demolish it from a distance with long-range guns. You can remove the home area near the pillar to prevent colonists from repairing it, then damage it until it can be destroyed in 1 hit. | ||
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4-tile wide strips of concrete, metal or stone tiles are capable of stopping the spread of fires. This can prevent many fires from reaching your base and burning it down. This is more important for plant-rich biomes with large amounts of flammable material. | 4-tile wide strips of concrete, metal or stone tiles are capable of stopping the spread of fires. This can prevent many fires from reaching your base and burning it down. This is more important for plant-rich biomes with large amounts of flammable material. | ||
− | You can build one surrounding your base, and divide the map into sections in order to control fires | + | You can build one surrounding your base, and divide the map into sections in order to control fires. |
− | Keep in mind that building such amounts of floors usually requires huge amounts of building materials - if you have stone on hand it is better to build a perimeter wall out of stone instead, with the added advantage of fortifying defenses. | + | Keep in mind that building such amounts of floors usually requires huge amounts of building materials- if you have stone on hand it is better to build a perimeter wall out of stone instead, with the added advantage of fortifying defenses. |
==== Grazing animals ==== | ==== Grazing animals ==== | ||
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=== Turrets === | === Turrets === | ||
− | Turrets are automated defenses which shoot at enemies in range. There are three varieties; the [[mini-turret]], [[autocannon turret]] and [[uranium slug turret]] | + | Turrets are automated defenses which shoot at enemies in range. There are three varieties; the [[mini-turret]], [[autocannon turret]] and [[uranium slug turret]] in 0.19/1.0, while in earlier versions there is only 1, the [[improvised turret]]. |
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Turret-reliant perimeter defenses are generally only viable for the first several raids, after which the areas will quickly get overwhelmed each raid due to not being able to focus fire on the numerous raiders. | Turret-reliant perimeter defenses are generally only viable for the first several raids, after which the areas will quickly get overwhelmed each raid due to not being able to focus fire on the numerous raiders. | ||
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Remember that turrets may explode when critically damaged, so get your colonists to run from them. | Remember that turrets may explode when critically damaged, so get your colonists to run from them. | ||
− | All require barrel changes or reloading after extensive firing starting | + | All require barrel changes or reloading after extensive firing (starting from 0.19/1.0), costing resources, making relying on them more resource intensive. |
[[File:Turret_range_comparison.png|1200px|thumb|left|Visualization of effective turret range of all three turrets, from uranium slug turret (top), to autocannon turret (middle), to mini-turret (bottom). <br> | [[File:Turret_range_comparison.png|1200px|thumb|left|Visualization of effective turret range of all three turrets, from uranium slug turret (top), to autocannon turret (middle), to mini-turret (bottom). <br> | ||
Green is '''80 - 100% of peak accuracy''', blue is '''50 - 80% of peak accuracy''', red is '''below 50% of peak accuracy''' and grey is '''outside range'''. Gold tiles are spaced every 5 tiles.]] | Green is '''80 - 100% of peak accuracy''', blue is '''50 - 80% of peak accuracy''', red is '''below 50% of peak accuracy''' and grey is '''outside range'''. Gold tiles are spaced every 5 tiles.]] | ||
− | {{ | + | {{clr}} |
− | ==== | + | ==== Mini-turret ==== |
− | Mini-turrets fire light bullets at enemies within its range. | + | Mini-turrets (or improvised turrets in Beta 18 or earlier) fire light bullets at enemies within its range. |
− | With its low firepower it is not a good idea to extensively rely on them, especially in mid-late game. However they do provide decent additional fire to lay on the enemy combining with gunners, and also serve as a distraction from your more valuable colonists. | + | With its low firepower and resource consumption, it is not a good idea to extensively rely on them, especially in mid-late game. However they do provide decent additional fire to lay on the enemy combining with gunners, and also serve as a distraction from your more valuable colonists. |
'''Pros''' | '''Pros''' | ||
*Can be uninstalled and re-deployed wherever needed, making their placement slightly less of an issue | *Can be uninstalled and re-deployed wherever needed, making their placement slightly less of an issue | ||
*No exclusion zone allows them to fire at touch range | *No exclusion zone allows them to fire at touch range | ||
