Tribes: Aerial Assault, Strategy Guide Version 1.00 by Spencer Pantera and
Contributors
This FAQ is Copyright 2003 Spencer Pantera
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Tribes: Aerial Assault is rated T for Teen by the ESRB, this FAQ may reflect
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Table of Contents
1 About this FAQ
2 Controls
2.1 Configuration A
2.2 Configuration B
2.3 Configuration C
2.4 Configuration D
2.5 Controlling a Vehicle
3 Introduction to Tribes: Aerial Assault
3.1 History
3.2 Tribes
3.2.1 Blood Eagle
3.2.2 Diamond Sword
3.2.3 Harbingers of Phoenix
3.2.4 Starwolf
3.2.5 The BioDerm Hordes
4 Game Types
4.1 Capture the Flag (CTF)
4.2 Capture and Hold (CNH)
4.3 Team Deathmatch (TDM)
4.4 Deathmatch (DM)
4.5 Hunters
5 Armors
5.1 Light
5.2 Medium
5.3 Heavy
6 Weapons
6.1 Blaster
6.2 Chaingun
6.3 Fusion Mortar
6.4 Grenade Launcher
6.5 Laser Rifle
6.6 Missile Launcher
6.7 Plasma Rifle
6.8 Spinfusor
7 Grenades
6.1 Basic
6.2 Concussion
6.3 Flare
6.4 Mine
8 Packs
8.1 Ammunition
8.2 Energy
8.3 Repair
8.4 Shield
8.5 Remote Inventory Station
8.6 Remote Sensor
8.7 Remote Turret
8.8 Remote Detonation Satchel Charge
8.9 Anti-Aircraft Barrel
8.10 Mortar Barrel
8.11 Missile Barrel
8.12 Plasma Barrel
9 Vehicles
9.1 Mongoose Grav Cycle
9.2 Dingo Fighter
9.3 Hammer Bomber
9.4 Piltdown Transport
10 Base Assets
10.1 Generator
10.2 Inventory Station
10.3 Vehicle Station
10.4 Base Turrets
10.5 Sentry
10.6 Sensors
11 Basic Strategy
12 Advanced Strategy
13 Team Roles and Strategy
13.1 Working As a Team/Team Strategy - incomplete
13.2 Roles
13.2.1 Flag Runner
13.2.2 Sniper
13.2.3 Assassin
13.2.4 Explosives Personnel
13.2.5 Flag Recoverer
13.2.6 Base Defender
13.2.7 Repairman
13.2.8 Remote Specialist
13.2.9 Fighter Attack
13.2.10 Fighter Defense
13.2.11 Bomber Attack
13.2.12 Transport Operator
14 Game Type Specific Strategy
14.1 Capture the Flag
14.2 Capture and Hold
14.3 Team Deathmatch
14.4 Deathmatch
14.5 Hunters
15 Map Strategy
15.1 Capture the Flag
15.1.1 Avalon
15.1.2 Beggar's Run
15.1.3 Damnation
15.1.4 Death Birds Fly
15.1.5 Desiccator
15.1.6 Firestorm
15.1.7 Katabatic
15.1.8 Paranoia
15.1.9 Quagmire
15.1.10 Recalescence
15.1.11 Reversion
15.1.12 Sanctuary
15.1.13 Slapdash
15.1.14 Thin Ice
15.1.15 Tombstone
15.2 Capture and Hold - incomplete
15.3 Team Deathmatch - incomplete
15.4 Deathmatch - incomplete
15.5 Hunters - incomplete
16 Strategy Contributed by Others
17 Extra Chat Options
18 Extras
19 My Kits
20 Other Kits
21 About Me
22 :[DoP]:
23 How to Contribute
24 FAQ History
25 Legal Mumbo-jumbo
26 Credits
1 About This FAQ
Hello and welcome to my FAQ.  If you're here it's probably for one of a few
reasons.  Perhaps you're looking into buying Tribes: Aerial Assault.  In this
case I can surely recommend it to you if you are a fan of first person
shooters.  As for the online aspects of the game, it runs well for me and I
have a 56k modem and a crappy ISP.  The only problem with a 56k modem is that
there is a 1 second fire lag but after a while you find yourself getting used
to it (and surprised at how quickly you can fire when you play botmatches).  If
you already have the game, good, have fun, get an internet adapter and start
shooting.  Another reason is perhaps you are looking for tips and ideas for
improving your mad skillz (sic).  This guide is an excellent source (in my
opinion) of strategy and ideas on how to make you a better fragger, flag runner
or whatever.
This FAQ is being written so that TAA online junkies like myself can come to
learn, develop, and share strategies.  That's why I have a section labeled
Strategy Contributed by Others and an Other Kits section.  If you'd like to
learn a bit more about the game this probably isn't the best source for that,
but I will delve in the basics of playing the game.
If you are just starting out I highly recommend going through the tutorials
from the campaign (even though the first few are a bit stupid but I suppose you
gotta start somewhere).  Do a few of the campaign missions, if you want to go
online with a decent amount of experience, stop after you start doing missions
where you fight the BioDerms.  Also, don't be overconfident if you can beat the
campaign, I've beaten all of the missions except the last two, and I'm very
good online (not to brag).
Although there will be sections left empty or semi-empty, this is Version 1.0,
like it or leave it.  As before my strategies focus on Capture the Flag.  In
this update I will share some strategy for CTH maps (for map strategies).  In
future updates I hope to add strategies for levels in other game types as well.
