The point of this thread is to examine teamwork in group fighting, and to help new players learn the basics of cRPG strategy.
What are some of the things that you do in a group fight to make your side win?
Got Tips? Tricks? Strategies? Comments? Post 'em here so we can open up a discussion on how to work with a team.
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I'll start.
Teamwork 101:
There are two general principles to working with teammates:
PAY ATTENTION and GET PEOPLE KILLED
It's pretty straightforward. If you're paying attention to things that are happening around you, you will have the information to make good decisions. Good decisions, properly executed, get enemies killed. Duh.
It's something of an artificial distinction to make (PAYING ATTENTION and GETTING PEOPLE KILLED are so intertwined that it's almost silly to separate them) but it serves as a good framework for a discussion of team play. I'll give a few examples of each, and hopefully other players will chime in with their own wisdom.
PAY ATTENTION
Situational awareness is critically important. This should be self evident. Whenever you can, scan the battlefield to identify new threats. Keep your head "on a swivel" in fights. When you're running from point A to point B, use the vanity camera (default: tilde ~) to scan for incoming cavalry, juicy targets, or allies in need of help. Nobody is perfect in this regard (unless we have any resident Zen masters in the house?) but it's a good habit to get into.
The more aware you are of your surroundings, the better you will play.
examples:
Map Positioning.
It's easy to lose track of where your allies are, and find yourself isolated in a dangerous situation. The most obvious example is a super speedy agility character who runs up to skirmish with the enemy, only to realize that he has outrun all of his allies. This usually leads to a horrible 10v1 death. You should almost always be in such a position that you can either help, or be helped by, your team.
"WTF NERF CAV"
If you find yourself saying these words, you probably aren't paying enough attention to your surroundings (or you're busy fending off an onslaught of 2h spam and are justifiably focused on blocking). The surest way to reduce clip-clop deaths is by watching your surroundings.
Assist allies in need.
If you see an ally in danger, and you can get there in time, go help him. (Do NOT run halfway across the map to help an Ally who is fighting 6v1. It is an absolute certainty that he will die as soon as you arrive, and then you will share his fate). Save archers, disrupt awlpikers who are about to shank your tincan, etc. Living allies are a lot better than dead allies.
If you aren't paying attention, you won't be able to help your allies.
Protect your goddamn pikemen.
Yes, I'm basically repeating the last point, but it's a point that deserves special emphasis (and I'm biased since I like to play long range pokey weapons). Pikemen really need your help to deal with enemies who dive them. If you give your allied pikemen enough room to work, they will repay your efforts tenfold. (And they will probably make a point of watching out for you, which is glorious indeed).
Protect your pikemen, and help them work that mighty shaft.
GETTING KILLS IS GOOD; GETTING PEOPLE KILLED IS JUST AS GOOD
It's nice to rack up a bunch of kills, but it doesn't really matter; Dead is dead, and you'll get valor points due to proximity anyways.
Don't go into a fight thinking "how can I kill this guy?" Go into a fight thinking "how can I get this guy killed?" Sure, sometimes the best way to get an enemy killed is to stab him the face yourself. But sometimes it is not.
Just get him in the dirt and move on.
examples:
Flanking.
The most simple and obvious example and teamwork, something which most people do automatically. Flank whenever it is safe. The enemy will have a very hard time blocking if you attack him from two different sides. Duh.
Split-Direction Attacks.
Similar to flanking, the enemy will have a hard time if he has to block two different attack directions at the same time. When you attack an enemy, make a note of your allies weapon. Is it a thrusting preferred weapon? Is it an overhand preferred weapon? Is it a side-spam weapon? Attack the enemy in such a direction that he will leave your ally's preferred direction open for a free hit.
The clearest example of this is a 2h mauler and a pikeman attacking the same target. If the enemy blocks the mauler (up), he will be hit by the pikeman (down). If he blocks the pikeman (down), he will be hit by the mauler (up).
The Threat of an attack can be just as good as an attack.
Just menacing someone with your weapon can be enough to get them killed, or save an ally.
-If somebody sees you pointing a thrust at them, they will probably downblock (opening up split attacks for your allies).
-If a horseman sees that you have him lined up, he will probably break off his charge (saving both you and allies).
-If you stand around looking scary, people will be less likely to go shank your nearby allies. (Of course if they go for it anyway, just shank them yourself.)
Less is More
If an enemy is surrounded, charging up to him and spamming him might not be your best option. Look around first (you can always go spam him after you check your surroundings).
-Enemy horse incoming? Square up and rear him, or at least disrupt his charge. Your allies can secure the kill in peace.
-Enemy reinforcements coming? Skirmish with them. Delay them. Draw them away. Your allies can secure the kill in peace.
-Random enemy dicking around nearby? Engage him. Draw his attention. You don't have to kill him--though it would be nice--you just have to hold him in place a few seconds. Once your allies have disposed of their previous target, they will have another easy victim all lined up.
-If your presence will only crowd the fight and disrupt your allies (eg block their swings), take up a position on a likely escape route and shank him if he squirrels out of his encirclement.
shitty graphic: Position yourself in his escape route. You are boxing him in (you will hit/kick/nudge him if he comes in your direction) without crowding your allies.
x = ALLY O = enemy U = you
x
x o x
U
Get out of the way.
Don't block your allies from getting free kills. Stand clear of your allies' swing path, or you'll just cancel the attack and get them killed: Don't stand directly behind a mauler, don't go hip to hip with someone trying to spam side attacks.
If an enemy is on the ground and your buddies are about to finish him off, don't run in and try to steal the kill. You'll just get teamkilled and let him escape.
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These aren't ironclad "rules." They just a few examples (of many!) to help new players on their way.
Mechanics/builds/gear aside, this is how you play cRPG: You pay attention, and help get people killed.
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I'd like to get a good discussion going, which new players can use to get some insight into the non-mechanical aspects of cRPG.
Please post comments/criticisms/tips/whatevers about what YOU think makes for successful teamplay. I only know the game from the perspective of a supporty polearm/hoplite, and I'm eager to hear other classes chime in. I'm sure that we can build up a nice little collection of teamwork-oriented strategy and tactics.
Cheers.