− | *1x1 size makes it harder to hit | + | *1x1 size makes it harder to hit |
'''Cons''' | '''Cons''' | ||
*Inaccurate at long-range | *Inaccurate at long-range | ||
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Building turrets out of [[Plasteel]] brings their health to 335 (up from 120), making them substantially more durable and slightly less flammable. | Building turrets out of [[Plasteel]] brings their health to 335 (up from 120), making them substantially more durable and slightly less flammable. | ||
− | ==== | + | ==== Autocannon ==== |
− | Autocannons deal | + | Autocannons deal high damage and are long-ranged, but have an exclusion zone making them less effective against very close ranged enemies in the frontline. |
They are somewhat costly to build and maintain. Despite its long range, it is actually effective only when enemies close in due to its low accuracy. | They are somewhat costly to build and maintain. Despite its long range, it is actually effective only when enemies close in due to its low accuracy. | ||
'''Pros''' | '''Pros''' | ||
− | * | + | *High damage shots |
*Somewhat high fire rate | *Somewhat high fire rate | ||
'''Cons''' | '''Cons''' | ||
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*Somewhat high cost per shot | *Somewhat high cost per shot | ||
− | ==== | + | ==== Uranium slug turret ==== |
A long-range turret that fires a high powered uranium slug. | A long-range turret that fires a high powered uranium slug. | ||
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'''Pros''' | '''Pros''' | ||
− | * | + | *Extremely high damage shots |
− | *Extremely high armor penetration, able to negate | + | *Extremely high armor penetration, able to negate almost all armor on an enemy |
*Accurate at long ranges | *Accurate at long ranges | ||
'''Cons''' | '''Cons''' | ||
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Turrets are most vulnerable to the following things: | Turrets are most vulnerable to the following things: | ||
− | *Explosives deal immense damage to turrets. All forms of regular explosives wielded by raiders are capable of 1-hitting a steel | + | *Explosives deal immense damage to turrets. All forms of regular explosives wielded by raiders are capable of 1-hitting a steel improvised turret and leaving a plasteel one at less than half health. |
*EMP stuns the turrets. Enemy EMP grenadiers can stun a turret for 20 seconds with each grenade, meaning they can constantly lock down multiple turrets, especially those put close together. | *EMP stuns the turrets. Enemy EMP grenadiers can stun a turret for 20 seconds with each grenade, meaning they can constantly lock down multiple turrets, especially those put close together. | ||
− | *[[Smokepop | + | *[[Smokepop belt]]s prevent turrets from locking onto targets within or behind smoke. An enemy equipped it can create a safe zone from which they are safe from turret harm. |
**This is a great issue in killboxes, where turret firepower is often concentrated, as an enemy that activates the belt will essentially be able to nullify a large portion of your defensive firepower. | **This is a great issue in killboxes, where turret firepower is often concentrated, as an enemy that activates the belt will essentially be able to nullify a large portion of your defensive firepower. | ||
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Sandbags can be placed around turrets to give them cover from gunfire. Turrets should have them to reduce damage taken both by the turret and colonists behind the turret repairing/shooting. This has the added advantage of making it harder for melee raiders to run from an exploding turret. | Sandbags can be placed around turrets to give them cover from gunfire. Turrets should have them to reduce damage taken both by the turret and colonists behind the turret repairing/shooting. This has the added advantage of making it harder for melee raiders to run from an exploding turret. | ||
− | They should be spaced out by at least 3 tiles to prevent a turret explosion from damaging other turrets, potentially causing a chain reaction. Alternatively, use high-durability walls to block explosions. | + | They should be spaced out by at least 3 tiles to prevent a turret explosion from damaging other turrets, potentially causing a chain reaction. Alternatively, use high-durability walls to block explosions from damaging other turrets and your colonists. |
==== Turret chokepoint ==== | ==== Turret chokepoint ==== | ||
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==== Booby-trapped turrets ==== | ==== Booby-trapped turrets ==== | ||
− | Melee enemies may go straight up to the turret to engage it. To take them down, you can put traps near the turret such as | + | Melee enemies may go straight up to the turret to engage it. To take them down, you can put traps near the turret such as deadfall traps. |
