Scout (Long War) - Revision history

TheHolotargeter: /* Master Sergeant */

2025-12-09T22:46:56Z

Master Sergeant

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:46, 9 December 2025
Line 98:		Line 98:
	===Master Sergeant===		===Master Sergeant===

	''Extra Conditioning'' is a nice pickup for any build, with a bunch of free stats to aim, mobility, will, and HP. ''Vital Point Targeting'' is great for damage builds, or just adding decent damage to any Scout build even if you didn't invest in it per se. It also helps counteract some of the stacking damage penalties on In the Zone builds. ''Smoke and Mirrors'' has some synergy with Concealment as support grenades don't break stealth, ~~but~~ is probably the least useful choice of the bunch.		''Extra Conditioning'' is a nice pickup for any build, with a bunch of free stats to aim, mobility, will, and HP. ''Vital Point Targeting'' is great for damage builds, or just adding decent damage to any Scout build even if you didn't invest in it per se. It also helps counteract some of the stacking damage penalties on In the Zone builds. ''Smoke and Mirrors'' has some synergy with Concealment as support grenades don't break stealth, and pods activated by a thrown flashbang or chem grenade will often not scatter properly. However, outside of such tricks it is probably the least useful choice of the bunch.

	==Sample Builds==		==Sample Builds==

Riw at 10:17, 28 August 2024

2024-08-28T10:17:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:17, 28 August 2024
Line 6:		Line 6:
	:'''Primary Weapon''': Assault Rifles, Battle Rifles, Carbines, Marksman Rifles, Shotguns, SMGs.		:'''Primary Weapon''': Assault Rifles, Battle Rifles, Carbines, Marksman Rifles, Shotguns, SMGs.
	:'''Secondary Weapon''': Pistols, Machine pistols, Sawed-off Shotgun.		:'''Secondary Weapon''': Pistols, Machine pistols, Sawed-off Shotgun.
	:'''Class-Limited items''': Marksman Scope, Chameleon Suit.		:'''Class-Limited items''': Marksman Scope, Chameleon Suit, Battle Scanner.
	<div style="clear:both;"></div>		<div style="clear:both;"></div>

DjinnFor at 18:19, 19 November 2021

2021-11-19T18:19:39Z

@@ Line 71: / Line 71: @@
 Scouts have a great deal of flexibility, able to be built to fill anywhere from one to all three of the following roles, depending on degree of specialty:
 * '''Scout''': A major role of the Scout class is in their ability to recon - in Long War, the importance of situational awareness and the existence of extended range on some weapons means that gaining vision of the battlefield is more important than ever.  A scout can spot for the team, moving forward into a position that may draw enemy contact and then escaping relatively safely using the core class perk ''Lightning Reflexes'' if any major threats choose to Overwatch.  Even better is advancing under ''Concealment'', which is an effective method of gaining vision with almost no risk, so long as it is employed properly.  The Scout class also gains the Battle Scanners perk relatively early which provides substantial vision out to a massive distance, which may be supplemented with Smoke & Mirrors later on for an extra charge.
-* '''Mobile DPS / Off-DPS''': The Scout can be specialized as a primary damage dealer thanks to the presence of multi-attack perks ''Hit and Run'' or ''In The Zone'' combined with other potent damage increasing abilities (''Aggression'', ''Bring Em On'', ''Ranger'', ''Vital Point Targeting'', and even ''Lone Wolf''), allowing a damage-focused Scout to effectively compete with other classes in a niche role as a heavily mobile flanking DPS unit.  While other DPS classes gain an edge late game (most notably, Infantry and Snipers at Master Sergeant, and Gunners against mechanical units), the Scout readily transitions into one of the best DPS MECs in the game, the Pathfinder.  Marksman Rifles can be used to make extended range attacks from risky positions, while the large ammo capacity of Shotguns makes them deadly for a close quarters ''In The Zone'' build.
+* '''Mobile DPS / Off-DPS''': The Scout can be specialized as a primary damage dealer thanks to the presence of multi-attack perks ''Hit and Run'' or ''In The Zone'' combined with other potent damage increasing abilities (''Aggression'', ''Bring Em On'', ''Ranger'', ''Vital Point Targeting'', and even ''Lone Wolf''), allowing a damage-focused Scout to effectively compete with other classes in a niche role as a heavily mobile flanking DPS unit.  While other DPS classes gain an edge late game (most notably, [[Infantry (Long War)|Infantry]] and [[Sniper (Long War)|Snipers]] at Master Sergeant, and [[Gunner (Long War)|Gunners]] after flying armor), the Scout readily transitions into one of the best DPS MECs in the game, the [[Pathfinder (Long War)|Pathfinder]].  Marksman Rifles can be used to make extended range attacks from risky positions, while the large ammo capacity of Shotguns makes them deadly for a close quarters ''In The Zone'' build.
-* '''Utility / Fire Support''': The Scout class contains a veritable toolbox of utility skills that can round out any squad.  ''Concealment'' and ''Smoke & Mirrors'' can make for a decent Support Grenadier, able to Flashbang or Chem enemies from close range without breaking concealment; this is especially potent when combined with support psionics like ''Mind Merge'' or ''Psychokinetic Strike''.  ''Holo-targeting'', ''Battle Scanners'', and ''Flush'' offer utility value in various circumstances as well.
+* '''Utility / Fire Support''': The Scout class contains a veritable toolbox of utility skills that can round out any squad.  ''Concealment'' and ''Smoke & Mirrors'' can make for a decent Support Grenadier, able to Flashbang or Chem enemies from close range without breaking concealment; this is especially potent if the Scout also brings support psionics like ''Mind Merge'' or ''Psychokinetic Strike''.  ''Holo-targeting'' and ''Flush'' offer utility value in various circumstances as well.
 Incidentally, Scouts also make for great covert operatives, as their wide variety of perks that increase mobility and survivability help immensely during Covert Operations against Exalt cells.  ''Concealment'' is particularly valuable for mid-to-late game Covert Extractions, where the sheer quantity of enemies make direct engagement with EXALT almost impossible.
 ==Sample Builds==

