[3-1-1] Light Laser Tower

Learn how to effectively use the Light Laser Tower and other units to defend your base and launch counter-offensives in Total Annihilation's challenging 'Zeus, 1 Light Laser Tower' mission.

Alright, so you've reached the mission titled 'Zeus, 1 Light Laser Tower,' and it’s about to get a little more interesting. Don't worry, we'll get through this together.

Right from the start, you'll face a couple of incoming units. Your Light Laser Tower, Rocko units, and Zeus should handle them easily enough, but don't dawdle. Get two Metal Extractors down on those nearby metal spots, and throw up some Solar Collectors to keep your energy flowing. Build a Radar Tower, then peek at what it's picking up to your left. You'll see three red dots in a line, with another one just above them. Grab your Weasels and make a quick run over there to take out those Radar Towers and the Metal Extractor above them. While that's happening, start building a few Light Laser Towers along the left side of your base. Putting them in the corner is smart because the Core won't attack from the north, meaning you only have one direction to worry about defending. Once your defenses are set up, build a Kbot Lab and start churning out some Hammers, maybe a couple more Rockos if you feel like it.

During this phase, expect groups of Core A.K.’s, Storms, Thuds, and Weasels to come your way. Hopefully, your early defenses will hold them off while you get some Kbots built to help out. If you want, you can also build a Vehicle Plant to add some vehicles to your defensive line. After you've built some basic units, use your Kbot Lab to make a Construction Kbot, and then get an Advanced Kbot Lab up and running while you fend off these initial attacks.

Once you have that Advanced Kbot Lab, start pumping out a lot of Fido bots. Seriously, these guys are great for this mission and are fantastic for base defense when grouped up on the left. You'll probably be running low on metal by now, so use your Commander or a Construction Kbot/Vehicle to reclaim any wreckage you find – it really helps. Be patient while the Fidos are being produced, and they’ll easily blast through the waves of enemies being sent your way. Once you have around 20 Fidos, plus a good mix of other Kbots and Vehicles, you'll be ready to push out and clear the map.

Gather your forces and start exploring. It's a good idea to leave your Commander and a couple of other units back at base just in case some troops attack while you're out – best not to risk your Commander. You might want to head north first, then slowly make your way towards the center/west-center of the map where the main Core base and resources are. You'll still need to check most of the un-explored areas, as the Core troops are scattered in small groups all over the map. Destroy every last Core unit, and the mission will be complete.