IED traps can be useful if you're using the turret as bait to lure enemy fighters straight to their doom, which is rather costly since the turret would likely be taken down as well. [[IED firefoam trap]]s may see some use if the enemy comes in using both incendiary and melee weapons, as the firefoam traps can automatically trigger to protect the turrets from the flames. | IED traps can be useful if you're using the turret as bait to lure enemy fighters straight to their doom, which is rather costly since the turret would likely be taken down as well. [[IED firefoam trap]]s may see some use if the enemy comes in using both incendiary and melee weapons, as the firefoam traps can automatically trigger to protect the turrets from the flames. | ||
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=== Mortars=== | === Mortars=== | ||
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A [[mortar]] attack on siege and raids can be effective while the attackers are still preparing. It's fun and most times raiders would flee before begin their assault due to huge losses of men during preparation. | A [[mortar]] attack on siege and raids can be effective while the attackers are still preparing. It's fun and most times raiders would flee before begin their assault due to huge losses of men during preparation. | ||
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[[File:Mortar_battery.png|320px|thumb|right|8-mortar battery. Note the separation between the mortars, and walls to block explosions.]] | [[File:Mortar_battery.png|320px|thumb|right|8-mortar battery. Note the separation between the mortars, and walls to block explosions.]] | ||
− | Mortars | + | Mortars need to be placed outdoors, so have [[shelf|shelves]] to hold the [[mortar shell]]s Set them to accept mortar shells only otherwise your colonists will haul random objects to the shelves. |
Mortars also explode when damaged. Most of the time this isn't an issue, but if you're facing against a siege, an enemy mortar shell that scores a hit on your mortars can cause a chain reaction to rip apart your entire mortar emplacement, killing any crew manning it. To fix this, separate the mortars with high-HP walls that can survive at least 1 hit from an exploding mortar. Building mortars with plasteel also allows the mortar to survive a mortar hit, provided that the mortar shells don't explode. | Mortars also explode when damaged. Most of the time this isn't an issue, but if you're facing against a siege, an enemy mortar shell that scores a hit on your mortars can cause a chain reaction to rip apart your entire mortar emplacement, killing any crew manning it. To fix this, separate the mortars with high-HP walls that can survive at least 1 hit from an exploding mortar. Building mortars with plasteel also allows the mortar to survive a mortar hit, provided that the mortar shells don't explode. | ||
− | Mortars can't fire at anyone within 30 tiles of it, so you will need to place the mortars deep inside your base for maximum coverage. It needs to be well-protected against intruders, for enemies that survive to come close to the mortars can | + | Mortars can't fire at anyone within 30 tiles of it, so you will need to place the mortars deep inside your base for maximum coverage. It needs to be well-protected against intruders, for enemies that survive to come close to the mortars can wreck havoc on the helpless mortar crew, so you should pay attention and unassign the mortar crew to fight if necessary. It's best that you have your colonists standing guard outside, but if you need to you can always have a few pillboxes to defend the mortar base. |
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==== Mortar battery ==== | ==== Mortar battery ==== | ||
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*[[High-explosive shell]]s are the go-to ammo for dealing damage to enemies. | *[[High-explosive shell]]s are the go-to ammo for dealing damage to enemies. | ||
**[[Shield belt]]s can easily block damage from the mortar, so it's best to have backup. | **[[Shield belt]]s can easily block damage from the mortar, so it's best to have backup. | ||
− | *[[Incendiary | + | *[[Incendiary mortar]]s deal low damage, penetrate shields and set areas on fire. The fire can cause disruption among the enemy ranks, as they frantically run trying to put out flames. |
− | **It can be paired with brawlers, which allows them to close in with less firepower on them, and force the enemy into melee combat, preventing them from extinguishing the flames on them. | + | **It can be paired with brawlers, which allows them to close in with less firepower on them, and force the enemy into melee combat, preventing them from extinguishing the flames on them. Be careful not to hit your colonists though. |
