SWG Basic Combat Training: TKO Hunting Group Methods and Tactics

§ X.A.1 Basic Combat Tactics: Primary Group Member Roles: Applicable to All Group Members

Objectives:
- Practice good basic tactical habits.

1. Keep an Eye on Radar or Overhead Map
   The OM and radar both give you an indication of what group members are being attacked. Most MOBs close to melee range and will appear next to or on top of group members. MOB ranged attacks are a little more difficult to judge though the OM will show you wich direction MOBs are facing, thus whether they're OM triangle indicator is pointing at a group member.
2. Make an Exit Plan
   Particularly where there is allot of aggro spawn or when the group is taking on tough MOBs, scan radar or OM for a safe direction to make an escape, and a safe spot to hold up. Should the group's situation deteriorate or the GL call for retreat ("Run!"), make your way to safety. And remember, running to a group of MOBs with which you have high positive faction will trigger them into attacking anything or anyone attacking you.
3. Keep an Eye on Group Member Status
   Group Member Status indicators will show you member HAM, any status effects on them, their stance and range from you. From this you can tell who is taking damage and who is in trouble from status attacks such as dizzy, poison, etc., and you can better judge whether a group member swarmed by MOBs is really in that much trouble.
4. Know Where you are Going Next
   While you are fighting, use methods a. and b. above to determine where you need to go next, and pan your camera around so can see the target and action going on in that direction. This will give you a jump start on your next target.
5. Optimum Range
   Every weapon has an optimum range that usually adds bonuses to attack. Know your weapon's optimum range - this is where you do the most damage and have the best chance of hitting the target.
6. Combine Your Attacks with Other Members on the Same MOB
   Reduce the amount of damage per second (DPS) done to the group as a whole. The fewer MOBs there are, the less DPS the group takes. With multiple group members focusing attacks on one or a few MOBs at a time, the DPS on the group goes down because there are fewer MOBs to do damage over time.
7. Keep Group Members on Their Feet
   There are a few times when an incapped group member is better than having a group member down, but generally speaking it is better to have your entire group actively fighting and healing. You can usually move while fighting to get into position to heal a group member, or pull off a MOB.
8. Watch Your Mind Pool
   More than any other HAM pool, the Mind pool and its related stats will cause longer downtime when depleted because they are as not as easy to heal as Health and Action: In most situations, a player will have to go to an entertainer in town to heal Mind-related stats.
9. Watch Spatial Chat for Commands
   Your GL may decide that the group's tactics need to be changed during battle. In order for new tactics to have a chance at working group members must react quickly to the GL's commands.
10. Adds and Aggros
    Generally speaking, when another MOB(s) attacks a group member during battle, it is a an 'Add'. When a MOB(s) attack a group member when the group is not fighting (usually during travel or camp), it is an 'Aggro'. In both cases these are 'surprise' attacks which the party didn't initiate and does not control. Call out 'Add' or 'Aggro' and prepare to fight.
11. Stances and Weapon Ranges
    1. Finding Your Weapon's Range Stats
       Every weapon, including one's hands and feet, has an optimal range. Excluding hands and feet, you can examine your weapon by opening your Inventory (Control+I) and clicking and holding on the weapon to bring up the radial menu. Choose the Examine option and a window will open up. In this window you will find the weapon's Ideal and Maximum range. For example, a Scout Pistol may have an ideal range of 15 meters and a maximum range of 64 meters. At 15 meters, the weapon might do +15 damage than it's normal capability, yet -50 at 64 meters.
    2. Point Blank Range
       There is also a Point Blank range in the weapon's information. Pistols and Brawling weapons do not normally take much of a performance hit by attacking at point blank range. However, rifles and carbines have a significant decrease in damage while shooting at point blank range. These weapons are made to kill from a distance, not directly on top of a target. Knowing the Ideal, Maximum, and Point Blank range for every weapon you employ is an absolute must for combat survival.
    3. Stance Considerations
       When firing at a target from a distance, your accuracy increases if you take a kneel or go prone as opposed to standing. These positions offer better stability for the weapon user. However, fighting in these positions make you more susceptible to attacks. You will be harder for the target to successfully hit, but every hit incurred will do more damage to you.