Gears Tactics guide: List of monsters and enemies
Source: Xbox Game Studios
The main plot of Gears Tactics involves hunting down Ukkon, the Locust responsible for creating many of the different war beast-machine hybrids used by the Locust Horde. As such, several of the classic Gears of War Locust foes are here, along with a few unseen specialty types Ukkon has called in. Here’s a list of all the enemies and monsters you’ll face in Gears Tactics. We’ve also taken the time to describe their behavior in combat and what you’ll need to know to beat them.
Please be aware that there are some mild spoilers within the following list. It’s also worth noting these are just the “regular” foes you’ll see on the battlefield and does not include boss fights.
Gears Tactics guide: Best class builds, gear, weapon mods, and combat tips
Tactical action
Gears Tactics
Survive the Locust
Gears Tactics brings tactical, turn-based combat and marries it to classic, frenetic Gears action. Outfit your squad and take down a Locust leader creating monstrosities.
Boomer
Source: Windows Central
To beat the Boomers, you’ll want to keep your squad split up and in cover. If you’re out in the open or bunched up — or both — you’ll be a prime target for getting blasted apart. Try to rotate around the Boomer. If you have a Sniper, using some critical hits can whittle away the Boomer’s health. If not, lob frag grenades and use repeated Lancer/Mulcher fire from your Supports and Vanguards.
Once you kill the Boomer, grab the Boomshot if you can. You can then use it to quickly clear clusters of enemies for the remainder of that mission.
Disciple
Source: Xbox Game Studios
If there’s more than one Disciple close together (and there usually is), a well-placed frag grenade or the Vanguard’s Intimidate skill are perfect for flushing them out of cover. From there, repeated Lancer fire works, or you can use a Scout to Cloak and get behind them before emptying a Gnasher into their backs.
Kantus
Source: Xbox Game Studios
Needless to say, because of their dangerous ability to buff surrounding Locust allies, a Kantus on the field needs to be your primary target. They usually stay in cover and keep away from close combat, though their Gorgon submachine guns can undoubtedly dish out damage at close range. Using a Sniper’s Precision Shot ability is an excellent way to put them down. If you don’t have a Sniper, try to pin them down with multiple Gears using Overwatch.
Locust Drone
Source: Xbox Game Studios
Honestly, deal with them in whatever way is most straightforward. Chainsaw them, bayonet charge them, use grenades to knock them out of cover, turn them into a red mist with the Mulcher-wielding Heavy class, the list goes on. However, using your most basic guns like the Lancer or even Snub can sometimes ensure they are down-but-not-out (DBNO). You can then execute them, granting bonus executions to the rest of your squad. Chain together several executions, and you’ll find yourself pulling off increasingly-complex tactical plays.
Locust Grenadier
Source: Xbox Game Studios
This opportunity attack means you shouldn’t try bayonet charging them or chainsawing them unless they are enraged. When enraged, Grenadiers become even tougher but lose the opportunity attack. Keep a distance between you and them, if possible. Snipers are usually good at dealing with Grenadiers, as are repeated frag grenades. Close-range Scouts should stay clear though, as Grenadiers deal damage with Gnashers far more quickly than they take it.
Locust Sniper
Source: Xbox Game Studios
If you try to move your Pinned Gear, the Sniper will instantly fire and down them. Additional Snipers often accompany snipers, so you can rapidly have a big problem on your hands. Because of this, a Sniper that currently has someone Pinned should be an immediate priority. Using Support characters to charge and chainsaw the Sniper usually works well.
Theron Guards
Source: Windows Central
With a Theron Guard on the field, get everyone into cover immediately. If you can, have a Scout activate the Cloak skill and flank the Theron Guard, using a frag grenade or Gnasher blast to put an end to its deadly shenanigans.
Once the Theron Guard is dead, have your Gear pick up the Torque Bow, which can use high-powered blast to obliterate a particular target or a low-powered blast to deal damage to a wide area.
Ticker
Source: Xbox Game Studios
Using Overwatch with a Heavy is one way to clear them, but the best approach is to kick them, as every Gear gets the Kick Ticker skill when Tickers are on the battlefield. When booted, a Ticker loses the ability to advance and is easier to hit. If possible, have a Support soldier kick the Ticker (perhaps even into other Tickers or Locusts) and open fire with their Lancer.
Wretches
Source: Xbox Game Studios
If a frag grenade is handy, let it fly. Otherwise, using a Heavy soldier’s Mulcher is a reliable way to clear out the Wretches as they come into range.
Zealot
Source: Windows Central
Targeting Zealots as quickly as possible is critical since they can toughen surrounding Locusts and turn battles into a slog. Don’t try and get close, as the Zealot’s scream is even more damaging than the regular Kantus. Using a Sniper ability like Precision Shot is a solid choice for quickly ending a Zealot’s career.
Adapt, improvise and overcome in Gears Tactics
Gears Tactics is the promising start of new series of Gears of War games, with the aggressive gameplay mixing with a strategic XCOM-style approach quite well.
Tactical action
Gears Tactics
Survive the Locust
Gears Tactics brings tactical, turn-based combat and marries it to classic, frenetic Gears action. Outfit your squad and take down a Locust leader creating monstrosities.
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