**Be careful as the fires can spread across wide areas causing extensive collateral damage. | **Be careful as the fires can spread across wide areas causing extensive collateral damage. | ||
− | *[[EMP shell]]s are highly situational, yet are useful to warrant their use in every well-built defense | + | *[[EMP shell]]s are highly situational, yet are useful enough to warrant their use in every well-built defense. It doesn't deal any physical damage whatsoever, but are useful against some specific enemies. They have a large blast radius, meaning that their inaccuracy is less of a problem compared to the others. |
− | **They | + | **They are a must-have in case of a mechanoid raid. They stun them for a whole 90 seconds, allowing your colonists to close in on them and concentrate fire, or even engage in melee safely. You can keep engaging the mechanoids as you wish when the shells land; you don't need to worry about the mortars injuring your soldiers (though you may want to keep an eye out for your shielded brawlers). |
− | **They excel at dealing with | + | **They excel at dealing with shields, instantly downing many at once, making them an excellent weapon against full melee charges. |
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*[[Firefoam shell]]s can be used to extinguish fires outside your base, but is useless against any inside, due to the mortar's blind spot. | *[[Firefoam shell]]s can be used to extinguish fires outside your base, but is useless against any inside, due to the mortar's blind spot. | ||
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IED traps are extremely effective when used correctly, however in open areas they are mostly useless as the raiders are highly unlikely to step on any of the traps, and even if they do they're usually not tightly packed enough for the trap to cause serious damage. Thus, it is better if you combine traps with funneling to force the raiders together. | IED traps are extremely effective when used correctly, however in open areas they are mostly useless as the raiders are highly unlikely to step on any of the traps, and even if they do they're usually not tightly packed enough for the trap to cause serious damage. Thus, it is better if you combine traps with funneling to force the raiders together. | ||
− | 1 IED trap can trigger other IED traps in its explosion radius. This may or may not be desirable depending on the situation; you can easily set off a chain reaction to destroy a whole incoming raider horde, but also use up much more resources. They also damage nearby structures, such as walls or | + | 1 IED trap can trigger other IED traps in its explosion radius. This may or may not be desirable depending on the situation; you can easily set off a chain reaction to destroy a whole incoming raider horde, but also use up much more resources. They also damage nearby structures, such as walls or deadfall traps, so don't put too many close to each other. |
* Rather than setting more IED traps near existing ones, you can just place the [[Mortar shell]]s themselves, or even some [[Chemfuel]] on the ground for the same effect as a molotov cocktail blast. However, unless you can restrict them to placing just 1 of each it's more expensive to do so. | * Rather than setting more IED traps near existing ones, you can just place the [[Mortar shell]]s themselves, or even some [[Chemfuel]] on the ground for the same effect as a molotov cocktail blast. However, unless you can restrict them to placing just 1 of each it's more expensive to do so. | ||
** Chemfuel has 50 HP, ''just'' within the damage threshold of an IED trap, but the shells have 70, so you will need to pre-damage them or leave them on the ground to deteriorate first if you want to use this tactic. | ** Chemfuel has 50 HP, ''just'' within the damage threshold of an IED trap, but the shells have 70, so you will need to pre-damage them or leave them on the ground to deteriorate first if you want to use this tactic. | ||
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You should have some uninstalled firefoam poppers on hand. When a fire starts and you need to extinguish or control it, you can reinstall them near the fire, and trigger them. | You should have some uninstalled firefoam poppers on hand. When a fire starts and you need to extinguish or control it, you can reinstall them near the fire, and trigger them. | ||
− | Firefoam on the ground slows movement speed of pawns by about 25%. As it covers a wide area, this can be slightly useful as area denial to slow down charging melee attackers, though it prevents the use of fire against them. | + | You can also use them as an anti-shield defense as they deal damage against shields, though you should be careful with friendly fire since they down your shields as well. Standing right next to a popper gives colonists a faceful of foam, but spares their shields. |
+ | |||
+ | Firefoam on the ground slows movement speed of pawns by about 25%. As it covers a wide area, this can be slightly useful as area denial to slow down charging melee attackers, especially those that also had [[shield belt]]s, though it prevents the use of fire against them. | ||
=== Firefoam roof array === | === Firefoam roof array === | ||
