UNSC VEHICLES

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The standard Jackrabbit isn’t equipped with a weapon system, but it can be upgraded with a medium-range mini-frag launcher. The available Support Drone upgrade outfits each Jackrabbit with a hovering drone that increases the unit’s line of sight, allows it to identify cloaked targets, and initiates battlefield repairs as needed.  

BASIC TACTICS 

The Jackrabbit’s speed makes it an excellent scout. It’s fairly inexpensive, and it can be produced in any USNC base structure. Consider building at least one Jackrabbit early in a match; send it out to gather unclaimed resources, and then make a quick drive past enemy bases to get a sense of what your opponents are planning.    A Jackrabbit’s speed is its greatest asset. If you want to make the most of your Jackrabbits, avoid grouping them with slower units. Use them to scout your enemies, gather resources, and de-capture any unguarded points your enemies might be holding.    Even a fully upgraded Jackrabbit doesn’t pose much of a threat on the battlefield. Its mini-frag launcher deals moderate damage to infantry and vehicles, but it has a low rate of fire, and it’s fairly ineffective against air units and enemy structures. Still, a large group of upgraded Jackrabbits can cause your opponents a considerable amount of grief. Pass a cluster of Jackrabbits near an enemy base or assembling army, focus your fire on vulnerable units, and then beat a hasty retreat. Allow your Jackrabbits’ drones enough time to complete necessary repairs, and then send your fleet back in for another pass.  

A standard Warthog comes equipped with a light autocannon. This weapon is most effective against infantry, but it’s also capable of dealing reliable damage to all but the most heavily armored units. The available Gauss Cannon upgrade not only improves the Warthog’s damage and attack range, it makes this unit much more effective against heavy vehicles. 

BASIC TACTICS

 Offering an excellent balance of speed and combat ability, the Warthog provides more versatility than any other UNSC vehicle. Once you’ve constructed a Garage, use Warthogs to reinforce struggling units, harass enemy bases, or investigate territory that might be too dangerous for conventional scout units.    The Warthog comes standard with the Ram active ability. A well-timed collision can deal heavy damage to enemy infantry, and it’s an excellent way to kick off an encounter.    Like all vehicles, Warthogs are vulnerable to attacks from counter-units and enemy aircraft. Even so, they can deal reliable damage to virtually any target. A group of Warthogs holds its own against all but the most powerful units, but don’t hesitate to pull back if a battle takes a turn for the worse.    The Gauss Cannon upgrade makes the already capable Warthog much more effective against enemy vehicles. However, researching this weapon upgrade requires Tech Level 3. If your strategy relies on a large force of Warthogs, upgrading your base should be a priority.  

Wolverines are fitted with advanced surface-to-air missile pods, making them the UNSC’s best defense against enemy aircraft. However, this specialization comes at a price—they do relatively little damage to infantry, vehicles, and structures. Each Wolverine is outfitted with a secondary grenade launcher to engage ground targets, but it’s best to keep these lightly armored vehicles focused on the skies.  

BASIC TACTICS

 Far from a multitasker, the Wolverine really has only one purpose—to destroy hostile aircraft. Every UNSC force should include at least a few Wolverines, but unless your reconnaissance indicates an impending air attack, avoid dedicating too many resources to these specialized counter-units.    Like all vehicles, Wolverines take increased damage from hostile air units. A group of Wolverines can overwhelm most enemy aircraft, but it’s often necessary to repair them during prolonged engagements. If your opponent seems to favor air attacks, consider grouping your Wolverines with a few Nightingales or fully upgraded Marine squads.  

The Kodiak artillery system boasts a long-range siege cannon—though the vehicle must deploy before its cannon can fire. When a Kodiak enters lockdown mode, a pair of articulated “feet” fold down from the vehicle’s sides. These anchor the vehicle to the ground, providing stability and minimizing the cannon’s recoil. The Kodiak is also outfitted with a medium machine gun, providing a small amount of defense when the cannon isn’t deployed.   

BASIC TACTICS 

Kodiaks don’t generally fare well against air units. But once it’s deployed, a Kodiak offers long-range, high-damage attacks that are effective against most ground targets. This means that a properly deployed Kodiak is likely to get your enemy’s attention—be prepared to defend your artillery.    A Kodiak is most vulnerable when it’s deploying or retracting its stabilizing “feet.” The transition takes a few seconds, during which the Kodiak can neither move nor attack. Deploying your Kodiak in the right location—and at the right time—helps maximize its effect on a battle.    Most units benefit from claiming the high ground, and this is particularly true for the Kodiak. Place these units on cliffs overlooking strategically important areas.    Like the Sniper, the Kodiak’s attack range exceeds its line of sight. Use fast-moving units as spotters to acquire new targets for a deployed Kodiak.  

The Scorpion is armed with a heavy cannon to punch holes in armored vehicles, and a secondary machine gun for dealing with enemy infantry. These formidable tanks can also be modified to fire canister shells for high-damage area-of-effect attacks.  

  BASIC TACTICS 

Scorpion tanks are devastating to infantry, vehicles, and structures, but they’re less effective against air units. Still, the Scorpion stands as one of the UNSC’s most reliable damage-dealers.    Researching the Canister Shell upgrade unlocks a powerful area-of-effect attack. However, this active ability has a significant cooldown. Choose your targets wisely.    Considering the power it brings onto the battlefield, the Scorpion boasts impressive mobility. Even so, when you need to respond to an emergency situation, your tanks aren’t likely to be your quickest option. Get your Scorpions moving, then send in some of your faster (and preferably less expensive) units to hold off enemy forces until your tanks arrive.    A fleet of Scorpion tanks is a force on the battlefield, but it also serves as an appealing target for direct-damage Leader Powers. Spread out your Scorpions to minimize the damage caused by area-of-effect counterattacks.  

Commanding (and countering) the Grizzly isn’t much different from handling a Scorpion. Both tanks are extremely effective against ground units and less effective against air units. That being said, the Grizzly is more powerful than a standard Scorpion tank—especially against infantry units—and its enhanced armor makes it far more durable. Of course, the heavy modifications come at a price. Producing a Grizzly requires more resources than a Scorpion tank, and the process takes about 30 percent longer. More importantly, a Grizzly takes a heavier toll on your Population limit. Plan accordingly if you hope to amass a fleet of Grizzlies.    ©2016 Microsoft Corporation.