Advice on Becoming a Better Team Player

[Kata891 12]

UPDATED FOR REBALANCE!

Image Credit: Kirov. Taken from the Tanki Wiki.

Okay, as said in the title, this is advice for becoming a better team player. So for the selfish and for the trolls, leave.

As a Warrent officer, I may not have the "high" rank, but I have a lot of experience and I have determined a few things. (Please note: This post is directed towards CTF's. TDM's is just every man for himself except you want your teammates to do well so you can get more crystals)

 

As a general rule of thumb:

 

1. Remember, you want the TEAM to win. Don't think, "Man, I want to get first place so I can get x number of crystals!" or "I want to get first place for my glory!". NO! Although, yes, when I play or when anyone plays, they want to get first and get more crystals. And it is good to have "friendly competition". When players on a team want first place, they will fight harder. However, where this goes wrong is when they stop working as a team.

 

2. Protect those who need protection! For example, let's say you are fighting someone and you see someone going to take the flag. You see he has a good chance of taking the flag, but yet, has a high chance of losing it. What you should do is either 1. leave your kill 2. if he is almost dead, kill him and then move on. Go towards the flag not to take it, but to be bait. Destroy the enemies that need to be destroyed that are doing serious damage to the flag-taker. Once your teammate leaves, asses the situation! If he can escape, leave him to it, and stay as bait. Typically players are selfish and will try to kill you since you are an easy kill. This will keep them in the base for a few more seconds, then they will go get the flag. For obvious reasons, this gives your teammate a head start.

 

3. What tank are you? What gun do you use? What are your strengths? Take those exhaust them. As a Mammoth and Railgun (Twins on small courses) it is important for me to stay back and be support. I shouldn't be taking flags. So I typically will sit on or near the flag, and snipe. If you are an isida and fast tank, DONT TAKE THE FLAG! Be the medic.

 

4. Listen to your team mates! If the star defender needs some defense, go defend. If your a tank who can't, then it's fine. But most tanks can. Also, if someone starts "leading" it might be a good idea to do what he/she says. If there needs to be more offense, do offense. If he says to go in groups and then flank the opposition, then do so.

 

5. Stay near other players. Work together. For example, a good idea might be to have a viking with railgun, a hornet with isida, and a hunter with richochets. If staying together, the hornet would stay behind, healing the hunter and viking. The hunter would be doing damage to enemies close by, and the viking would be doing massive damage to those approaching. If they stay tight, they will be able to approach the flag, and then giving the isida a chance to grab the flag. (The hunter could also take the flag, which could be just as effective. Then the isida would follow behind healing.

 

Now here are some responsibilities for certain hulls and guns:

 

Hulls

 

Wasp:

(Note: I am putting this Hull down for average players. Skilled players can use the hull and it makes for a great flag stealer.)

First off, probably not the best hull for CTF. However, if you absolutely have no patience for anything slower, than here is probably what you should do: not take the flag. I know, it's odd. Not having the fastest tank take the flag? The reason is the wasp is weak. Typically 1 railgun shot or shaft shot will destroy it. (On higher ranks, this is not the case. Depends on the mark of the wasp and the mark of the attackers gun) Wasps are probably better off being isida's and going out of the way to heal tanks that need it. However, if your a naturally good wasp who knows how to use it effectively, it can be a great tool to take flags. If you feel up to the task, don't just go running straight for your base. You may be the fastest, but the shaft is faster. If you take the flag, go slow. Find cover, and keep moving from place to place. But as a general rule of thumb for wasps, stay out of sight. Your not a mammoth.

 

Hornet:

Now this is a helpful hull. If your a hornet, then your job is offense. Go for the flag. Remember, though, work in packs. If there are 3 hornets, then group up and charge! Go for the flag. Don't be mad if you don't take the flag, it's a team effort. Be the protection of the flag taker.

Hornets also make for great attackers outside of taking flags. But go for the flag.

