The Ins and Outs of Berlin: Capture The Flag

[You.Have.to.die 519]

 

Berlin, with its diverse regions, open spaces and intense gameplay, is quite a complex map. There are many high and small buildings around the map especially in the blue base. Before the update, which prevented the creation of non-pro battles, Berlin was commonly seen in the battle list. The map’s overall layout makes it extremely challenging to play in. Therefore, it is useful to know the basics of Berlin for Pro battles.

 

In this guide we’ll be looking at how you can dominate Berlin in Capture the Flag, how you can use different platforms/environments in Berlin to accommodate you and your teammates and finally looking at some possible tactics you can use in Berlin.

 

Fact: Berlin was first introduced into the game in 2009 made by the creator: DukePlatinum and has over 20 supply drop zones. 

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Essentials​

 

Overview and Division:​

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This picture below shows the different sections of Berlin which are important to understand before entering the battle:

 

~Overview of Berlin~

 

Berlin can be divided into four different regions, which are as follows:

 

Red Base: Quite simply, this is the area where the red flag is found and where the red team spawns. It contains a lot of walls and buildings which prevents you from getting ‘spawn killed’ by long-range turrets such as Shaft. Likewise, the red base is filled with several bonus boxes that are essential for travelling around the rest of the map.

 

Blue Base: To begin with, the blue base contains a mixture of a high and low platforms which allows you to hide from your opponents with ease. The blue base also consists of several bonus boxes- this is highly occupied by Double Damage and Speed Boost. However, along the east side of the blue base, there’s the great wall of China a wall which runs across the entire east side of the base. This wall protects the blue players from taking high damage by Railgun or Shaft.  

 

Valley: This is the lowest part of Berlin. It can be used as a tunnel for a quick escape or for travelling to the other side of Berlin. The Valley does not contain a single bonus box but contains some gold box drop zones, so be careful while moving through the Valley as there is no place to hide; especially from Magnums. Finally, the Valley also consist of ramps and bridge structures.

 

Train Station: The train station consists of a train track (oh how ironic), two bridges: a north and south, and a small village filled with wooden cottages. This expresses the rural attributes of this region in Berlin. The train station has the most grassland in the map, causing it to be open and unprotected.

 

Gold Boxes:​

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‘Bridge’ Zones: These are relatively simple to take, as there are no ramps or props in the way to take the advantage of. The aim of catching a Gold Box successfully in these zones is to get on top of the drop zone and stay there if possible. Furthermore, if you’re working with a friend, get your friend to create a ramp with Viking & Hammer and lurch their hull on to the long wall. Once your friend has set up a ramp, you need to run up the body of Viking and your friend needs to shoot you perfectly in mid-air to propel you forwards into the Gold Box. Consequently, avoid falling off the bridge while trying to get on top of your opponents or teammates as this would make it impossible to take the Gold Box.  

 

‘Valley’ Zones: Valley zones are usually located in the center of the Valley. Some of these drop zones are located near the edges of bridges or cliffs. This means that you can jump off these platforms on to another player or straight into the Gold Box. Likewise, these drop zones don’t have much space around them so while you’re trying to catch the Gold Box in the Valley, you will only have two decisions: go early or don’t go at all.

 

‘Ground’ Zones: Ground zones are simply drop zones found on flat ground. They are usually surrounded by props and structures to block incoming ‘Gold Hunters.’ There is no secret tactic to catch a Gold Box on flat land. It is all about timing and luck. 

 

Capture The Flag

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Effective Combinations:​

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Every map is suited to various playing styles. However, Berlin offers a very specific playing style. Adopting this playing style will make a difference to your score and overall standing. Berlin has numerous buildings and structures making it perfect for medium and light hulls to hide and shoot.   

 

Smoky-Viking:

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Smoky and Viking is a perfect pair for Berlin. The low height of Viking allows it to hide behind the long wall which separates both bases. Nevertheless, Viking has decent speed and balance to swoop around walls and jump into the Valley. Smoky can pack quite a punch, this means that you can hit the edges of your enemy’s hull to deflect their shot. Furthermore, Smoky can deal a high damage output thanks to its special attribute- critical hit. It can double the damage of a regular shot and leave a yellow-coloured damage indicator to represent a ‘critical hit’ has taken place. Consequently, the mobility of this pairing makes it unstoppable and a feared combo. 