DjinnFor: /* Concealment Recon */

2021-09-29T15:07:22Z

Concealment Recon

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 29 September 2021
Line 84:		Line 84:
	\|TSG={{ Concealment (Long War)}}		\|TSG={{ Concealment (Long War)}}
	\|GSG={{ Sprinter (Long War)}}		\|GSG={{ Sprinter (Long War)}}
	\|MSG={{ Smoke ~~and~~ Mirrors (Long War)}}		\|MSG={{ Smoke And Mirrors (Long War)}} or {{Extra Conditioning (Long War)}}
	\|Boost=+4 will, +5 aim, +1 mobility		\|Boost=+4 will, +5 aim, +1 mobility
	\|Strength=Excellent recon, holo support and solid chip damage in firefights		\|Strength=Excellent recon, holo support and solid chip damage in firefights
Line 92:		Line 92:
	\|Power Ranks=SGT and TSG for recon		\|Power Ranks=SGT and TSG for recon
	\|Description=Pure information and utility build that utilizes Concealment to make the scout a permanent, portable Battle Scanner. You should still take the Battle Scanners perk anyways because it's just that good, especially when you can chuck it 70% past visual range. Low Profile does not work with Concealment; Ranger in its place allows some offensive utility, and allows a Strike Rifle to be combined with a heavy pistol for damage at all ranges. Smoke and Mirrors allows the Scout to maintain concealment while throwing offensive Support Grenades or utilizing Psi powers; you can take Extra Conditioning instead to allow the Scout to slug it out when the firefight starts. Sprinter allows the Scout to aggressively move forward to hit heavy cover and also grab meld.		\|Description=Pure information and utility build that utilizes Concealment to make the scout a permanent, portable Battle Scanner. You should still take the Battle Scanners perk anyways because it's just that good, especially when you can chuck it 70% past visual range. Low Profile does not work with Concealment; Ranger in its place allows some offensive utility, and allows a Strike Rifle to be combined with a heavy pistol for damage at all ranges. Smoke and Mirrors allows the Scout to maintain concealment while throwing offensive Support Grenades or utilizing Psi powers; you can take Extra Conditioning instead to allow the Scout to slug it out when the firefight starts. Sprinter allows the Scout to aggressively move forward to hit heavy cover and also grab meld.
	\|Strategic Analysis=Get your Scout hidden near the front line to plan engagements and ~~let~~ your snipers, LMG gunners, and Rocketeers get into position for a devastating first strike. Use a combination of Battle Scanners, Motion Sensors, and the Scout itself to collect information about what you're up against to prevent your squad from walking into a multiple-pod trap. Use a Strike Rifle and Heavy Pistol for their high base damage. Caution: Concealment can get your Scout pinned, as you cannot move in sight of an alien without activating it.		\|Strategic Analysis=Get your Scout hidden near the front line to plan engagements and get your snipers, LMG gunners, and Rocketeers get into position for a devastating first strike. Use a combination of Battle Scanners, Motion Sensors, and the Scout itself to collect information about what you're up against to prevent your squad from walking into a multiple-pod trap. Use a Strike Rifle and Heavy Pistol for their high base damage. Caution: Concealment can get your Scout pinned, as you cannot move in sight of an alien without activating it.
	}}		}}