 

Hunter:

Another hull that could take the flag. But probably better to leave that to the hornets. Being a hunter, you should either be protection for Hornets, being sniper with railguns, (being fast but yet heavy, you can shoot and then hide behind walls easily) or being an attacker. Being an attacker is probably the best. Just be out there in the opposing base destroying enemies. Doing so distracts defenders from protecting the flag, gives you kills, and is a great way to disrupt order.

 

Dictator:

The Dictator, before rebalance, was very weak, in my opinion. Now the Dictator got a big update and now is a great tank. In the lower ranks, probably best to use another hull until you can M2-M3 this little (well, big) baby. The Dictator is a versatile hull and can be used for offense and defense. Remember, you are a target! You, as a Dictator, is one of the biggest hulls in the game. So use that. Go near the "flag taker" and stay by him. (Once someone takes 2 flags, he kinda is just given the job) You can then be used as bait. And with the Dicators all-around capabilities, you can do some damage and take some kills while your at it.

 

Viking:

This is also a great hull. As medium tanks go, this is the best. (In my opinion. At M3, however, not anymore.) It's armored, still fast enough to move around being support, and it is not a target. This makes Vikings ideal for defending and attacking. Going to destroy some tanks on the other side of the map? No problem! Going to defend? No problem! It's simple to just move around the base destroying tanks, or hiding behind walls with short range weapons and waiting for your prey to take the flag. This hull is really hard to decide what it's purpose is since it is well rounded.

 

Titan:

Now we are at the heavy tanks. The Titan is the second slowest and second most armored tank in the game. This makes the Titan a poor choice for those people who want the glory of taking flags. Titans are, like Mammoths, support. Titans, like Mammoths, can go attack at the other base. The downside is that mobility is poor, and it takes a while to get to the other side. But it can be done. And with the right combo, it can be deadly for the other team! But titans should stay behind. Let the mediums and lights go take on the base. Defenders are just as important as offenders.

 

Mammoth:

Being a Mammoth as my hull, I have a lot of experience with this one. Mammoths are the slowest and most armored tank in the game. It's more than twice as strong as the wasp. Mammoths are great for defenders and snipers. Mammoths can camp in their base sniping the other side of the field. Being so big, it will take three shots from a railgun to destroy a Mammoth. (m0 railgun being used against Mammoth) Mammoths, like Titans, can be great support. If you can get to the other side with full health, maybe even activate double armor, then watch as all the wee-little tanks try to destroy you. If your a M1 Mammoth with double armor, you have around 400 HP! So you can take damage. But Mammoths should stay near or sit on the flag. Sniping enemies while doing so, or just focusing on defending. Mammoths should really never take the flag. I have done so for a few games. I'll be playing, and my team sucks, so I'll be like, "This isn't working" So I will wait for a clearing, use some drugs and go take the flag. It actually does work some times. But don't get any idea's, because the job of a mammoth is support! Don't be the star of the show! (On DM's, however, you are the star of the show :D)

 

GUNS:

 

Firebird:

Firebirds are great combos for Hornets. If you want to take the flag, this is the gun for you. It's extremely powerful and can do some damage on multiple tanks. So if there are two mammoths are sitting on the flag, you can spray 'em and then hide. Let the after damage take effect, and then go in for the kill once your charged! However, firebirds are hard guns to use correctly, so practice a lot. Never assume you are doing a good job. Always try new things, and exercise those tactics that work. EDIT: After Rebalance, the firebird is now WEAKER but has a much, much longer after effect. With this, you can kill anyone, including a Mammoth if they don't get some HP. This however, does change the game a little. The reason is, if you spray and wait, and they die, there is lots of time for more enemies to go defend. This makes taking flags harder, so practice.

 

Freeze:

Probably the only gun that every body hates. This is also a great gun for taking the flag. Doing massive damage, damaging multiple hulls at once, and slowing players down gives this hull a great advantage. Also, since Titans and Mammoths typically guard the flag, if they are frozen, they are pretty much helpless. Just be sure to keep moving. EDIT: After rebalance, this gun is now, in my opinion, the best gun for taking flags. It has higher damage, and slows down enemies. But like firebird, it is only short range, so stay away from snipers and mid-range fire.