 

Thunder-Hunter:

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To begin with, Thunder and Hunter work hand in hand. Thunder’s explosive splash damage is perfect for Berlin because there are lots of walls and structures which allow you deal damage to your enemies without them being in plain sight. Furthermore, Thunder can use its rotation speed to circle around enemies and avoid attacks from long distance turrets such as Railgun.

 

Likewise, Hunter has exhilarating speed which allows it to drift around buildings and escape from the enemy without harm. In addition, Hunter has a big base which allows the hull to maintain good balance around corners and jump off cliffs into the Valley. Overall, Thunder and Hunter can become deadly in Berlin after practice, experience and perfect aim.    

 

Firebird-Hornet:

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Firebird and Hornet is designed for fast and smooth gameplay. Berlin occupies this. The overall demographic of Fire and Hornet allows you to be sneaky and deadly at the same time. Firebird can deal a fiery inferno to all surrounding tanks within its firing zone. This leaves your enemies with a slow, painful death. To elaborate, Firebird’s lethal rotation speed allows it to circle your enemies (like freeze) whilst taking minimal damage. Hornet’s speed works together with Firebird’s rotation speed to damage enemies and scoot off behind houses to your find your next opponent. To conclude, I believe that Firebird and Hornet can be an effective attacking combo in Berlin thanks to the overall agility of this pairing.

 

Attacking:

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Firstly, Berlin has a lot of structures and buildings which can be used to avoid damage and to prevent being spotted by the other team. Having a light hull will make it easier to avoid dangerous situations. Furthermore, using a mid-ranged turret like thunder will help you to destroy opponents increasing the chances of a successful attack. There are several bonus boxes scattered around Berlin so try to collect all the essential bonus boxes while attacking. (i.e. Speed Boost and Double Armour). Double Damage isn’t really required but can be used to kill opponents which stand in your way of success.     

 

Quantity of each bonus box in Berlin-

·         6x Repair Kit

·         8x Double Armour

·         9x Double Damage

·         12x Speed Boost

 

Now let us have a look at some of the attacking routes that both teams can use to attack the opposition’s base. Both teams have similar routes, some use the valley, and some use the bridges that run above the valley. Nevertheless, every route goes through at least one essential supply and provides limited protection while attacking the opposition’s base.

 

However, some routes can be risky (see diagram). This is because players with Shaft and Railgun usually target areas with lots of empty space. So, to reduce this risk, equip a protection module or avoid using some routes altogether.

 

~Attack Routes~

 

Supplies:​

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How to use supplies effectively when you spawn?
 
Firstly, when some people respawn in a battle, they immediately equip Double Damage or Double Armor. This is inefficient because you will lose valuable time with the supply as there is usually no one around you when you respawn at your base. As a result, I would wait until you see someone trying to attack you and then equip Double Armor or Double Damage which will save your crystals and improve your efficiency rather than using supplies from the start of a battle. However, if you did want to activate supplies early, then I would recommend activating Speed Boost first because it allows you to activate another supply a few seconds afterwards, whereas Double Damage or Double Armor would take double the time to activate without a speed boost.
 
How to use bonus boxes effectively when attacking in Berlin?
 
Bonus boxes are very important to any successful attack. With or without supplies, bonus boxes give you a huge advantage over the defending players. In Capture the Flag, try to pick up bonus boxes only when you need to because if you take all the bonus boxes for yourself, your team mates could be stranded to defend against a strong army of Wasps. So, once you have gathered all the supplies you need, try to make full use of their effect by getting the flag as quickly as you can. If you get damaged along the way, don’t use the Repair Kit straight away. Save the Repair Kit until you have very low health points, this technique can be the difference between getting the flag and not getting the flag.

 

Defending:​

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Defending in Berlin can be difficult because of the various attacking options that the opponents can surprise you with. It would be better to defend the flag with a medium or heavy hull rather than a lighter hull as otherwise you would be an easy target for the attackers. Vulcan would be a smart choice for defending either flag.

