Running and Gunning

[I actually posted this earlier, but deleted it on accident]

What if you don’t have a hawk to protect you?  What if your team is a bunch of bears that like to run toward the enemy and mow them down?  This strategy keeps the enemy on their heels so they are constantly reacting and getting caught in 2v1 situations.  Its also fun as hell.  You still need to keep your primary goal in mind (don’t die), but death is just part of this strategy.  Keep that in mind.  When I run, I focus on the path ahead.  I don’t worry about the flanks because I’ll be running by them and don’t have the skill to properly react anyway.  Instead, I focus on killing everything in my way, except the team.  This is a tip I picked up from a Fatal1ty interview but it’s contrary to many strategy guides.  I think it works very well for the support player.  To me, there’s nothing worse than seeing a red blip on the side of my radar and then getting pwned by someone in front of me.

I follow the team, but try to stay a little to one side.  I stay close but not so close that I’ll be part of a double kill for the other team.  There is no worse shame for a support player.  Whenever the lead slayer attacks, I shoot at the same enemy.  I often jump to give myself a clear shot over the slayer in front of me.  Jumping is generally a bad tactic because it puts you on a predictable path.  I think its good in this scenario because a good enemy will be focused on the lead slayer.  Your jumping can divert their attention and allow you to soak up some of the hits. 

Ignore everything until the enemy you started on is down or escaped.  When death is imminent, I throw a grenade or melee.  Always go down swinging.  If your team goes down first, you have to think quick.  Fight or Flight?  If you know you have an advantage, get the kill.  If you die afterwards, break even is okay.  If you’re unsure, run.  You’ll die a lot running away, but if you’re weak, you’d probably die anyway.  At least this way, you’ll practice evasion techniques.

I actually stick to the BR, but depending on the map, the AR may actually be a better choice for this strategy.  Don’t duel wield!  You need your ‘nades!  Spam grenades around corners.  You’ll waste a ton of ‘nades, but every so often you’ll give some damage and you’ll improve your throws as you practice.  Frags are great for getting around corners, but stickies are very important here also.  Again, they’re easier to place.  Also, stickies pwn melees.  The melee system is improved for the support player now because you have a better chance of breaking even but a sticky is still a guaranteed kill.  Plus, there’s no better satisfaction after dying than to watch the enemy’s head glow and then see that little grey medal.

No one strategy will work for a game.  If you’re supporting a sniper, he’ll eventually run out of ammo or be pushed out of the perch.  The trick is to know when it’s time to change and react accordingly.