Tactical Layer (EU2012) - Revision history

Parogen: /* AI */

2025-05-04T23:31:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:31, 4 May 2025
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	=== AI ===		=== AI ===

	Enemy Within AI has a few changes in comparison to Enemy Unknown. While the shackled AI of Easy/Normal has suboptimal targeting and avoids using certain abilities, EW has included suboptimal action choice for all difficulties. In EU, Overwatch isn't commonly used by the AI while in LoS, only in fog or under Suppression. If they have a shot, they typically fire. Similarly, Poison Spit, Grenade/Bombard and Suppression are used if the AI doesn't like their hit chance. In exchange, EW AI moves forward much more readily, appearing to push their numbers advantage aggressively in fog compared to EU.		Enemy Within AI has a few changes in comparison to Enemy Unknown. While the shackled AI of Easy/Normal has suboptimal targeting and avoids using certain abilities, EW has included suboptimal action choice for all difficulties. In EU, Overwatch isn't commonly used by the AI while in LoS, only in fog or under Suppression. If they have a shot, they typically fire. Similarly, Poison Spit, Grenade/Bombard Overwatch and Suppression are used if the AI doesn't like their hit chance. In exchange, EW AI moves forward much more readily, appearing to push their numbers advantage aggressively in fog compared to EU.

	* EW has made the AI so that there is a greater chance of choosing Overwatch, Suppression, sometimes even perform a double move, instead Firing. This is suboptimal and effectively means less potential damage. Lest you forget, missed shots have a chance to destroy cover, enabling subsequent aliens to shoot at an uncovered target. On the other hand, Overwatch and Suppression can now further suffocate the player in unfavorable situations and is something more to think about.		* EW has made the AI so that there is a greater chance of choosing Overwatch, Suppression, sometimes even perform a double move, instead Firing. This is suboptimal and effectively means less potential damage. Lest you forget, missed shots have a chance to destroy cover, enabling subsequent aliens to shoot at an uncovered target. On the other hand, Overwatch and Suppression can now further suffocate the player in unfavorable situations and is something more to think about.

Parogen: /* On player actions */

2025-05-04T20:10:53Z

On player actions

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:10, 4 May 2025
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	Suppressing the AI has a chance to cause them to freeze. Useful when you have the enemy outnumbered to save on resources. Instead of the entire team hiding or increasing defence, a simple suppression from one soldier can allow the rest of the team to take pot shots. Not guaranteed, but unlikely for the AI to run the reaction shot. Careful of close range bonus or enemies with aoe abilities.		Suppressing the AI has a chance to cause them to freeze. Useful when you have the enemy outnumbered to save on resources. Instead of the entire team hiding or increasing defence, a simple suppression from one soldier can allow the rest of the team to take pot shots. Not guaranteed, but unlikely for the AI to run the reaction shot. Careful of close range bonus or enemies with aoe abilities.

			==== Overwatch ====

			The AI will choose paths/positions that avoid the reaction shot if given the option. Useful to cap/penalize AI yellow moves.

			==== Squadsight ====

			Similar to Overwatch, the AI will tend to favor positions that avoid LoS of Squadsight outright.

