The NS2 alphabet for new players

ale' · November 2012

<div class="IPBDescription">what you should keep in mind</div>Natural Selection 2 is a fairly complex game and plays differently from other multiplayer games. I'm not the best player around and I don't really know the best strategies so I can't give the most useful advice on how to be awesome in the game. But I would still like to help new players learn the game in order to make it more fun for everybody. So I decided to make this small list of things new players should keep in mind. Many of the tips might be pretty obvious, especially for experienced players, but there are some things that might not be clear to someone who just started playing. It's not a long list and doesn't cover everything the game has to offer, but if everyone kept these things in mind, I'm sure the game would be even more enjoyable for everybody.

Feel free to criticize, comment and add tips.

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Aliens are fun to play too! Don't stack marines!

Bite together! During a base attack, you should attack buildings together to take them out faster.

Cysts are important, but sometimes it's better not waste your time killing them.

Don't build things just because you can. A second Command Station probably won't benefit your team in the early game. Only build one if you need it.

Exosuits are not invulnerable. Carry a welder and keep your friends alive!

Failure is not the end of the world. Don't be afraid to try commanding and other roles you haven't tried before.

Gorge should heal his friends. Stick near other aliens and help them stay in the fight.

Help your team with scans from the observatory. It reveals cloaked enemies and gives other invaluable information about the area.

If your base is under attack and you can't handle it, a Distress Beacon might save the game.

Jeopardizing one of your own bases or hives is sometimes necessary. An all-out attack at the last enemy base might win you the game even if it means losing one of your hives.

Khammander - the alien commander - can jump off the hive every now and then. Having an extra skulk on the field might make a huge difference.

Lonely player is vulnerable. Even an Onos or an Exosuit is easily killed when not supported by his team.

Minimap is an extremely useful tool. Hold C to see what's happening around the map. Do this often - situational awareness wins games.

Never forget that you're a part of a team. Listen to your commander, communicate with your teammates and don't hunt for personal glory.

Observatory is a primary target during a base attack. Take it down before the marine commander uses Distress Beacon to teleport the whole team to defend the base.

Phase Gates can give your team an edge over the more mobile alien team. They are an invaluable tool for both defense and offense.

Questions are welcome! Most experienced players are more than willing to help if something is unclear or you don't know what to do.

Resource Towers are not free. Only build them if you can keep them alive long enough for them to pay the investment back.

Speaking is the fastest way to communicate. Don't be afraid to use your microphone.

Turrets and Whips are generally not a great investment. Your resources are usually better spent on upgrades.

Using the environment to your advantage makes you a deadlier Skulk. Don't rush head-on into a group of marines.

Vents don't only help you move around the map faster, but also safer.

Winning is the goal of the game! If your team has the upper hand, don't be too defensive, it won't help you win the game.

X key brings up your voice commands. You can use them to communicate with your teammates if you don't have a microphone.

You are the most powerful unit in your team! Turrets, Whips and other NPCs will never be as useful as a human player.

Z key can be used to request ammo and Q key to request medpacks from your commander. Use them, because it makes it easier for the commander to find you.

ellnic · November 2012

This a nice quick help guide for new players. Also its fun :P

The NS2 alphabet for new players

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