---- || [[basics|Basics]] || [[combat_mechanics|Combat]] || [[squad|Squad]] || [[tactics|Tactics]] || [[dtb|Defend the Base!]] || [[skills|Skills]] || [[damage_type_info|Damage type info]] || || NEW → || [[squad_roles|Squad Roles]] || [[usccf_weapons|Weapons & Ammunition]] || [[equipment|Equipment & Crafting materials]] || [[xenology|Xenology]] || [[campaign|**Campaign**]] || [[ui|UI]] || ---- ====== THE CAMPAIGN ====== ===The Campaign mode offers a rich and challenging experience, especially for those new to the game or genre. This guide will walk you through the basics to ensure you get off to a strong start.=== ===== Table of Contents ===== Starting Your Campaign * [[#begin_with_the_tutorial|Begin with the Tutorial]] * [[#explore_other_game_modes|Explore other game modes]] * [[#adjusting_difficulty|Adjusting difficulty]] * [[#read_the_encyclopedia_and_online_wiki|Read the Encyclopedia and online Wiki]] The Converters * [[#understanding_the_converters|Understanding the Converters]] Deothonit (Crafting Material) * [[#deothonit_mining_and_looting|Deothonit Mining and Looting]] Tips and Strategies * [[#squad_assembly|Squad Assembly]] * [[#skills|Skills]] * [[#weapons_and_equipment|Weapons and Equipment]] * [[#avoid_large_hordes_nests_early_on|Avoid Large Hordes/Nests Early On]] * [[#use_nukes_in_desperate_situations|Use Nukes in Desperate Situations]] * [[#maximize_loot|Maximize Loot]] * [[#loot_databanks_for_prototypes|Loot Databanks for Prototypes]] * [[#favor_a_faction|Favor a Faction]] * [[#know_when_to_extract|Know when to Extract]] * [[#assess_mission_strength|Assess Mission strength]] * [[#study_tactics|Study Tactics]] ===With these tips and strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of USC: Counterforce's campaign mode. Remember, each mission will test your strategic thinking and adaptability, so keep learning, experimenting, and refining your approach. Good luck, Commander!=== ---- ====Begin with the Tutorial==== The first thing you should do is complete the **Tutorial**. It introduces you to the core mechanics, controls, and strategies needed to survive in the hostile environments of //USC: Counterforce//. The Tutorial is essential, even for seasoned strategy game players. Also, we __highly recommend__ reading the mini-tutorial at the beginning of the Campaign. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Explore other game modes==== While the Campaign is the heart of the game, don’t hesitate to try out other modes like Single Mission, Operations, and Defend the Base! These modes offer different challenges and can help you hone specific skills. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Adjusting difficulty==== If you’re new to the game or turn-based strategy games, consider lowering the difficulty settings. This will give you more breathing room to learn the game’s mechanics without being //overwhelmed// by tougher enemies. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Read the Encyclopedia and online Wiki==== Take time to read the in-game Encyclopedia entries and explore the online Wiki. These resources are packed with valuable information about [[squad_roles|units]], [[usccf_weapons|weapons]], [[equipment|equipment]], and [[tactics|tactics]]. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- =====The Converters===== ====Understanding the Converters==== In the Campaign, you’ll encounter three converters that are crucial for your progression. These converters allow you to transform materials into other materials or convert them into Squad Points. Be sure to locate and secure these converters early in your missions, as they’ll be vital for crafting and [[squad#blueprints_weapon_upgrades|upgrades]]. The third converter is faction-related–you can convert [[equipment#crafting_materials|Deothonit]] and [[equipment#crafting_materials|Asura-49]] to any other crafting material on the //Free Earth Smugglers’// black market. **Converter #1**: Converts crafting materials into other crafting materials. {{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/campaign/conv_01.png}} **Converter #2**: Converts crafting materials into Resource Points (RPs). {{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/campaign/conv_02.png}} **Converter #3**: Converts rare crafting materials, such as Asura-49 and Deothonit, into regular crafting materials. {{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/campaign/conv_03.png}} __**Pro tip**__: a fourth way to convert Deothonit to other materials (with some added benefit) is to buy weapon prototypes from a faction (it will also increase your approval with them), and disassemble them (except the few that are worth keeping). Disassembling a prototype blueprint gives you **25%** of all materials of its cost, effectively converting Deothonit to 4-5 types of different materials while also increasing your reputation and giving a chance for a good prototype. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- =====Deothonit===== ====Deothonit Mining and Looting==== Deothonit crystals are a //rare// and valuable resource. While you can mine them, it’s not the only way to acquire these crystals. Another effective method is to undertake Nest missions. By destroying outcroppings during these missions, you can loot Deothonit crystals without needing to mine. If you’re lucky, derelict sites and faction-given special missions can also lead to mines, where you can find smaller amounts of Deothonit if you destroy the small outcroppings. