Guide:LR

LordRex's Simple Unit Guide - Basic Strux Set

So...you're a newbie. You create your army, deploy, mine a bit, fight a bit and get blown up by 2 Mercats and a Groundhog. You had the superior numbers, the superior weapons - but, let's face it: you're still a newbie. So, this is a guide of Simple units that are good to use to level up your crews or commander. Take notes - it might mean the difference between life and death. A short section on tactics is at the end of most entries.

Note - For all mod setups, the Buckler will be in all of them. Also, ensure you have the **Aimed Shot** , **Power Burst** and **Ammo Drop** commands. Also - this is only a Simple mod setup (If you didn't already notice)

NOTE - THIS GUIDE ONLY COVERS THE BASIC STRUX SET! NO BT OR XP UNITS ARE IN THIS GUIDE!

EDIT: Because of the nerfing of the Backflash and my disuse of it, the Buckler has been replaced instead...but you can go with the Backflash if you can get over the -2 shield regen

EDIT #2: Balance has been brought to the Energy, Ballistics, Missile triangle. Not going to cover the changes here. Units are still good, but all boils down to personal preference.

**Tanks**

If you need me to tell you what tanks are, go out and read something in the newspaper. Otherwise, take your pick from these tanks - starting with the Cobra

**Cobra Atack Hovertank -**

By far, the best Simple tank - but that's my opinion. Managed to get to level 20 in a Cobra on the original Riona. Packs a hefty punch with the laser and ballistic combined. The only downsides to this tank are its speed and recharge rate. Try to get your hands on one ASAP - but make sure it has at least 4 slots and the D variant

With the right mods, the Cobra can mow through groups of bandits with relative ease - although you should at least have either the **Aimed Shot** or the **Ammo Drop** command. A good setup would be:

* Carnivore Gatling Cannon
* Sonic Powerplant
* Typhoon Supercharger

Against Bandits -

Cobras are your Powerhouse Tank. They pack a lot of punch, but newbies don't use them that often. The most effective strategy for this tank is to keep moving forward, aiming at the bandits with Aimed Shot. Remember to boost your shields if they go too low.

Against Bandit Cobras: Go in and hit them hard before their energy cannon powers up. If they get you with their ballistics cannon, then it's fine - your shield regen will probably heal you next turn. Of course, I'm assuming you're using newbie/Simple units against Cobras. If attacking with anything above the level on a Beast Meka...pound away.

Against PVP Cobras -

Not too sure about this one...the only PVP Cobras I've seen are my own. Depends on the player and the tactics that they use. Also remember to factor in faction bonuses, variants, commands and mods as well.

**Copperhead Hovertank -**

Very fast tank. Energy weapon is alright, but it is not one for long, drawn out fights. Only good factor is the recharge rate and the speed. Pretty good for beginners, but you could do with a lot better. If you **have** to use this, I think this setup would be good.

* Hellseeker Energy Turret
* Typhoon Supercharger
* Wartech Gatling Repeater

AGAINST BANDITS -

Copperheads are reasonable. Use them as hit and run attackers - but remember to give the Power Burst command if they get hit. Shield mods are of most use on this unit and maybe the Hailfire for range.

AGAINST BANDIT COPPERHEADS -

Slam into them with everything you've got. God, that sounds like a porn description...

AGAINST PVP COPPERHEADS -

Depends on the player/faction/mods/commands

**Jaguar Medium Tank -**

All about packing a serious punch. Not as versatile as the Cobra, but it has its good points - the most defining one being it's 9 damage energy cannon. Doesn't have that many shields, so don't put your commander in it. It's also a bit on the slow side as well - but can be a heavy hitter if you let it. Don't let your enemies get too close - without any shield mods, the Jaguar can get nuked pretty easily.

A relatively good setup would maximise the attack power of the main cannon, while allowing it to still attack during the recharge period. An example would be:

* Carnivore Gatling Cannon
* Maxawatt Transformer
* Sonic Powerplant

AGAINST BANDITS -

Watch out for missile bandits and pay attention to the Combat Report. If you must use this in conjunction with other units, use missile units or something with range. if going on Taris/Riona alone in a Jag, put a Hailfire or Wraith on it and stay away from the Advanced bandits.

