Sapien-X99: Tips

Dare you read my SECRETS?

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	So, you want to be good at
tanarus, huh? You want to kick
some butt? Or are you just a WIMP
who has never played? In any case,
these hard-earned tips should give
you the edge you need to raise
your kill/death ratio, but more
importantly to help your team
triumph!

	Enjoy these precious
tips, for each of them was
acquired only through shameless
bribery of the notorious
Sapien-X99. If he were ever to
find out that they had been POSTED
..well, let's just not think about
that.

(Update #3)

Tip#1- Mining:

Mining is a very useful way to defend bases, recons, or other territory. The trick is knowing what to do and what not to do. DON'T spread mines over a large area because it endangers yourself and your teammates. DO lay mines on a)the flag, b)the top of ramps facing enemy-side, c)the diagonal of ramps facing your-side, d)the middle of base passageways, e)around the corners of enemy pathways. Also try predicting where rocketers might land while trying to avoid other mines. Also be sure that you are alone when mining enemy areas (or else YOU'LL get blown up, too!). And ALWAYS cluster your mines. That means put 3-5 in one spot, depending on importance.

Infrared: a deadly cluster of
mines

Tip#2- Circling:

Circling is a very effective close to medium-range technique. The idea is to avoid getting hit, while still pummeling your opponent. If you really don't know what I'm talking about: Press X or C and bring your turret to a 90 degree angle while you turn in the opposite direction. Then increase speed, begin shooting, and use the left/right arrows to keep aiming in the right direction. If the opponent begins to hit you, whip into reverse to throw their aim off.

Some people think that this technique only works well for Lightnings. WRONG! If you are a skilled aimer, the circling Vangaurd is considerably more durable to use. (But if you are one of those lame runners, of course you'll still pick the lightning!) In order to further demonstrate this point, I have experimented considerably with the following tank configuration:

Chameleon

Bay 1	Cannon
Bay 2	Cannon
Bay 3	AP Shells
Bay 4	AP Shells
Bay 5	AP Shells/Infrared

Strategy: It is deadly when in the hands of an expert. I have very frequently challenged lone lightnings in this configuration and totally smashed them (much to their surprise!). If you stay in close, 6 hits with AP shells can kill a fully-sheilded lightning, but long distance shots definitely pack a mean punch, too. The trick is, staying alive by circling. Keep them guessing where you are and which way you're going. Also, once they catch on to you and the element of surprise is lost, this method becomes much more difficult to implement (details omitted on purpose).

Tip#3- Defending a Recon from Eminent Capture:

What would you choose if you had the choice of any tank and any config. to defend a critical recon from three enemies, by YOURSELF?
The Answer: Devestator

Bay 1	Missile Launcher
Bay 2	Missile Launcher
Bay 3	Missile Launcher
Bay 4	Missile Launcher
Bay 5	Phoenix Missile
Bay 6	Phoenix Missile
Bay 7	Phoenix Missile
Bay 8	Phoenix Missile
Bay 9	Sheild
Bay 10	Stealth/Infrared/Shells

Strategy: Sit tight right on top of the recon. When an enemy approaches, wheel towards it and fire off as many missiles as you can. Be sure not to let it push you off your recon square. Then- whenever you run out of ammo, get the opportunity to reload, or think you're about to die- just press 'enter!' After a couple of seconds (just when they realize you're reloading) click 'Enter Arena' and let loose with the missiles again. Repeat this until they retreat, then frag.'em to bits(if that's your style).
(UPDATE) Only effective in recons where circling is restricted.

Tip#4- Advanced Sniping:

Devestator

Bay 1	Missile Launcher
Bay 2	Missile Launcher
Bay 3	Missile Launcher
Bay 4	Missile Launcher
Bay 5	Guided Missile
Bay 6	Guided Missile
Bay 7	Guided Missile
Bay 8	Guided Missile
Bay 9	Cloak/Doppler
Bay 10	Cloak/Doppler

Strategy:Use this config to sit at a recon and pummel enemy tanks that come in range. WARNING: This falls under the category of "aggravation tactics." In other words, don't do it unless you've got mines/friends to take out people who try to "usurp" you from your recon throne. Also, be considerate of teammates who need to use the recon by not sitting directly on top of it.

NOTE: I have always felt that missile snipers are superior to, and more ethical than "fraggers" (people who snipe with frag shells). Remember, there is always a way to hit the fragger with a guided, and there is usually a place to do that where the fragger can't hit you.

Basicly, the choice between using cloak and doppler should be based on how close you are to your teammates. If you are far away, use doppler to foresee stealthed "usurpers." If you are close, use cloak to blend in unseen. Stealth is a waste because enemies can follow the missile trail. In addition, most players EXPECT that you are stealthed, and might believe that someone else is there if you AREN'T. Have fun because sniping isn't the best way to get kills, or the most popular.

For added fun, use Tip#3 when the enemy tries to "usurp" you!

Tip#5- Avoiding Mines

This is a simple tip that almost any experienced player uses. WHENEVER you go up a ramp, slow down near the top and lower your turret by pressing Z. Instantly scan for enemy mines. This little trick is great for pulling in to the recon because it also helps you hit the recon pad more accurately. It is also wise to lower your turret before going down a ramp. Another place to watch out for mines is around corners. Whenever you are in enemy territory, try not to hug the corners. You might be glad you didn't!

It's also fun to use enemies' mines against them with a mine sweeper. The idea is really simple, whenever they run over their own mines, press M. This technique is more subtle and more damaging than detno mines. Sometimes it works great, but other times you are wasting your time. Some people carry one mine sweep around just in case this opportunity comes up.

Tip#6- The Art of Retreating

First, let me say that I really don't like Lightning Cowards (, people who engage you in battle then jet away in their lightning,) but in many situations retreat is acceptable. For example, when a 1-on-1 becomes a 2-on-1, or you have run out of ammo. Remember, running is cowardly, but logging (, exiting the game to escape imminent death,) is totally unfair.

Having said that, the key to running, if you don't have rockets or turbo boost, is managing your shelds. The default keys for sheild allocation are [ (allocate to rear) and ] (allocate to front). Avoid the temptation to jet off in a straight line and throw all sheilds to the rear. While this might have worked in earlier versions of Tanarus, it won't work now.

One strategy is to slowly move sheilds to the rear while zig-zagging around obstacles. If the rear sheild is about to disappear, show them your front side and go in reverse for a little while. Sadly, this method usually fails. The best thing to do, especially if you are only being chased by one enemy, is to try to keep your sheilds balanced, act like your running, then use a circling technique (see Tip#2) when the time is right. It really makes you look like a pro, especially when you end up killing THEM!

Tip#7- Don't let this happen:

Sapien-X99:evil laughter

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