Objective 2: Harvest Tempest & Build Spawning Pool
This critical early-game objective lays the foundation for your Dynasty's resource generation and military production. Mastering the efficient harvesting of Tempest and the rapid deployment of Thralls is paramount for securing an early advantage against the Global Defense Force (GDF).
Step 1: Optimize Tempest Harvesting Operations
Your primary goal at the outset of any Dynasty mission is to establish a robust Tempest harvesting operation. Tempest is the lifeblood of your economy, funding all unit production, building construction, and research.
- Initial Harvester Deployment: Your starting Tempest Harvester will automatically begin gathering resources from the nearest Tempest field. Ensure it is actively working.
- Queue a Second Harvester: As soon as your resources allow (typically around 200 Tempest), immediately queue a second Tempest Harvester. This significantly boosts your income generation. To do this:
- Select your Dynasty Construction Yard (the main base building).
- Locate the Tempest Harvester icon in the production queue (usually the first or second option).
- Click the icon to add it to the queue.
- Once built, deploy it to a different section of your initial Tempest field or a newly discovered one to maximize efficiency and avoid congestion.
- Monitor Tempest Fields: Keep an eye on the remaining Tempest in your fields. Harvesters will automatically move to new patches once depleted, but proactive management can optimize their routes.
Step 2: Construct the Spawning Pool
The Spawning Pool is your essential barracks for producing early-game infantry units. Building it quickly allows you to establish a defensive perimeter and prepare for offensive maneuvers.
- Building Requirement: The Spawning Pool requires a Dynasty Construction Yard to be present.
- Cost: The Spawning Pool costs 250 Tempest.
- How to Build:
- Select your Dynasty Construction Yard.
- Open the Structures tab (often indicated by a building icon).
- Locate the Spawning Pool icon.
- Click the icon, then place the blueprint in a suitable location near your base. Consider placing it slightly forward to reduce travel time for your Thralls when attacking, but still within your defensive lines.
- Alternatively, use the hotkey 'B' (for Build) then 'S' (for Spawning Pool) to quickly select and place the structure.
- Construction Time: The Spawning Pool has a moderate construction time. Ensure your Harvesters are continuously bringing in Tempest to avoid delays.
Step 3: Train Tempest Thralls for Early Aggression
Tempest Thralls are the backbone of your early Dynasty forces. They are cheap, fast, and numerous, making them ideal for overwhelming GDF outposts and scouting enemy positions.
- Training Thralls:
- Select the newly constructed Spawning Pool.
- Locate the Tempest Thrall icon in the production queue.
- Click the icon to queue a single Thrall. To queue multiple, hold Shift and click, or repeatedly click.
- Cost per Thrall: Each Tempest Thrall costs 30 Tempest and has a quick training time.
- Ideal Numbers: For early aggression, aim for a minimum of 6-8 Thralls (2-3 squads). This provides enough mass to overcome basic GDF defenses. As you gain more resources, continue to reinforce this force.
- Rally Point: Set a rally point for your Spawning Pool by right-clicking on the ground where you want your newly trained Thralls to gather. This prevents them from idling at the Spawning Pool and allows for rapid deployment.
Step 4: Execute Early Aggression with Thralls
The Dynasty thrives on early aggression. Your Thralls, while individually weak, are powerful in numbers and can quickly overwhelm isolated GDF units and structures.
- Target Selection:
- GDF Outposts: Look for small GDF outposts or resource nodes guarded by a few GDF Riflemen or a single Turret. These are prime targets.
- Scouting Parties: Any small GDF scouting parties encountered on the map are easy prey for a Thrall rush.
- Resource Harvesters: Disrupting GDF harvesting operations can cripple their early economy.
- Attack Strategy:
- Mass Attack: Select all your Thralls and send them in a single, concentrated attack. Their speed allows them to close the distance quickly.
- Flanking (Advanced): If the terrain allows, try to flank GDF positions. Thralls are squishy, so minimizing the time they spend under fire is crucial.
- Focus Fire: Manually target GDF defensive structures (e.g., Turrets) first, then switch to infantry. Turrets pose a significant threat to your unarmored Thralls.
- Common Pitfalls:
- Underestimating GDF Defenses: Don't send a small group of Thralls against a heavily fortified GDF position or a large group of GDF units. They will be quickly wiped out.
- Ignoring Reinforcements: Always be queuing more Thralls at your Spawning Pool. Your initial push might take casualties, and continuous reinforcement is key to sustaining pressure.
- Lack of Vision: Scout ahead with a single Thrall if you're unsure about enemy strength. Losing one Thrall is better than losing an entire attack force.
Optional Early Defense: Construct a Tempest Spire
While early aggression is encouraged, a balanced approach often includes some basic defense. A Tempest Spire can provide crucial static defense against early GDF patrols or counter-attacks.
- Cost: A Tempest Spire costs 150 Tempest.
- How to Build: Similar to the Spawning Pool, select your Dynasty Construction Yard, navigate to the Structures tab, and select the Tempest Spire. Place it strategically to cover your Harvesters or the approach to your Construction Yard.
- Benefit: The Tempest Spire deals moderate damage and has a decent range, deterring small GDF incursions and buying time for your Thralls to return to base or for more units to be trained.
By diligently following these steps, you will establish a strong economic base and an aggressive early military presence, setting the stage for Dynasty domination.