AGAINST BANDIT JAGUARS -

Use All Attack on them - if they're alone and you have a few units. Be wary of their high armour - go for a Targeting Laser to increase chances of a critical hit.

AGAINST PVP JAGUARS -

Does anyone actually use Jags for PVP?

**Mercat Scout Tank -**

Zippy. Fast as hell with a decent energy weapon. Modded up with a Buckler, Hellseeker and Maxawatt - this tank can do damage. Shields are a bit low, but they're only for hit and run missions. Again, if you have to use this, use it only once but use this suggested setup -

* Sonic Powerplant
* Carnivore Gatling Cannon
* Plasteel Armour

AGAINST BANDITS -

Hit and Run is the name of the game. Of course - it depends what bandits you go up against. Use hit and run strategies and use Power Burst every other turn.

AGAINST BANDIT MERCATS -

Mow them down. Unless you're in a few GHogs - then target them one at a time.

AGAINST PVP MERCATS -

Will be updated once people start using Mercats for PVP...make that ANY Simple tanks...

**Panther Light Tank -**

One of three non-energy weapon tanks. Has a ballistic weapon instead, but packs a punch nonetheless. Very good for training up rookie crews. Just make sure you carry a Ballistic ammo mod with you for longer fights. A good setup (encompassing the Buckler and the Ballistic ammo mod) would be:

* Carnivore Gatling Cannon
* Sonic Powerplant (Anyone sensing a pattern here?;))

AGAINST BANDITS -

For one of the most adept Simple Scout units, most new players fail miserably at keeping them alive. Granted, rookie pilots can't hit anything - but that's why God invented the Aimed Shot command and the Targeting Computer mod. Use them to beef up the gunnery and blast away.

AGAINST BANDIT PANTHERS -

Bandit Panthers are rarely seen - but they're not much to worry about. Pick a weapon and nuke away. Use the Aimed Shot command liberally. Paint Target and Detect Weakness are good commands to have if you run into trouble

**Pitviper Hovertank -**

Another non-laser tank, this tank packs missiles - which are the powerhouse of TW if used correctly. High shields and armour makes this a good all-rounder. Since Missile Ranges are doubled - this is a unit for the back line. A good mod setup would be:

* Missile Ammo
* Hailfire Missile Launcher
* Wraith Light Launcher

AGAINST BANDITS -

Put these at the back to bombard the enemy with missiles. Protect them with your other units and use strafing methods if the enemy gets too close. Always move at Controlled speed for this unit when in battle.

AGAINST ENEMY PITVIPERS -

Get in close and ream them. Most new players whine about the bandits running away - they're getting you in range. Don't let them do that - get in close and fire with the hardest hitting weapon you have.

**Tiger Attack Tank -**

Think an Ankylosaur. Slow, but packs a mean punch - meaner than the Cobra. The last non-laser tank. Has a whopping 30 armour, making it the highest of any non-modded simple tank. Cost is on par with mekas, so it might be a bit pricey for some newbies. Speed is the major weakness of this beast. Reccomended (but still a suggestion) mod setup would be:

* Sonic Powerplant
* Wraith Light Launcher
* Carnivore Gatling Cannon

Moral of the Tiger Attack Tank: Good, but as slow as a turtle in tar. Yes, I know the 3D Tiger looks cool, but most new players don't know how to use them or they disregard them due to their speed.

AGAINST BANDITS -

Beef up the speed. Shields don't really need much boosting - the armour can take the most punishment. Go with the Basic Repair Nanites Acti for armour repair. In order of boosting, it would be:

1. Speed 2. Damage 3. Armour 4. Shields

AGAINST BANDIT TIGERS -

Take advantage of the low shields and hit them hard. If they retreat, follow and pound with everything. Pray that you get a critical hit that destroys the weapons. try not to overshoot the bandit - this can lead to lost turns and it could have the nasty effect of inadvertent dragging.

**Viper Hovertank -**

Comes a very close third to the best simple tank. Good recharge rate, good shields, good speed, good damage. Better than the Pitviper, but low armour. Good for a command vehicle if you can't afford the Cobra/Tiger. Watch that armour though, if you're too engrossed in strategy - it may be all over in a matter of turns. Armour setup woud be:

* Plasteel Armour
* Carnivore Gatling Cannon
* Sonic Powerplant

AGAINST BANDITS -

Go for slotted and variants. D variant nets the most damage, but it can be expensive for new players. Get them into the front lines - 2 recharge means that you can fire often...which means more Bandit wreckage for salvage

AGAINST BANDIT VIPERS -

Strafe with missiles. Don't let them get in too close. Attack from a distance - only coming in if you have a Gunslinger or Cobra.

