Tester Verified Snowblind Strategies for Grind Yard and Under Hill

Published April 3, 2009

Game testers are far too often the unsung heroes of polished gameplay. It's because of their tireless efforts that folks like you and I can enjoy a well-balanced, problem-free game experience.

Of course, another added benefit is that any tips provided by game testers have been honed to a fine point by the hundreds of hours of game time they pour into a title, or, in this case, the Snowblind map pack Game Add-On for Gears of War® 2.

Add the Snowblind Game Add-On
to your download queue here.

Here then are a series of tips and tricks for Snowblind's Grind Yard and Under Hill maps, as provided by the kind-hearted testers at Epic QA and Microsoft Game Studios' Team Kryll and Team Brumak. Looking for Courtyard and Fuel Depot tactics? Check here.

Grind Yard

Tower Time
The advantages gained by taking control of Grind Yard's signature tower are too potent to ignore. The high vantage point alone is worth its weight in multiplayer gold. In addition, the Boomshot or Mulcher spawn at the tower's top, so make certain to storm the tower with a force you're confident can push through.

Smoke Out!
Of course, you can be confident many teams will attempt to rush the tower, so be ready with a smoke grenade in hand (equip right at the beginning of the round). Toss the grenade right at the ramp leading up into the tower. If the opposing team does the same, wait for the initial smoke barrage to clear before committing to the tower.

Turn and Shoot
If you're the first player to reach and sprint up the tower's ramp, there's a good chance you'll have an opponent hot on your heels. Rather than push ahead to the Boomshot, take cover on the left at the top of the ramp. If an enemy appears, wait till they're at close range and blind-fire your shotgun. Also, be sure to aim the camera (right thumbstick) down. This will point the trajectory of your shotgun blast downward, helping you ensure the kill.

Grind Yard.

Pillar Flank
The two large pillars below the center tower comprise a high traffic area, but you can swing around these towers and flank enemies attempting to gain fast access to the tower. Also, consider tagging the inward facing sides of the pillars with grenades.

Boltok Power
Don't underestimate the Boltok pistol spawn location on this map! Players that collect the Boltok and hold this location can cause havoc with enemies at the top of the tower. With the Boltok's zoom capabilities and powerful active reload shots, a player can keep an opponent down in the center tower while a teammate sneaks in for the kill.

Grenade Check
In their rush to gain the tower, many players will run right on by grenades without picking them up. Always look to see if grenades are available, and if they are, use them to flush out players camping at the top of the tower's ramp.

Locusts are tasty when cooked.

Horde Considerations
Resist the temptation to use the center tower as a holding fort against the Horde. Even if the center tower holds the most powerful weapons in the map, you'll have no means of escape if and when you're overrun. What's worse, taking refuge atop the tower puts you squarely in the middle of deadly crossfire from both sides of the map.

Try instead to control the two upper rooms close to the two main spawn areas. Holding the upper rooms will also give you control of the balcony that runs along the length of the map, granting you access to ammo crates and plenty of cover. Typically, two players can take hold of each side house with the fifth man acting as a runner, helping each side as needed.

Under Hill  

Sans Mortar
Resist the lure of the Mortar at the top of the bridge during Execution, Warzone, and Guardian matches. Most of the battles on this map take place near the center, where a simple roll or quick roadie run will allow players to gain cover from a Mortar round. What's more, rushing the Mortar leaves you terribly exposed to Longshot or Torque Bow fire.

Power Weapon Recon
Rushing the Longshot/TorqueBow is worthwhile not just for gaining either weapon, but also to gain a great position to scout the map and see what your opponents are up to. You can see how many are rushing Mortar, how many are pushing for Longshot/Torque Bow, and then by process of elimination, how many have headed inside.

Under Hill.

Mortar Awareness
If you end up fighting it out with enemies at Longshot/Torque Bow, don't forget to keep your eyes out for Mortar fire. While Mortar effectiveness can be limited on this map, it's at its deadliest when raining down on teams preoccupied with other enemies at the beginning of the match.

Door Hold
Controlling the garage door entrance to the center of the level can make a huge difference on travel time around the map, especially in Annex and King of the Hill. Having one or two players working to keep the door in your team's control can make a substantial difference in a match.

Watch out, Dom!

Horde on Scorcher
The Scorcher spawn locations make for an outstanding defensible position for Horde Mode. First, you'll have immediate access to an ammo crate, a must for Horde. Also, while the garage gives you very few resources compared to other points in the map, it is the most impregnable defensive location your team can hold.

The ability to raise and lower the garage door at will means you can run out to collect more resources between waves and then run back inside with little chance of being pursued by the Horde. Also, you can block off access points from shields gathered from defeated Maulers.

Now, To Arms!
Thanks to everyone at Epic QA and Microsoft Game Studios' Team Kryll and Team Brumak who contributed to these worthwhile tactics. And don't miss our exploration of the Courtyard and Fuel Depot maps. Good luck on the battlefield!

Article by Ryan Treit