DjinnFor: /* Runner */

2021-09-28T07:48:36Z

Runner

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:48, 28 September 2021
Line 143:		Line 143:
	\|Weakness=Damage output is inconsistent due to lack of aim perks, Lightning Reflexes will eventually/occasionally backfire		\|Weakness=Damage output is inconsistent due to lack of aim perks, Lightning Reflexes will eventually/occasionally backfire
	\|Battles=All		\|Battles=All
	\|Loadout=~~Armor plating~~, Chameleon suit		\|Loadout=Scope/Neural Gunlink, Marksman Scope, and/or Chameleon suit
	\|Power Ranks=SGT for intel, TSG for stealth, GSG for mobility		\|Power Ranks=SGT for intel, TSG for stealth, GSG for mobility
	\|Description=This is a default Scout build for use in squads that want a Scout for the utility it provides with Lightning Reflexes, but don't expect to need Scout features such as Concealment/Battle Scanner or an In the Zone build, that instead provides broader utility in general firefights. Holo-Targeting works well with Flush, below, and generally helps the Scout contribute more towards squad firepower. Low Profile lets the Scout use a wider range of cover, leaving the choice full-cover spots to team-mates. Tactical Sense helps the Scout dodge Overwatch fire and reduces the chance of them being targeted in other situations, but sprinter is an alternative if you just want to race these soldiers after Meld as fast as possible!		\|Description=This is a default Scout build for use in squads that want a Scout for the utility it provides with Lightning Reflexes, but don't expect to need Scout features such as Concealment/Battle Scanner or an In the Zone build, that instead provides broader utility in general firefights. Holo-Targeting works well with Flush, below, and generally helps the Scout contribute more towards squad firepower. Low Profile lets the Scout use a wider range of cover, leaving the choice full-cover spots to team-mates. Tactical Sense helps the Scout dodge Overwatch fire and reduces the chance of them being targeted in other situations, but sprinter is an alternative if you just want to race these soldiers after Meld as fast as possible!