**Final Verdict on Tanks -**

Cobra is the powerhouse of the tanks, with the Tiger and Viper coming second and third. The other tanks are good for training crews, but remeber to revive the crews. As with all mod setups, you can tinker with them to your heart's content. There's no "good" setup - they're all customizable. Against bandit tanks - close in and attack with everything. Careful on Konu...where the tanks are usually part of a larger group.

**Vehicles -**

**Ground-Hog Light Scout/Hogs (Ghogs) -**

You've all heard the hype about the Death Hog? If you haven't don't worry about it. This scout is EXTREMELY expendable. Low shields and armour, low range on the missiles. The only thing going for it is the high speed. Put in a crew you can afford to lose. It'll get trashed very quickly if left unattended.

Any mod setup is good on these. Tinker with it a bit to find out what really works for you

AGAINST BANDITS -

Hit and run strategies work well - as do reeling in bandits with Hogs. Keep a close watch on them in the thick of combat...and never put your commander in a Hog (Unless your name is CBX!)

AGAINST BANDIT GHOGS -

Blow on them and they'll die...but on Konu they're deadly if you're being bombarded with firepower from all sides. Take out the Ghogs first and reduce the danger.

AGAINST PVP GHOGS...AND CBX -

Pray for divine intervention.

**Lasher AV (Assualt Vehicle) -**

If you don't have access to a Cobra or can't afford the other tanks, the Lasher is the next best thing. Strong weapon, high shields and armour make this baby one of the lifesavers early on. A squad with a few Lashers in it will return home safely

As with the Ghog, any mod setup is good, but beware of the Evercell Capacitor. It might seem good, but it takes away 3 damage from the main weapon.

AGAINST BANDITS -

As with most units, the hit and run works best here - due to the recharge time on the weapon. Against most Simple bandits, you'll need a maximum of 3 - 4 shots - but use other units to weaken the bandit during the cool-down periods. Use either faction bonuses, the D variant or the Maxawatt for maximum killing power.

AGAINST BANDIT LASHERS -

Don't let it get close. Fire at a distance and backpedal if it gets within its range. 10 damage might not seem like much - but it is a lot of damage when you only have 2/t regen.

**Lobber AV -**

So you don't want to fork out a few hundred ore for the Pitviper, but want the same effect? Fine - use the Lobber. It may even be better than the Pitviper - Good damage, armour and speed. A real beauty. Have one of these in your squad for optimum bandit killing efficiency! As usual, the D variant and faction bonuses are good for this unit. Any range mods are good as well - just make sure they don't detract from the damage.

Mod Setup - You really want to use these things to the maximum effect. One good mod setup would be:

* Hailfire Launcher
* Wraith Launcher
* Eagle-Eye Targeting Computer

AGAINST BANDITS -

Standard Missile unit strategy - hang back and let them have it.

AGAINST BANDIT LOBBERS -

Close in. Staggered fire is useful if it's missiles vs missiles.

**Puma Light Scout -**

Fast and deadly. Words that describe this guy the best. Good for scouting and mild skirmishes. Only the armour and shields are drawbacks - but can be modded to a high potential.

You can use any mod setup on this and it will still run with high efficiency. A VERY good crew trainer.

AGAINST BANDITS -

Depends on your setup. Can either be very good - or piss-poor.

AGAINST BANDIT PUMAS -

They'll come to you. Let them come and then rip into them. Watch the fireworks.

**Striker AV -**

Same as above, but take out the missiles for a ballistic weapon and you've got the Striker. Image looks like a cybernetic wasp, but it keeps stinging. A good scout.

AGAINST BANDITS -

Depends on your mod setup. D variants are good - especially if a Hellseeker is on the Striker.

AGAINST BANDIT STRIKERS -

Bait them, lure them and reel them in. Bag em and Tag em and rip them a new one.