	=== On majority pod death ===		=== On majority pod death ===

Parogen at 07:22, 4 May 2025

2025-05-04T07:22:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:22, 4 May 2025
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	<div style="float:right"><ul>		<div style="float:right"><ul>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Connected cover (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Connected cover (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	</ul></div>		</ul></div>
	Adjacent cover provides visual cover to the unit's peeking tiles. The only way for an attacker to target a unit behind connected high cover is to circumvent the object responsible.		Adjacent cover provides visual cover to the unit's peeking tiles. The only way for an attacker to target a unit behind connected high cover is to circumvent the object responsible.
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	<div style="float:right"><ul>		<div style="float:right"><ul>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Off cover 1 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Off cover 1 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Off cover 2 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Off cover 2 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	</ul></div>		</ul></div>
	Stepping off of cover prevents peeking all together, at the expense of being uncovered if caught. In cases where there isn't any connected cover or avoiding [[Cover (EU2012)#Destroying Cover\|destructible cover]], this may be your only available option to cut off LoS.		Stepping off of cover prevents peeking all together, at the expense of being uncovered if caught. In cases where there isn't any connected cover or avoiding [[Cover (EU2012)#Destroying Cover\|destructible cover]], this may be your only available option to cut off LoS.
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	<div style="float:right"><ul>		<div style="float:right"><ul>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Hill 1 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Hill 1 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Hill 2 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Hill 2 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	</ul></div>		</ul></div>
	Hills are doubled up low cover platforms, commonly found during UFO missions. At ground level, they block vision of other ground level units on the other side, just like high cover would.		Hills are doubled up low cover platforms, commonly found during UFO missions. At ground level, they block vision of other ground level units on the other side, just like high cover would.
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	<div style="float:right"><ul>		<div style="float:right"><ul>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Loosely connected cover 1 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Loosely connected cover 1 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Loosely connected cover 2 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Loosely connected cover 2 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Loosely connected cover 3 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Loosely connected cover 3 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	</ul></div>		</ul></div>
	Loosely connected cover is any combination of disconnected cover that is visually connected at certain vantage points, blocking a considerable amount of vision. They can also be quite tricky/deceptive positions to fight from, making them tactical pitfalls if analyzed incorrectly.		Loosely connected cover is any combination of disconnected cover that is visually connected at certain vantage points, blocking a considerable amount of vision. They can also be quite tricky/deceptive positions to fight from, making them tactical pitfalls if analyzed incorrectly.
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	<div style="float:right"><ul>		<div style="float:right"><ul>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Hunker down (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Hunker down (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	</ul></div>		</ul></div>
	Not usually thought of as a vision trick since the AI can still target Hunkered down units, but when not attacking, the AI essentially moves as if the fog created by Hunker down is real.		Not usually thought of as a vision trick since the AI can still target Hunkered down units, but when not attacking, the AI essentially moves as if the fog created by Hunker down is real.
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	<div style="float:right"><ul>		<div style="float:right"><ul>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Out of range 1 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Out of range 1 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Out of sight 2 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|~~270px~~]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Out of sight 2 (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|360px]] </li>
	</ul></div>		</ul></div>
	When cover and LoS blockers are unavailable or tactically nonviable, run out of their blue move+vision range. Vision range is a 17 tile radius.		When cover and LoS blockers are unavailable or tactically nonviable, run out of their blue move+vision range. Vision range is a 17 tile radius.
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	=== Close order formation ===		=== Close order formation ===

	[[Image:Close order formation (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|right\|~~270px~~]]		[[Image:Close order formation (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|right\|360px]]
	'''Pros'''		'''Pros'''
	* Minimizing the visual area lessens the chance of pods patrolling in and activating; useful when sneaking towards connected cover		* Minimizing the visual area lessens the chance of pods patrolling in and activating; useful when sneaking towards connected cover
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	=== Open order formation ===		=== Open order formation ===

	[[Image:Open order formation (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|right\|~~270px~~]]		[[Image:Open order formation (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|right\|360px]]
	'''Pros'''		'''Pros'''
	* Can reorganize freely within your area of control		* Can reorganize freely within your area of control

Parogen: /* AI */

2025-05-04T06:48:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:48, 4 May 2025
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	=== AI ===		=== AI ===

	Enemy Within ~~'unshackled'~~ AI ~~is 'shackled'~~ in comparison to Enemy Unknown. While the shackled AI of Easy/Normal has suboptimal targeting and ~~movement~~, EW has included suboptimal action choice for all difficulties~~, as it concerns their goal of dealing the most damage and killing soldiers~~. In EU, Overwatch isn't commonly used by the AI while in LoS, only in fog or under Suppression. If they have a shot, they typically fire. Similarly, Poison Spit, Grenade/Bombard and Suppression are used if the AI doesn't like their hit chance, or to ~~blow cover~~.		Enemy Within AI has a few changes in comparison to Enemy Unknown. While the shackled AI of Easy/Normal has suboptimal targeting and avoids using certain abilities, EW has included suboptimal action choice for all difficulties. In EU, Overwatch isn't commonly used by the AI while in LoS, only in fog or under Suppression. If they have a shot, they typically fire. Similarly, Poison Spit, Grenade/Bombard and Suppression are used if the AI doesn't like their hit chance. In exchange, EW AI moves forward much more readily, appearing to push their numbers advantage aggressively in fog compared to EU.

	* EW has made the AI so that there is a greater chance of choosing Overwatch, Suppression, sometimes even perform a double move, instead ~~firing~~. This is suboptimal and it effectively means ~~the AI deals~~ less damage ~~over time compared to EU, giving the player more opportunities to respond~~. Lest you forget, ~~alien~~ shots ~~missing~~ have a ~~good~~ chance to destroy cover, ~~making Fire one of their most effective actions~~. ~~If they hit~~, ~~that's bad, if they miss~~ and ~~destroy cover, that's bad~~.		* EW has made the AI so that there is a greater chance of choosing Overwatch, Suppression, sometimes even perform a double move, instead Firing. This is suboptimal and effectively means less potential damage. Lest you forget, missed shots have a chance to destroy cover, enabling subsequent aliens to shoot at an uncovered target. On the other hand, Overwatch and Suppression can now further suffocate the player in unfavorable situations and is something more to think about.
	* ~~Included still in EW Classic/Impossible~~ is the chance that the AI will run the player's ~~basic Overwatches~~, whereas they will ~~almost never~~ in EU ~~except for a misstep at~~ the ~~fringes~~ of vision, or to ~~target an uncovered/flanked~~ target.		* There is the chance that the AI will run the player's Overwatch while already having LoS, whereas they will opt to fire in EU instead. In EU, the AI will usually only run Overwatches near the edge of vision 'accidentally', or to attack a vulnerable target.
			* The issue of only one alien, in fog, moving forward to make contact appears to have been fixed. The AI now moves like a swarm in fog and more likely avoids certain stalemate scenarios, pressuring the player to make the offensive choice more.
	~~With that said~~, the ~~strategy of avoiding shots until an opportune time isn't exactly affected by this change~~.

