Scouting - Revision history

EeGe: /* Scout/Sniper Tactics */ Reword/rewrite of this section. Made more clear and removed a lot of fluff

2024-12-25T21:15:46Z

Scout/Sniper Tactics: Reword/rewrite of this section. Made more clear and removed a lot of fluff

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 25 December 2024
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	== Scout/Sniper Tactics ==		== Scout/Sniper Tactics ==

	~~When first establishing your XCOM affiliate, with every dollar closely watched, consider~~ having your soldiers who have good [[Reactions]] (above 50) but are poor in [[Firing Accuracy]] (below 50) and other stats be your scouts. ~~They signed the Will all XCOM~~ soldiers were required to sign. They each knew they were doing their part to save the world. Once you have the making of an integrated & experienced team, you can switch from cannon fodder to professional scouts.		Consider having your soldiers who have good [[Reactions]] (above 50) and [[Time Units]] but are poor in [[Firing Accuracy]] (below 50) and other stats be your scouts. While soldiers with high [[Firing Accuracy]] should be snipers.

	~~The Scout creeps~~ forward ~~-- high [[Reactions]], high movement/[[Time Units]], always careful to keep looking around~~, always finishing ~~the~~ turn crouched and behind cover to avoid being noticed during the alien turn. ~~When turning~~ corners ~~they wait for~~ the Sniper to catch up and get a good angle on the corner.		When using a scout, creep them forward slowly, always finishing their turn crouched and behind cover to avoid being noticed during the alien turn. Before the scout turns corners, the Sniper should catch up and get a good angle on the corner, allowing them to still be able to cover the scout. If you have multiple scouts and/or alien contacts in the same turn, stop advancing your scouts when your snipers run out of TUs.

	~~The Sniper -- or preferably Snipers, plural, with high [[Firing Accuracy]] --~~ stay within ~~the "~~safe", cleared ~~area~~, moving only if the Scout has completed their movement with no alien contact~~, moving~~ to ~~keep the Scout covered~~.		Preferably you should have multiple snipers who stay within (relatively) safe cleared areas, moving only if the Scout has completed their movement with no alien contact. If a sniper is out of range (20 tiles) they're safe from return fire. Units which don't have line of fire may still be able to toss [[grenade]]s.

	If the scout spots an alien at the same time that the alien first spots ~~him~~, the scout will not be fired on until ~~his or her~~ next action~~. So '''don't move the scout''' once an alien is spotted. If~~ the ~~scout can move out of the alien's~~ [[~~line of sight]] by moving one square, this is permitted, and if the alien isn't looking, [[reaction~~ fire triggers\|~~certain other actions~~]] ~~can be performed safely~~. If the scout can move out of the alien's [[line of sight\|visual range]], then ~~he or she~~ can become an additional sniper and safely fire upon the alien.		If scout spots an alien who is facing them, '''Do not move them''' unless they can move one tile to break line of sight. If the scout spots an alien at the same time that the alien first spots them, the scout will not be fired on until their next action due to the [[Reaction fire triggers#Mutual Surprise\|Mutual surprise]] mechanic. If the scout can move out of the alien's [[line of sight\|visual range]], then they can become an additional sniper and safely fire upon the alien.

	Snipers can then take shots at the alien safely. If they are out of range, they're safe from return fire. But they can still fire at the alien if they have line of sight. (Think of it as using spotter data, or a telescopic sight.) Units which don't have line of fire may still be able to toss [[grenade]]s at the alien.

	If using this tactic with several scouts -- or with multiple alien contacts in the same turn -- be sure to STOP advancing your scouts when your snipers run out of TU's. Otherwise you're just dropping bait in the water without a hook.

	This tactic is best suited to the middle third of a battle, after LZ deployment and before storming the UFO, when there's a lot of relatively open ground to clear. See also [[Sweeping the Battlescape]].		This tactic is best suited to the middle third of a battle, after LZ deployment and before storming the UFO, when there's a lot of relatively open ground to clear. See also [[Sweeping the Battlescape]].