**Vehicle verdict -**

The Striker family are the winners here. Hogs are good scouts and are good at drawing bandit's fire. Pumas are very good crew trainers - if you know how to use them. Lobbers, Lashers and Strikers are good units to learn the strengths and weaknesses of each of the weapon types. Play around with mod setups until you find one that is right for you.

**UV's -**

UV's, or Utility Vehicles, are the essential backbone for all newbies. They mine ore. Ore = building material. That's a good thing. If one gets blown up, ask politely for another one on chat.

UV Tactics: If your UV is getting into combat, KEEP IT OUT OF THE BATTLE!!! If you want, you can put any weapon mod on it. Remember to keep its shields high.

**Calico UV -**

If there were big guns of UV's, this is it. High armour and high mining efficiency means it's the best that money can buy. Or build. Only major downside is the Intermediate mod you need to build it, but that shouldn't be a problem. Other downside is the speed - but certain mods can overcome it.

**Coluber UV -**

Medium. Everything about this UV is average. Average speed, shields and armour. Better than the Hedgehog, but not by much.

**Hedgehog UV -**

By far, the speediest UV - but also the weakest. Prepare to spend many, many turns guarding this UV as it chips away at the ore. For newbies, this is the UV you start out with - but it's better than nothing. If you lose this on your first deployment, ask for another in chat or build one. You can also reset your units, but that's generally not reccommended...much

AGAINST BANDITS (ALL UV'S) -

If you absolutely *must* send your UV into the thick of combat, beef up shields and armour. Keep a close eye on it to ensure that your investment does not explode. Weapon mods can be put on it - but only if you plan on fighting with it. Seriously though, if you want to fight and mine at the same time - get paid and go into a Hermes Meka.

AGAINST CBX -

Pray to your gods for mercy - for CBX will not grant you any.

**UV Verdict -**

If you can't be bothered to get a Calico, go for the Coluber. Avoid the Hedgehog unless you've managed to get all the mining abilities.

**Mekas -**

Here we go - the best item in your Simple arsenal. A sqaud of mekas can shred an opposing bandit force into nothingness in seconds. In the hands of a capable player, a squad of simple mekas can shred *your* Simple army into nothingness in half the time. So - with all these choices - what is there to use? The above guide was a quick fly-by...now we get into the REAL meat.

Everyone strapped in? This is in-depth, so be prepared...

**Akimo Meka -**

High shields. High shield regen rate. High speed. I bet you're asking yourself if there's a downside to this killing machine. No. Out of all the simple mekas, this one almost takes top spot. In a few turns, bandits die, leaving you virtually unscathed. Get this into your squad - Top Priority. Check the shields first before charging in - it's armour is notoriously thin and can leave your crew dead.

**Pros -** High shields, regen rate, damage, speed.

**Cons -** Low armour, low weapon regen rate

AGAINST BANDITS -

Watch the shields. S and A variants are great for this unit if you want to keep it alive. D variants are also a plus for this unit. It's a good unit for drawing enemy fire and it is a reasonably good scout.

AGAINST BANDIT AKIMOS -

Pace yourself. 6 max speed is enough for it to close in in one or 2 turns. Wait till it gets within range before firing. Use Aimed Shot and Paint Target commands. Exploit the 3 turn recharge time by using ballistics or missiles. Two well aimed shots from a Lasher's main cannon can decimate its shields entirely.

**Bowman Meka -**

OK...so not sure where to begin with this. It's on the lower scale of Simple mekas, but if you know how missiles work, it can be your best friend. Steals the spotlight from the Takagi, only by virtue of its higher ammo. A tad on the slow side though.

**Pros -** Dual missile launchers, high ammo

**Cons -** Speed, damage, shields

AGAINST BANDITS -

Basic missile unit strategy - hang back and let loose. 4 range means a maximum range of 8. Blast away to your heart's content...but watch the ammo.

AGAINST BANDIT BOWMAN MEKAS/BOWMEN -

Keep moving towards them. Bowmen have a heavy to-hit penalty on their minimum range (like all missile units), so exploit that. Bear in mind that the high to-hit penalty means that they will still hit your units on rare occasions.