 

Likewise, using Mines and working together with Isida’s can help your team to defend the flag. Isida’s main purpose is to heal defenders to ensure that they do not die, hence reducing the chance of the flag being taken from your base. Mining positions can be effective, if placed appropriately. Placing all your mines in random spots will not be effective and will waste your own collection of supplies. On the other hand, having one or two randomly placed mines can surprise your attackers.

 

Mining Positions:​

 

 

Tactics:​

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Kill Stealer: A kill stealer is someone who always targets enemies which have taken heavy damage. It involves using buildings to hide and dodge opponent’s attacks, thus optimising time to gain kills. Likewise, equipping Double Damage is a must because it increases the damage you deal to your opponent’s. This type of tactic is usually occupied by someone playing with Railgun. The most common time someone uses this when they’re completing missions or when they’re on the losing team.

 

One for all and all for one: This tactic is as simple as it sounds. Your goal is to deal as much damage as possible to your enemies. You must dominate the centre of the battlefield. Once you dominate the centre, you must maintain and target every enemy you see. Damaged or not damaged, each hit gives your team a fighting chance. This tactic requires skill and luck. Players that use this tactic, usually gain a lot of experience and occupy the top 3 in the battle ranks.

 

Peek a Boo: The purpose of the ‘peek a boo’ tactic is to use buildings and props to swiftly navigate around the enemy’s base. Sometimes, you can take a sneaky shot on defenders but this increases the risk of getting spotted. This type of tactic is used by attackers trying to capture the flag. If you don’t like having a low kills per death ratio, avoid this tactic.

 

The Sacrifice: The sacrifice tactic is not always needed but can be useful in matches that are balanced. The sacrifice is someone with a medium hull that distracts the defenders from your team. While the distraction occurs, another teammate can swoop in and take the flag from the enemies. If you don’t like having a low Kills per death ratio, avoid this tactic.

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That is it - a guide on how to play in "Capture The Flag" on Berlin. What do you think of it? Leave all questions and feedback in the comment section down below. Remember to give this guide a like if you it enjoyed. See you in the battlefield!

Special thanks to Grand Executioner!

[Blackdrakon30 2,943]

- Grammar and spelling essentially already look good, so no edits made. I might've missed stuff though, since I had to go through this really fast. Sorry if I did miss stuff.

 

Approved

[akiket 402]

Take it as constructive criticism but:

 

"Smoky and Viking is a perfect pair for Berlin. The low height of Viking allows it to hide behind the long wall which separates both bases. Nevertheless, Viking has decent speed and balance to swoop around walls and jump into the Valley. Smoky can pack quite a punch, this means that you can hit the edges of your enemy’s hull to deflect their shot. Furthermore, Smoky can deal a high damage output thanks to its special attribute- critical hit. It can double the damage of a regular shot and leave a yellow-coloured damage indicator to represent a ‘critical hit’ has taken place. Consequently, the mobility of this pairing makes it unstoppable and a feared combo. "

 

This is nonsense. How I would sum it up:

 

Smoky and Viking is a good combination for Berlin. As for a big map, a balance between speed and armor is required. Smoky is a great mid range weapon, which makes this combination effective in all roles.

[Pyre 3,485]

Nice!

[GrandExecutioner 1,403]

Looking good!

 

- Grammar and spelling essentially already look good, so no edits made. I might've missed stuff though, since I had to go through this really fast. Sorry if I did miss stuff.

 

Approved

Of course there's not I proofread his article :P

[stuartb 234]

- Grammar and spelling essentially already look good, so no edits made. I might've missed stuff though, since I had to go through this really fast. Sorry if I did miss stuff.

