GRAW 2: Advanced Tactics

Any tactical shooter places a premium on strategy, but none more so than Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter™ 2. With realistic combat scenarios, A.I. marksmen capable of putting you down with a single shot, and brutal difficulty, GRAW 2 isn't a game you simply step into and beat.

Bad timing. Heal a teammate when the battle is over.

Fear not though, after several hours of in-depth gameplay and countless deaths courtesy of strategic experimentation, we've got the tips and tricks to help you succeed in the grueling tests that await you. Good luck.

The Basics

• Crouch: There is rarely any reason to stand upright in GRAW 2. It only takes one bullet to kill you, so unless you're sprinting to new cover, stay low at all times.
• Cover: Speaking of cover, using it properly is even more essential than crouching. There is enough cover in GRAW 2 to always take advantage of it. The only time you shouldn't stay under cover is when you're moving to new cover.
• Burst Fire: Fully automatic fire is for Rambo, not special-ops trained soldiers like you. Keep your fire to single-shot or limited burst for maximum effectiveness.
• Map Use: Though it may seem like you're moving from point A to point B throughout the game, the path you choose to your next objective is up to you. In fact, the most obvious path is often the least effective one. Hit the Back button to examine your options on the tactical map.
• Squad Attack: When engaging the enemy, make sure your squad mates are in on the fight. You will go down quickly if your team is not supporting you. Simply tap the left bumper button to give your squad the weapons-free command, and let them go to it.

Keep that Mule back and out of the fight.

Compass Bearings
The chatter among your squad-members may seem to simply add to the atmosphere, but if you pay close attention, you'll hear them shouting out enemy placements. When they do, note the compass bearings they use to make full use of the compass at the bottom of your screen. You will be able to consistently eliminate targets you might otherwise miss.

Flanking Fire
When possible, use your squad-mates to engage the enemy while you remain hidden. Once the enemy forces focus on your squad, you can take advantage of the situation by moving to a flank position. You don't need to get behind them, simply take up a position out of their line of fire where you have a clear line of sight.

Mule Backup
When you have access to the Mule, the automated supply vehicle, make sure it's always within close range of your unit in case you need to load up on ammo in a hurry. A good rule of thumb is to bring it up to a position just behind you before you engage in a combat zone. Always make sure it stays out of enemy range however, as it can only withstand a few hits.

Class Warfare
When choosing your weapon load-out, consider the strengths of your current squad. For example, if you're working with a medic, a grenadier, and a rifleman, you may want to round things out by carrying a sniper rifle. Always try to bring a little something extra to the table than what your teammates are already providing.

Cover! Use the cover!

Comprehensive Hostile Identification
There's virtually no scenario in GRAW 2 that requires you to rush into combat. A well though-out attack plan is crucial (especially on the harder difficulty settings), and in order to plan effectively, you'll need to know the positions and capabilities of your enemies.

• Always use your UAV drone to scout ahead. Once the drone is over an area, use the right bumper to zoom down and highlight enemy soldiers. If you stay zoomed in on an opponent long enough, the drone will identify their class as well.
• If you don't have a drone, you can identify an enemy's class by targeting them for a few seconds, until the bar over their head fills up.
• The drone won't automatically locate enemies under cover, so manually scan the insides of buildings, under rock outcroppings, or behind anything else blocking the view of the drone.

Covering Fire
When moving from cover to cover, order your squad to fire on any enemies that shoot at you when you expose your position. Give them a few seconds to attract the enemy's attention, then bolt for new cover. This is a great way to mask your movements as enemy soldiers are unlikely to tear their focus away from your squad mates.

Smoke and Eliminate
When initiating combat against a substantial enemy force, consider throwing a smoke grenade or two before the battle begins. Provided you've already marked the enemies with your UAV, you should be able to spot their movements even behind the smoke while simultaneously preventing them from getting a bead on you.

Article by Ryan Treit