Review [Issue 43] The Pathological Drugger

[Night-Sisters 2,139]

 

A Guide to Everything You Already Knew About Supplies

(And Then Some)

 

 

 

 

Drugs. Pickups. Consumables. Supplies. These are just a few of the many appellations given to a controversial aspect of Tanki Online. Namely, drugging. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

It's an age-old debate. Is prolific drugging acceptable? Is it cheating? Does one have a moral obligation to bawl out 'noob drugger' at any who dare make use of their supplies?

The opinions on this subject are as wide and varied as the tankers themselves. But, despite being a self-proclaimed guide to drugging, this article is certainly not a commentary on the ethical, political, or socioeconomic correctness of supply use. Ya'll can hash that particular debacle out on your own.

No, this piece was written to help you make effective use of supplies and drops: after all, if you must drug, you might as well do it successfully. 

Now I know what you're probably thinking. 

 

But I already know how to use my drugs...it's really not that hard. 

 

An excellent point, my oh-so-astute reader. ;) However, allow me to point out that there is a difference between using supplies, and using them well. So keep reading...you might might just learn something.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Okay, first things first. Before you can even think about using drugs, you have to know how to get them. So, there are three ways to obtain supplies. 

 

- You can receive them for completing your daily missions

- Find them as pickups in-game

- Spend your hard-earned crystals and make a purchase.

 

I am a firm believer in the first two methods, as it is my opinion that there are better, more inventive ways to fritter away your crystals. 

 

Hey. Reader here. C'mon, even noobs know how to get supplies. That was hardly a mind-blowing revelation on drugging.

 

Ah well. Since you insist, we'll move on to a matter that, by and large, has left the general public in a state akin to bewilderment.

 

 

Smart Cooldowns

 

-,-

 

Oh, don't give me that disgusted look. It's a fact of life that the devs rigged the supplies to randomly launch into cooldown mode whenever they dang-blasted feel like it, right?

Wrong.  

Truth be told, smart cooldowns are a logical, carefully implemented system, and they are definitely not random. Since the cooldowns are a precisely timed cause-and-effect, tankers can kick-start a beautiful drugging career by familiarizing themselves with this unique structure. See, supplies are divided into three main groups.

 

 

Primary Supplies

 

 

Secondary Supplies

 

Tertiary Supplies

 

 

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the above pictorial aide.

You have it?

Good.

 

 

Three facts imperative to understanding smart cooldowns:

 

Fact 1: Equipping a primary supply will send both the opposite primary and secondary supplies into respective 30 and 15 second cooldowns. It will be 15 seconds before you can use the same supply again. 

Subtract the scientific jargon, and it simply means this: if you equip a DD, both double armor and speed will grey out. Or, for those who like a good visual aide, the concept is neatly illustrated below. 

 

 

Fact 2: Equipping your lone secondary supply (speed) will send both primaries ricocheting out of reach for 15 seconds.  

 

 

Fact 3: Using one of your tertiary supplies will send both primary supplies and the other tertiary supply to grey.

Minus the mumbo jumbo, this means that if you equip a health, double damage, double armor and your mines will become inaccessible: the primary supplies for 15 seconds, and the other tertiary for 10. 

 

 

 

Using Supplies

 

Right, so we've covered the ins and outs of obtaining drugs and are well on our way to understanding smart cooldowns. Now it's time to get into the meat of this sandwich article. The supplies themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

Repair Kit: Restores 200 armor points per second and reduces burning and freezing effects for 2 seconds.

 

At 150 crystals, the repair kit is the most expensive supply available. It's also the one you're least likely to get for your daily missions, so tactful and sensitive use is the name of the game.

As far as equipping this supply goes, it's probably best to save them for high risk\reward situations. Such as capturing flags or taking golds.

Despite the cost, I see a lot of gratuitous 'healthing' in battles: especially in DM mode. Now, while I do understand the joy of maintaining that perfect D\L of 15 and --, I must protest, and say that one should generally avoid equipping repair kits in a Deathmatch.

 

Of all the inane, stupid, ridiculous things to say!!!! Health-ups help me kick butt in DM all the time.