Also as for the game type specific strategies, I'll put in what comes to mind
and add onto those in future updates.
Parts of this FAQ were taken from the instruction booklet that comes with the
game, so if you don't have one, this FAQ can be of use to you.
So there you are, if I think of anything to add to this section I'll add it.
Enjoy!
2 Controls
There are four control configurations to choose from.  I've only played with
Configuration A, so obviously that's the one I prefer and recommend.  Any
mention of pressing a specific button (if the button is mentioned by name, e.g.
X, R1, L2) I assume that your configuration is Configuration A.
Button Key:
X - X                   C - Circle              T - Triangle
S - Square              R1 - R1                 R2 - R2
R3 - R3                 L1 - L1                 L2 - L2
L3 - L3                 DP(U,R,D,L) - Directional Pad (Up,Right,Down,Left)
ST - Start              SL - Select             RS - Right Stick
LS - Left Stick
2.1 Configuration A
X - next weapon         C - use pack            T - throw grenade
S - toggle target lock  R1 - jet pack           R2 - zoom
R3 - not used           L1 - jump/ski           L2 - fire weapon
L3 - not used           DPU - increase zoom     DPR - talk positive
DPD - decrease zoom     DPL - talk negative     ST - options menu
SL - swap weapon/pack   RS - look/aim           LS - move
2.2 Configuration B
X - next weapon         C - use pack            T - throw grenade
S - toggle target lock  R1 - jump/ski           R2 - fire weapon
R3 - not used           L1 - jet pack           L2 - zoom
L3 - not used           DPU - increase zoom     DPR - talk positive
DPD - decrease zoom     DPL - talk negative     ST - options menu
SL - swap weapon/pack   RS - look/aim           LS - move
2.3 Configuration C
X - decrease zoom       C - talk positive       T - increase zoom
S - talk negative       R1 - jump/ski           R2 - fire weapon
R3 - not used           L1 - jet pack           L2 - zoom
L3 - not used           DPU - throw grenade     DPR - toggle target lock
DPD - next weapon       DPL - use pack          ST - options menu
SL - swap weapon/pack   RS - move               LS - look/aim
2.4 Configuration D
X - decrease zoom       C - talk positive       T - increase zoom
S - talk negative       R1 - jet pack           R2 - fire weapon
R3 - not used           L1 - jump/ski           L2 - zoom
L3 - not used           DPU - throw grenade     DPR - toggle target lock
DPD - next weapon       DPL - use pack          ST - options menu
SL - swap weapon/pack   RS - move               LS - look/aim
2.5 Controlling a Vehicle
Controls are the same except where noted (according to the instruction booklet).
To enter a vehicle you must jump into the pilot or passenger seat (on transports
it is a large red hole in the part of the transport that sticks out from where
the pilot sits), be careful not to miss when entering a vehicle.
Exit Vehicle - L1                               Afterburners - R1 (when moving)
Vertical Thrusters - R1 (when stationary)       Yaw (x-axis,left/right) - RS
Pitch (y-axis,up/down) - LS
3 Introduction to Tribes: Aerial Assault
This section was taken straight out of the manual.
3.1 History
It is the 40th century.  On the frontier "Wilderzone" of human space, hardy
neo-barbarian tribes compete for possession of new worlds.  Tribal warriors
enter combat in powered armor, relying on skill and bravery to win glory.
Now the BioDerm Hordes have started to invade tribal space.  Though the tribes
boast of being the finest warriors humanity has ever produced, they face a
genetically modified race that has literally bred itself for battle.  The
stakes are epic, and the Wilderzone is aflame with a new kind of war.
3.2 Tribes
This section is a bit of inconsequential info on the various tribes.  At the
end of each I'll add a comment as to what color armor is and any notes that I
think you should know.
When creating your character you have your choice of Tribe, gender (for humans),
and voice.  To be a BioDerm you need to toggle gender.  Instead of tribes
BioDerms have skins (different colors).  As for the voices, you'll have to check
those out for yourself.
3.2.1 Blood Eagle
The Blood Eagle claim descent from Imperial Knights sent to pacify the tribes
centuries ago.  Their philosophy is simple and brutal: obliterate the enemy,
whatever the cost.
Color: Red/White
Note: This is the tribe that Ransom, from the campaign, belongs to.
3.2.2 Diamond Sword
Nicknamed "Sandrakers", the contemplative Diamond Sword craft innovative new
strategies.  They say the mind is the greatest weapon, and practice the
enigmatic teachings of the Enlightened Master.
Color: Gold/Black
Note: This is the tribe I usually play as.  This and Starwolf have the coolest
looking armors.
3.2.3 Harbingers of Phoenix
Formerly the Children of Phoenix, the elitist Harbingers believe the return of
Holy Phoenix is imminent, and have triggered a crusade to bring all the tribes
under the Phoenix banner.
Color: Purple/Gold
3.2.4 Starwolf
The freedom-loving Starwolf were once more far-flung than any other tribe.
However, the initial Horde strike has nearly eradicated them.  Time will tell
whether they survive.
Color: White/Blue
Note: This armor is a great choice if you know you are going to spend a lot of
time on a snow covered map.  At least in theory, I haven't experimented with
its visibility against snow, but I doubt that it would work as it should since
the enemy would see a large red arrow above your head anyway.  Oh well.