 

Isida:

Your not going to like what I am about say. But it must be said! You are a healer. Yes, I know, the isida is really good at offense (well, use to be good), and there are times for that. But as the medic, go out of your way to heal. If someone calls for a medic, heal them. However, you need to prioritize. If you see the star flag stealer attempting to take the flag, and some noob needs help, go for the star. Also, if a mammoth is sitting on the flag, stay near him and heal him. He is a huge asset to the team. Also, a good idea is to follow behind someone. If a viking is going towards the opposing side, or if a Mammoth is, use him as a shield. Typically he/she will be fine with that since you would be healing them also. You may not get the glory that an offender will get, but you will get something more than he will get. Respect. Anyone who stays behind to heal I respect greatly. Also, if you want friends, just go healin' and friends will come ablazin'!

 

Ricochet:

The Ricochet, with it's advantage, allows the blast to "ricochet" off walls to reach enemies that normally wouldn't be hit. With this power, along with the fact is has amazing damage damage and decent reloading, makes it great for offensive players. However, the downside is that once all shots are fired, it takes a while to load back up. So stay near other players or be in a spot to hide. A great thing about the Ricochet, is that you can hide the entire attack. For example, on Serphufov, your attacking the Blue Side. (The side that is not elevated) The flag is behind some buildings. A Ricky can hide in the labyrinth of walls and buildings in front of the flag, and fire at the wall. If aimed right, the blasts would hit the defenders, weakening them. The defenders would then have to leave the flag to destroy you. With this, in a team sense, allows for other players to snatch the flag, who would respectively, be hiding next to the building waiting for them to leave. But Ricochets have many options, and can be used in almost any part of the battle field. (NOTE: This following section that is italicized has changed since rebalance, since this is obviously the most powerful gun. But in a sense, it's still true. So I kept it.) However, the Ricky, if going head on, has the disadvantage. And if it is versing two players, the ricky is doomed. The reason is, the ricky fires one shot at a time. Compared to the twins, or other guns with stronger damage, this can make the ricky harder to fight with. So it is recommended to stay near other players. If you do, you will be a huge asset.

 

Smoky:

The Smoky, being a midrange gun, is a perfect all around. For defense, it's good. For offense, it's good. So really, depending on the hull you use will decide your place on the battle field. And after the rebalance, it now is even more powerful and has a higher chance of critical, which makes this gun even better.

 

Thunder:

Thunder, use to be the most powerful, but it has been dethroned by Ricochet. But, the Thunder is still a great gun. This baby is probably the best suited for defending and sniping. Reason being, the reload time is slow. And even though it can do massive splash damage, it lacks efficiency. So use this gun at mid-range to mid-long range.

 

Twins:

This gun, like all mid-range guns, is good for everything. Even more so than the smoky and thunder, it does everything and it does it well. (However, it does not snipe. This has a very short range) Twins do not do so well by itself. What makes the twins so grand is that it never had to reload. It just keep firin'. So stay near other tanks. The Twins has terrible damage, but can knock players. Again, your place on the battle field depends on the hull and who you are. Twins are great for defending just as much as attacking.

 

Railgun:

The railgun is not for attacking. So defenders and snipers should have this. Railguns are for people who camp. The railguns' main task is support. Support does not mean defense all the time, don't get it confused. Railguns are great for sniping players in their own base and destroying other snipers. They can also, compared to Shafts, defend nicely. It takes around 7 seconds to reload, but it does some beast damage when it fires. Just don't miss! Typically, when you shoot, it will not destroy the other tank. Instead, they will keep going. Follow them. Once your reload is all done, fire! This will kill them. Then, you can return the flag. It might also be a good idea, if that is the case, to not return it. Just guard it. This way, when attackers come knocking, no flag will be there to greet them. If an attacker finds you, simply roll on top of the flag to return it.