	[[Smoke Grenade\|Smoke cover]] permits the use of Scout/Sniper tactics over short distances, or in confined areas. If a scout wandering through smoke spots an alien, have it freeze (or move one square back out of the alien's [[line of sight\|visual range]]), then have nearby soldiers fire at it through the smoke cloud ~~with impunity~~. This works well during deployment from the transport -- if you have dropped a smoke grenade at the base of the ramp, snipers can hide in the cloud while scouts beat out the surrounding terrain.		[[Smoke Grenade\|Smoke cover]] permits the use of Scout/Sniper tactics over short distances, or in confined areas. If a scout wandering through smoke spots an alien, have them freeze (or move one square back out of the alien's [[line of sight\|visual range]]), then have nearby soldiers fire at it through the smoke cloud. This works well during deployment from the transport -- if you have dropped a smoke grenade at the base of the ramp, snipers can hide in the cloud while scouts beat out the surrounding terrain.

	== More Tips ==		== More Tips ==

EeGe: Added two links for mutual surprise and los

2024-12-25T20:01:52Z

Added two links for mutual surprise and los

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:01, 25 December 2024
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	{{REWRITE NEEDED}}		{{REWRITE NEEDED}}


	When shot at, aliens have a nasty habit of shooting back. Their [[Reaction fire formula\|reaction fire]] is fast and deadly, but there are several ways to [[reaction fire triggers\|avoid reaction fire completely]]. The two most important things to know are:		When shot at, aliens have a nasty habit of shooting back. Their [[Reaction fire formula\|reaction fire]] is fast and deadly, but there are several ways to [[reaction fire triggers\|avoid reaction fire completely]]. The two most important things to know are:

	* '''Mutual surprise'''. If X-COM and alien units spot each other simultaneously, the aliens will not fire first.		* [[Reaction fire triggers#Mutual Surprise\|'''Mutual surprise''']]. If X-COM and alien units spot each other simultaneously, the aliens will not fire first.
	* '''Line of sight'''. Aliens cannot return fire upon units they cannot see.		* '''[[Line of sight]]'''. Aliens cannot return fire upon units they cannot see.

	Therefore, the soldier who sees the alien, should not be the soldier who shoots the alien. You should switch to units which have line of fire to the alien but not [[line of sight]], and have them take it out without fear of reprisal. (Generally, if a unit can see an alien, the alien can see the unit -- although there are sometimes [[line of sight#Blind spots around corners\|blind spots]] -- and at [[night]], aliens can see ''20'' squares away while X-COM units can only see ''9''.)		Therefore, the soldier who sees the alien, should not be the soldier who shoots the alien. You should switch to units which have line of fire to the alien but not [[line of sight]], and have them take it out without fear of reprisal. (Generally, if a unit can see an alien, the alien can see the unit -- although there are sometimes [[line of sight#Blind spots around corners\|blind spots]] -- and at [[night]], aliens can see ''20'' squares away while X-COM units can only see ''9''.)

NKF: Flagging page for a rewrite.

2013-12-02T04:35:52Z

Flagging page for a rewrite.

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:35, 2 December 2013
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			{{REWRITE NEEDED}}


	When shot at, aliens have a nasty habit of shooting back. Their [[Reaction fire formula\|reaction fire]] is fast and deadly, but there are several ways to [[reaction fire triggers\|avoid reaction fire completely]]. The two most important things to know are:		When shot at, aliens have a nasty habit of shooting back. Their [[Reaction fire formula\|reaction fire]] is fast and deadly, but there are several ways to [[reaction fire triggers\|avoid reaction fire completely]]. The two most important things to know are:

Hobbes: categorizing

2013-07-23T02:39:55Z

categorizing

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:39, 23 July 2013
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	[[Category: Tactics]]		[[Category: Tactics]]
			[[Category:Enemy Unknown/UFO Defense]]

Sandwich: Even early-game scouts can/should have good reactions

2011-03-17T14:07:27Z

Even early-game scouts can/should have good reactions

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 17 March 2011
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	== Scout/Sniper Tactics ==		== Scout/Sniper Tactics ==

