Jump to content
EN
Play

Forum

[Issue 43] Shortcuts In Battle


 Share

Recommended Posts

f5jbRbs.jpg
 
 
Unfortunately, Press articles have to be in context of Tanki, otherwise this guide would be perfect for couch potatoes aspiring to ace their exams. Well, there ain't any shortcuts in real life, but the good news - there are many of them, in fact, multiply that number by 70 for all the maps in the game.
 
They come in really handy if you're trying to reach a particular sniping spot in a map before the others, capturing the flag without encountering any hostility or even trying to reach the gold box drop spot first. They save you a lot of time, detection and above all, health and brain power. It's a life hack in Tanki - a legal one.
 
However, most of them are so innocuous that they don't even seem to exist, and therefore tankers end up travelling along the perimeters of maps and getting their brains blown out by the in-house sniper. However, if those not-so-innocuous-now shortcuts did exist, then I'm pretty sure your name would flash on the top slot at the end of every battle, unless you've got a serial drugger on your team. They're great for gaining more experience points in a shorter space of time, and also for sneaking up on your enemies unsuspected.
 
Hence, I decided to create an entire guide devoted to this subject - may it make a faithful deity, for this is the first time I'm venturing into the field of guides. Nevertheless, kindly read on.
 

 
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SHORTCUT?
 
Well, if you want to use a shortcut, it better not be for nothing.
 
Technically, a shortcut is anything that reduces the distance you have to cover while having the same starting and ending points, but often, that ain't true. Let's take Dusseldorf as an example. The shortest way to reach the enemy flag from your own is to drive through the middle of the ramp, which leaves you completely exposed to any gunfire that might come your way. You won't get beyond halfway through unless you're very, very lucky. Additionally, going the long way - taking shelter from the buildings seems a much more prudent option if you actually want to come to your base victorious with the enemy flag.
 
Hence, I've cobbled together a few criteria for a good shortcut, and let me tell you that in terms of this article, a shortcut's not just that which helps you illegally get to your destination first, it's a lot more about utility. And with that, it's high time you meet.....
 

 
TNT'S CLASSIFICATION OF SHORTCUTS
 
All right, so what I'm doing here is classifying shortcuts on the basis of utility. Like I said, I'll be shedding conventional understanding of a 'shortcut' here, and hence, I'll be aping the system of classification of plants and animals, albeit with some changes of my own.
 
A. LESS MAGNITUDE OF DISTANCE
 
This is the conventional type of a shortcut, which everyone would be knowing. Although I did say a shortcut ain't just this, it's vital to start from the basics. And of course, a classification wouldn't be complete without all the components. Right, so this simply involves covering less distance than the traditionally used path, saving a lot of time. Please note that this may or may not give protection from gunfire. You can find such a shortcut in almost every map in the game, mostly with fortifications to keep you undetectable. I guess this type of shortcut is pretty common, but there are some instances where taking the shorter path leaves you exposed. Most notably, Sandbox.

 



JqcfdZm.png?1

 

Please note that the red line refers to the conventional path, and the green to the convenient path (in terms of distance covered). So basically, if you despise taking the long way around and want stuff done as soon as possible, this is the shortcut for you.
 
 
B. LESS DURATION OF EXPOSURE
 
Hm, if you're an orthodox guy, this probably won't qualify as a shortcut to you. Wait, it does? THEN WHY DO YOU CALL YOURSELF AN ORTHODOX? The point is, this kind of route might take a longer time to covered, but you're insured in the HP sector. More cover means less enemies shooting at you, and the narrower the path, the merrier! Well, such a shortcut may not be completely safe, there could still be some periods of time wherein you do stumble across the main road, but still, they are pretty safe to use. Let me give an example where taking a longer path can sometimes be safer than the shorter one.

