Cooperative campaign play in Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance offers a unique challenge, requiring effective communication and coordination between players. The core principle is to divide and conquer, leveraging each player's strengths and covering each other's weaknesses. Before starting a mission, discuss your initial build orders and strategic objectives. Who will focus on economy, and who will prioritize early defense or offense?
For example, in missions where resource scarcity is a major factor, one player might dedicate their initial build to massing economy structures (Mass Extractors and Mass Fabricators), while the other focuses on building a small, mobile force to defend the expanding economy and scout for enemy positions. This division of labor ensures that your resource income scales rapidly, allowing for a more robust army later in the game.
When attacking, coordinate your pushes. If one player is launching a frontal assault with T3 units, the other can provide supporting fire with artillery or air power from a different angle. This forces the AI to divide its attention and defenses, making your combined assault more effective. Conversely, if one player is under heavy attack, the other can launch a diversionary attack on a different part of the map to draw enemy forces away.
Communication is paramount when dealing with complex objectives. For instance, if a mission requires destroying multiple key targets, ass specific targets to each player. Use the ping system to mark enemy positions, friendly unit locations, or areas that require immediate attention. Be mindful of friendly fire, especially with artillery and bombers; ensure your ally is not in the line of fire.
Consider faction synergies. If one player is playing the UEF with its strong defensive capabilities and heavy artillery, the other could play the Cybran with their stealth units and fast-moving tactical destroyers, allowing for flanking maneuvers and disruption of enemy rear lines. Understanding how your chosen factions complement each other can lead to devastating combined arms strategies.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with experimental units. If the mission allows for it, coordinating the deployment of powerful experimental units, such as the UEF's Fatboy or the Aeon's Seraphim Experimental Artillery, can quickly turn the tide of a difficult mission. Ensure these high-value units are well-supported by a diverse army.