	When first establishing your XCOM affiliate, with every dollar closely watched, consider having your soldiers who are poor in ~~firing accuracy, reactions,~~ and other ~~skills,~~ be your scouts. They signed the Will all XCOM soldiers were required to sign. They each knew they were doing their part to save the world. Once you have the making of an integrated & experienced team, you can switch from cannon fodder to professional scouts.		When first establishing your XCOM affiliate, with every dollar closely watched, consider having your soldiers who have good [[Reactions]] (above 50) but are poor in [[Firing Accuracy]] (below 50) and other stats be your scouts. They signed the Will all XCOM soldiers were required to sign. They each knew they were doing their part to save the world. Once you have the making of an integrated & experienced team, you can switch from cannon fodder to professional scouts.

	The Scout creeps forward -- high [[Reactions]], high movement/[[Time Units]], always careful to keep looking around, always finishing the turn crouched and behind cover to avoid being noticed during the alien turn. When turning corners they wait for the Sniper to catch up and get a good angle on the corner.		The Scout creeps forward -- high [[Reactions]], high movement/[[Time Units]], always careful to keep looking around, always finishing the turn crouched and behind cover to avoid being noticed during the alien turn. When turning corners they wait for the Sniper to catch up and get a good angle on the corner.

Zombie: /* Scout/Sniper Tactics */ Relinking.

2009-01-02T04:27:37Z

Scout/Sniper Tactics: Relinking.

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:27, 2 January 2009
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	When first establishing your XCOM affiliate, with every dollar closely watched, consider having your soldiers who are poor in firing accuracy, reactions, and other skills, be your scouts. They signed the Will all XCOM soldiers were required to sign. They each knew they were doing their part to save the world. Once you have the making of an integrated & experienced team, you can switch from cannon fodder to professional scouts.		When first establishing your XCOM affiliate, with every dollar closely watched, consider having your soldiers who are poor in firing accuracy, reactions, and other skills, be your scouts. They signed the Will all XCOM soldiers were required to sign. They each knew they were doing their part to save the world. Once you have the making of an integrated & experienced team, you can switch from cannon fodder to professional scouts.

	The Scout creeps forward -- high [[Reactions]], high movement/[[TU]], always careful to keep looking around, always finishing the turn crouched and behind cover to avoid being noticed during the alien turn. When turning corners they wait for the Sniper to catch up and get a good angle on the corner.		The Scout creeps forward -- high [[Reactions]], high movement/[[Time Units]], always careful to keep looking around, always finishing the turn crouched and behind cover to avoid being noticed during the alien turn. When turning corners they wait for the Sniper to catch up and get a good angle on the corner.

	The Sniper -- or preferably Snipers, plural, with high [[Firing Accuracy]] -- stay within the "safe", cleared area, moving only if the Scout has completed their movement with no alien contact, moving to keep the Scout covered.		The Sniper -- or preferably Snipers, plural, with high [[Firing Accuracy]] -- stay within the "safe", cleared area, moving only if the Scout has completed their movement with no alien contact, moving to keep the Scout covered.

Zombie: Minor spelling change.

2008-11-03T04:49:49Z

Minor spelling change.

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:49, 3 November 2008
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	== Scout/Sniper Tactics ==		== Scout/Sniper Tactics ==

	When first establishing your XCOM ~~affilate~~, with every dollar closely watched, consider having your soldiers who are poor in firing accuracy, reactions, and other skills, be your scouts. They signed the Will all XCOM soldiers were required to sign. They each knew they were doing their part to save the world. Once you have the making of an integrated & experienced team, you can switch from cannon fodder to professional scouts.		When first establishing your XCOM affiliate, with every dollar closely watched, consider having your soldiers who are poor in firing accuracy, reactions, and other skills, be your scouts. They signed the Will all XCOM soldiers were required to sign. They each knew they were doing their part to save the world. Once you have the making of an integrated & experienced team, you can switch from cannon fodder to professional scouts.

	The Scout creeps forward -- high [[Reactions]], high movement/[[TU]], always careful to keep looking around, always finishing the turn crouched and behind cover to avoid being noticed during the alien turn. When turning corners they wait for the Sniper to catch up and get a good angle on the corner.		The Scout creeps forward -- high [[Reactions]], high movement/[[TU]], always careful to keep looking around, always finishing the turn crouched and behind cover to avoid being noticed during the alien turn. When turning corners they wait for the Sniper to catch up and get a good angle on the corner.

