Rebellion's tactical combat engine is unique. While it may not offer the prettiest graphics, it is quite impressive once you get used to it. The first thing you should do is get a feel for the interface. It can be a little confusing, but if you play with it a little, you'll eventually feel comfortable with it.

Once you feel as though you can issue some coherent orders to your ships, try to keep a few key items in mind:

In tactical battles, use your fighters to take out enemy fighters, while your capital ships maneuver for an advantage.

• Always try to use complementary maneuvers (left and right hooks, hammer and anvil). If you hit the enemy from multiple sides, you'll do a lot more damage.
• Take out the big boys first. ISDs and Mon Calamari Cruisers typically pose the greatest threat. Use your combined fleet to attack them, then mop up the escorts when (and if) the task is finished.
• Use your fighters effectively. Send them after enemy fighters first, then use any survivors to attack a key capital ship.
• Again, know the capabilities of your ships. Five Corellian Corvettes will do absolutely nothing to an ISD. You'll need turbolasers to combat the big ships with the strongest shields, so make sure you assign appropriate roles to each vessel in your fleet.
• If your fleet is overmatched and not penned in by a gravity well ship, by all means retreat. It's better to save those ships and fight another day.
• If your fleet is overmatched and penned in by a gravity well ship, concentrate all firepower on that ship first. If you can take it out, you can retreat into hyperspace.
• Alternatively, if you're in a hopeless battle and can't retreat, direct all of your attention at the enemy's most powerful ship. You may get lucky and take it out, or at least do enough damage to cripple it for a while. The other side will win, but the victory will be costly.

One of the most important things to keep in mind while fighting a tactical battle, however, is to avoid micromanagement at all costs. Don't overdo it - your ships will generally fight effectively and efficiently without much help from you. Assign them a target, and they will set about the task directly. If you throw in some unnecessary maneuvers, you run the risk of negating your ships' attack orders - and they'll just sit there until you give another one. Rebellion offers a variety of attack and maneuver options, but you'll quickly find that your ships fight most effectively when you leave them alone.

Next: General Tips