Gears Tactics: Recommended Skills For Each Class

Though the standard three action points each character has available can feel quite limiting, it is helpful to remember that there are several ways to get more out of each point. One way to do this is to take full advantage of cover. In Gears Tactics , ending a movement action in cover will reduce the point cost, meaning that it is wise to plan moves from defensive point to defensive point to make the most of movement. Additionally, take full advantage of the execution mechanic: finishing off a downed enemy will award the executioner's squad an action point, adding some much-needed versatility. Take full advantage of this, clearing the field of executable enemies if it is possible without throwing a soldier into the o


The weapon applications are similarly impressive. Torque Bows, Longshot Snipers, Gnashers – they all hurt just as much as they did in the originals. Even the unique Active Reload mechanic is (somewhat) emulated via the "fast fingers" perk for the Sniper class. Seeing the wide array of Gears weapons in action from a birds-eye view is pretty fr


It is especially lucky for this class that one of the first skill available is one of the most useful in the entire game: Fast Fingers. The automatic reload on a hit at the skill's first level is incredibly beneficial, but the second level is where the ability truly shines. Getting an action point refund along with the reload is effectively a reset for the Sniper - a clean slate and a whole turn if used as an opener, or a last minute surge of damage if used to close out the ro

While getting around is important, it is vital that the player considers not just that they are moving, but where they are moving. Having soldiers sprint around the field at random is more of a risk than anything; chaotic movement just means more opportunities to get caught alone. A solid first use of points is getting some elevated overwatch. Try shifting a soldier into a position that will allow them to watch over the battlefield and throw them into overwatch. Doing so will lower the risk of more mobile soldiers getting surrounded - making the center of the field a danger to cross can make the opponent think twice about getting into a flanking position. For the remaining soldiers, it is worth spending points to form some triangular traps. Use some points to move and create overlapping fields of fire that cover up the enemy deployments before blasting away. This will pay out in forcing enemy movement away from your troops - by threatening multiple sides of a piece of cover, players can force a well defended enemy to displace, often scoring some hits for that well-positioned overwatch soldier. Importantly, save some points to avoid bunching up. While it is entirely possible to take advantage of a good flank with multiple units, be sure to reserve an action point to put some space between the soldiers you have making the hit. More than one solider side by side is a golden opportunity for a grenade, which can be even more catastrophic if the cover itself gets taken out. By using action points to get some overwatch, triangulate on enemy positions, and keep spacey, players can keep a battlefield handily under cont


Unfortunately, this is where Tactics becomes a bit dull. The recruiting system and side characters are mostly forgettable. The tactical variety isn’t the largest either, leaving the player with a handful of options. It isn’t dry by any means, yet after the first 15 hours of the roughly 25-hour campaign, you essentially get the gist of it. This would’ve been negligible in the wake of diverse mission designs, but sadly – this isn’t the c


To top it off, Tactics nails the reconstruction of familiar enemies in a turn-based world. Boomers are just as terrifying and stompy, Tickers just as erratic and hyperactive, Kantus just as loud and obnoxious . There are a few new foes to discover too, but the core army of bad dudes didn’t require many tweaks to remain interesting and formidable. As it turns out, the Locust Horde antagonists are just as robust in a strategic sett


In addition to these universal options, players can effectively use skills to boost and stretch skill points. Each of the five classes have skills that add much-needed action points. For example, the Sniper's chain Shot skill will award the shooter AP for hits; the Support can use Empower to grant bonus points to a squad-mate get their own points for reviving a friend with the Encourage passive ability; and the Vanguard's Breach skill gives a point to any soldier canny enough to bring down a breached enemy. Spend some time exploring the skill trees to suss out what options will generate the most action points without costing on combat skills, and think about this when setting up team composition - it may be worth having a Support who, while not a damage dealer on their own, can keep every other soldier firing that bit longer with bonus AP. More points means more gunfire - keep the heat up and the battle is the player's to