Raptor

Use the raptor to quickly reach power nodes or to otherwise unreachable locations on the map.

The raptor is the primary air vehicle in Unreal Tournament 2004’s onslaught mode. The beauty of the raptor is the ability to traverse long distances in a short amount of time. Sure the manta and scorpion or fast but you still must weave through canyons, dodge pillars, and maneuver across the appropriate terrain. That’s no problem in the raptor. Just pilot the air unit and ascend to the skies. Cross the map to wherever you wish to go, such as an unguarded power node or to the top of a tower that holds power-ups.

The raptor’s primary weapon is a plasma projector and fires bolts similar to the manta. The air unit’s secondary weapon is a homing missile that locks on only against other raptors and the manta. Though flying high will certainly allow you to maneuver around the map quickly it also leaves you most vulnerable to enemy weapons fire, particularly the AVRiL. Fly low and you won’t be seen by as many enemies and may be able to reach your destination a lot easier. The raptor can effectively dodge most other weapon fire but beware of the goliath’s secondary attack (if you come across a single piloted goliath then the raptor reigns supreme) and certainly the leviathan’s tracking rockets. Get lower to avoid the homing projectiles.

Goliath

The goliath tank is a beast and typically the heaviest weapon on the map (other than the two maps that feature the Leviathan). Controlling positions that offer goliaths is one of the keys to consistent onslaught success. Goliath tanks feature heavy armor, excellent weaponry, but lack the speed of other vehicles. The tank may not reach the destination quickly but once it does it has the armor and firepower to stay around for awhile. Since the tank is so powerful and important, be sure to repair the vehicle with link guns as much as possible. Even if you aren’t in the tank, repair an ally’s tank to keep it intact for as long as possible.

Hitch a ride on a goliath tank by jumping onto the vehicle’s side.

The tank has two gun stations: the driver fires the primary cannon while a second occupant can man the machine gun controls. It’s extremely important to maximize the goliath’s potential with two gunners. The main cannon moves and fires very slowly. A machine gunner helps target close-range infantry (often too close for the main gun) and to counter aerial assaults from raptors. You can also use the guns in combination to demolish a power node quickly.

The primary cannon is powerful and equally efficient in killing infantry, vehicles, and power nodes. Since the cannon is so slow, it’s best utilized at longer range so you can adjust for the enemy’s movement. Be careful when firing around hills and other objects. It can be difficult to accurately line-up your shot. If you aren’t careful the projectile may impact on the top of the hill instead of toward your intended target.

Leviathan

The leviathan is a mobile super weapon and only found on two onslaught maps included in Unreal Tournament 2004 (ONS-RedPlanet and ONS-Severance). The mammoth vehicle includes five stations: a driver and four support gunners. The driver pilots the slow vehicle, fires its primary homing missile weapon (which tracks any enemy), and uses the alternate fire button to deploy the leviathan in its turret mode. Secondary gunners provide anti-vehicle support at the four gun stations. Like the goliath, it’s extremely important to keep the leviathan intact for as long as possible. Secondary gunners should be prepared to exit and use link guns to repair the super vehicle.

The leviathan becomes much more deadly and vulnerable (the vehicle seems to incur more damage) in deployed mode. Once deployed, a massive ion cannon enhances the leviathan’s primary fire mode. It’s not a fast shot by any means but it’s utterly devastating. Clear out an enemy power node in a single barrage with the leviathan’s cannon. A shockwave explosion appears at the target causing major area effect damage. Obliterate infantry, vehicles, and cause major damage to an enemy power core if you’re fortunate enough to maneuver into range.

The most important thing is to keep the leviathan repaired and protected. It moves so slowly that it takes a lot of time to maneuver the super vehicle to the front line and into a strategic firing position. Protect it with infantry and vehicle escort and keep it repaired with link guns. Once it’s deployed, the main gun should concentrate on primary base targets and nodes (or tightly packed vehicles). Support should focus on clearing out infantry and other vehicles from around the leviathan. Stay armed with AVRiLs to take down aerial attacks and approaching vehicles.