Kenshi's RTS-like perspective allows for deep squad management, and mastering advanced tactics is key to overcoming the game's challenges. Beyond simply sending individuals into combat, effective squad management involves strategic positioning, specialized roles, and coordinated actions.
Squad Roles and Specialization
As you recruit more characters, assing them specific roles becomes paramount. Consider the following:
- Frontline Fighters: Heavily armored characters with high Strength and Toughness, equipped with heavy weapons or polearms. Their role is to absorb damage and control the enemy's advance.
- Damage Dealers: Characters with high Dexterity and weapon skill, focused on maximizing damage output. They might use faster weapons like katanas or sabres, or ranged weapons.
- Support/Healers: Characters with high Medical skills, essential for patching up your squad after battles. They should be kept safe behind the frontline.
- Scouts/Stealth Operatives: Characters with high Stealth, Athletics, and Lockpicking skills. They are invaluable for reconnaissance, infiltration, and acquiring loot without direct confrontation.
- Workers/Builders: Characters dedicated to resource gathering, crafting, and base construction. While not combat-focused, their contributions are vital for long-term survival and progression.
Combat Tactics
- Formation and Positioning: Never bunch your squad up. Use formations that protect your weaker members and allow your frontline to engage effectively. Utilize terrain to your advantage, funneling enemies into choke points.
- Target Prioritization: In combat, you can manually direct your characters to attack specific enemies. Prioritize dangerous threats like enemy leaders, heavy weapon users, or characters with powerful special abilities.
- Kenshi and Sento Spirit Management: As noted, playing as Kenshi involves managing both him and his Sento Spirit. This means understanding when to unleash his telekinetic abilities and how to coordinate his physical attacks with his spiritual powers. His special moves can be devastating but often have cooldowns or require specific conditions.
- Kiting and Retreat: Don't be afraid to retreat damaged characters or kite enemies to safety. The "F1-F8" keys are essential for selecting individual squad members or groups quickly.
- Using the Environment: Lure enemies into traps, use buildings for cover, or even exploit environmental hazards if possible.
Base Defense and Raids
When your base is attacked, effective squad management is crucial:
- Ass characters to defensive positions, such as turrets.
- Ensure your medical personnel are in a safe, accessible location.
- Have a desated group ready to intercept attackers at gates or breaches.
- Research and build advanced defenses like walls, gates, and automated turrets to supplement your squad's efforts.
By carefully considering each character's strengths and weaknesses, and by employing intelligent tactical maneuvers, you can turn a ragtag group of survivors into a formidable force capable of conquering the world of Kenshi.