3.2.5 The BioDerm Hordes
Artificially grown slave-soldiers who once served the Empire and now fight a
long, bloody war against it, the BioDerm seek to break the deadlock by
acquiring the wealth of the tribal Wilderzone.
Skin 1: Gold
Skin 2: Silver
Skin 3: Blue
Note: Colors listed are the color of the armor.  BioDerms have tan colored skin.
Note: Someone sent me an e-mail (before I was unable to access my AOL account)
mentioning that BioDerms are shorter than human players.  I'm not sure if this
necessarily gives the BioDerms any advantage but I haven't experimented with it.
If you know for sure, send me a mail.
4 Game Types
These are the different types of games, there are only 5.  I'll give you the
description listed in the instruction manual and then I'll add anything I think
that it is missing as well as any notes that come to mind.
Also I've created words and phrases to call certain situations that can occur.
For more details read on.
4.1 Capture the Flag (CTF)
The objectives of CTF are twofold: capture the enemy's flag and protect your
own.  A flag is "capped" when a player successfully takes the enemy flag
(accomplished by touching it) and touches it to his own flag.  Each team's base
flag locations are automatically waypointed for all players.  CTF games end
when one team has captured the other team's flag 8 times or the game time
expires.
This is by far my most favorite type of game.  This type involves the most use
of strategy.  But one should note that this not only calls for strategy, but
for TEAMWORK (gasp).  By default, there isn't much ability to communicate in
Tribes, but it is possible, see 17 Extra Chat Options for more info.  Killing
your opponents isn't required, but it certainly helps out.
Flag Switch - a condition in which both flags have been captured by their
respective enemies, Flag Switch ends when one Flag Runner has been killed and
the flag has been returned
Stalemate - a condition that often occurs soon after a Flag Switch, it occurs
when both flags have been captured and the respective Flag Runners have
returned to their bases and either prance around with a Repair Pack or fortify
themselves (I've played games where this has occurred for 30 minutes at a
time), Stalemate ends the same way Flag Switch does
4.2 Capture and Hold (CNH)
Each team must capture a number of objectives, which are usually found in
bunkers or towers.  Once an objective is captured, all assets associated with
it come under the capturing team's control.  A team gets points for the time it
retains control of an objective.
If I can't find a good CTF game I try to find a CNH game.  These aren't as
common though.
4.3 Team Deathmatch (TDM)
Similar to Deathmatch, this game type allows you to play with a team.  Victory
goes to the team with the highest number of kills.
A fun way to play; all the fragging action of Deathmatch, but with teams!
4.4 Deathmatch (DM)
Straight kill-or-be-killed, everyone for himself competition.  Victory goes to
the player with the highest score!
A hectic game to play.  Keep in mind that if you are good at CTF that doesn't
guarantee that you can hold your own in DM.  Becoming good at DM is a different
skill from becoming good at CTF.  Be ready for a bit of frustration if you
aren't used to DM, but after you play it for a while you'll get the hang of it.
It can also be observed that spending a few hours playing Deathmatch can
increase your effectiveness at killing your opponents it CTF, which can
sometimes save your team a lot of pain.  Many times you will see people in CTF
that have scores of around 100 but they haven't actually killed more than one
or two people.
4.5 Hunters
A hybrid of CTF and Deathmatch type play.  Every time you kill an enemy, he
drops flags you can collect by running over them.  To score, return accumulated
flags to the Nexus.  The first flag is worth one point, the second is worth
two, the fifth is worth 5, etc...  Turning in seven flags is worth
1+2+3+4+5+6+7 = 28 points.  Turning in 50 flags is worth 1275 points!  Flags on
the ground have different values according to the color they radiate.
Red - 1 flag
Blue - 2 flags
Green - 4 flags
White - 8 flags
I almost never play Hunters unless there are no other games available and I'm
desperately bored.  I'm sure there are some really good people who play
Hunters, but I'm not one of them.
5 Armors
In order to do combat you must first suit up into your armor.  The default
armor/equipment whenever you spawn is Light armor with a Blaster, Spinfusor,
and Chaingun and Basic grenades.
5.1 Light
Light armor is the armor I spend the most time with.  Movement is the greatest,
you consume less energy to cover the same distances with your jet pack, and you
can pilot all vehicles.  I use Light in Deathmatches because of its superior
maneuverability even though you might be tempted to cover yourself in as much
metal as possible and pack whatever even remotely dangerous objects you can find
into your guns and start mowing people down, it doesn't work that way.  Perfect
for Flag Runners, Snipers, and Assassins.  Light is the only armor capable of
carrying the Laser Rifle, but it cannot carry a Missile Launcher or Fusion
Mortar.  It cannot carry any particularly heavy packs such as Barrels, Remote
Inventory Stations, or Remote Turrets.  You can carry 3 weapons in Light armor.
5.2 Medium
Medium is my second armor of choice.  It's good for anything that doesn't
require fast movement and even a few things that do.  It is also useful because
it is the fastest armor that can carry a Missile Launcher to swat down the
occasional (or sometimes the not-so-occasional) bomber.  Its movement and jet
pack ability are between Heavy and Light and you can pilot everything except a
Grav Cycle (assuming of course, you aren't carrying a heavy pack).  Medium is
ideal for Base Defenders who need to set up defenses as quickly as possible.