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Initial deployment of the firefoam is very expensive without the use of chokepoints so it isn't recommended for open base designs. | Initial deployment of the firefoam is very expensive without the use of chokepoints so it isn't recommended for open base designs. | ||
− | == Killboxes == | + | === Killboxes === |
− | [[File:Killzone.png|500px|thumb|right|An example of a killbox | + | |
+ | [[File:Killzone.png|500px|thumb|right|An example of a killbox, with heavily trapped entryways and stone chunks to slow down enemy advance and force them into close range. Note that these stone chunks give enemy ample cover while they are moving in, which isn't beneficial to you.]] | ||
Killboxes are heavily trapped, armed areas where enemies are funneled into so they can be destroyed easily. | Killboxes are heavily trapped, armed areas where enemies are funneled into so they can be destroyed easily. | ||
− | They almost always consist of a funnel which directs raiders into it, like a wall with a single opening, which opens into a | + | They almost always consist of a funnel which directs raiders into it, like a wall with a single opening, which opens into a killzone where your colonists and turrets are situated.<br> |
− | Raiders will then trickle in, allowing colonists or turrets to concentrate fire on them, or traps to destroy them while they try to move in to attack. In the killzone, enemies lack cover and are within | + | Raiders will then trickle in, allowing colonists or turrets to concentrate fire on them, or traps to destroy them while they try to move in to attack. In the killzone, enemies lack cover and are within your range, while your colonists have plenty of cover to fight from. |
− | This is an extremely effective way to defeat most raids, as the enemies will often be overwhelmed by the sheer firepower raining on them. It also allows effective use of traps, as | + | This is an extremely effective way to defeat most raids, as the enemies will often be overwhelmed by the sheer firepower raining on them. It also allows effective use of traps, as funnelling enemies greatly increases the chance one's going to trigger them. A well-built killbox can easily neutralize the threat of raids, to the point where some players refuse to use them since it takes the fun out of the game. |
− | Note that killboxes | + | Note that sappers will attempt to mine into the base away from the killboxes, so make sure you have an effective coping strategy. |
− | === Building === | + | ==== Building ==== |
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− | It's | + | It's best to double wall your killboxes as the sheer firepower raining on your enemies will inevitably destroy some of your own walls by accident, allowing raiders to flood into the killbox from another direction, bypassing traps and overwhelming your defenders. This is especially if you use explosives such as frag grenades or IED traps to kill incoming enemies. |
− | {{ | + | The entryways should lead to a large 'box' where the killing begins (hence 'killbox'). The box should be surrounded by cover sources (preferably walls plus sandbags) where your colonists fire on the enemy. For increased firepower you may build turrets as well. |
+ | |||
+ | {{clr}} | ||
− | === Entryways === | + | ==== Entryways ==== |
− | Any entryways of the killbox should not be straight, otherwise raiders will simply fire using the entryway as cover. Instead, you should have a turn to break line of sight, prompting the raiders to enter an area where you can get them easily. For better effect, put a grave or other similar object that raiders can't stand on. The entryway should be single wide to allow the use of [[Defense tactics#Melee blocking|melee blocking]] | + | Any entryways of the killbox should not be straight, otherwise raiders will simply fire using the entryway as cover. Instead, you should have a turn to break line of sight, prompting the raiders to enter an area where you can get them easily. For better effect, put a grave or other similar object that raiders can't stand on. The entryway should be single wide to allow the use of [[Defense tactics#Melee blocking|melee blocking]]. |
The below shows the results of different killbox entryways. | The below shows the results of different killbox entryways. | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
− | + | Don't make your entryway excessively long, otherwise raiders will think it's not worth it going such a distance and will decide to go for something else instead. Manhunters however will still chase colonists down a long corridor or over extreme distances, so you can have some dedicated anti-manhunter killboxes with extra-long corridors for this purpose. | |
− | + | For better effectiveness fill the entryway with deadfall traps and some IED traps (not too close to each other, otherwise they will set off a chain reaction) to soften the raiders before you fire on them, or alternating chunks or sandbags to slow them down. Make sure that the walls are durable enough to withstand explosions if IED traps are used. | |