 



kotlufO.png?1

 

Again, red for conventional, green for unorthodox. Not so difficult, is it? Well, the two types of shortcuts you saw just now compromised one factor for another. In the first instance, you take less time but face more gunfire, and in the second, you face less gunfire but take more time. But then, if you want to get the maximum out of your shortcut, you must find a balance between protection and distance; and therefore, comes into being my third category - 
 
 
C. HYBRID CRITERIA
 
To get an understanding of this shortcut, you first need an understanding of the word 'hybrid', which essentially means 'a mix of two different substances with desirable characteristics of both.' Well, this is exactly what I've tried to do, find the right balance between distance and protection. These are one of the less commonly found shortcuts in the game, but if you do find one, they're a lot of help. They can get you quickly and safely to your destination, and hence keep your D/L up.
 
How does one find a Hybrid shortcut? Well, if you see walls surrounding your path, you're most likely inside one. Try seeing it from a bird's eye view to confirm if it really is shorter than the main path. And also, watch out for tunnels - they're your best friends. Take for example Iran, Silence or even Industrial Zone. Why do you constantly see evenly matched CTFs in these maps? That's because a lot of shortcuts are used - by both sides. Here's an example.

 



cz8JBVg.jpg?2

 

I've used this shortcut so many times before and it's sooo reliable; in fact, the only time you will be exposed is that dark green patch I've drawn between those two 'pits'. Otherwise, you're constantly surrounded by buildings and other structures throughout your path to the enemy flag. Seems better, eh? And with that, we come to the end of TNT's classification of shortcuts. Time to move on to the big stuff.
 

 
Yeah, this ain't anything like classification of plants and animals! But I had to attract your attention somehow.
 

 
USING SHORTCUTS EFFECTIVELY
 
1. ENTERING A SHORTCUT
 
I bet you anything that ninety percent of the times you try enter a trusted path, there'll be an enemy on your tail. So the first thing you have to do is, shake the enemy off. If you can deflect his aim, the reload period will buy you valuable time to turn the bend and vanish from his field of vision.
 
Escaping your assailant's field of vision is a vital part of entering a shortcut effectively, or else there is no point in it - if someone knows where you are, why take it at all? If you can't finish off your opponent, make sure you're at least two corners ahead. That way, the likelihood of you getting shot is very less, unless your attacker has equipped Ricochet.

 



5624bbffd22d2.png

 

Here, I'm entering the all-time favourite shortcut present in Rio, closely followed by @GoldRock. Remember, if you have a Hornet, drift into the entrance for a better getaway, and always, always fire back at your opponent while you're entering, because firstly, the opponent will get distracted and secondly, once you're in there, you'll be focusing more on steering than shooting, and another opportunity to fire at your opponent won't come again.
 
And also, for more efficiency, use mines. It's such a delight to see your opponents go boom.
 
 
2. PROGRESSING THROUGH A SHORTCUT
 
Congratulations, you made it into the shortcut at last. But hey! Your job's not done yet. There could be a sniper waiting for you at a point where your tank is momentarily exposed. You won't get your driving licence by simply drifting in there, you have to keep an eye on your surroundings! No point in lauding yourself for evading your first assailant if there's another one, hidden, waiting to strike. And to prevent such a mishap, keep your camera in bird's-eye view, so that you can see what's happening to the side as well as in front of you. A trivial bit of vigilance can go a long way.

 



5624bd89235e8.png

 

 
Notice here that I have a plain view of the main road next to my shortcut here, and also, I can see if someone tries to mount a surprise attack on me from above. That's how you should travel through a shortcut - a view of every possible attack on you, and a speedy means of passage. From here, once I turn right, all I have to do is climb a ramp and presto! You can't just guarantee safe passage by head-banging to a boombox filled with reggae - that's called rash driving.
 
 
3. EXITING A SHORTCUT
 
You think your job's done when you return to the main road?
 
Say it with me. 3. 2. 1.
 
6zlZ8t4.png


 
You gotta pay attention to the exit too, you know. Else you're dead meat. In fact, here I was with @GoldRock testing my theory, and I kinda got a little carried away with the success with which I evaded him. In my euphoric state, I blindly climbed the ramp, and BAM - next thing I knew, I was dead. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU NOT TO DRUG IN PRIVATE BATTLES, GOLDY?
 
