Submitted by: A p o l l o

Learn how to survive and thrive in the chaotic Air Wars of Battlefield 1942's Gazala map. This guide covers aerial combat tactics and ground-to-air takedowns.

Alright, let's talk about Air Wars, specifically on the Gazala map as the British. This is where things get really intense, and sometimes, you just gotta roll with the punches and make your own luck.

So, you spawn in, maybe for the fourth or fifth time, and the action's already hot. Your first thought might be to grab a plane and head straight for the enemy base. That's a classic move, but be warned: the Axis AA guns are no joke. You'll likely get shot down. Don't sweat it if you do! The key here is to bail out strategically. Aim for an area near their hangar, ideally within 100 feet or so. You want to be close enough to make a dash for a plane yourself.

Once you're on the ground near their hangar, your next move is to snag a plane. Don't get too attached to any specific one, though. The abandoned airfield is often a good spot to find a Spitfire, which is what you're aiming for. But here's the catch: you're probably not the only one with that idea. An Axis pilot might be heading for the same airfield, likely eyeing the bomber. You've probably already grabbed the bomber a few times, so the Spitfire is your priority.

As you're flying towards the airfield, keep an eye out. If an Axis plane is heading for the same spot, and it's hot on your tail, you're in for a fight. They'll start lighting you up, and your plane won't last long. Again, don't panic. You need to bail out again, this time right by the airport, and parachute down. This is where things get dicey.

That Axis pilot is going to turn around, trying to finish you off. This is your chance. If you've got a rocket launcher equipped – and you really should try to have one for these situations – you can take them down. They'll likely be diving straight at you, guns blazing. Wait until they're about 50 feet away, then launch that rocket right into their propeller. BOOM! You just took them out of the sky.

With that threat neutralized, you can finally grab that Spitfire you were after. Take off, and get ready for the next phase. Your goal now is to head back towards the Axis base and bomb it. But don't get too comfortable; they probably respawned their planes pretty quickly.

As you approach the Axis hangar area, you might see another enemy plane taking off. They'll spot you too. If you're higher than them, you've got an advantage. They'll likely try to climb and shoot at the bottom of your plane. They're heading towards you, but they're lower. You don't have time to dive down and engage them directly with guns. Your best bet? Drop a bomb. If they fly right into it, you'll blow them out of midair. It's a risky move, but incredibly satisfying and effective.

After dealing with the aerial threats, you can focus on your objective: bombing their planes and anyone trying to get to them. It's all about controlling the skies and denying the enemy their air power. It takes practice, but mastering these aerial duels is key to winning on Gazala.