If your entryway is long then you may need to build doors to allow friendlies to enter without setting off your own traps or having to go through all the obstacles. This door obviously needs to be fortified against enemy attacks. | If your entryway is long then you may need to build doors to allow friendlies to enter without setting off your own traps or having to go through all the obstacles. This door obviously needs to be fortified against enemy attacks. | ||
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<gallery widths="300px" heights="300px" class="center" mode="nolines"> | <gallery widths="300px" heights="300px" class="center" mode="nolines"> | ||
File:Slowing_tunnel_long.png|Entryway with alternating sandbags to slow raiders and doors to provide access. Slows raiders but not colonists. | File:Slowing_tunnel_long.png|Entryway with alternating sandbags to slow raiders and doors to provide access. Slows raiders but not colonists. | ||
− | + | File:Trap_tunnel.png|Same entryway but with deadfall traps. Deals heavy damage to incoming raids but costs a lot to build. | |
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
− | === Equipment === | + | ==== Equipment ==== |
− | + | Colonists defending in a killbox will be shooting at a large number of targets no more than a few tiles away (usually). Thus, defenders should use close ranged high damage weaponry for firing at raiders. | |
− | + | *[[Charge rifle]]s, [[heavy SMG]]s, [[pump shotgun]]s or [[LMG]]s work good in killboxes, being able to dish out hurt against closely grouped targets at close-mid ranges. | |
− | + | *[[Chain shotgun]]s inflict extreme pain at killbox range, even surpassing the charge rifle in DPS if it makes its mark. | |
+ | *[[Minigun]]s are excellent at attacking the bunched-up raiders inside a killbox. I will hit everything next to and behind the target, dealing heavy damage. | ||
+ | **For maximum effectiveness focus it at the exit of your killbox, a section of wall behind the raiders or a raider at the back. | ||
+ | *Long range weapons are not optimal due to lower close-range DPS. Rather, use them to pick off survivors outside the killbox. | ||
+ | *Grenades are good if you can time them right. Throw them at the entrance where each explosion can hit a tight group of raiders, especially if they're slowed down with obstacles. Don't throw too many otherwise you'll demolish the walls of the killbox. | ||
+ | *Have melee colonists with [[longsword]]s standing nearby as raiders who enter your killbox may decide to melee charge you instead. | ||
− | + | ==== Turrets ==== | |
− | + | You can put turrets in place of colonists in a killbox. They help to provide additional firepower alongside your colonists. | |
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− | + | You may also choose to fully arm your killbox with turrets, with enough to single-handedly take out raids (especially in tandem with traps). Doing this allows you to defeat raids automatically without the need to divert colonists from other jobs, but eats up power when active and resources to maintain, and is vulnerable to solar flares or EMP grenadiers, so you will need to have backup. | |
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− | + | Turrets should preferably have their own cover. They should also be connected to a separate grid which can be shut off to deactivate them all, to accommodate melee blocking. | |
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− | + | Turrets can be placed in front of your colonists to distract scyther or shielded melee attackers. Once they are engaged, throw EMP grenades to disable shields or the mechanoids. If you have sufficiently tough turreted defenses, you can stall the enemies long enough to significantly weaken or even completely defeat them. However, if you anticipate that your turrets will not hold then it is better to melee block them from the beginning. | |
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Mini-turrets and autocannons are the best choices for killboxes, being able to dish out hurt at killbox ranges. Place mini-turrets close up to the enemy, while place autocannons slightly farther away to keep enemies out of its minimum range. | Mini-turrets and autocannons are the best choices for killboxes, being able to dish out hurt at killbox ranges. Place mini-turrets close up to the enemy, while place autocannons slightly farther away to keep enemies out of its minimum range. | ||