It is also useful for aerial support as you can still pilot a bomber or a
fighter.  Medium can equip all weapons except a Fusion Mortar and Laser Rifle
and it can carry all packs.  You can carry up to 4 weapons at a time.
5.3 Heavy
Useful for situations that require a solid defense in a small area or a heavy
assault.  Personally, I don't use them very often compared to Light and Medium.
Please avoid the temptation (as stated above) to load up everything possible
thinking that you are now an unstoppable behemoth, because unless you are
carrying a Repair Pack too you're going to get destroyed fast.  There are a few
a few good advantages to Heavy; you can carry all weapons excluding the Laser
Rifle, so you can now rain Fusion Mortars.  Unfortunately (or perhaps
fortunately) they cannot pilot any vehicles, they can, however, be passengers
on a transport.  So if you're really organized and can get a transport and 4
Heavy armored people together, you can assault even the best defended bases, or
rain Fusion shells on an enemy base from above.  Oh, you can also carry 5
weapons and all packs.
6 Weapons
There isn't a single weapon in TAA that isn't useful somewhere, unlike other
FPS games I've played.  Just when you begin to think that some weapon isn't
worth using because it's too weak or too slow, someone comes and blows you into
oblivion with it.  Each weapon/grenade/pack/base asset in the following
sections have the description from the instruction manual (if it has one) and
my own thoughts as well as (in the case of the weapons) how it should be used
and how to avoid it.  So study hard, these things can help you or hurt you (or
sometimes both at once).
6.1 Blaster
A coherent pulsed energy carbine, the Blaster is the standard tribal sidearm.
Ammo: Unlimited - draws from armor energy.
Advantages: High rate of fire, long range, ignores some shields, ricochets at
close range.
Disadvantages: Low damage, Energy use can interfere with mobility.
Those advantages and disadvantages may cause you to think that this is a weak
little weapon at first, and it is, but it does have its perks.  I don't actively
have any kits that carry it, but I'm not saying I never use it.  It is often the
first weapon I use when I respawn into the middle of battle.  And its ability to
shoot through shields can really help in a pinch too.
Use: In close quarters if you don't plan on using the jet pack much.  Try to
avoid using it on the fly.
Avoid: Distance and dodging, both make you harder to hit.  Get a hill between
the shooter and you if you can (this tactic is useful for all weapons except
sometimes a missile will follow you over a hill).
6.2 Chaingun
The Chaingun churns out a hail of explosive microflechettes that quickly chews
up targets.
Ammo: Limited.
Advantages: High rate of fire, substantial damage at close range, conical
"spread" to target.
Disadvantages: Ineffective at long range, short delay between trigger press and
onset of fire.
A very useful weapon indeed.  This is and the Spinfusor are standard to most of
my kits.  Works wonders at close range, but if you want to see how good it is
at long range, just zoom in and fire and see if you can spot any of the shots
within your field of vision.  If you come up behind someone and they haven't
figured out you are there, get out you Chaingun and shoot them, most of the
time you will kill them before they can react.  It may not seem like it is any
good against moving targets, but it is.  Also, if possible, try to constantly
tap the fire button to keep the barrel spinning without firing, that way you
can start firing right away when you need to.
Use: In close quarters (not too close, you can damage yourself if you stand to
close to what you're shooting), preferably indoors but it works outdoors too.
Use in conjunction with Light armor and an energy pack to mow down retreating
Flag Runners (not as effective if they are carrying a Repair Pack though).
Avoid: Keep your distance or try to flank the enemy.
6.3 Fusion Mortar
No other weapon carried by warriors matches the mortar's destructive power.
Ammo: Limited.
Advantages: Explosive damage, indirect fire.
Disadvantages: Ineffective at long range, short delay between trigger press and
onset of fire.
Can you really count explosive damage and indirect fire as advantages?  The
Fusion Mortar is essentially an upgraded Grenade Launcher, and they can, like
grenades, bounce off walls.  This WOULD be the greatest weapon in the game, if
you didn't have to trudge around in Heavy armor to use it.  Nonetheless, if you
ARE in Heavy armor, by all means, use it with deadly force.
Use: Whenever you can accurately hit what you're aiming at.  Works wonders
against players and base structures indoors, or outdoors too.
Avoid: In Light, turn on your jet pack and fly (if you're indoors, get ready to
respawn), in Medium, do the same, in Heavy, relax; you can usually take one
shot, but not two.
6.4 Grenade Launcher
The Grenade Launcher lobs grenades much farther than warriors can throw them.
Ammo: Limited.
Advantages: Explosive damage, indirect fire, grenades can bounce around
corners.
Disadvantages: Difficult to aim directly.
See?  The Grenade Launcher is a watered down Fusion Mortar.  However Light can
carry it (woohoo).  Even then I only have it on a few kits, as it can sometimes
do more damage to you then to them.  Also, it is good for hitting Snipers who
don't know you are there (from a distance, aim for the small red dot that is
above them).  They are also extremely good for hitting stray Heavy armored
people.
Use: Good damage to players quickly, use to destroy base structures if you
aren't in Heavy armor.  They can also be used be used to destroy Heavy armored
people who are slowly walking towards their base.  I don't often use it in
large open areas, but I've fought against/with people who have used them there
effectively.
Avoid: In tight quarters there isn't much you can do, in the open you can
handle them in the same way you handle Fusion shells, just without the panic.
If you are in Heavy armor, pray that by some dumb luck whoever is shooting at
you suddenly dies.
