Objective: Extraction
With the VIP secured, the mission shifts from infiltration to a high-stakes exfiltration. This final phase is characterized by overwhelming enemy numbers, advanced enemy types, and a relentless push towards your extraction point. Success hinges on precise tactical execution, optimal loadout choices, and masterful use of your Cyber Cores. Prepare for an intense, multi-stage fight for survival.
Recommended Loadouts for Extraction
The extraction phase demands a versatile loadout capable of handling both large groups of infantry and heavily armored threats. Prioritize weapons with high damage output and good ammunition capacity.
Primary Weapon Recommendations:
- Assault Rifles (e.g., KN-44, HVK-30): Excellent all-rounders for mid-range engagements. Equip extended mags and a grip for sustained fire.
- Light Machine Guns (e.g., Dingo, Gorgon): Ideal for suppressing large enemy waves and shredding armored targets. The Gorgon, with its high damage, is particularly effective against heavily armored P.A.W.N.S.
- Shotguns (e.g., KRM-262, Argus): Devastating in close quarters, especially useful for clearing tight corridors or defending the extraction zone. Pair with a laser sight for improved hip-fire accuracy.
Secondary Weapon Recommendations:
- Launchers (e.g., Blackcell, XM-53): Absolutely essential for dealing with enemy R.A.P.S. units, Cerberus tanks, and potentially hostile aerial threats. Always carry one if available.
- Machine Pistols (e.g., RK5, L-CAR 9): Good for quick weapon swaps and finishing off weakened enemies in close range.
Lethal & Tactical Equipment:
- Lethal: Frag Grenades / Semtex: Crucial for clearing entrenched enemy positions and damaging armored foes.
- Tactical: Concussion Grenades / Flashbangs: Excellent for disorienting large groups, allowing you to push through choke points or escape dangerous situations.
Cyber Core Recommendations:
Your Cyber Cores will be invaluable in managing the increased enemy resistance. Focus on abilities that offer crowd control, damage amplification, or defensive capabilities.
- Control Core:
- Remote Hijack: Can turn enemy R.A.P.S. or even Cerberus units against their own, significantly reducing pressure.
- Protocol Override: Temporarily disables enemy cybernetic units, making them easy targets.
- Chaos Core:
- Firefly Swarm: Excellent for area denial and damaging multiple enemies, especially effective against unarmored infantry.
- Enhanced Firefly: Increases the damage and duration of Firefly Swarm, making it even more potent.
- Martial Core:
- Overdrive: Provides a temporary speed boost, invaluable for navigating dangerous areas quickly or escaping overwhelming odds.
- Rapid Strike: Increases melee attack speed, useful for quick takedowns in close quarters if you run out of ammo.
Extraction Phase Breakdown: Step-by-Step Guide
Phase 1: The Initial Push & Choke Points
As soon as the VIP is secured, a surge of enemies will attempt to cut off your escape. Expect immediate resistance from standard infantry, often supported by P.A.W.N.S. (heavily armored humanoid robots) and potentially R.A.P.S. units (small, explosive robotic dogs).
- Objective: Navigate from the VIP's location to the first major egress point.
- Tactics:
- Clear the Path: Use lethal grenades (Frag/Semtex) to clear initial enemy clusters.
- Prioritize P.A.W.N.S.: These armored units can absorb significant damage. Aim for headshots or use LMGs/Shotguns at close range. If you have Remote Hijack, consider turning one against its allies.
- Watch for R.A.P.S.: Listen for their distinctive whirring sound. Use your launcher or focus fire to destroy them before they detonate near you or the VIP.
- Utilize Cover: Do not rush into open areas. Use walls, crates, and destroyed vehicles as cover.
- Thrust Jumps: Use your thrust jump to quickly traverse small gaps, gain high ground, or evade incoming grenades and concentrated fire.
- Common Pitfall: Getting cornered by P.A.W.N.S. in tight spaces. Use concussion grenades to disorient them and create an escape route.
Phase 2: Navigating Open Areas & Sniper Threats
The path to extraction will often lead through more open environments, introducing new threats like snipers and potentially aerial drones.
- Objective: Cross open courtyards or streets towards the next objective marker.
- Tactics:
- Scan for Snipers: Look for glints or laser sights from elevated positions. Prioritize these targets immediately with precise rifle fire.
- Maintain Mobility: Do not stand still in open areas. Sprint from cover to cover, using thrust jumps to break line of sight.
- Aerial Threats: If D.U.R.T. drones or enemy choppers appear, use your launcher. If you lack a launcher, focus fire with your primary weapon, aiming for critical components.
- Firefly Swarm (Chaos Core): Excellent for clearing out large groups of infantry attempting to flank you in open areas.
- Common Pitfall: Being caught in the open by multiple snipers or a concentrated aerial attack. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Phase 3: The Extraction Point Defense
The final stage involves reaching the designated extraction zone and holding out until the chopper arrives. This is typically the most intense part, with waves of enemies converging on your position.
- Objective: Reach the extraction point (marked by a green smoke flare or beacon) and defend it for a set duration.
- Tactics:
- Establish Defensive Positions: Identify key choke points and cover opportunities around the extraction zone. Position yourself to have clear lines of fire on incoming enemy routes.
- VIP Protection: Ensure the VIP remains safe. If they take too much damage, the mission will fail. Stay near them, but don't expose yourself unnecessarily.
- Wave Management:
- Initial Waves: Primarily infantry and P.A.W.N.S. Use grenades and LMGs to thin their numbers.
- Mid-Waves: Expect more R.A.P.S. units and potentially Cerberus tanks. Use your launcher on Cerberus units; aim for the glowing weak points. Remote Hijack can also be devastating against them.
- Final Push: Often includes elite enemy soldiers, multiple P.A.W.N.S., and a high volume of standard infantry. Unleash all remaining Cyber Core abilities and equipment.
- Overdrive (Martial Core): Use this to quickly reposition, grab ammo, or revive a downed teammate if playing co-op.
- Ammunition Management: Keep an eye on your ammo count. There might be scattered ammo caches, but don't rely solely on them. Switch to your secondary weapon if your primary runs dry.
- Common Pitfall: Overextending and getting surrounded. Stick to cover and fall back if overwhelmed. Forgetting to reload during a lull in the fighting.
Quick Tips for a Successful Extraction
- Stay Mobile: Constant movement, especially thrust jumping, makes you a harder target.
- Prioritize Threats: Snipers & R.A.P.S. first, then P.A.W.N.S. and Cerberus, finally standard infantry.
- Use Your Abilities: Don't hoard your Cyber Core abilities. They are designed to turn the tide in intense engagements.
- Communicate (Co-op): If playing with teammates, call out enemy positions, share ammo, and coordinate ability usage.
- Reload in Cover: Always find a safe spot to reload your weapons.
- Check Your Six: Enemies can and will attempt to flank you. Periodically check your mini-map and listen for footsteps.