	=== Aliens ===		=== Aliens ===

Parogen: /* Hunker Down */ not helpful as a definitive statement

2025-05-01T08:24:18Z

Hunker Down: not helpful as a definitive statement

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:24, 1 May 2025
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	<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Hunker down (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|270px]] </li>		<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Hunker down (EU2012).jpg\|frameless\|270px]] </li>
	</ul></div>		</ul></div>
	Not usually thought of as a vision trick since the AI can still target Hunkered down units, but when not attacking, the AI essentially moves as if the fog created by Hunker down is real~~. For this reason, it's sometimes more useful to Hunker down than Overwatch, even behind fully connected cover~~.		Not usually thought of as a vision trick since the AI can still target Hunkered down units, but when not attacking, the AI essentially moves as if the fog created by Hunker down is real.

	'''IMPORTANT''': Knowledge of [[Cover (EU2012)#Destroying Cover\|cover destruction]] is crucial with extensive usage of Hunker down in LoS, limiting position choice if you don't want to be caught with cover blown.		'''IMPORTANT''': Knowledge of [[Cover (EU2012)#Destroying Cover\|cover destruction]] is crucial with extensive usage of Hunker down in LoS, limiting position choice if you don't want to be caught with cover blown.

Parogen: /* On player actions */

2025-05-01T02:16:30Z

On player actions

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:16, 1 May 2025
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	==== Hunker down ====		==== Hunker down ====

	As mentioned, Hunker down is a vision trick, but also formidable as a 1% [[Chance to Hit (EU2012)#Chance to Hit Calculation\|hit chance]] bait that the AI will occasionally take. Careful of close range ~~and other Aim bonuses,~~ or enemies with aoe abilities.		As mentioned, Hunker down is a vision trick, but also formidable as a 1% [[Chance to Hit (EU2012)#Chance to Hit Calculation\|hit chance]] bait that the AI will occasionally take. Careful of close range bonus or enemies with aoe abilities.

	'''IMPORTANT''': Knowledge of [[Cover (EU2012)#Destroying Cover\|cover destruction]] is crucial with extensive usage of Hunker down in LoS, limiting position choice if you don't want to be caught with cover blown.		'''IMPORTANT''': Knowledge of [[Cover (EU2012)#Destroying Cover\|cover destruction]] is crucial with extensive usage of Hunker down in LoS, limiting position choice if you don't want to be caught with cover blown.
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	==== Suppression ====		==== Suppression ====

	Suppressing the AI has a chance to cause them to freeze. Useful when you have the enemy outnumbered to save on resources. Instead of the entire team hiding or increasing defence, a simple suppression from one soldier can allow the rest of the team to take pot shots. Not guaranteed, but unlikely for the AI to run the reaction shot. Careful of enemies with aoe abilities.		Suppressing the AI has a chance to cause them to freeze. Useful when you have the enemy outnumbered to save on resources. Instead of the entire team hiding or increasing defence, a simple suppression from one soldier can allow the rest of the team to take pot shots. Not guaranteed, but unlikely for the AI to run the reaction shot. Careful of close range bonus or enemies with aoe abilities.

	=== On majority pod death ===		=== On majority pod death ===

Parogen: /* Enemy Within */ mention meld

2025-04-30T12:20:56Z

Enemy Within: mention meld

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:20, 30 April 2025
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	Once you get Tactical Rigging, you simply don't have to choose. Equip a S.C.O.P.E. along with a Grenade. Or your item of choice, just keep the Grenade.		Once you get Tactical Rigging, you simply don't have to choose. Equip a S.C.O.P.E. along with a Grenade. Or your item of choice, just keep the Grenade.

			=== Meld ===

			Meld canisters basically borrow from the [[Tactical Layer (EU2012)#Bomb Disposal\|Bomb Disposal]] concept.