6.5 Laser Rifle
The Laser Rifle is a deadly Sniper's weapon.
Ammo: Unlimited - draws from armor energy.
Advantages: Substantial damage (especially head shots), instant projectile
speed, virtually unlimited range.
Disadvantages: Slow rate of fire, each shot completely drains the armor's
energy, deals damage proportionate to current energy supply (less energy, less
damage), can only be carried by Light armor.
The Laser Rifle would be quite useful if you could kill someone in one hit to
the head, but you can't unfortunately (or at least not in my experience).  It
can do massive damage though, it often results in "Warrior 1 has landed to
hard."  There are some maps where it can be useful.  The other MAJOR
disadvantage they don't list is that it is near impossible to hit moving
targets.  It is more useful if you are carrying an Energy Pack.  Snipers can
take this, get into a Grav Cycle, climb a mountain, and start picking people
off.
Use: Whenever you have a clear shot.
Avoid: Move, move, move.
6.6 Missile Launcher
Primarily used against vehicles, this weapon fires guided missiles across long
distances.
Ammo: Limited.
Advantages: Explosive damage, long range, can lock onto and follow targets.
Disadvantages: Lock on functionality requires delay to establish lock, slow
rate of fire.
This weapon is useful (and equipped on all of my Medium and Heavy kits), but
getting a lock can be tricky.  Getting a lock on players requires them to have
a high heat signature (so this can be good for shooting down Flag Runners,
assuming that they're out of Flares).  Locking on vehicles should be easier in
theory, but lately I've been having trouble doing just that (if anybody knows
what's up with that, please let me know).  The Missile Launcher is definitely
worth using.
Use: To swat down those bothersome vehicles that attack your base.  They can
also take down an unprepared skymonger.
Avoid: Toss a Flare, otherwise prepare to respawn, they almost never miss.
Medium and Heavy can take one shot, but not much past that.  If someone or
something is trying to get a lock on you, stop using your jets if you can do so
in time to avoid allowing them enough time to fire.
6.7 Plasma Rifle
This weapon fires superheated balls of plasma that explode on contact with the
target.
Ammo: Limited.
Advantages: Explosive damage, decent rate of fire.
Disadvantages: Slow projectile movement.
This is another all around good weapon.  My main Flag Runner kit uses it.  It
is good for shooting stationary or nearby targets.  Otherwise you need a lucky
shot to hit.  It is also decent for taking out structures, especially ones that
aren't protected by a shield (cough, destroy generator, cough).
Use: On stationary or close targets.  Good for destroying unshielded things.
Avoid: Distance and/or fast movement.
6.8 Spinfusor
The Spinfusor fires a high-explosive disc-shaped charge.
Ammo: Limited.
Advantages: Explosive damage, long range.
Disadvantages: None.
The Spinfusor is the workhorse of TAA.  This is probably the most common weapon
(ALL of my kits have it).  It is good in almost any situation.  It's not the
most powerful, but enough shots can get the job done.  Despite its
explosiveness, it actually doesn't do much damage back to you unless you're
standing very close to where it hits.
Use: Anytime, anywhere.
Avoid: As with any other weapon with splash damage (Spinfusor, Fusion Mortar,
Grenade Launcher, Plasma Rifle, and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Missile
Launcher) you have a significantly higher chance of taking little/no damage
while you are in the air.
7 Grenades
Obviously they aren't used as often as the other weapons, but each grenade
gives you a distinct advantage that is exclusive to that grenade (with the
exception of the Basic grenade, all grenades except Flares do damage).  Some
are more useful than others however.  I'll also give you ideas for when to use
them.
7.1 Basic
A timed explosive charge thrown by a warrior.  Does substantial damage to all
nearby objects.
The Basic grenade is a good alternative to the grenade launcher in close range.
However it is about as useful otherwise.
Use: Destroying base structures and players.
7.2 Concussion
This grenade does little damage but produces a powerful concussive force that
pushes warriors away from the point of detonation.  The force from a concussion
grenade is strong enough to cause victims to drop their active weapon, their
pack, and even the flag in CTF games.
Evil!  This is the bane of Flag Runners and Heavy armors.  Any veteran player
knows to use this to end Stalemate or to stop those pesky Fusion Mortars.  It
can be useful just for stopping people from shooting you (especially if you can
get someone to drop their Fusion Mortar) but you will find that it can be
employed to indirectly score points for your team.
Use: Make a player drop their stuff (especially flags).
7.3 Flare
Flare grenades use a slow-burning thermal charge.  They are primarily used to
decoy guided missiles away from targets.
These will save your life countless times.  And if you didn't know it already,
you can throw them while inside vehicles.  Useless for anything other than
stopping missiles.
Use: When your lock-on indicator is flashing red, press whatever button you use
to throw grenades NOW.
7.4 Mine
When deployed, a mine burrows into the ground and arms itself.  Thereafter, it
will explode when any warrior or vehicle enters its detection radius.
Useful for setting traps.  Place near generators or flags and hopefully none of
your teammates will come by.  They can be detonated prematurely by any sort of
damage (preferably splash damage).  You cannot place more than one mine in a
very small area, and I think they automatically detonate after a certain amount
of time or if you change armors (neither of those have been verified, but
sometimes my Mines disappear without anybody hitting them).  They can only be
set on floors.  One taste of this will immediately kill off someone in Light,
but hopefully (or not so hopefully) Medium and Heavy users will take the first
one as a warning.
