Tester Verified Snowblind Strategies for Courtyard and Fuel Depot

Published April 3, 2009

The only reason your game of choice doesn't shatter into a kajillion pieces of broken code the moment you unwrap the box and snap free the disc from its plastic housing is the often unsung work of game testers! Okay, that may be overselling things a bit, but it's these hard-working folks that check, verify, re-check, and re-verify every conceivable facet of a game to ensure that your experience is both polished and trouble-free.

Of course, the almost inconceivable amount of hours testers pump into a game make them an ideal source for outstanding tactics. Thankfully, the good folks of Epic QA and Microsoft Game Studios' Team Kryll and Team Brumak are pulling the curtain back a bit on their strategies of choice for the Snowblind map pack Game Add-On for Gears of War® 2.

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

Here are the testers' tips for the Courtyard and Fuel Depot maps. Look for part two of our Snowblind tips to showcase Grind Yard and Under Hill.

Courtyard

Mortar Territories
Maintaining control of the Mortar in territory game types such as Annex and King of the Hill is critical. All but one of the capture rings spawn outdoors, which plays right into the Mortar's strength. Remember too that friendly fire doesn't exist in Public matches, so let rip on the Mortar to back up teammates trying to wrest control from the enemy. Note that mortar fire will stun your teammates, so be sure to let them know it's coming.

Death by Line of Sight
Courtyard is a very open map, making it a haven for Torque Bow or Longshot marksmen. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open (listen for the Torque Bow winding up) for long range attacks. If you love to snipe, make your way to the central or outer balconies for better fields of fire.

Courtyard.

Flanking Balconies
Most players will use the side stairs leading up to the main balcony to rush the Mortar/Longshot spawn. Flank your opponents by using the center stairs and then surprise them when they pick up the Mortar/Longshot. Also, try waiting until the moment they grab their weapon of choice. This will lock them into the pick-up animation, allowing you to down them more easily.

Surviving the Horde
Courtyard's top-level central balcony marks the best location for fighting off the Locust waves in Horde Mode. Not only does the Mortar/Longshot spawn here, but you'll enjoy great line of sight on the rest of the map as well. Remember though, there are three possible entry points for the Locust to break through, so set up your defenses accordingly.

Horde mode in Courtyard.

Boomshot Priority
In Execution/Warzone, try prioritizing Boomshot as a team. The high wall between Boomshot and the central balcony blocks the line of sight of would-be snipers. With Boomshot in-hand and the wall protecting you, your team should have the advantage.

Torque Mortar
If you choose to charge the Torque Bow as a team, you can be sure the opposing team will pick up Mortar. You should have a long range shot on the Mortar after picking up the Torque Bow, so make that your first priority.

Fuel Depot

Pumps Go Bang
Fuel Depot's gas pumps are highly explosive booby traps just waiting to be triggered. If you plan on holding your ground anywhere near the pumps, be sure to pump a few bullets into them and trigger them yourself before taking up your position. Conversely, if you catch a glimpse of enemies near the pumps, take aim at the pumps first and the enemies second (provided they're not giblets after the explosion).

Mortar Ricochet
Should you find yourself trapped inside the warehouse holding the Mortar, don't be afraid to make use of it inside, especially if there are multiple enemies. While you'll no doubt notch a suicide by bouncing a mortar round off the ceiling, the ensuing explosion should annihilate any nearby enemies as well.

Fuel Depot.

Peak-a-boo, I See You!
The slightly open bay doors that run along the sides of the warehouse are perfect for Longshot or Torque Bow users. Always check to see if you can line up a shot on an enemy if you're carrying either weapon. Likewise, be mindful of these openings when you're taking refuge inside the warehouse.

Dance!
Use the Hammer of Dawn not just to eliminate enemies, but to scatter them as well. Most enemies, upon sighting the laser mark at their feet will skedaddle post-haste. If they do scatter, lay off the trigger. You don't want to waste your Hammer ammo. This technique is ideal for use during territory games like King of the Hill or Annex. With the enemy force scattering, your teammates can roll through, clean up the mess, and take hold of the territory.

An action shot from Fuel Depot.

Center Flank
Most players will choose to enter the helipad or warehouses from the side entrances near their spawn. Use this to your advantage by entering the pad or warehouse from the center to outflank your opponents.

Helipad Defense
Having trouble in Horde Mode on Fuel Depot? Try abandoning the warehouse (many players' defensible location of choice) and hunker down on the helipad instead. The helipad grants quick access to both grenade spawns as well as the much needed ammo crates. The slight elevation gain is also worthwhile as you'll have an easier time gaining advantageous angles on enemies, particularly with power weapons.

'Nade the Guardian
Some leaders like to hole up in the trailers in Guardian. Punish them with grenades. They can't dodge while in there.

Where the?
Having trouble tracking down that last enemy in Warzone, Execution or Guardian? Check the enormous hangar that serves as one team's spawn. Troublemakers like to hide in there.

That's a Wrap
That wraps up our examination of Snowblind's Courtyard and Fuel Depot maps. Thanks again to the hard-working testers at Epic QA and Microsoft Game Studios' Team Kryll and Team Brumak for providing these battle-tested tips. And don't miss our exploration of the Grind Yard and Under Hill maps.

Article by Ryan Treit