− | Alternatively, if you can keep the enemy in one spot, a specially designed killbox can allow uranium slug turrets to function well. Uranium slug turrets are most accurate at 40 tiles or above, achieving a maximum of ~61% accuracy against humanlike enemies, so you will need to place them that far from the entrance, and distract enemies so they do not go closer. | + | Alternatively, if you can keep the enemy in one spot, a specially designed killbox can allow uranium slug turrets to function well. Uranium slug turrets are most accurate at 40 tiles or above, achieving a maximum of ~61% accuracy against humanlike enemies, so you will need to place them that far from the entrance, and distract enemies so they do not go closer. It is better to choose 'Hold fire' until the enemies have actually entered the killbox, for all the turrets will focus fire on the first enemy to try and go through the entrance, which is very much overkill given the high damage of the slugs. |
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− | It is better to 'Hold fire' until the enemies have actually entered the killbox, for all the turrets will focus fire on the first enemy to try and go through the entrance, which is very much overkill. | ||
− | === Blocking === | + | ==== Blocking ==== |
As [[Defense tactics#Melee blocking|melee blocking]] is more effective than even a killbox used normally against melee only attacks, it's best to have somewhere that you can do this. | As [[Defense tactics#Melee blocking|melee blocking]] is more effective than even a killbox used normally against melee only attacks, it's best to have somewhere that you can do this. | ||
− | + | Killboxes can be made blocking compatible by leaving the place where enemies enter your killing zone empty. | |
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− | === Explosive weapons === | + | ==== Explosive weapons ==== |
Enemies carrying explosive weapons can be very damaging towards your killbox and the defenders inside. | Enemies carrying explosive weapons can be very damaging towards your killbox and the defenders inside. | ||
− | [[Centipede]]s with [[inferno cannon]]s can counter killboxes as the fire makes your colonists lose control and run out of cover | + | [[Centipede]]s with [[inferno cannon]]s can counter killboxes as the fire makes your colonists lose control and run out of cover. Having some [[firefoam popper]]s inside your box helps a lot with extinguishing fires and preventing future fires. |
− | Another counter for killboxes are raiders with the [[triple rocket launcher]] and [[doomsday rocket launcher]]. If they manage to shoot inside your box the damage can be massive, and it is hard to distract them in a killbox. | + | Another counter for killboxes are raiders with the [[triple rocket launcher]] and [[doomsday rocket launcher]]. If they manage to shoot inside your box the damage can be massive, and it is hard to distract them in a killbox. One safety measure is to keep some [[psychic shock lance]] or [[psychic insanity lance]] near and use them if you see that they will not die fast enough. |
− | === Fire killbox === | + | ==== Fire killbox ==== |
− | Besides killing enemies with conventional weapons, roasting them with fire is also an effective choice. You need to lure them inside, light up flammable objects to heat up the killbox, and evacuate colonists so they don't get roasted as well. | + | Besides killing enemies with conventional weapons, roasting them with fire is also an effective choice. You need to lure them inside, shut off the killbox, light up flammable objects to heat up the killbox, and evacuate colonists so they don't get roasted as well. |
− | Fire killboxes are slightly more complicated to operate than a regular one, where you can simply wait inside and fire; you will need to direct colonists, while others light up fires and then make a break for it. <br> | + | Fire killboxes are slightly more complicated to operate than a regular one, where you can simply wait inside and fire; you will need to direct colonists to manually shut off the killbox, while others light up fires and then make a break for it. <br> |
− | You can shut off the killbox by either leaving doors open to let enemies in, which you then shut off by disabling | + | You can shut off the killbox by either leaving doors open to let enemies in, which you then shut off by disabling 'Keep open' then directing a colonist through them, or by building walls. |
They need to be at least walled to prevent enemies from breaking out, and also to insulate it from the outside so that temperatures rise faster. Stone walls are optimal as they are non-flammable. | They need to be at least walled to prevent enemies from breaking out, and also to insulate it from the outside so that temperatures rise faster. Stone walls are optimal as they are non-flammable. | ||
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== Situational == | == Situational == | ||
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* When the ship's health falls below 50%, Mechanoids will stop guarding and will instead proceed to attack your base as a normal raid. | * When the ship's health falls below 50%, Mechanoids will stop guarding and will instead proceed to attack your base as a normal raid. | ||