 

Shaft:

This is an easy one. DON'T GO OFFENSE! Stay in your base and snipe. The shaft is the most powerful gun when fully loaded, and the weakest if using arcade mode. So stay in your base, use the scope feature, and asses the battle field. Where do your teammates need help? Also, shafts are great ways to flush out snipers. Shafts, though, do not make good offense or defense. The only defense a shaft could do is hide somewhere, and keep the scope on the flag. So when a tank comes, you can destroy him. The disadvantage to that is, it takes a long time to reload, so you won't do much. It's for the best you support.

 

 

-----------------------------------

That is my review on how to become a better team player. If you have some suggestions, I would love to hear them to modify this post. Remember, Tanki is just a game. So doing this may not give you as many crystals, it will give you more respect. And you will have more fun. My best moments in Tanki is when I was playing with a team and they actually were working together. We were shouting out commands, and we crushed out opponents! Remember, work as a team. Also, you may not want to do this because most players will not work as a team, but it only takes one person to change the tide. If you start working as a team, other players will follow. If your good at leading and tactics, start shouting off commands. (Don't be rude, though)

 

I will update this post more later. In the mean time, what do you think? Are there more ways and better ways to work as a team?

Edited May 20, 2014 by Kata891

[HaloScorpion 79]

Good guide. Do you have a higher alternative account btw? Ya seem to know your stuff...

[Vettefan22 145]

I love it. Everyone should read this. However, I disagree with your view on Wasp. Wasp is an amazing flag stealer, if the user has skills. For example, I can dodge railguns, shafts, and even ricochets. I can run away from all those Isida Hornets.  Engage nitro, and just run away. You will be the star of your team. IMO Wasp is the ideal flag stealer. Best thing to do though is wait for all the hornets on your team to wipe out the defense, then swoop in, take the flag, and run back to your base.

[Pow12345678 12]

so you write all that to get your self more flags if they give it to you? lol

[Kata891 12]

Good guide. Do you have a higher alternative account btw? Ya seem to know your stuff...

Actually, no. I have an alternate lower account to play with some of my noob friends. But this is my highest account. I'm nearing Warrent Officer 2, and by this weekend I should be it. I'm just perceptive.

 

 

I love it. Everyone should read this. However, I disagree with your view on Wasp. Wasp is an amazing flag stealer, if the user has skills. For example, I can dodge railguns, shafts, and even ricochets. I can run away from all those Isida Hornets.  Engage nitro, and just run away. You will be the star of your team. IMO Wasp is the ideal flag stealer. Best thing to do though is wait for all the hornets on your team to wipe out the defense, then swoop in, take the flag, and run back to your base.

Well, the only reason I said Wasps aren't ideal for taking flags is that, because of their weak armor, they will easily be destroyed when entering a base. Usually if I'm guarding a flag, and a wasp comes in, he's an easy kill. Not saying they can't. It also depends on the player. Because really, the wasp is the hardest tank to use. You would think that it's the easiest, but most people don't really know how to use it effectively and to it's advantage. I've only fought a few people where they knew the strengths and weaknesses of the wasp, and used them to it's advantage. But most players really don't, which is why I added that. I'll edit it!

 

so you write all that to get your self more flags if they give it to you? lol

I'm not entirely sure what this means. But if someone gives me a flag, yes, I typically will take the flag. lol

[r_SpiderPig12 98]

Great guide! I love it!

 

Just pointing a error out, you forgot to include Rico in the guns. If that is done purposely, my bad.

[Kata891 12]

Great guide! I love it!

 

Just pointing a error out, you forgot to include Rico in the guns. If that is done purposely, my bad.

Oh my, I completely forgot about that! Thanks for the reminder.

[ll.DonT.Even.Try.ll 513]

How much have you worked on the text? It's so long :)

[Kata891 12]

It took me about an hour.

[ZachPadda11 54]

Wow! I completely agree,, thunder is the best turret, but I don't use it. And....wasp is AMAZING for flags, perfect hull. Don't put it down... :P ;)

[liam2rules 62]

Great guide!! And wasp will now be the best large map ctf hull be cause of the rebalance

[Vettefan22 145]

^ It already is :P

[Zeopard555 0]

Amazing guide! I agree with pretty much everything. This will be really helpful because I'm a sucky team player, and like switching guns a lot. So, thanks!