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- =====Tips and Strategies===== ====Squad Assembly==== Carefully assemble your Squad. Each marine can have their [[squad#skills|Skill Points]] reset __**once**__, so experiment with different builds. Pay attention to [[tactics#combos|combos]], such as freezing/shattering and acid/fire, which can be devastating against enemies. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Skills==== Ensure your squad has a balanced composition. At a minimum, include these [[squad_roles|roles]]: * [[squad_roles#bastion|Bastion]]: Tanky units that can absorb damage. * [[squad_roles#medic|Medic]]: Essential for healing and keeping your squad alive. * [[squad_roles#technician|Technician]]: Can handle hacking tasks and deploy gadgets more effectively. * [[squad_roles#heavy_arm_specialist|Heavy]] / [[squad_roles#sniper|Sniper]]: Brings the firepower needed to deal with tougher enemies. For more information, check out the [[squad_roles|Squad Roles entry]]. **Note**: Don’t forget that all marines can use any weapon. Just [[basics#itemspick_up_drop_pass|drop/pick up/pass]] items as needed. However, marines trained in specific [[skills|Skills]] will be more effective with those weapons. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Weapons and Equipment==== Familiarize yourself with the [[squad_roles|Squad Roles]], [[usccf_weapons|Weapons]], and [[equipment|Equipment]] entries in the Wiki. Equip your squad with the best available gear and upgrade your weapons from the start to ensure you’re prepared for tougher battles. (These upgrades cost crafting materials; use the Converters when needed.) [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Avoid Large Hordes/Nests Early On==== Until your Squad is well-equipped, **avoid** engaging large Hordes or Nests. Use your Scans to monitor the planet’s surface and plan your missions accordingly. Favor [[#maximize_loot|derelict sites]] and faction-given missions, so you can prepare your marines to face larger hordes and Nests. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Use Nukes in Desperate Situations==== If you find yourself overwhelmed by alien hordes, don’t hesitate to use a nuke. As a general rule of thumb, don’t waste nukes on Hordes that contain **less** than 100 enemies, but don’t hesitate to push that button if you see a “mega-horde” of 200 or **more**. Remember that it is **NOT** necessary to destroy all hordes to progress with the Campaign, so try to conserve nukes when you can. __Tip/hint__: nuking a sector creates a crater, destroys all Deothonit, and renders the sector very poisonous for the rest of the game. If you can, try to “lure” big hordes to the same sector and nuke them there so you don’t lose important ground. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Maximize Loot==== Derelict site missions are goldmines for loot. Complete these missions to gather Weapons and Equipment, then disassemble any items you don’t need to gain crafting materials. Also, the Weapons you loot can be used when you're about to equip your marines from scratch. {{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/campaign/ds.png}} //The orange flags indicate the location of a derelict site.// [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Loot Databanks for Prototypes==== Be on the lookout for Databanks, as those are the sources of Datapads and Code fragments. Disassembling these will yield additional valuable crafting materials such as [[equipment#crafting_materials|Portable batteries]] and [[equipment#crafting_materials|Electrical components]]. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Favor a Faction==== As you progress, choose a faction to favor (though it’s //not// mandatory). Building a strong relationship with a faction can lead to better Squad abilities and stronger units. __Tip/hint__: contrary to non-Campaign game modes, factions are the only source for higher Mark weapon upgrades and weapon prototypes. The higher approval you have with a faction, the lower the cost you can get these from them. Prototype quality also improves with approval. {{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/campaign/fact.png}} [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Know when to Extract==== If a mission goes south, don’t be afraid to [[tactics#extracting_units|extract your marines]]. It’s better to fail a mission than to lose your marines and valuable items. Multi-mission operations (derelict sites, faction-given missions, Nests) usually let you withdraw in the first few phases. Read the briefing **carefully** so you know where’s the point of no return. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Assess Mission strength==== Before each mission, assess the difficulty and only deploy as many marines as necessary. This way, you’ll avoid downtime waiting for your marines to return to base or recover from wounds. Be cautious, and never underestimate any missions, as the alien horde is clever and can easily outnumber you if you make any mistakes. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- ====Study Tactics==== Finally, review all the [[tactics|Tactics entries]] in the Encyclopedia/Wiki. Understanding these strategies will give you a significant advantage as you face increasingly tough challenges. [[#Top|Back to top ↑]] ---- → Next: [[ui|The UI]] ← Previous: [[xenology|Xenology]] ← [[start|Back to Main page]]