	=== AI ===		=== AI ===
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	One of the only missions that require some foreknowledge of the maps, whether that is reaching and defending the [[Covert Operative (EU2012)\|operative]] in [[Covert Extraction (EU2012)\|Cover Extraction]] or reaching and defending the Encoder/Transmitter in [[Covert Data Recovery (EU2012)\|Data Recovery]]. EXALT pods don't patrol very far and can teleport further away depending on your location. After the first turn, EXALT units will start to trickle in from the edge of the map, requiring some traveling Overwatch. They are similar to the Council Target Extraction and Target Escort mission in some sense.		One of the only missions that require some foreknowledge of the maps, whether that is reaching and defending the [[Covert Operative (EU2012)\|operative]] in [[Covert Extraction (EU2012)\|Cover Extraction]] or reaching and defending the Encoder/Transmitter in [[Covert Data Recovery (EU2012)\|Data Recovery]]. EXALT pods don't patrol very far and can teleport further away depending on your location. After the first turn, EXALT units will start to trickle in from the edge of the map, requiring some traveling Overwatch. They are similar to the Council Target Extraction and Target Escort mission in some sense.

	''One can only imagine what these missions would be like with EU AI and comparable Aim!''		''One can only imagine what these missions would be like with better AI and comparable Aim!''

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==

Parogen: /* Brief Notes on Aliens */

2025-04-28T17:53:16Z

Brief Notes on Aliens

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:53, 28 April 2025
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	* 11 tile blue move.		* 11 tile blue move.
	* First enemy with Bombard. No longer safe in LoS.		* First enemy with Bombard. No longer safe in LoS.
	* Be careful of their high movement and death explosion. They have the potential to 'suicide dive' into a clustered squad that is Overwatch trapping, and upon success the team ~~with~~ take death damage.		* Be careful of their high movement and death explosion. They have the potential to 'suicide dive' into a clustered squad that is Overwatch trapping out of LoS and upon success the team will take death damage.
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="border-bottom: dotted 1px grey" \|'''[[Drone (EU2012)\|Drones]]'''		\| style="border-bottom: dotted 1px grey" \|'''[[Drone (EU2012)\|Drones]]'''
	\| style="border-bottom: dotted 1px grey" \|		\| style="border-bottom: dotted 1px grey" \|
	* 7 tile blue move.		* 7 tile blue move.
	* More annoying than threatening, ~~considering you have to expose your squad to~~ focus ~~fire~~ the main robotic above all else.		* More annoying than threatening. Due to their Repair, consider focus firing the main robotic above all else. Otherwise, it's like a weaker Floater without Launch.
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="border-bottom: dotted 1px grey" \|'''[[Berserker (EU2012)\|Berserker]]'''		\| style="border-bottom: dotted 1px grey" \|'''[[Berserker (EU2012)\|Berserker]]'''

Parogen: /* Brief Notes on Aliens */

2025-04-28T17:49:04Z

Brief Notes on Aliens

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:49, 28 April 2025
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	\| style="border-bottom: dotted 1px grey" \|		\| style="border-bottom: dotted 1px grey" \|
	* 11 tile blue move.		* 11 tile blue move.
	* Positions offensively on activation (unlike other non-flying ranged aliens) but not to the point of going into flanked cover. Surrounding it will leave it no choice but to stay back.		* Positions offensively on activation (unlike other non-flying ranged aliens) but not to the point of going into flanked cover. Surrounding it will leave it no choice but to stay back, so consider confronting it from only one direction/angle.
	* Also continues positioning aggressively after activation, though continued combat with an Outsider isn't preferable considering their high Aim (90 on Impossible).		* Also continues positioning aggressively after activation, though continued combat with an Outsider isn't preferable considering their high Aim (90 on Impossible).
	\|-		\|-

Parogen: /* On majority pod death */

2025-04-24T18:22:48Z

On majority pod death

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:22, 24 April 2025
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	=== On majority pod death ===		=== On majority pod death ===

	If caught in a tough spot, attempting to kill the majority of each of the pods (1 out of pod of 2 or 2 out of pod of 3) may be a valid strategy if wiping them out completely is not an option. The last one of each pod will have a chance of panicking or going on full retreat. Killing the majority of a pod in one turn has a much greater chance than in separate turns. It is not guaranteed they will do either.		If caught in a tough spot, attempting to kill the majority of each of the pods (1 out of pod of 2 or 2 out of pod of 3) may be a valid strategy if wiping them out completely is not an option. The last one of each pod will have a chance of panicking or going on full retreat. Killing the majority of a pod in one turn has a much greater chance than in separate turns. It is not guaranteed they will do either. Leaving a soldier uncovered/flanked seems to reduce the chances.

	* Take note of the units belonging to the same pod. Once the '''''majority of a pod dies''''', observe the last one.		* Take note of the units belonging to the same pod. Once the '''''majority of a pod dies''''', observe the last one.