 

Yes, yes, I understand...but consider this. From a purely fiscal standpoint, it's just not worth it. Because, while capturing a flag on a full Serpuhov may end up reimbursing you your 150 crystals, (and taking a gold certainly will) preventing one death...won't. The crystal return you receive from 'healthing up' in DM simply isn't worth it, so save these guys for when you really need it!

As far as drop boxes go, the repair kit is in unique class all by itself. It is a localized gamechanger, only affecting the actions of tankers in a close proximity to the drop zone. Since you can't pick up a health and 'carry it with you', the best advice I can give is this: be aware of the locations of the health drops and plan your routes of attack and escape accordingly. 

 

*A Small Side Note: Please, while in team battles, remember to be courteous. If you are not in current need of a repair kit, don't make the novice mistake of senselessly driving through your team's only health box. 

 

 

 

 

Double Armor and N₂O: 45 seconds of speedy invincibility.

 

Double Armor and Speed complement each other like chocolate and vanilla. Salt and pepper. Pineapple and Pickles.

 

Say whaat?

 

Look, you wanna argue or you want to read? If you have a problem with my taste, then, by all means, take it up with my lawyer. ^_^   

Anyway, using these two supplies in conjunction is perfect for hit and run attacks. Assuming you're not a mammoth, (#even-heavier-armored-snail on speed) the idea is to dart into the enemy's base, absorb what damage is dealt and make a quick getaway before being overwhelmed. Without the shield, you'll die before you reach the enemies flag. Lose the nitro, and you'll never make it home in one piece. Together, they are a perfect, deadly combination.

 

Ha! Score one for logical fallacy. You yourself just finished pointing out that equipping a double armor will send a speed into cooldown. (Or vice-versa.) 

 

Indeed I did. And, my beloved reader, my answer to you is this: Use. Battlefield. Pickups. Wisely.

 

 

Double Damage: Equip it, and you get 45 seconds of sheer, inspiring awesomeness.

 

Okay. I'll admit it right now. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a bit biased towards double damage. I've always loved the dominating power of a tank on DD. So, the best ways to use this drug?

Well, you could diddle around your flag base, watching the grass grow and the mammoths attempt to get from here to there...or you could attack, mowing down rows of enemies in your destructive onslaught!

 

Hold a minute. Reader here. Could you be any more biased?  :angry: 

 

No, I don't think so. Moving on. 

In my opinion, this is the single most useful supply in DM mode. For only 50 crystals, you can get a decently good kill return - if you use your stash wisely. A DD turns the short-ranged guns into localized dealers of death-doom-destruction-and-despair, while allowing weapons with a longer reach to to rain down a terrifying barrage of deadly sniping. Study your keyboard: memorize the location of #3, and make good use of it.

 

 

In Summary: 

 

- Be sure to use drugs and drops in tandem. Make wise, informed decisions about the supplies you choose to equip, and always keep the smart cooldowns in mind.

- Remember that different game modes, maps, and situations require different tactical approaches. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' on Tanki.  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

And that's it! Hope it was worth all the time spent slaving away reading, and happy drugging.

 

 

Edited July 29, 2017 by Hexed

[Quarks 2,255]

Congratulations on becoming a reporter, this article proves that you deserve this.

[Cor7y 13,862]

"Drugger noob"

 

~ Typical hy6

[Lord-of-the-Snipers 1,620]

Well written article!

 

quote: "Despite the cost, I see a lot of gratuitous 'healthing' in battles: especially in DM mode.

Now, while I do understand the joy of maintaining that perfect D\L of 15 and --, I must protest,

and say that one should generally avoid equipping repair kits in a Deathmatch." +++

 

Spot on, but it won 't stop the supply kit buyers from using them excessively.

Repair kits make to many players careless about taking cover, while avoid being shot as much as possible

by constanly moving and taking cover is a lot "healthier" than taking hit after hit...

 

Especially with less armoured hulls in DM 's it 's simply not very smart to rely on health kits, instead 

you much better use double powers: three times cheaper and way more effective.