Ethereal Cereal: Night note

2007-03-04T08:22:26Z

Night note

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:22, 4 March 2007
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	* '''Line of sight'''. Aliens cannot return fire upon units they cannot see.		* '''Line of sight'''. Aliens cannot return fire upon units they cannot see.

	Therefore, the soldier who sees the alien, should not be the soldier who shoots the alien. You should switch to units which have line of fire to the alien but not [[line of sight]], and have them take it out without fear of reprisal. (Generally, if a unit can see an alien, the alien can see the unit -- although there are sometimes [[line of sight#Blind spots around corners\|blind spots]].)		Therefore, the soldier who sees the alien, should not be the soldier who shoots the alien. You should switch to units which have line of fire to the alien but not [[line of sight]], and have them take it out without fear of reprisal. (Generally, if a unit can see an alien, the alien can see the unit -- although there are sometimes [[line of sight#Blind spots around corners\|blind spots]] -- and at [[night]], aliens can see ''20'' squares away while X-COM units can only see ''9''.)

	Thus we have the Scout/Sniper teamwork tactic.		Thus we have the Scout/Sniper teamwork tactic.

Ethereal Cereal: rewrote & restructured a few sections

2007-03-04T08:17:45Z

rewrote & restructured a few sections

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:17, 4 March 2007
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	~~== Scout/Sniper Tactics ==~~		When shot at, aliens have a nasty habit of shooting back. Their [[Reaction fire formula\|reaction fire]] is fast and deadly, but there are several ways to [[reaction fire triggers\|avoid reaction fire completely]]. The two most important things to know are:

	~~The most valuable tip I ever learned from the xcom~~.~~co.uk (now [[http://www.StrategyCore.co.uk StrategyCore]]) forums was this: The soldier who sees the~~ alien, ~~should~~ not ~~be the soldier who shoots the alien~~. ~~(This is prior to having a strong psi force - which changes the game drastically~~.)		* '''Mutual surprise'''. If X-COM and alien units spot each other simultaneously, the aliens will not fire first.
			* '''Line of sight'''. Aliens cannot return fire upon units they cannot see.

	[[~~Reaction fire formula\|Reaction fire~~]] ~~from the aliens may be fast~~ and ~~deadly~~, ~~but~~ there are [[~~reaction fire triggers~~\|~~several ways to avoid reaction fire~~]] ~~completely~~. ~~The most important are:~~		Therefore, the soldier who sees the alien, should not be the soldier who shoots the alien. You should switch to units which have line of fire to the alien but not [[line of sight]], and have them take it out without fear of reprisal. (Generally, if a unit can see an alien, the alien can see the unit -- although there are sometimes [[line of sight#Blind spots around corners\|blind spots]].)
	* 1) ~~Don't shoot at the alien.~~
	* 2) Don't be within sight of the alien.

	Thus we have the Scout/Sniper teamwork tactic.		Thus we have the Scout/Sniper teamwork tactic.

			== Scout/Sniper Tactics ==

	When first establishing your XCOM affilate, with every dollar closely watched, consider having your soldiers who are poor in firing accuracy, reactions, and other skills, be your scouts. They signed the Will all XCOM soldiers were required to sign. They each knew they were doing their part to save the world. Once you have the making of an integrated & experienced team, you can switch from cannon fodder to professional scouts.		When first establishing your XCOM affilate, with every dollar closely watched, consider having your soldiers who are poor in firing accuracy, reactions, and other skills, be your scouts. They signed the Will all XCOM soldiers were required to sign. They each knew they were doing their part to save the world. Once you have the making of an integrated & experienced team, you can switch from cannon fodder to professional scouts.
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	If the scout spots an alien at the same time that the alien first spots him, the scout will not be fired on until his or her next action. So '''don't move the scout''' once an alien is spotted. If the scout can move out of the alien's [[line of sight]] by moving one square, this is permitted, and if the alien isn't looking, [[reaction fire triggers\|certain other actions]] can be performed safely. If the scout can move out of the alien's [[line of sight\|visual range]], then he or she can become an additional sniper and safely fire upon the alien.		If the scout spots an alien at the same time that the alien first spots him, the scout will not be fired on until his or her next action. So '''don't move the scout''' once an alien is spotted. If the scout can move out of the alien's [[line of sight]] by moving one square, this is permitted, and if the alien isn't looking, [[reaction fire triggers\|certain other actions]] can be performed safely. If the scout can move out of the alien's [[line of sight\|visual range]], then he or she can become an additional sniper and safely fire upon the alien.