The point is, you need to do a thorough reconnaissance of your surroundings once you reach the exit, because a foolhardy exit will set you back a long way, and eventually, lead to abuse from teammates. Eliminate all the obstacles (except for the props, of course) and make sure you don't make the final dash till you're absolutely sure you won't get hit. For instance, if your opponent is looking elsewhere.

 



suFJmTz.png?1

 

As you can see, I still have the liberty of retreating to safe cover, while my opponent doesn't know what's going to hit him. Poor opponent. Huehuehue.
 

 
TO-DOs AND TO-DON'Ts
 
Hey, don't expect me to do a How to React to Tanki-style systematic list of neatly categorized pro tips. I've had enough of classification for one article, okay? Plus, I'm pretty lazy.
 
So basically, this is a bit of information under another misleading title, because here, I'll be explaining stuff which you should be keeping in your mind. SHOULD. I think you guys will be smart enough to know what to do and what to avoid doing.
 
 
I. KEEP IN MIND ELEVATION
 
Routes located at a height are always tempting, whether above or below. Like I specified before, tunnels are a shortcut-taker's best friend, because, hey, hardly anyone takes them! Elevated areas often provide a quick route to your destination, but mostly, they leave you pretty exposed. However, if you happen to be on top of a building similar to those present in Rio and Future, your luck has not deserted you - plenty of shelter around!
 
I don't think you'll want to learn how to use a tunnel, but another piece of advice I can give is to parkour-fight as much as possible. Take the flag, and get a friend to propel you up to a building higher up; giving you a safe path that's not easily accessible to others. If executed properly, this can be the best 'shortcut' you can use. Especially in Maps with elevated platforms, like Noise, a low overhang or building is your best bet to return safe with the enemy flag.

 



Dm1Ab16.png?1

 

Just look at that position - only the most skilled snipers could get you up there.
 
 
II. KEEP SHELTER AT THE READY
 
Suppose there's a stalemate situation in your battle right now, you'll have to rely on your trusty shortcut to get back to the protection of your base. But what if the enemy ambushes you on the way? If you get killed, chances are that the enemy flag will get returned and your team will go one down. And, in today's fund-loving world, who wants that?
 
Thus, my pro tip - make sure that you have some shelter behind which you can immediately disappear. Choose the closest bit of shelter to you, even if it is an elevated sand dune (no bushes please, thx) and let your teammates finish the enemy/your flag carrier off after which you can return to the path and capture the flag. Don't focus on getting to a major shelter a little far away, you'll be dead before you ever reach there.
 



iq5uHqZ.jpg?1

 

I can always retreat to behind the red building here and wait till my teammates finish my opponent off, and conserve the rest of my health. After which, I am decently surrounded till I scale the rest of the meagre distance between me and my flag. Well, the thing is, it was a 1v1. AND I didn't make it behind the building in time. GAH, STUPID CONSCIENCE! DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO TRUTHFUL? I'M TRYING TO MAKE A GUIDE HERE!
 
But you get the point. Right?
 
 
III. A SIMPLE PATH IS THE BEST PATH
 
If you need to make a quick escape and the only shortcut you find is in the opposite direction, DISREGARD ALL THE RULES ENLISTED HERE. Take the direct route and pray that should you ever be killed, a teammate will have enough sense to pick up the flag and capture it.
If you go out of your way (I mean, literally) to take a shortcut, you'll end up wasting a lot of time. And there goes a famous saying, Time is the biggest enemy of your shortcut path. Never heard it? Chill, I just created it now.
 
If a shortcut to another base lies directly in your path, just go ahead and take it. Time saved is time earned, and you'll be far away before your enemies can seriously damage you. View this trajectory path.
 



L3vhGHe.png?1

 

I didn't go to any trouble at all to use this shortcut - I saw a ramp, and I climbed it. Hey presto. Such a conveniently placed shortcut just beckons you towards it, and should you take it, well, it's your benefit.
 
