Battle Mode: Capture the Flag - Tactics

Capture the Flag (CTF) brings a completely new game mode to Exteel in classic style where each team of Mechanaughts attempts to steal the other’s flag and return it to their base, while attempting to prevent the other team from doing the same.

Note: This is the first iteration of CTF in Exteel and methods of play, tactics, and other factors may change in upcoming patches, mostly depending on your input (which we appreciate greatly).

Also note we'll be looking for tactics contributed by players as well. Feel free to participate in the Forums to hone your CTF skills. These are just tips and some randomly-thrown together thoughts below:

• CTF plays somewhat differently than other game modes, and it may take a few matches to get used to.

• Remember the flag carrier will be a bit slower and have less EN to work with. Everything else should be the same.
• Scoring points seems to be notoriously hard to do. We've seen quite a few draws, and the rest of the matches were wins by no more than one capture.
• You can check to see where the flags are at all times (as well as Aerogate ownership) on the mini-map at upper right.
• You can spawn from captured Aerogates and use their healing pads. Aerogates will also spawn a couple of drones, which can be extremely helpful as you push forward or even when you're defending.
• We feel that Mechanaught tactics will rule CTF, and the more organized your team is, the better off your team will be. This will stem from both assault and protection schemes. Obviously some will build CTF-only Mechanaughts, designed for speed and defense (dual shields for the flag carriers, heavy rectifier usage, and the like).
• The fact that you can't score a point without your own flag being grounded leads to a bit of "keep away" tactics, where you'll need to assault the enemy flag carrier first (and keep your own flag carrier defended). This can lead to a lot of interesting battles.
• Yes, more maps are coming. Please be patient.
• Evenly balanced teams will find it hard to make any headway in a general sense, though again tactics and superior gameplay can make your team a winner.

• Flag captures almost never happen right away; matches usually degenerate from middle-map Aerogate capture and bludgeoning the other side, to either an assault or defensive posture, depending on the side. Once a side gets into this posture it's hard to get out of it (objects in motion tend to remain in motion and all that jazz), but it can be done.
• Having a "lone gunman" capturing the flag can really disrupt an enemy offensive.
• Eight minutes may seem like a long time, but it really isn't in a CTF match. Make use of your time.