	Snipers can then take shots at the alien safely. ~~Being~~ out of range, they're safe from return fire. But they can still fire at the alien if they have line of sight. (Think of it as using spotter data, or a telescopic sight.) ~~Or if they~~ don't have line of ~~sight, a strong soldier might~~ still be able to toss [[grenade]]s ~~into the area.~~		Snipers can then take shots at the alien safely. If they are out of range, they're safe from return fire. But they can still fire at the alien if they have line of sight. (Think of it as using spotter data, or a telescopic sight.) Units which don't have line of fire may still be able to toss [[grenade]]s at the alien.

	~~[[Smoke Grenade\|Smoke cover]] permits~~ the ~~use of Scout/Sniper tactics over short distances, or in confined areas. If a scout wandering through smoke spots an~~ alien~~, have it freeze (or move one square back out of the alien's [[line of sight\|visual range]]), then have nearby soldiers fire at it through the smoke cloud with impunity~~.

	If using this tactic with several scouts -- or with multiple alien contacts in the same turn -- be sure to STOP advancing your scouts when your snipers run out of TU's. Otherwise you're just dropping bait in the water without a hook.		If using this tactic with several scouts -- or with multiple alien contacts in the same turn -- be sure to STOP advancing your scouts when your snipers run out of TU's. Otherwise you're just dropping bait in the water without a hook.

	This tactic is best suited to the middle third of a battle, after LZ deployment and before storming the UFO, when there's a lot of relatively open ground to clear. See also [[Sweeping the Battlescape]].		This tactic is best suited to the middle third of a battle, after LZ deployment and before storming the UFO, when there's a lot of relatively open ground to clear. See also [[Sweeping the Battlescape]].

			[[Smoke Grenade\|Smoke cover]] permits the use of Scout/Sniper tactics over short distances, or in confined areas. If a scout wandering through smoke spots an alien, have it freeze (or move one square back out of the alien's [[line of sight\|visual range]]), then have nearby soldiers fire at it through the smoke cloud with impunity. This works well during deployment from the transport -- if you have dropped a smoke grenade at the base of the ramp, snipers can hide in the cloud while scouts beat out the surrounding terrain.

	== More Tips ==		== More Tips ==
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	::* The standard [[Rifle]] and [[Small Launcher]] also sport 110% aimed shots.		::* The standard [[Rifle]] and [[Small Launcher]] also sport 110% aimed shots.
	:* The Rocket Launcher also benefits from aimed shots. It begins with a base aimed accuracy of 115%, which turns into 132% accuracy when kneeling. With a weapon accuracy this high, your soldier only needs to have an accuracy of 76 or greater to achieve almost perfect hits.		:* The Rocket Launcher also benefits from aimed shots. It begins with a base aimed accuracy of 115%, which turns into 132% accuracy when kneeling. With a weapon accuracy this high, your soldier only needs to have an accuracy of 76 or greater to achieve almost perfect hits.
	:*Another favourite long distance weapon is the [[Plasma Rifle]]. Though its aimed shot is not as accurate as the Heavy Plasma, its snap shots have a base accuracy of 86%. Combined with kneeling, this becomes an impressive 98% accuracy. The lower cost of snap shots allows a sniper to fire off 3 shots per round, which makes up for the lower damage and increases the amount of hit experience that you can gather per mission. ~~Plasma rifle ammo however becomes scarce~~ as the game progresses.		:*Another favourite long distance weapon is the [[Plasma Rifle]]. Though its aimed shot is not as accurate as the Heavy Plasma, its snap shots have a base accuracy of 86%. Combined with kneeling, this becomes an impressive 98% accuracy. The lower cost of snap shots allows a sniper to fire off 3 shots per round, which makes up for the lower damage and increases the amount of hit experience that you can gather per mission. However, as the game progresses, aliens stop carrying plasma rifles in favor of heavy plasmas, and you must start manufacturing its ammo yourself.