However, if you find that your route to  the shortcut is longer than the direct route you're currently on, go with the latter option. Because, in order to execute such an action, you remain exposed for a much longer period of time, and you're worse off than you were before.
 



Ki3daP2.png?1

 

That U-turn denoted by the red curve will just lead me to my death. I mean, it's more convenient to just plough on and take a shortcut further away, or even go on the main road than wasting your time on manouevring all the way here. Sometimes, discretion is the better part of valour. Now that you've read this, I hope you'll be wise while choosing a shortcut.
 

 
CONCLUSION
 
Well, I just taught you what a shortcut is, how one categorizes shortcuts, the phases of using shortcuts and things to remember while using them. Well, if you want a conclusion, I'll give you one.
 
Remember that a shortcut not just transports you to another place faster, it is a place of great strategic importance. Hence, take care while choosing one, and think of all the possible outcomes you can get if you travel through it. For example, you think of jumping off the blue base in Silence instead of going through the middle of the map and you find a sniper waiting for you. Or else, you decide to weave just inside the exterior boundary of Iran instead of cutting diagonally through the middle of the map and there's an entire patrol of Firebirds just around the corner. You'll need to observe your battle surroundings before you attempt something like this, and therefore, I conclude by saying, don't take shortcuts lightly - respect them. 
 
However, with a bit of practice and a lot of experience, I'm sure you'll all be kings of shortcuts, eh? B) Do me proud, English Community!
 
Whew, I'm finally at the end of this article. Thanks a lot to you guys for reading it (my first venture with pictures included after a long while), and a special bout of thanks to @GoldRock and @AngeIs.And.Demons for helping me out with the pictures, without which this guide would have been discarded as 'boring junk'.
 
Till next time, this is TNT signing off. See you in the battlefield!
 
 


RYBfkje.png



 

Edited by Hexed
  • Like 37

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nice job TNT, I liked the humor you put in, which is something I will never master, as you probably know by now. I think that this could be continued by showing the least "well known" shortcuts, that would be an interesting read.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Awesome Article yet again TNT!!! I wish we could put little bits of humour into the Wiki Articles :(

 

Till next time, this is TNT signing off. See you in the battlefield!

NEXT TIME!!!! :D

Edited by r_GaIaxy2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Great article. The only thing I may point out is that cumulative damage weapons do not benefit from hiding behind things, unless they have a reload (shortest-range weapons, and possibly ricochet). Even if they do need to hide, chances are that the enemy is right behind you, because you were firing at them for a while to damage them sufficiently instead of a single shot, e.g. from Railgun. Again, good article, was very entertaining.

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Remember that a shortcut not just transports you to another place faster

I'm going to have to disagree with you there. A "shortcut" is exactly just that - a shorter route from point A to point B. If you are talking about the amount of protection you get by choosing a particular path, then that's not a shortcut, but rather a "safe route". Sure, it doesn't sound as catchy, but the word "shortcut" simply doesn't fit in this context.

  • Like 3

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Pros:

 

Great writing style, and you liar!, you lied to me!

 

funny

 

Con:

 

None

 

Superfluous elements: Your topic, this has to be the most pointless guide ever made, no offense. But your writing style was unbeatable

 

-------        -------

       _____

Edited by LOLKILLERTOTHEDEATH

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm going to have to disagree with you there. A "shortcut" is exactly just that - a shorter route from point A to point B. If you are talking about the amount of protection you get by choosing a particular path, then that's not a shortcut, but rather a "safe route". Sure, it doesn't sound as catchy, but the word "shortcut" simply doesn't fit in this context.

Incorrect.

el7qCPr.png

And we refer to the energy expended in avoiding enemies here.

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

 

 

Nice, but not the best shortcut for some maps as the one you mention above there are betters one-I know. Also, how did you grab a tanki online image map? 

Edited by Maf
aviod quoting large texts

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...