Chapter 6 - Assault

The classic assault game mode is back in a big way. Unreal Tournament 2004 includes six exhilarating (and varied) assault maps. Attack a convoy to recover a weapon of mass destruction, capture an ion tank out from under the defenders’ noses, or infiltrate a mothership from the depths of space. This section offers general tips and map strategies for UT 2004’s assault game mode.

• Successful assault attackers must balance speed and combat efficiency. If you work slowly, you won’t be able to complete the map’s objectives in a timely fashion. If you work too quickly at the price of combat effectiveness, you won’t be able to complete the objectives either! It’s all about balance and as well as patience. Attackers should strive to attack objectives as a team. Spread too thin and the defenders have a much easier time picking off each attacker and holding the objective. For example, charging through the repair vehicle door on AS-Convoy. Go in staggered and the defenders (usually all covering the rear door switch) have little trouble wiping you out. Charge in and a group and overwhelm the position.
• On applicable maps, a few attackers (or at least one) should pinpoint defensive turrets and take them out as quickly as possible. For example, the turret overlooking the barricade on AS-FallenCity. Launch rockets or use a sniper rifle to kill the turret operator. Don’t leave turrets in play for long. It’s not hard for a turret operator to mow down countless attackers. Destroy the turret and complete the objective sooner.
• In many cases, defenders should implement both long and close-range defenses. For example, setting up snipers to pick off attackers approaching from long-range and using defenders armed with close-range weaponry to block access to the objective. Utilize turrets when available and repair them with the link gun.
• Strategies vary greatly across maps. Unlike deathmatch or CTF where the objective is essentially the same, in assault the objectives change drastically from one map to the other. In AS-MotherShip you’re piloting a spacefighter and in AS-Junkyard you might be driving a hellbender. Use the map strategies provided in this section to learn how best to attack or defend each objective.

AS-Convoy

Briefing: This scenario is a recreation of the recovery of the Nexus prototype missions by the NEG military after they were stolen by the Hellions.

Attacking

Attackers Objectives:

1 - Extend the boarding platform. Optional: Open the panel.
2 - Place explosives on the door.
3 - Open rear door.
4 - Open the side doors.
5 - Retrieve the N.E.X.U.S. missile trailer.
6 - Retrieve the N.E.X.U.S. missiles.

An attacker should utilize this turret to clear defenders from the boarding platform--and to counter the defenders’ own turret.

One attacker should exit to the right and use the turret to destroy the defender’s repair vessel turret. Others moving toward the boarding platform can fire the rocket launcher at the turret. Use its alt-fire mode to launch three rockets in a tight spiral formation. An attacker can also use a sniper rifle to eliminate the turret’s operator or other defending snipers. Majority of attackers should press toward the boarding platform switch. Watch your flank as defenders will bounce over to the boarding platform area. One player should remain in the rear turret and help clear out flanking defenders. Get one attacker to the panel and steal the weapon cache--it helps immensely in completing the next objectives.

Once the boarding platform is extended, move along the catwalk to the rear door. It’s an all out rocket launcher fest toward the door. Fire your rockets toward the door while still on the boarding platform to help clear defenders from long-range. Push as group and overpower the defenders. A few snipers can provide long-range support to help clear defenders quickly. Once inside the repair vehicle, it’s another battle dominated by explosions. A few attackers should go for the rear door switch while the remaining fire at defenders. Use similar tactics for completing the side door switch objective.

Exit the other side of the repair vessel and spot the N.E.X.U.S. trailer in the distance. A few attackers should concentrate on two turrets--one on the vessel and one high on the repair vessel. Use multiple rockets to knock out the trailer’s turret; use the flak cannon’s alternate fire mode to lob shells onto the repair vessel’s upper turret. Note that you can also command these turrets for the attackers. Once they’re destroyed or controlled, push into the trailer and to the switch that completes the final objective.

Defending

Defenders Objectives:

1 - Defend the boarding platform. Optional: Defend the panel.
2 - Defend the door.
3 - Defend rear door.
4 - Defend the side door switch.
5 - Defend the N.E.X.U.S. missile trailer.
6 - Defend the N.E.X.U.S. missiles.

Have a defender take control of the turret on the repair vessel. Fire at the attackers’ initial turret if an enemy takes control of it. Otherwise, fire at the attackers moving toward the boarding platform. Other defenders should snipe from the repair vessel or use the bounce pads to defend the position at close-range. Look for the shield pack near the platform for assistance. Watch for attackers moving to the weapons cache. Take control of the turret there and use it to repel attackers from the cache and the boarding platform.

Once the boarding platform is extended, defenders should move to the catwalk leading to the repair vessel door. Turret operator aims at the boarding platform entrance and exit. Use sniper rifles to maintain control of the catwalk; use the minigun as a backup weapon to repel the attack. Once the door falls, retreat to the switch and fire your weaponry toward the exposed wall. If an attacker drops a rocket launcher, grab it! Make your way back to the side switch and use the elevated ground to defend the position.

When the battle moves to the N.E.X.U.S. trailer, take control of the two turrets (one on trailer, one on repair vessel). Concentrate your turret fire on the attackers’ exit from the repair vessel. Other defenders should grab a rocket launcher from off of the trailer and use it to protect the narrow path toward the trailer entrance. Stagger your defense through the hall in case a wounded attacker gets by you’ll have additional defenders to finish off the damaged foe.