DjinnFor: /* Covert Operative */

2021-09-28T07:46:43Z

Covert Operative

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:46, 28 September 2021
Line 122:		Line 122:
	\|MSG={{ Extra Conditioning (Long War)}}		\|MSG={{ Extra Conditioning (Long War)}}
	\|Boost=+5 aim, +4 will, +1 mobility		\|Boost=+5 aim, +4 will, +1 mobility
	\|Strength=Good mobility, good intel with battle scanners and motion trackers, can maintain stealth with concealment, can’t be pinned due to Lightning Reflexes		\|Strength=Good mobility, good intel with battle scanners and motion trackers, can maintain stealth with concealment, can’t be pinned due to Lightning Reflexes, needed for Covert Extractions
	\|Weakness=Must hold Alien Trophy to stop panic, having active pods with no relay in blue move range is very dangerous		\|Weakness=Must hold Alien Trophy to stop panic, having active pods with no relay in blue move range is very dangerous, not too useful in Covert Data Recovery
	\|Battles=Covert Operative Deployments		\|Battles=Covert Operative Deployments
	\|Loadout=Alien Trophy, Motion Scanner		\|Loadout=Alien Trophy, Motion Scanner
	\|Power Ranks=SGT for intel, TSG for stealth, GSG for mobility		\|Power Ranks=SGT for intel, TSG for stealth, GSG for mobility
	\|Description=The two main classes that generally perform well as Covert Operatives are scouts and assaults. Scout Operatives are effective at gaining lots of intel about their surroundings and moving into relay range without activating pods prematurely.		\|Description=The two main classes that generally perform well as Covert Operatives are scouts and assaults. Scout Operatives are effective at gaining lots of intel about their surroundings and moving into relay range without activating pods prematurely thanks to Concealment and Battle Scanners. They are arguably mandatory once you're on the second half of EXALT missions and it stops being feasible to beat Covert Extractions by killing all EXALT units rather than just extracting (25-30 Exalt vs. 4 XCOM troopers + covert operative is tough even if everything goes well). Ranger, LR, Extra Con, and Sprinter will help immensely once the bullets inevitably start flying.
	\|Strategic Analysis=Good use of motion scanners and battle scanners is key to keeping this operative out of danger. Getting in blue move range of the first transmitter is crucial ~~on extraction missions. If~~ the operative activates a pod before getting in range, break line of sight or take full cover at a location in range of the transmitter for next turn and pray to RNGsus (keep in mind that concealment DOES NOT ACTIVATE when an enemy can see the scout’s starting location). On ~~data recoveries~~ finish off low hp enemies when possible while chaining transmitters.		\|Strategic Analysis=Good use of motion scanners and battle scanners is key to keeping this operative out of danger. Your priority for covert extractions is to hit the transmitters one after the other in consecutive turns and then extract; killing EXALT is useful along the way but wiping them out is not. Getting in blue move range of the first transmitter, or even reaching it while concealed, is crucial; if the operative activates a pod before getting in range, break line of sight (or take full cover) at a location in range of the transmitter for next turn and pray to RNGsus (keep in mind that concealment DOES NOT ACTIVATE when an enemy can see the scout’s starting location). On Covert Data Recovery, finish off low hp enemies when possible while chaining transmitters.
	}}		}}

DjinnFor: /* Crit Scout/Mobile Infantry */

2021-09-28T07:32:22Z

Crit Scout/Mobile Infantry

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:32, 28 September 2021
Line 95:		Line 95:
	}}		}}