As a famous boxer once said: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." (Muhammed Ali)

[lukey0 27,543]

Very nice, I like the way you wrote this article. :)

[Zenyth 6,494]

Excellent article.

Love the humor.

[Bluebird13 95]

Great article!

[Phoenix-Warbird 1,329]

qwality - congrats on becoming a Reporter ^_^

[Night-Sisters 2,139]

Thank you everyone.  :wub:

[HichigoShiiro 4,378]

Well then, a new reporter. 

 

 

Don't go down the same road as sonofchrystals 

 

Nice article btw and good luck! 

[Darren4Turbo 4,913]

Don't go down the same road as sonofchrystals 

And... what's wrong with him? 

 

First article from you, and really amazing!.

[M4ShermanUSA 926]

Excellent Piece Sis!

Congrats on becoming a reporter!

Funny!

[Antikompanie 160]

my bestcombo in Dm is  TWINS/THUNDER + viking+jaguar/desert+ DD

[RustyNail 1,538]

Well, Night-Sisters, nice writing job!

 

I would like to congratulate you for this article, but, while you claim you don't really approve supplies kits

 

 

later on you reveal your true attitude

 

 

that is, buy supplies kits or just buy supplies.

 

I find the two quotes contradictory, if not hypocritical.

 

In regard to Smart Cool Down, despite your comprehensive investigation, you failed to notice that this disgusting update made the use of the first supply mandatory (due to cooling effect), influencing all the other players to counter use at least one (or more).

So, no comments on how and why supplies were promoted by the company, but, hey, you did say

 

 

so I can't blame you for that.

Clear stating.

You say "hey guys, I will show you how to handle this weapon effectively. I will not comment, however, on the ethical, political or socioeconomic correctness of gun use".

 

But I would like to here from an expert on supplies on the socio-economical correctness of drugging.

What do you think is the right attitude when many players don't have the means (crystal funds) to upgrade their combos and are forced to use supplies - the easy way - instead so that they get e decent fund?

And what does this mean for the others, that don't use constantly supplies? Do they stand a chance or are they just sitting ducks for the former?

 

 

I am really sorry to come hard on you, but the topic is demanding a loud argument. Nothing personal with you. :)

 

So, that's all folks, and don't forget:

 

 

Druggers are noobs

[Night-Sisters 2,139]

Well, you make some interesting and valid points. (And don't apologize for coming on hard. I'm not one to shrink from a good argument.  ;) )

So, here goes.

 

No, I'm not a fan of buying supplies or supply kits. It is my personal belief that purchasing one of those kits is a complete waste of crystals, espc. since daily missions are a way to obtain supplies for free. That being said, this is an article, and it's supposed to be useful and not just about my opinions. I tried to incorporate plenty of information in a way that's both engaging and memorable. 

 

I think we can both agree that a Double Damage costs 50 crystals. 

And that equipping a DD in battle tends to increase the number of kills you make.

By saying "For only 50 crystals, you can get a decently good kill return" the intent was to state that if one were to go out and purchase a single Double Damage for 50 crystals, then that DD might be able to pay for itself - if used efficiently.

 

this disgusting update made the use of the first supply mandatory (due to cooling effect), influencing all the other players to counter use at least one (or more).

 

Smart cooldowns did not make supply use mandatory. It is your choice to press 1 2 3 4 or 5.

 

 

"hey guys, I will show you how to handle this weapon effectively. I will not comment, however, on the ethical, political or socioeconomic correctness of gun use".

 

Tip of the hat to a good argument.  :) All I can say is that Supply use is a loaded subject and I tried to tread carefully. Whether or not I succeeded...well, I leave that for you to decide. 

 

What do you think is the right attitude when many players don't have the means (crystal funds) to upgrade their combos and are forced to use supplies - the easy way - instead so that they get e decent fund?

 

Save crystals and get that good combo. Play with people of your rank or below, and the 'M' gap generally won't be there. And again - no one is forced to use supplies. That is a choice.

 

Also, if the druggers are really getting to you, go for that pro pass. I understand that it costs crystals, but if you really, really hate drugs then it will be well worth it. 

