Mission 9: Sand Castle

Mission 9: Sand Castle

Objective: Infiltrate the NRC Stronghold

Your mission begins with a direct assault on an NRC-controlled beachfront stronghold. Expect heavy resistance from the outset. You'll be deployed via dropship onto the outer perimeter. Immediately seek cover behind the large concrete barriers to your left. The initial wave consists of standard NRC infantry and a few P.A.A.N.D.A. units.

• Recommended Loadout: An assault rifle like the Man-O-War for mid-range engagements and a high-capacity SMG like the VMP for close quarters. Consider equipping the Thermal Sight attachment for better target acquisition in the dusty environment.
• Cyber Core Ability: Remote Hijack is invaluable here for turning enemy P.A.A.N.D.A. units against their own forces.

Advance cautiously along the beach, using the scattered debris and abandoned vehicles for cover. Prioritize eliminating the P.A.A.N.D.A. units first, as their heavy weaponry can quickly suppress your team. Look for explosive barrels near enemy positions to create chain reactions.

Breaching the Outer Wall

Once the initial beachhead is secured, your next objective is to breach the fortified outer wall. A heavily armored Gorgon turret is mounted on the wall, providing suppressive fire. Do NOT attempt a direct assault.

1. Flanking Maneuver: Head towards the dilapidated boathouse on the far right of the beach. Inside, you'll find a hidden access tunnel.
2. Tunnel Navigation: The tunnel is dimly lit and patrolled by a few NRC soldiers. Use your Tactical Rig ability, such as Active Camo, to bypass or silently eliminate them.
3. Power Generator: The tunnel leads to a small generator room. Interact with the console to overload the generator, temporarily disabling the Gorgon turret and creating a breach in the wall.

After the breach, quickly move through the opening. Be prepared for a counter-attack from NRC forces positioned just inside the wall.

Navigating the Courtyard and Data Center

You'll enter a large, open courtyard with multiple elevated positions and sniper nests. Several R.A.P.S. units will be deployed to harass your team. Focus fire on the R.A.P.S. units to prevent them from swarming you.

• Sniper Elimination: Use a long-range weapon or your Overdrive Cyber Core to quickly dispatch the snipers on the rooftops. There are typically three snipers: one on the left building, one on the central tower, and one on the right building.
• Data Center Access: Your objective is the Data Center, located on the ground floor of the central building. The main entrance is heavily guarded.
• Alternate Route: Look for a ventilation shaft on the side of the central building, accessible by wall-running from the adjacent structure. This provides a less-guarded entry point.

Once inside the Data Center, you'll encounter a small group of elite NRC operatives. They often carry advanced weaponry like the Dingo LMG. Use grenades or your Kinetic Armor to withstand their initial assault.

Retrieving the Intel and Exfiltration

The intel is located on a terminal in the center of the Data Center. Initiate the download sequence. While the download progresses, you'll need to defend your position against waves of NRC reinforcements pouring in from all entrances.

Defense Strategy:

• Chokepoint Defense: Position your team members at the two main doorways leading into the Data Center.
• Explosive Placement: Deploy Trip Mines or C4 near the entrances to catch incoming enemies off guard.
• Cyber Core Usage: use Firefly Swarm to disorient and damage large groups of enemies, or Unstoppable Force to clear out particularly stubborn resistance.

Once the download is complete, a new exfiltration point will be marked on your HUD – a landing pad on the rooftop. Fight your way out of the Data Center and ascend to the roof. Expect a final push from NRC forces as you make your way to the extraction helicopter. A Wraith drone may also appear; focus all available fire on it to bring it down quickly. Board the helicopter to complete the mission.