	===Crit Scout~~/Mobile Infantry~~===		===Crit Scout===
	{{Class Build (Long War)\|		{{Class Build (Long War)\|
	\|LCL={{ Lone Wolf (Long War)}}		\|LCL={{ Lone Wolf (Long War)}}
	\|CPL={{ Ranger (Long War)}}		\|CPL={{ Ranger (Long War)}} or {{Low Profile (Long War)}}
	\|SGT={{ Aggression (Long War)}}		\|SGT={{ Aggression (Long War)}}
	\|TSG={{ Hit And Run (Long War)}}		\|TSG={{ Hit And Run (Long War)}} or {{In The Zone (Long War)}}
	\|GSG={{ Bring Em On (Long War)}}		\|GSG={{ Bring Em On (Long War)}}
	\|MSG={{ Vital Point Targeting (Long War)}}		\|MSG={{ Vital Point Targeting (Long War)}} or {{ Extra Conditioning (Long War)}}
	\|Boost=+1 ~~aim~~		\|Boost=+1 Aim
	\|Strength=~~Deals good~~ damage ~~while keeping good~~ mobility		\|Strength=Great damage and great mobility
	\|Weakness=Runs out of ammo fast~~, Lone Wolf and Hit~~ and ~~Run~~ can be ~~unreliable~~		\|Weakness=Runs out of ammo fast and can be quite squishy
	\|Battles=All		\|Battles=All
	\|Loadout=SCOPE, Targeting Module, Hi Cap Mags		\|Loadout=SCOPE/Neural Gunlink/Illuminator Gunsight, Targeting Module, Hi Cap Mags
	\|Power Ranks=TSG brings the build online, GSG and MSG both bring lots of damage		\|Power Ranks=TSG brings the build online, GSG and MSG both bring lots of damage
	\|Description=Interestingly, Scouts can take a build path very similar to crit infantry. ~~Compared~~ to ~~a standard crit infantry build~~, ~~the crit scout sacrifices some reliability in exchange for more mobility and lightning reflexes which nearly negates danger from covering fire, reactive targeting sensors, and overwatch in general.~~ Hit and Run functions even better than Light Em Up against enemies out of cover, but only against enemies out of cover. ~~This means you’ll~~ need a lot of cover destruction on hand and/or need to take aggressive flanks (which can be dangerous to do sometimes) in order to take full advantage of the build. Lone Wolf ~~can also be hard~~ to ~~activate, particularly on smaller maps or maps with little good cover.~~		\|Description=Interestingly, Scouts can take a build path very similar to crit infantry or crit assaults. Compare to Infantry, Hit and Run functions even better than Light Em Up against enemies out of cover, but only against enemies out of cover; Scouts can also use Strike Rifles, which come with higher base damage and crit rate than an assault rifle, though Scouts can't use Rapid Fire and don't get Lock n Load. Alternately, take In the Zone for a highly mobile shotgunner build that dive into the thick of things and solo entire pods before fleeing out of line-of-sight; you won't be able to move as far as a Rapid Fire assault, but you can deal with condensed groups of foes very effectively. You’ll need a lot of cover destruction on hand and/or need to take aggressive flanks (which can be dangerous to do sometimes) in order to take full advantage of the build. Lone Wolf, Aggression, Ranger, Bring Em On, and Vital Point Targeting combine to maximize the damage output of either a Hit and Run flank or an In the Zone kill chain. Extra Conditioning and/or Low Profile can be taken instead of Vital Point Targeting and Ranger, to trade raw damage for more reliability and safety.
	~~ITZ can be taken instead~~ of Hit and Run ~~to have~~ the ~~soldier function as a cleaner instead, particularly if none of your other soldiers will have it~~. ~~Also~~ Extra Conditioning can be taken instead of ~~VPT~~ to trade raw damage for more reliability and safety.		\|Strategic Analysis=Plays similarly to crit infantry (for Hit and Run) or Crit Assaults (for In the Zone). Good positioning is needed to activate Lone Wolf. Always make sure you shoot uncovered targets first if possible once you have Hit and Run. With In the Zone, stay out of line of sight so you can't be shot at until the moment to strike is ready, and manage your kill chain very, very carefully so you can flee back out of sight when you're done.
	\|Strategic Analysis=Plays similarly to crit infantry~~, except good~~ positioning is needed to activate Lone Wolf ~~which is a blessing and a curse compared to Executioner~~. Always make sure you shoot uncovered targets first if possible once you have Hit and Run, and ~~keep a brain cell devoted to keeping track~~ of ~~ammo~~.
	}}		}}


	===Covert Operative===		===Covert Operative===

DjinnFor: /* Concealment Recon */

2021-09-28T07:16:00Z

Concealment Recon

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:16, 28 September 2021
Line 84:		Line 84:
	\|TSG={{ Concealment (Long War)}}		\|TSG={{ Concealment (Long War)}}
	\|GSG={{ Sprinter (Long War)}}		\|GSG={{ Sprinter (Long War)}}
	\|MSG={{ ~~Extra Conditioning~~ (Long War)}}		\|MSG={{ Smoke and Mirrors (Long War)}}
	\|Boost=+4 will, +5 aim, +1 mobility		\|Boost=+4 will, +5 aim, +1 mobility
	\|Strength=Excellent recon, holo support and solid chip damage in firefights		\|Strength=Excellent recon, holo support and solid chip damage in firefights
	\|Weakness=~~Damage is unreliable~~ due to lack of aim perks~~, fragile until MSGT~~		\|Weakness=fragile and lacks damage due to lack of aim perks
	\|Battles=Abductions, UFO missions, Council Missions, Covert Extractions		\|Battles=Abductions, UFO missions, Council Missions, Covert Extractions
	\|Loadout=Motion ~~Scanner~~, ~~Armor plating~~, ~~Chameleon suit~~		\|Loadout=Marksman Scope, Motion Tracker, Flashbang, Psi Grenade, Chem Grenade, Mimic Beacon, and/or Shadow Device
	\|Power Ranks=TSG for ~~Overwatching, GSG for tanking~~		\|Power Ranks=SGT and TSG for recon
	\|Description=Pure information and utility build. ~~Note:~~ Low Profile does not work with Concealment. Ranger in its place allows some offensive utility, and allows a Strike Rifle to be ~~used~~ with a heavy pistol for ~~reliable short range work~~. Extra Conditioning ~~gives the Aim and HP~~ to allow the Scout to slug it out when the firefight starts.		\|Description=Pure information and utility build that utilizes Concealment to make the scout a permanent, portable Battle Scanner. You should still take the Battle Scanners perk anyways because it's just that good, especially when you can chuck it 70% past visual range. Low Profile does not work with Concealment; Ranger in its place allows some offensive utility, and allows a Strike Rifle to be combined with a heavy pistol for damage at all ranges. Smoke and Mirrors allows the Scout to maintain concealment while throwing offensive Support Grenades or utilizing Psi powers; you can take Extra Conditioning instead to allow the Scout to slug it out when the firefight starts. Sprinter allows the Scout to aggressively move forward to hit heavy cover and also grab meld.
	\|Strategic Analysis=Get your Scout hidden near the front line to plan engagements and let your snipers ~~and~~ LMG gunners get into position for a devastating first strike. Battle ~~Scanner as a perk and~~ Motion Sensors ~~as an item give ideal~~ information to prevent your squad from walking into a multiple-pod trap. ~~Pick extreme mobility troops and give them~~ a Strike Rifle and ~~heavy~~ Pistol. Caution: Concealment can get your Scout pinned, as you cannot move ~~without activating~~ in sight of an alien.		\|Strategic Analysis=Get your Scout hidden near the front line to plan engagements and let your snipers, LMG gunners, and Rocketeers get into position for a devastating first strike. Use a combination of Battle Scanners, Motion Sensors, and the Scout itself to collect information about what you're up against to prevent your squad from walking into a multiple-pod trap. Use a Strike Rifle and Heavy Pistol for their high base damage. Caution: Concealment can get your Scout pinned, as you cannot move in sight of an alien without activating it.
	}}		}}

