Leaderboard

I find MARS invaluable in early game, ARES not so much (for one, alloys are TIGHT). Mostly Rockets, but big cannons have their uses (Robot busting, and base attacks). Points to remember. 1. If you TAKE the objective, any destroyed MARS is half cost to fix (unless blown up with explosives). Just wait till the dropship gets back to base. Be careful with MARS on in-and-out raids. 2. Always add the extra armor. You lose TU (and a theoretical 2 shot possibility), but it can tank MUCH more damage (armor is MUCH better). 3. MARS is a fire-support platform. You don't NEED to get close, and you rarely want to. 4. Use MARS early. As desert nomads say "carry your water IN you" don't afraid to do a 3-shot. Make the later fights easier. 5. Plan to HIDE the MARS late, it isn't too useful in UFOs (except for permanently opening doors). NEVER send one through a teleporter to attack (all it will likely do is draw fire and die). Send a good soldier with a flash-bang. 6. MARS is fine going right back out after taking all but 1 HP. Your soldiers won't be. 7. Use the MARS to set up kills if possible. You want the kills to go to humans, who will get better. 8. The Auto rifle is there for cleanup and emergencies. Don't be afraid to swap in a target system if you mount the big gun(s). 9. Sentry Guns are the backstop for remote bases (along with 2 AA anti-UFO batteries). Be sure they have up to date guns and rebuild the ones in the Cleaner base once you take it.