Use: Place near generators (friend or foe) or around your flag (please detonate
them before your Flag Runner returns with the enemy flag).
8 Packs
Packs are what you carry on your back.  They have a variety of functions and
uses.  Like the weapons, there aren't any packs that aren't without use, but
some will inevitably be used more than others.  Once again I'll add comments
and how/when to use them.
8.1 Ammunition
Increases your armor's magazine capacity for all limited ammunition weapons.
Has no impact on your armors energy supply.
This is a good pack to have when going into a fire fight that you expect to be
long and to be one you can survive in.  I don't use these very often though,
but they do come in handy every now and then.  A handy trick involving Ammo
Packs: if you come accross an Ammo Pack laying around and you need some ammo
walk over to it, switch packs, then switch back to your other pack (if you want
to) and there you go, ammo restocked.
Use: When you are expecting a long, drawn out battle without any breaks to stop
by an inventory station, you can also use this for a quick ammo boost.
8.2 Energy
Increases the rate of energy regeneration, thereby increasing jet mobility and
use of weapons that draw off the energy cell.
Useful for Flag Runners and Snipers when they're not carrying a Repair Pack
(and most good Flag Runners carry a Repair or Energy Pack).  They make flying an
easy and useful way to get from place to place.  If you're a Flag Runner, use
this if you don't plan on using a vehicle to get back to your base.  I don't
have any Medium or Heavy kits that use this pack, but I would imagine that it
would make jetting around easier for them.
Use: Flag Running, Snipering, or for fast movement.  It also gives you more
consecutive shots for your Blaster.
8.3 Repair
The Repair Pack lets you restore an item or player to full health.  To repair a
target, you must have energy available and be at short range.  Press the use
pack button to access the pack's repair projector.  Aim it at the target and
press and hold the fire weapon button.  Aiming at nothing heals you instead.
This is probably the most useful pack there is.  Flag Runners who plan on using
vehicles (or not) can use this in to heal minor (or major) amounts of damage
inflicted.  In fact, it is good for healing yourself anytime regardless of
armor.  When in doubt, carry this.  Especially if someone destroys your
Generators and you can't use your Inventory Stations to switch to a Repair Pack
to repair them, otherwise you have to hunt down the one that spawns in your
base.  If you respawn and you find the respawning Repair Pack, pick it up in the
meantime, it could come in handy.  They can also be used to heal other players,
vehicles, or base assets.  If you have one and you get into a transport, check
to make sure that everyone and everything is at full health and heal those that
aren't.  I'm sure I'm missing somewhere where you might want to have one.
Use: Anytime you aren't carrying another pack, and even then you might want to
consider switching to it.
8.4 Shield
When activated, this pack provides you with complete protection from all
damage, except Blaster fire, at the expense of your energy.  Protection lasts
as long as energy is available.  Press the use pack button.
Pressing the use pack button activates it (if you were wondering).  It
automatically turns off when you run out of energy.  Jet around as little as
possible while it is turned on.  It is really a pity that you can't wear two
packs at once, as having an Energy and Shield Pack equipped would be very fun.
Perfect for recon missions or sneaking in with your Concussion grenades for a
little flag stealing action.  You can also use this with the Concussion grenades
to make life in Heavy armor easier.
Use: To prevent damage over short periods of time, keep in mind that it doesn't
stop impact damage (from falling or getting run over) or Blaster damage.
8.5 Remote Inventory Station
Only Medium and Heavy armors carry this small version of a base Inventory
Station.  Teammates may obtain any inventory from this station except another
Remote Inventory Station.  Also note that Remote Inventory Stations cannot be
used to change armor.
These are very useful, but, due to the limited amount you can place, be careful
with how you place them.  Put them in vital areas to provide a quick source of
recovery.  Use them as a hub for setting up turrets.  Hide them near normal
Inventory Stations for when the Gens shut down.  Use and abuse them (just don't
abuse them too much, when they're destroyed it's permanent).  Also note that
when a Remote Inventory Station is placed, a beacon is placed that waypoints
the station's location for the other players, but if it receives ANY damage the
beacon is destroyed and players can't see that it is there.  You also can't
pilot vehicles while carrying this.
Use: Just place the dang thing where the enemy won't find it.
8.6 Remote Sensor
This item detects movement and energy signatures within a limited range.  When
positioned around friendly turrets, it can greatly increase their targeting
range.
Remote Sensors have two useful functions.  They can improve the range of Remote
and Base Turrets alike, but they can also be used as an obstacle to stop
movement in small areas or can hinder opponents who aren't looking where they
are stepping.  A third, but not as useful, function is that they can distract
AI opponents.  I don't place them often, but I've seen other players who love
to use them, so it's up to you.
Use: To increase a turrets range or to disrupt foot traffic.
8.7 Remote Turret
Remote Turrets detect their targets using their own limited built-in sensors.
Turrets can be placed on any surface be it a base or terrain.
Very useful as a defensive structure and vital for Generator defense.  They can
also be used as obstacles or to harass opponents (by putting them into an enemy
base).  They can be quickly destroyed, and when they are they disappear, but
they can also be quickly placed.  However you can't place them too close to each
other, which can be an annoyance when you're trying to find a spot to set them
up.  Try to avoid putting them in the center of a room, because then you have
less places to put other turrets.  Think of it this way, do you want 1 turret
guarding the center of a room or 4 turrets placed in the room's corners that
will work together to blast enemies that wander in into soup?  Unfortunately
(for those who place them) they are easy to destroy without getting hurt, but
that is my little secret (it's not that hard to figure out, really).