TeriyakiDynamite: /* Covert Operative */

2021-04-19T17:39:41Z

Covert Operative

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:39, 19 April 2021
Line 129:		Line 129:
	\|Loadout=Alien Trophy, Motion Scanner		\|Loadout=Alien Trophy, Motion Scanner
	\|Power Ranks=SGT for intel, TSG for stealth, GSG for mobility		\|Power Ranks=SGT for intel, TSG for stealth, GSG for mobility
	\|Description=Scout Operatives are effective at gaining lots of intel about their surroundings and moving into relay range without activating pods prematurely.		\|Description=The two main classes that generally perform well as Covert Operatives are scouts and assaults. Scout Operatives are effective at gaining lots of intel about their surroundings and moving into relay range without activating pods prematurely.
	\|Strategic Analysis=Good use of motion scanners and battle scanners is key to keeping this operative out of danger. Getting in blue move range of the first transmitter is crucial on extraction missions. If the operative activates a pod before getting in range, break line of sight or take full cover at a location in range of the transmitter for next turn and pray to RNGsus (keep in mind that concealment DOES NOT ACTIVATE when an enemy can see the scout’s starting location). On data recoveries finish off low hp enemies when possible while chaining transmitters.		\|Strategic Analysis=Good use of motion scanners and battle scanners is key to keeping this operative out of danger. Getting in blue move range of the first transmitter is crucial on extraction missions. If the operative activates a pod before getting in range, break line of sight or take full cover at a location in range of the transmitter for next turn and pray to RNGsus (keep in mind that concealment DOES NOT ACTIVATE when an enemy can see the scout’s starting location). On data recoveries finish off low hp enemies when possible while chaining transmitters.
	}}		}}

TeriyakiDynamite: /* Concealment Recon */

2021-04-18T18:00:26Z

Concealment Recon

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:00, 18 April 2021
Line 85:		Line 85:
	\|GSG={{ Sprinter (Long War)}}		\|GSG={{ Sprinter (Long War)}}
	\|MSG={{ Extra Conditioning (Long War)}}		\|MSG={{ Extra Conditioning (Long War)}}
	\|Boost=+4 will, +5 aim, +2 mobility		\|Boost=+4 will, +5 aim, +1 mobility
	\|Strength=Excellent recon, holo support and solid chip damage in firefights		\|Strength=Excellent recon, holo support and solid chip damage in firefights
	\|Weakness=Damage is unreliable due to lack of aim perks, fragile until MSGT		\|Weakness=Damage is unreliable due to lack of aim perks, fragile until MSGT