	[[Category: Tactics]]		[[Category: Tactics]]

NKF: /Minor correction on kneeling bonus. It's 1.15 not 1.1. Also mentioned other sniper favourites/

2007-02-19T05:03:31Z

Minor correction on kneeling bonus. It's 1.15 not 1.1. Also mentioned other sniper favourites

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:03, 19 February 2007
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	*Snipers can get best results with a series of Snap or even Aimed shots, if they are out of visibility range. This also reduces friendly fire risk. At closer range, though, Auto fire is better to keep the alien from getting off a reaction shot. ''[http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=4271 Statistical calc of Snap vs Auto by Hobbes on StrategyCore]''		*Snipers can get best results with a series of Snap or even Aimed shots, if they are out of visibility range. This also reduces friendly fire risk. At closer range, though, Auto fire is better to keep the alien from getting off a reaction shot. ''[http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=4271 Statistical calc of Snap vs Auto by Hobbes on StrategyCore]''
	*Whenever possible, try to walk around corners at a 45-degree angle. If you can spot an alien at the same instant that it first spots you, it will not fire upon you. So instead of walking blindly around a corner and then turning, approach it at a diagonal. This will generally allow your troops to see what's around the corner as they round it. For more information see [[line of sight]].		*Whenever possible, try to walk around corners at a 45-degree angle. If you can spot an alien at the same instant that it first spots you, it will not fire upon you. So instead of walking blindly around a corner and then turning, approach it at a diagonal. This will generally allow your troops to see what's around the corner as they round it. For more information see [[line of sight]].
	*As the game progresses, eventually Aimed shots become almost guaranteed hits for long distances. Using a Heavy Plasma (110% Base Aimed Shot accuracy), a Sniper who is kneeling (+10% accuracy on aimed shot), with an accuracy of 80 will have a 99% chance of hitting on target with an aimed shot. Since accuracy increases from shooting [[experience]], a force can easily have 1 or 2 snipers with perfect or near-perfect accuracy. However, due to the variability of weapon [[damage]], a single Heavy Plasma hit will still fail to kill a lowly Sectoid about 15% of the time, and a Muton about 60% of the time.		*As the game progresses, eventually Aimed shots become almost guaranteed hits for long distances.
			:*Using a [[Heavy Plasma]] (110% Base Aimed Shot accuracy), a Sniper who is kneeling (+16% accuracy on aimed shot), with an accuracy of 80 will have a 101% chance of hitting on target with an aimed shot. Since accuracy increases from shooting [[experience]], a force can easily have 1 or 2 snipers with perfect or near-perfect accuracy. However, due to the variability of weapon [[damage]], a single Heavy Plasma hit will still fail to kill a lowly Sectoid about 15% of the time, and a Muton about 60% of the time.
			::* The standard [[Rifle]] and [[Small Launcher]] also sport 110% aimed shots.
			:* The Rocket Launcher also benefits from aimed shots. It begins with a base aimed accuracy of 115%, which turns into 132% accuracy when kneeling. With a weapon accuracy this high, your soldier only needs to have an accuracy of 76 or greater to achieve almost perfect hits.
			:*Another favourite long distance weapon is the [[Plasma Rifle]]. Though its aimed shot is not as accurate as the Heavy Plasma, its snap shots have a base accuracy of 86%. Combined with kneeling, this becomes an impressive 98% accuracy. The lower cost of snap shots allows a sniper to fire off 3 shots per round, which makes up for the lower damage and increases the amount of hit experience that you can gather per mission. Plasma rifle ammo however becomes scarce as the game progresses.


	[[Category: Tactics]]		[[Category: Tactics]]