**Gunslinger Meka - (Slingers)**

"The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed" (Stephen King, The Gunslinger)

Roland of Gilead, you are no match for this Gunslinger! Toting 3 ballistic weapons, it's a force to be reckoned with. High shields, armour and damage coupled with fast speed make this the Number One meka to have in the squad. No real downsides except the low ammo, but certain mods and tactics can ensure that you will never be threatened by the Crimson King again! Unless of course the Crimson King happens to be in a Gatlinger or Firestorm...

**Pros -** Everything - shields, weapons, damage, speed and armour...

**Cons -** ...ammo.

Mod Setup: With the advent of the BT set, a new dual ballistic gun was introduced - the Carnivore. If you can effective dodge and fight at the same time a very good combo includes:

* Carnivore Gatling Cannon
* Wartech Gatling Repeater
* Hailfire Launcher

AGAINST BANDITS -

Mow them down - but watch the shields and ammo. Go for D, M and S variants - R variants are good for shield regen. Careful against large dragged groups of bandits - they can really F you up.

AGAINST BANDIT GUNSLINGERS -

I have yet to find a Slinger on Taris or Riona. Base tactics are to get them in range and hammer away. Hit and run attacks work well in small groups. If they are paired up with missile units, take out the missile units first - but watch the Slinger's range. If you move in too much on the missile units, you'll be caught up in the Slinger's range. And that would be painful.

**Minigun Meka - (MG)**

Poor man's Gunslinger. Medium speed, low shields, low ammo...not looking so good it is? The redeeming features of this is its very high armour and its high damage. Get it if you can't afford the Gunslinger

**Pros -** High armour, High damage

**Cons -** Just about everything else

AGAINST BANDITS -

Don't try it unless you have something that improves the pitiful range on the main gun. If you have to use it, pray for large groups of Groundhogs. Otherwise...don't bother.

AGAINST BANDIT MINIGUNS -

Laughable. If you have trouble with these, use the tried and true method of hit and run attacks. Or hang back and fire off missiles.

**Sai Meka -**

Um...honestly, I've only used this one once and then hated it. Very poor man's Akimo. Minor damage with good recharge, high speed with high shields and armour. It's not really my cup of tea, but it might be yours.

Mod Setups are yours to tinker with. Given the right mod, this could do some damage...if you like the CE penalty

**Pros -** High armour, high shields, speed

**Cons -** Damage, range, overall suck factor

AGAINST BANDITS -

Seriously. Use an Akimo.

AGAINST BANDIT SAIS -

If you have trouble against a Sai Meka...go play something easier...like Tetris

**Takagi Meka -**

Death on two mechanised legs. Very good meka in groups, but requires an Intermediate mod to build. The mod can be purchased on the Black Market or by asking me, LordRex. Watch the range for ballistic and energy bandits and keep moving backwards. With the advent of the BT and XP mods, this meka can be deadly with the right combo. Unfortunatley, I don't have it just yet. Use whatever setup feels good for you but use the range to your advantage.

**Pros -** Damage, speed and armour

**Cons -** Shields, recharge and range

AGAINST BANDITS

Think of the Takagi like your artillery or archers. Put them at the back and fire away at the enemy. Use controlled speed while in battle to maximise your to-hit chance.

AGAINST BANDIT TAKAGIS

Close in and blast away. Watch your shields and armour carefully. Then again, you don't see many Takagi on training planets anyway.

**Wolfhound Meka -**

Second to the Gunslinger, this is a great unit for killing bandits! At first glance it may not seem like much, but once you use it - the effects will stay with you for ages! It's fast, it has speedy weapon recharge and it's versatile as hell. Whack any mod on it and it'll do the job you want it to. Mod fanatics can tell you 500 ways to customise the Wolfhound for any given situation. And that's just using the Simple mods! And it's just a precursor to the Intermediate Wolverine - so these are your training wheels.

Have fun.

**Pros -** Everything...maybe except the armour

**Cons -** Armour

AGAINST BANDITS

If you have trouble against bandits, most likely you're against a Ferdelance or an advanced bandit. If you aren't and you still have trouble...go for the Akimo

AGAINST BANDIT WOLFHOUNDS

Usual bandit strategy. Hit them hard and fast.

AGAINST PVP WOLFHOUNDS

Depends on the player.

**Meka Verdict**

Anything but the Sai. That's pretty much it...since CBX hasn't quite figured out the setup for a Death Sai yet.