Use: Anywhere in which the enemy might need to momentarily stand still; the
Remote Turrets hit stationary targets best.
8.8 Remote Detonation Satchel Charge
After deploying this powerful explosive, the user may detonate it by pressing
the use pack button again.  The charge requires a few seconds to arm after
deployment.
The Satchels can usually destroy a pair of generators in one shot.  And it'll
take down players in any armor in one hit too.  If someone walks in and throws
one, don't panic.  Instead shoot the thing, it will explode and cause
significantly less damage than if it was detonated by the thrower.  Be brave,
and defend your base, or suffer the consequences of having to spend time
repairing.  A good strategy for using Satchels is to place a Remote Inventory
Station near an enemy base, where they would have to look hard to find it, and
switch to the Satchel Pack.  Then place, detonate, restock, and repeat.
Use: Anytime that a big bang is needed.
8.9 Anti-Aircraft Barrel
Twin heavy Blasters on the Anti-Aircraft Turret enable it to chew up any
Turbograv or jetting enemy warriors that venture into range.  it cannot fire at
targets on or too near the ground.
It can shoot down anything in the air, assuming of course that it isn't moving.
It's good in that it doesn't require a lock to fire, but I still prefer the
Missile Barrel when it comes to taking down aircraft and flying foes.
Use: In places where you expect low flying bombers to come through.
8.10 Mortar Barrel
A larger version of the armor-carried weapon, the Mortar Turret has a much
greater range and delivers a heavier payload.
This is a wonderful defensive tool with only three disadvantages.  It has a
trajectory type fire, so it's not good for hitting things that are in the air,
it doesn't have a long enough range to stop far away players from destroying
it, and if it doesn't score a direct hit the shell needs a few seconds to
detonate.  Otherwise you can trust it to defend your base effectively.
Use: For turrets that are placed low to the ground or in valleys (between
mountains).
8.11 Missile Barrel
The Missile Turret is equally effective against air or ground targets.  Once
locked onto a target, the missiles home in on it.  Missile Turrets can lose
lock on an aerial target if the target shuts down its afterburners or jets.
The Missile Turret is every aircraft's nightmare.  Imagine a Missile Launcher
that doesn't run out of ammo!  Your Flare supply can become depleted quickly if
they aren't taken out.  It is accurate, locks on quickly, and fires as soon as
possible so be ready with those Flares.  Use these for Base Turrets that are
placed in fairly remote areas so that they can shoot things down without being
easy to bomb.  Since they require a lock to fire, they can be taken out from a
distance as long as you don't have too much of a heat signature.  Unfortunately
I've never successfully stopped it from locking on by "turning off the
afterburners".
Use: Anywhere you expect heavy air attacks or where you think your base would
benefit from an effective anti-aircraft battery.
8.12 Plasma Barrel
The Plasma Turret spits out balls of super-heated plasma.  Though slow, they
deal severe damage to unshielded targets.
They don't really deal as much damage as they should.  I've destroyed several
by standing next to it and strafing, taking care to change directions as soon
as it fires.  It is an okay alternative to the Mortar Barrel, but I never place
a Plasma Barrel unless I accidentally confuse it for a Mortar Barrel (which has
happened to me once or twice).
Use: It's up to you.  If I get around to it I usually switch these to Mortars.
9 Vehicles
Vehicles are very useful tools in TAA, especially when used correctly.  However
efficient use of vehicles can take practice.  Knowing how to pilot is one
useful skill, as well as how to quickly get into and out of a vehicle.  This
section will help you to understand vehicles, or at least allow you to see what
I have to say about them.  I'd also like to point out that all vehicles have a
shield similar to the Shield Pack that relies on the vehicles energy, so if you
are being shot at avoid using the afterburners as it drains your shield and
after that's gone there isn't anything between them and your destruction except
a well placed retreat.  It can be noted that in some CTH games you can't get
into any vehicle (except the passenger seats on a transport) with the flag.
9.1 Mongoose Grav Cycle
A favorite of Snipers and Flag Runners, the Mongoose is a ground-hugging
"Terragrav" built for blazing speed.  Skilled Mongoose pilots build reputations
as fearless daredevils...or absolute psychopaths.
Crew: 1 (pilot), Light armor only.
Speed: High.
Protection: Low.
Armament: None.
This is definitely your vehicle of choice for getting from point A to point B,
assuming that the path is on the ground and is fairly flat.  The fact that it
is not good for traversing mountains makes it a vehicle that is useful in only
a handful of maps.  While you are on one and are stationary you are a sitting
duck so move, after all that is what it was designed for.  A good general
tactic is to park it behind an enemy base, grab the flag, flee back to it, and
jet outta there like a bat outta hell (which raises questions as to how fast a
bat would want to leave hell).  You could bring a Satchel instead and go for
their Generators, or bring a Shield Pack and Concussion grenades to retrieve
your flag.
9.2 Dingo Fighter
The Dingo is often typecast as an anti-Turbograv vehicle.  However, its agility
and Heavy Blasters make it quite effective in a ground support role.
Crew: 1 (pilot).
Speed: High.
Protection: Moderate.
Armament: Twin Heavy Blasters.
