Southwest

Southwest is a large map themed after the rocky terrain of America's South West.

## **Layout**

The Southwest map composes of one large mountain in the center of the map, that is surrounded by many rock spires. Each team's spawn is a small military camp, and both of them have immediate access to one of the four rock spires that have ladders that lead to the top of them. Both spawn points have all of the 3 tank types and both of the 2 Fin Fighter Jets types available. The mountain in the center is dotted with different kinds of military facilities and areas. There are canyons that cut through the mountain, connecting the two spawn locations. There are many bridges over the canyons providing routes to get around on top of the mountain.

## **Strategies**

This map can be used by all kinds of players. Players who like Tanks can either drive through the canyons to get to enemy spawn or drive around the mountain. Tank battles generally occur early on in the game, commonly the narrow canyons or in the flat area around the mountain. Some players may also commandeer one of the 2 Fighter Jets and take off to enter into dogfights in the air, or use them as attack aircraft against ground targets.

Combat of all sorts can be found here. Snipers generally tend to camp on the edges of the central mountain or atop the rock spires if they can reach them. Meanwhile, CQC can occur throughout the various structures along the map as players are confined in tight spaces. Longer range combat generally takes place along the outskirts of the map in the more open area around the mountain, although firefights across the mountain itself are common as well.

Key objectives for both teams will be occupying the side of the mountain *closest* to the enemy spawn point, as it will allow the attacking team a good vantage point and allow fellow teammates to parachute on enemy players spawning in below for Snipers and RPG and Anti-Vehicle teams to target enemy infantry and armor and cover teammates advancing below. As stated before, expect Tanks to move along sides of the mountain if not through the canyon. However, despite the rough terrain that makes it hard to navigate the Ttanks across the top of the mountain, expect to see the occasional Tank on the mountain.

Snipers may also take up positions on rock spires on their team's side of the map, which allows them to pick off enemy snipers and players roaming around on the central mountain. These positions also allow the snipers to provide a line of defense to keep their team's spawn point from being overrun by enemy Tanks circling the mountain, particularly if the snipers are also wielding an RPG, Homing Missile, or Minigun. These spires are prone to being airstriked so keep that in mind when up there.

As with this type of map, mid to long range weapons dominate. Rifles are the preferred weapon of choice here, Sniper Rifles for long range and assault rifles for close to mid range combat. In addition to rifles, heavy weapons like the Minigun and RPG are also very important, as the high presence of Tanks on this map means that proper defense against armor is necessary to avoid decimation and subsequent defeat. Anti-aircraft weapons such as the Homing Missiles and the Minigun are also desirable as there could be Fighter Jets airborne on the map. Short range weapons also work, but their lack of versatility and usefulness at long ranges means that you should save it only for close encounters and have a more accurate weapon to engage enemies farther away. Stay frosty, soldier!

## **Trivia**

* Southwest is the only map to have all 3 levels of Tanks.
* Except Flooded, Southwest is the only other map that has both of the 2 Fin Fighter Jets types.
* This is one of the few maps to not include any Helicopters alongside the other vehicle variety types.

A view of a base from atop the mountain.A view of a base up close. Note the 3 tanks.The unused runway on the map.The canyon that passes through the mountain. Note the base on the far end and the arch above it that will allow players to fire on enemies below.Another view of a base.Soldiers parachuting in for battle.A view of the mountain from afar.Supplies in a base.A level 3 tank on Southwest.The outcome of a tank battle in the open.Scouting out one side of the mountain. Note the bridges and other structures which can be used by players for sniping.Slightly different view of the mountainOverview of the map