[10-3-14] 14. The Heat Increases

Master 'The Heat Increases' mission in Total Annihilation. Learn strategies for base defense against Roach bombs, effective static defenses, and how to dismantle the CORE base.

The Roach bombs come fast and frequently on this level, so you will need to establish a fairly large visual range around your base so that you can pick them off before they get close enough to do you any damage. You should aim to get another construction unit built as fast as you can so that you can start setting up Defenders. At the start of the mission, use the Zippers you are given to patrol the outskirts of your base, giving your other troops a chance to target the Roaches from a distance.

There aren't many large hills or lava lakes in the area of the map where you start, which means that you will have to establish a large perimeter rather than concentrating on a few spots. Your static defenses should focus on Defenders because you will be hit with a lot of air attacks. However, you shouldn't rely on these for all of your anti-air capabilities, as the CORE force will attack with Rapiers, which can cause your base serious damage if they get past your initial row of defenses. Some Jethros or Samsons scattered throughout your base (usually in groups of 2 or 3) should be able to destroy any aircraft that make it through the screen of Defenders.

When building the Defenders, you should build them in groups of 3 or 4 to make them that much more effective.

The CORE base is defended with a lot of Gaat guns and is staffed by many Can Kbots, so expect heavy laser resistance. There is a fusion plant in the base which makes an excellent target for your Brawlers.

The large number of thermal vents in the area where you start means that power is never going to be a problem, and you will have such a huge power surplus that you should build 7 or 8 metal makers. You should be able to get a metal income of 30 after upgrading one or two metal extractors to moho mines.

Have an advanced aircraft plant build a Brawler swarm and start taking apart the CORE base. If they are engaged by enemy planes, return them to base and hopefully the CORE planes will follow and be destroyed by your defenses. Once you have eliminated all of the CORE forces, capture the Galactic Gate.