 

Approved

Lol thank Grand, he proofread most parts. However, I did edit some of his improvements. I really did think this article was quite good. Although, it wasn't Newspaper standard.  :mellow:

 

Take it as constructive criticism but:

 

"Smoky and Viking is a perfect pair for Berlin. The low height of Viking allows it to hide behind the long wall which separates both bases. Nevertheless, Viking has decent speed and balance to swoop around walls and jump into the Valley. Smoky can pack quite a punch, this means that you can hit the edges of your enemy’s hull to deflect their shot. Furthermore, Smoky can deal a high damage output thanks to its special attribute- critical hit. It can double the damage of a regular shot and leave a yellow-coloured damage indicator to represent a ‘critical hit’ has taken place. Consequently, the mobility of this pairing makes it unstoppable and a feared combo. "

 

This is nonsense. How I would sum it up:

 

Smoky and Viking is a good combination for Berlin. As for a big map, a balance between speed and armor is required. Smoky is a great mid range weapon, which makes this combination effective in all roles.

I do agree that it could of been more 'straight to the point' but that would just copying the Wiki Page and would have no links with Berlin at all. 

 

Nice!

Cheers!  :)

 

Looking good!

 

Of course there's not I proofread his article :P

Shh... Not all of it but I do appreciate your help.

 

​~ You.Have.to.die - My main account cannot post comments in topics at the moment because of technical issues. But I will post with this account until it is sorted. Apologies for the confusion.  ;) 

Edited March 19, 2018 by stuartb

[X_Death.By.Me_X 1,503]

Well done man. I'm surprised it's not newspaper quality, but who cares? This guide touched upon all the aspects of effective play in berlin, now only if there were battles in berlin around :P

 

Take it as constructive criticism but:

 

"Smoky and Viking is a perfect pair for Berlin. The low height of Viking allows it to hide behind the long wall which separates both bases. Nevertheless, Viking has decent speed and balance to swoop around walls and jump into the Valley. Smoky can pack quite a punch, this means that you can hit the edges of your enemy’s hull to deflect their shot. Furthermore, Smoky can deal a high damage output thanks to its special attribute- critical hit. It can double the damage of a regular shot and leave a yellow-coloured damage indicator to represent a ‘critical hit’ has taken place. Consequently, the mobility of this pairing makes it unstoppable and a feared combo. "

 

This is nonsense. How I would sum it up:

 

Smoky and Viking is a good combination for Berlin. As for a big map, a balance between speed and armor is required. Smoky is a great mid range weapon, which makes this combination effective in all roles.

You just condensed what he said into one line, his words only had a lot more detail.

[stuartb 234]

Well done man. I'm surprised it's not newspaper quality, but who cares? This guide touched upon all the aspects of effective play in berlin, now only if there were battles in berlin around :P

 

 

You just condensed what he said into one line, his words only had a lot more detail.

Thank you :D

[Blackdrakon30 2,943]

Lol thank Grand, he proofread most parts. However, I did edit some of his improvements. I really did think this article was quite good. Although, it wasn't Newspaper standard.  :mellow:

Well, good job with the proofreading then, GrandExecutioner! By extension, thanks a million for making my job much more manageable.  ;) 

 

The article is extremely high quality, and frankly, probably at the level where it could be in the Tanki Online newspaper. It's just that I personally have extremely high standards, and out of habit tend to compare articles to my own ideals. It's pretty hard for any AWC articles to meet them. I mean, a vast amount of Newspaper articles don't meet my personal standards. In hindsight, I should probably lower my standards a bit for in the future. 

 

My apologies if you feel somewhat down; it was an excellent article.  

[stuartb 234]

Well, good job with the proofreading then, GrandExecutioner! By extension, thanks a million for making my job much more manageable.  ;) 

 

The article is extremely high quality, and frankly, probably at the level where it could be in the Tanki Online newspaper. It's just that I personally have extremely high standards, and out of habit tend to compare articles to my own ideals. It's pretty hard for any AWC articles to meet them. I mean, a vast amount of Newspaper articles don't meet my personal standards. In hindsight, I should probably lower my standards a bit for in the future. 

 

My apologies if you feel somewhat down; it was an excellent article.  

First of all, do not lower your standards. The more critical you're, the more likely someone is to improve. Nevertheless, I do not write guides for publicly or popularity, I write guides because I want to pass on my knowledge and experience to newcomers. Finally, thanks for your surprise comment and keep up the good work in the AWC. :)