 

 

Druggers are Noobs. 

 

 

noob

[no͞ob]

NOUN

1. informal

   a person who is inexperienced in a particular sphere or activity, especially computing or the use of the Internet.

 

So...druggers are inexperienced? Nah, I've seen plenty of gissimos who use supplies. Thus, unless you are willing to label every single player who has every used a supply as a newbie, you cannot make the blanket statement that druggers are noobs. 

 

 

 

Thanks...it was interesting to think this out.  ^_^ If you have any other disputations\questions, be sure and post them.  :D

Edited November 17, 2015 by Night-Sisters

[CiccioIT3 3]

title grabs customers ... article poor ... but it's just a point of view

[HichigoShiiro 4,378]

No, I'm not a fan of buying supplies or supply kits. It is my personal belief that purchasing one of those kits is a complete waste of crystals, espc. since daily missions are a way to obtain supplies for free. That being said, this is an article, and it's supposed to be useful and not just about my opinions. I tried to incorporate plenty of information in a way that's both engaging and memorable. 

REALLY THO 

 

I would rather spend a minute buying 100k and then buying 1500 of each than spending around 5 mins completing a mission to get like 17 speed boosts.  :rolleyes:

[Phoenix-Warbird 1,329]

Here's another tip, 'cause DPs are my favourite too: mostly in DMs, make sure you're not just throwing yourself into the middle of every tanker's view when you have Double Power activated. Try to be in a spot where you can shoot others more than they can shoot you, 'else you'll probably get destroyed and you will have wasted a chunk of potential damage to deal. Most of you probably know that but I personally find it hard to remember when you're hyped up like "Ohhh, watch out, I can take down a million tanks right now..." or is it just me who's like that .-.

Edited November 17, 2015 by Phoenix-Warbird

[HichigoShiiro 4,378]

 "Ohhh, watch out, I can take down a million tanks right now..." or is it just me who's like that .-.

Just you  :ph34r:

[KrystenHunt16 128]

I'm sure pretty much everybody's seen PRO's advice on Firebird, right? Well, to recap if you didn't, the big rule for Firebird was:

 

If opponent is using a health kit, do not engage.

 

My problem is that when I use Firebird, almost EVERYBODY uses health kits to counter me. Why? Why can't they just admit that they weren't watching their butt and got toasted by a skilled ninja? It's not nooby by any means, but it's a cheap way to cheat a death that you obviously deserved.

[HichigoShiiro 4,378]

I'm sure pretty much everybody's seen PRO's advice on Firebird, right? Well, to recap if you didn't, the big rule for Firebird was:

 

If opponent is using a health kit, do not engage.

 

My problem is that when I use Firebird, almost EVERYBODY uses health kits to counter me. Why? Why can't they just admit that they weren't watching their butt and got toasted by a skilled ninja? It's not nooby by any means, but it's a cheap way to cheat a death that you obviously deserved.

Just stop and after the health kit heals quickly start shooting them again, it gives you time to recharge too. Keep circling them while you are doing this 

[andreaNEW 108]

 

 

 

 

Repair Kit: Restores 200 armor points per second and reduces burning and freezing effects for 2 seconds.

 

At 150 crystals, the repair kit is the most expensive supply available. 

 

......

 

Yes, yes, I understand...but consider this. From a purely fiscal standpoint, it's just not worth it. Because, while capturing a flag on a full Serpuhov may end up reimbursing you your 150 crystals, (and taking a gold certainly will) preventing one death...won't. The crystal return you receive from 'healthing up' in DM simply isn't worth it, 

 

IMHO you forget the point: usually, people buy supplies with discount. 50% or 75% or 80% .. and trust me, big druggers buy 1300 or 1500 supplies at once . When a druggers buy a 1500 drugs kit, one single healt cost only 30 crystals :-) 

[micah3 61]

good stuff ;)

[asdeninlaid2 13]

 

 

Druggers are noobs

true dat man. yup im a WO2 here. suprising? deal with it

[rothro3 50]

The subtitle says it all:  Everything you already knew about supplies.   :D