− | You can trigger a ship's guardians | + | You can trigger a ship's guardians either by bombarding with mortars or hit-and-run with sniper rifles. |
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− | + | Though these ships are "time bombs", instead of immediate action, you can spend a few days building preparations before engaging them. The easiest way to deal with them is to surround them in short range, in such way that they won't move and remain sitting ducks. Retreating will cause them to chase you for a while, so if you need to patch up, leave a few still fighting, sending reinforcements when necessary. | |
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− | + | <gallery widths="300px" heights="300px" class="center" mode="nolines"> | |
− | + | File:Defense structure versus crash ship.png|'''In this example, the structures range is 5 tiles away, so that all firing spots can shoot at least 2 sides of possible spawn points as the ship itself will wall the guardians by its corners.''' | |
+ | File:Defense structure vs crashed ship 2.png|'''Look at their numbers (in this case just 1 as early game), then move your pawns so all shoot as some may not have any target at their sight.''' | ||
+ | File:Defense structure vs crashed ship 3.png|'''You can relieve wounded fighters without halting the battle entirely.''' | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
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− | + | Proceed to build "[[#The "Fire Wall"|fire walls]]" close to the ship but NOT within 3 tiles around it, as building anything there will trigger the guardians. While building closer may look better to have them trapped, it may reduce the no. of enemies within your effective attack area, so some extra space can improve your coverage. | |
+ | Your walls should at least have 3 connected tiles as well so that at least the center tile can be used for full protection, as two tiles walls with both occupied by fighters will leave no space to rest. | ||
− | + | * "U" shaped firing walls are more protective against [[Inferno cannon]]s as it reduces their multi-tile fire impact chances, but will of course narrow your shooters' attack area. [[Firefoam popper]]s or a backline firefighter can mitigate fires, giving melee troops a use in these fights. | |
+ | * Placing a deadfall trap right in front of your sandbag may be helpful if need to retreat arises, as mechanoids will very likely want to use the shortcut. | ||
+ | * Always make sure you have a safe path between your walls and your base, so that there's safe cover between your "ins" and "outs", battles can take a long time if short on numbers. | ||
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− | + | After you have finished preparing, you can use EMP shells to stun the mechanoids, but must pay attention NOT to fire too many as repeated EMPs will provide immunity by making them "Adapted". Proper firing will make them helpless hunks of metal, once you get used to this technique, you can even preemptively fire EMP shells and then trigger the guardians, so as soon as they pop out, they instantly get hit by EMP shells. The number of manned mortars will factor in, as their "miss" chance is quite large. | |
− | + | Building IED traps helps too if you can somehow get them to trigger, but don't build too many or you will vaporize the mechanoid corpses which can be disassembled for resources. | |
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=== 'The Purifier' === | === 'The Purifier' === | ||
− | This is a powerful way to burn a massive [[infestation]] to a crisp | + | This is a powerful way to burn a massive [[infestation]] to a crisp. |
− | To start, build a medium-sized room (approx. 5x5) with | + | To start, build a medium-sized room (approx. 5x5) with double-thick stone walls, next to the infestation. Build wooden floors, and fill it with wood. To save wood, build a cheap wooden item such as [[stool]]s, then deconstruct on the spot and forbid the wood. That way colonists won't haul whole stacks of wood to burn, wasting them. |
− | After that, dig a 1-wide tunnel towards the infestation | + | After that, build a wood wall and wooden door between the room and the infestation and then dig a 1-wide tunnel towards the infestation build a wood wall and wooden door between the room and the infestation. Finally, deconstruct the door and light up the wood. |
− | Once the temperatures | + | Once the temperatures rise so high that insects can be burnt, they will attempt to dig out by rushing towards the purifier, but be set alight by the burning wood, making them unable to dig. Temperatures can rapidly reach 500℃ or above, broiling both the insects and the hives. Even those that don't get set alight will eventually succumb to heatstroke. |
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{{nav/guides}} | {{nav/guides}} | ||
{{nav|security|wide}} | {{nav|security|wide}} | ||
− | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Gameplay]] |