This is a versatile vehicle.  At the beginning of a game many players will jump
into bombers and start trying to bomb your base into a crater.  A good
countertactic for this is to jump into a Dingo and shoot down anything that
flies and is too stupid to keep moving.  Think of fighter, bomber, and ground
force as rock, paper, and scissors.  Fighter beats bomber, bomber beats ground
forces, ground forces beat fighters.  Although I'm not saying that a person on
the ground can't take down a bomber, or a fighter can't take out ground forces,
things work most efficiently the way outlined as such.  However, there is an
extremely useful tactic for taking down players in a fighter that doesn't
involve the weapons on the vehicle at all.  Just line up the player and run
him/her/it over.  It takes a bit of practice and is significantly easier on
targets that are on the ground or against a mountain.  Happy hunting, er
fightering.
9.3 Hammer Bomber
The Hammer delivers massive firepower to the battlefield and is particularly
effective against shielded targets.
Crew: 1 (pilot/bombardier).
Speed: Moderate.
Protection: High.
Armament: Coherent-Plasma Bombs.
The Hammer is definitely the best thing for taking down external base
structures, and your first targets should be any turrets that shoot things out
of the air and Vehicle Stations to prevent them from doing the same to you.
Make sure you fly as high as possible in a bomber, most of the time anyway.  If
you are dealing with a Missile Turret, you can avoid missiles if you are high
enough and are directly above the turret.  If a fighter is trying to shoot you
down, never remain in one spot for too long.  Try to become good at bombing
players, as one or two bombs will kill just about any player.  It is a tricky
thing to do, but it can pay off.  Oh and be sure to hold down R2 when you're
trying to bomb something; it'll make your life as a bomber easier.
9.4 Piltdown Transport
The Piltdown allows aerial transport of personnel across any terrain.  The ship
can carry up to four Heavy armors which retain the ability to use their
personal weapons.  A full load of heavily armed passengers can demolish enemy
forces.
Crew: 5 (pilot, up to 4 passengers).
Speed: Low.
Protection: High.
Armament: Automated Aerial Assault Turret
Capacity: Four passenger slots as well as crew positions.
The Piltdown is the basic unit of teamwork.  But it is hard to organize a full
party.  One way to attempt it is to commandeer one and park it somewhere
outside your base until a small group of people catch on and get in.  You can
also use it to help Flag Runners, if their smart enough to accept your offer.
Sometime getting into the passenger spots can be tricky though.  I've abandoned
transports when running the flag because it was taking me too long to get into
it and I had three people coming after me with Spinfusors.  On the whole the
Piltdown isn't used as much as it really should be, but that's the way things
are I guess.
10 Base Assets
This section is for the structures that make up the innards of your base.
While none of them are essential for accomplishing the task of capturing your
enemy's flag, taking strongholds, or killing your opponents they all make life
a LOT easier.  They all do something (I think) that works for you and if they
are destroyed you should probably repair them unless you deem it unnecessary.
Everything in this section is powered by the Generators (sometimes referred to
as Gens for short), so if they are destroyed everything else is rendered
effectively useless.  So keep those Gens running whenever possible.
10.1 Generator
Generators constitute the primary power supply for most tribal bases.  These
are usually the first items targeted in an attack, since once they are
destroyed all other base equipment loses power and ceases to function.
The statement about them being the first things targeted isn't necessarily
true, but they are important nonetheless.  Generators should be guarded at most
(if not all) cost.  Place plenty of Remote Turrets.  If they are destroyed
everything that isn't a Remote Something ceases to work and their shields quit
working, making them easier to destroy.  In some situations you can place a
Remote Inventory Station in a fairly hidden spot and live without your Gens,
but keep in mind that you only have access to Light armor and everything from
Vehicle Stations to Base Turrets won't work, making you more susceptible to
attack.  If you want to destroy Gens there are a few ways to approach it.  If
nobody saw you sneak in take your time with the first one (usually there are
two, in some maps there is only one), assuming that it isn't guarded by Remote
Turrets, by taking it out with a Chaingun and then use something fairly
powerful, like a Plasma Rifle, for the second one.  If they saw you sneak in,
hit 'em with everything you've got.  Another way is to bring a Fusion Mortar
(good luck) or a Satchel to destroy them in a short period of time.  The
Satchel is most effective when two Gens are next to each other, otherwise you
can only take out one and the other is left to your weapons to destroy.
10.2 Inventory Station
An essential strategic asset, Inventory Stations allow you to customize your
equipment.  First, enter the IN-GAME OPTIONS menu and select the IVENTORY tab
option.  Select gear from the various drop boxes.  Next, walk onto the
station's pad and the new loadout will materialize immediately.
I prefer to go into games with pre-saved "kits".  To do this simply go into a
Botmatch, set up what kits you want, then quit the game and save afterwards.  I
usually don't save after battles online so that I preserve my pre-saved kits.
The Inventory Stations are certainly very useful, there is usually an Inventory
Station race at the beginning of a game.  Work quickly and don't hog the
station or you will make the other players mad, which could lead to you getting
voted off the team.  They aren't too hard to destroy, they are easier to nail
(and therefore in the interest of ammo conservation) when the Gens are down as
they then have no protective shield.
10.3 Vehicle Station
Vehicle Stations allow you to create battle-ready vehicles.  To activate a
vehicle station, you must first enter the IN-GAME OPTIONS menu and select the