Troop Positions Explained

This article is based on SU419s explanation, as expanded by Bra1nz.

### SUMMARY

A ground force of four always deploys such that slots 1234 are in positions left down right up / WSEN (West, South, East and North) respectively where North is up **at mission start.**

Troops maintain this formation **relative to the map** throughout the mission. ie once your gunship has completed half a circle, the troop in slot 4 is now closest.

All damage is taken by the troop CLOSEST to an attacker, be it adjacent or distant.

### METHODOLOGY

Deploy 2, 3 and 4 troops and track their positions, movement and behavior under different conditions. Gunship snipers were used to confirm relative troop position by shooting each troop throughout a mission. Damage is recorded by observing which positional troop registers health reduction.

### DISCUSSION

HGF slot position 1234 to mission deployment position WSEN is consistent across all campaigns and confirmed independently. At mission start, North is straight up and troops are positioned in a diamond arrangement (see picture). Going counter clockwise, the first troop goes in position W, the second in S, the third in E and the fourth in N. Regardless of the number of troops or what HGF slot they are in, deployment positions are always filled in the same order. Empty HGF slots are simply ignored (eg. If slot1 is empty, the troop in slot2 is deployed to W)). Troops maintain their relative positions throughout the mission unless a they are killed. In the event a troop dies, the other troops shift clockwise to fill the gap such that troops,are deployed consecutively starting at W.

The frame of reference is always from the troops viewpoint such that North remains North. However from the gunship's (player) perspective, the compass rotates clockwise starting with North up at mission start and immediately rotating to West up. This rotation has led to erroneous speculation that troops change position or certain HGF slots are always in the back, front or center when in fact none of that is true.

Troop damage based on position is consistent on different campaigns and the same regardless of the attacker type or the distance. Damage always impacts the health of the closest troop and it does not matter if the attackers are adjacent (Shambler, Hellhound, Titan) or distant (Impalers, Towers). In other words, if an attack comes from North, the troop at N will register the damage. Mortars are the exception where all troops take damage regardless of position.

Optimal troop deployment is dependent on the mission. Weapon type, the path troops need to take, the position of Groves and the type of zombies faced all factor into troop selection and slot placement. There is no single magic HGF slot that is immune from Impalers or Towers. Focus on what direction attacks will come from and deploy your troops accordingly.

### APPLICATION

For Guillotine, deployment starts in the little square near the South building. Troops need to absorb heavy damage from Impalers and Towers. Moderate damage occurs going from bldg1 to bldg2 with attacks coming from the North and East. Heaviest damage occurs when going northeast from bldg2 to bldg3 with attacks coming mainly from the West. Based on this, deploy a highly leveled M249 in slot1(W), two medium leveled M249s in slot3(E) and slot4(N) and a medium leveled AT4 in slot2(S). M249 has the highest health points and AT4 has the second highest health with good offensive ability against Impalers.

Thank you Pescamogle, Su419 and Loner1 for your contributions!

Link to forum article