8.3 Hoarders: Ball Control & Stealing
Hoarders is a chaotic team round where the objective is to collect and hoard as many golden balls as possible into your team's zone. Success hinges on effective ball control, strategic stealing from opponents, and coordinated team play to outscore the rival teams before time runs out.
This round is a test of both individual skill in handling the balls and collective strategy in managing your team's hoard. Mastering the art of ball control, knowing when to defend, and when to go on the offensive for steals are crucial for victory in the frantic scramble of Hoarders.
Understanding the Objective
In Hoarders, the arena is divided into three team zones. Golden balls spawn periodically throughout the arena. Your team's score increases based on the number of golden balls currently in your zone when the timer ends. The team with the most balls wins.
Ball Control: Handling the Golden Orbs
The golden balls are the key to victory. Here's how to manage them:
- Picking Up Balls: Simply walk over a golden ball to pick it up. Your bean will carry it.
- Movement with Balls: Carrying a ball sificantly slows you down. This makes you a vulnerable target for opponents.
- Throwing Balls: You can throw a ball by pressing the grab button while carrying it. This can be used to pass balls to teammates or to launch them into your zone from a distance.
- Dropping Balls: You can also drop a ball by releasing the grab button.
Stealing from Opponents: The Offensive Strategy
A crucial part of Hoarders is preventing opponents from scoring and stealing their balls.
- Grabbing Opponents: The primary way to steal is by grabbing an opponent who is carrying a ball. This will dislodge the ball, allowing you to pick it up.
- Timing is Key: Look for opponents who are moving slowly with balls. Intercept them and initiate a grab.
- Defending Your Balls: If you see an opponent approaching with a ball, try to block their path or grab them before they reach their zone.
Teamwork and Zone Management
Hoarders is heavily reliant on team coordination:
- Ass Roles (Informally): Some players might focus on collecting balls, while others act as defenders or 'stealers'.
- Defending Your Zone: Have players positioned within your team's zone to prevent opponents from entering and stealing balls.
- Pushing Balls: If multiple balls are near your zone, work together to push them in.
- Clearing Opponent Zones: If your team is falling behind, a coordinated push into an opponent's zone to steal balls can be a game-changer.
Strategic Considerations
- Ball Spawn Points: Learn where balls tend to spawn most frequently.
- The 'Big Ball': Occasionally, a larger, more valuable ball might spawn. These are high-priority targets.
- End Game Frenzy: In the final moments, expect extreme chaos as teams make desperate attempts to score or steal.
Common Pitfalls
- Slow Movement: Carrying balls makes you a slow target. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Over-Aggression: Focusing too much on stealing can leave your own zone vulnerable.
- Lack of Coordination: Without teamwork, your team will likely struggle against organized opponents.
Hoarders is a round where quick thinking, decisive action, and effective teamwork are paramount. By mastering ball control and employing smart stealing tactics, your team can dominate the competition.