Objective: Retake the Area
This objective tasks you with clearing a heavily fortified enemy stronghold, often involving multiple defensive layers and entrenched hostile forces. Success hinges on strategic deployment of your Cyber Cores, coordinated squad tactics, and intelligent use of environmental cover. Expect a challenging engagement against a mix of infantry, specialists, and potentially automated defenses.
Recommended Loadout & Cyber Core Selection
- Primary Weapon: An assault rifle like the KN-44 or HVK-30 for versatile engagements, or a light machine gun such as the Dingo for sustained fire against multiple targets. Equip optics like the ELO or Red Dot Sight for improved target acquisition.
- Secondary Weapon: A high-capacity pistol like the RK5 or a launcher such as the Blackcell if you anticipate encountering heavily armored enemies or aerial threats.
- Tactical Grenade: Concussion Grenade to stun groups of enemies or disrupt their aim, or a Smoke Grenade for advancing across open areas or reviving teammates.
- Lethal Grenade: Frag Grenade for clearing entrenched positions or flushing out enemies from cover.
- Cyber Core (Control): Overload is invaluable for disabling enemy turrets, robots, and other electronic defenses, creating crucial openings.
- Cyber Core (Chaos): Firefly Swarm is excellent for clearing out tightly packed enemy groups or denying access to choke points. Alternatively, Remote Hijack can turn enemy robotic units against their allies.
- Cyber Core (Martial): Rapid Strike for quick, devastating melee attacks against high-priority targets, or Active Camo for stealthy flanking maneuvers.
Phase 1: Breaching the Perimeter
Upon initiating the objective, you will typically face an initial wave of resistance guarding the outer perimeter. This often includes standard infantry, a few P.A.A.P.S. (Powered Armored Assault Personnel System), and potentially a sniper or two positioned on elevated platforms.
- Entry Point: Look for a primary breach point, often marked by a large gate or a collapsed wall. Before advancing, use your tactical view (Up on D-pad/G) to scan for enemy positions and potential traps.
- Enemy Snipers: Prioritize eliminating any snipers immediately. Their laser sights are a dead giveaway. Use a long-range weapon or a well-placed grenade to dislodge them.
- Heavy Infantry (P.A.A.P.S.): Focus fire on their weak points, usually the head or the power core on their back. If you have Remote Hijack, consider turning one against the others.
- Cover & Flanking: Utilize the abundant cover provided by destroyed vehicles, concrete barriers, and rubble. Look for flanking routes around the main enemy concentration to catch them off guard.
Phase 2: Clearing the Main Courtyard/Structure
Once past the perimeter, you'll enter the main area, which is usually a large courtyard or the ground floor of a building. This section is often heavily defended with automated turrets, additional infantry, and potentially specialist enemies like Warlords or Gorgons.
- Automated Defenses: Keep an eye out for Sentry Turrets or G.I. Units. Use your Overload Cyber Core to disable them, turning them into harmless obstacles, or use a Blackcell launcher for a quick destruction.
- Choke Points: Enemies will often funnel into specific choke points. Use Firefly Swarm or well-aimed grenades to clear these areas efficiently.
- Specialist Enemies:
- Warlords: These enemies are heavily armored and wield powerful weapons. Focus fire on their exposed head or use a Rapid Strike to quickly dispatch them.
- Gorgons: Equipped with energy shields, they require flanking or sustained fire to break their defense. A well-placed Concussion Grenade can temporarily drop their shield.
- Squad Commands: issue commands to your squad (Up on D-pad/G). Direct them to suppress specific targets or hold positions while you flank.
Phase 3: Securing the Objective Point
The final phase involves reaching and securing the designated objective point, which might be a control panel, a data terminal, or a specific room. This area is typically the most heavily defended, often featuring a final push of enemies, including a potential mini-boss or a wave of elite units.
- Final Stand: Expect a concentrated counter-attack as you approach the objective. Conserve your Cyber Core abilities for this final push.
- Mini-Boss Encounter: Some "Retake the Area" objectives culminate in a fight against a more formidable foe, such as a Heavy G.I. Unit or a R.A.P.S. Deployer.
- Heavy G.I. Unit: Target its weak points (head, power core on back). Use Overload to briefly stun it, allowing for critical hits.
- R.A.P.S. Deployer: Focus fire on the deployer itself to prevent it from spawning more R.A.P.S. units. If R.A.P.S. are overwhelming, use Firefly Swarm to clear them out.
- Objective Interaction: Once the area is clear, approach the objective marker and hold the interact button (Square/X) to complete the objective. Ensure all immediate threats are neutralized before attempting to interact, as you are vulnerable during this animation.
Common Pitfalls & Tips
- Ignoring Cover: Rushing into open areas is a quick way to get downed. Always move from cover to cover.
- Wasting Cyber Cores: Use your abilities strategically, especially against high-priority targets or large groups. Don't use Overload on a single standard infantryman.
- Forgetting Squad Commands: Your squadmates are valuable assets. Use them to draw fire, suppress enemies, or focus on specific targets.
- Environmental Hazards: Be aware of explosive barrels, collapsing structures, or other environmental elements that can be used to your advantage or pose a threat.
- Ammo Conservation: Especially on higher difficulties, ammo can be scarce. Aim for headshots to conserve ammunition and maximize damage. Pick up enemy weapons if you're running low.