Playing Styles
By Stephen "Genghis" Brueckner
A pilot's playing style is often a matter of personal preference. We'll describe
a few styles below. A truly good pilot will excel at each of these styles,
adapting to different situations in different levels. Unfortunately, some
players don't have the option of playing certain styles, such as dogfighting,
because their internet connection is too laggy or lossy to allow for effective
dodging and aiming.
Though it can be argued that each style is extremely effective, the elite
players of the descent community that are good in almost all levels/balances and
opponent numbers are those that not only combine ALL four "styles," but are
pro-engagement. Sticking to hit and run will keep your kill count too low, as
will camping. Only dogfighting is a bad decision if you're low on shields or if
you have an inadequate weapon. Only Ratting will make you play poor in open
space 3d levels, and outside. The best you can do is put a little bit of each
style into your shopping cart and attempt to engage your opponent in favorable
conditions as much as possible.
If you're new and you engage and dogfight a lot, this will make you into a
better player much faster than hit and run, even though you may get better
results. Engaging a LOT teaches how to lead shots, aim, and most importantly
dodge tough incoming shots. Players who engage a lot will learn these important
skills much faster than players who run or camp frequently. After a player has
devoted a lot of time to engaging, he or she will see that learning to dogfight
will not only help the "dogfighting" area of their style. It'll help their hit
'n run because their dodging will be sharp, their ratting will be superb because
you've got to dodge in tight tunnels, and your sniping will get better because
of your experience aiming quickly under pressure. Many pilots will disagree with
frequent dogfighting. You may find it less fun, but if you wish to increase your
own skills as fast as possible, we recommend that you attempt to engage and
dogfight as much as you can. Your overall game will improve drastically faster.
A) Dogfighting
This style is all about flying around big open spaces, dodging and shooting. It
is a particularly exhilarating way to fight. Dogfight engagements are often
quite long, and therefore very satisfying to win. The key to this style is
dodging your opponents shots while trying to aim your own. A fast and agile ship
like the phoenix is a favorite for dogfighters.
B) Tunnel Ratting
Do you like to hide in tunnels, outflank your opponent, and take him or her out
with a well-placed shot? If so, "ratting" may be for you. Beware - often the
pilot with more familiarity and experience in the level being played will have
quite an advantage. It is difficult to dodge in a cramped tunnel, so ratting
engagements are often quite short. One shot will fully-charged fusion or a
well-placed impact mortar can end it in seconds. Ratters often like to fly a
well-armored and well-armed ship, like the magnum.
C) Camping
While this could be considered a playing style, it is often frowned upon by
other players. Campers sit in one area, picking up powerups, and ambushing
anyone who comes by. When integrated with other tactics, camping can be just the
dash of pepper your strategical mix needs. Usually experienced pilots camp for
matters of seconds in hope of gaining the strategical advantage. Camping can be
effective in small doses but if you camp too long or too frequently once someone
else figures out where you are camping or like to camp, you're a sitting duck!
That's why you've gotta have other skills to back it up.
D) Sniping
Some pilots like to stay out of the way of direct conflicts, waiting for an
opportunity to strike. Sometimes they'll shoot at players from long distances
with the mass driver or vauss. Sometimes they'll wait for 2 other players to get
into a fight, then try to pick them off from the sidelines. This can be an
effective playing style as well, but won't put you at the top of the kill list
either.
E) Hit & Run
This playing style is designed to maximize your own safety. It is particularly
frustrating to play against a good runner, because they don't stick around for a
fight. They fly around a level, always looking for opportunities to get the jump
on an opponent. They then take their shot and run for cover. Runners often like
to fly fast ships like the phoenix. Also, due to the nature of their
quick-strike, fire-and-forget tactics, they often rely on secondary weapons that
can do more damage in a single shot than a primary.