[Kata891 12]

Okay, I clarififed that the hull is not recommended for noobs. I still standby the fact that when a wasp takes a flag, it seems to lose the flag a lot more often than if a hornet took the flag. But it does depend on who is playing.

 

Thanks, guys!

[mdit108 121]

worth reading...good job

[robble56 117]

High ranked Isida users should read this. When i'm in a battle with a low ranked Isida user , they always heal me when i need health. Though higher ranked Isida users are often just passing by , while they can save me. A few days ago i had some kind of ''man-vs-man'' fight. I was low on health , but there was an Isida behind me. Though instead of healing me (which would have saved me) he just drove away ._.

[Kata891 12]

High ranked Isida users should read this. When i'm in a battle with a low ranked Isida user , they always heal me when i need health. Though higher ranked Isida users are often just passing by , while they can save me. A few days ago i had some kind of ''man-vs-man'' fight. I was low on health , but there was an Isida behind me. Though instead of healing me (which would have saved me) he just drove away ._.

Yeah, I know. Generally, Isida's only heal if they just are passing by. In that case, it really was just him being a jerk.

[magnaboy2 656]

 

 

Dictator:

I have a strong distast for this hull. Here is why: It's big. It's the biggest target on the field. You can see it from a mile away! But yet, its still weak! Dictators are also not really fast, and not armored. So what's the point of the dicator? I don't know. If I'm facing one, I love 'em since they are easy kills. Just think about it. If you like dictators, just remember, you are a target. Being the tallest tank on the field, and not excelling at anything, just be support. If you can, you might be able to distract defenders and thus giving Hornets or other players a chance to take the flag.

(That's the only good I could find this hull. Really, for your own good, don't use it! Stick with the viking!)

 

 

I downvoted u with all my accs,bcuz u say ugly things about dictator,I have m3,I find it excellent,viking sucks k

[Kata891 12]

I downvoted u with all my accs,bcuz u say ugly things about dictator,I have m3,I find it excellent,viking sucks k

Okay, first off, that's my opinion. Second, you have to find the logic in it. Compared to other hulls, it doesn't have an advantage. And it is the biggest target on the field. If I see a viking, and then a dictator, who am I going to shoot? The dictator. Just sayin'.

[Kata891 12]

I downvoted u with all my accs,bcuz u say ugly things about dictator,I have m3,I find it excellent,viking sucks k

Okay, first off, that's my opinion. Second, you have to find the logic in it. Compared to other hulls, it doesn't have an advantage. And it is the biggest target on the field. If I see a viking, and then a dictator, who am I going to shoot? The dictator. Just sayin'.

[Gold_Sniper95 13]

Nice Guide

[magnaboy2 656]

Okay, first off, that's my opinion. Second, you have to find the logic in it. Compared to other hulls, it doesn't have an advantage. And it is the biggest target on the field. If I see a viking, and then a dictator, who am I going to shoot? The dictator. Just sayin'.

Have you compared the stats of vik m3 and dic m3? Dic is way better,you have no experience with dictator,so why you saying stuff like that about it? That is no guide about how to use dic in team battles.....

[rokar123 11]

Nice guide!

[Kata891 12]

Have you compared the stats of vik m3 and dic m3? Dic is way better,you have no experience with dictator,so why you saying stuff like that about it? That is no guide about how to use dic in team battles.....

Your right. At M3, it is a better hull. However, at lower ranks it's worse. But it is still a target on the field.

[magnaboy2 656]

Your right. At M3, it is a better hull. However, at lower ranks it's worse. But it is still a target on the field.

You should have said that then,on lower ranks it is worse then viking,but higher ranks it isn't. :P

It is big,but not neccesarely the "most wanted target on the field" ,also,I think you should update the things about Dictator,I don't see how you made a guide about it,you just said it is an easy target,done. You even said that viking was better,I am really dissapointed in you ._.

 

I am not saying it is a bad guide,just saying you downrated dictator too much without having lots of experience with it.

 

 

Edited April 18, 2014 by magnaboy2