USC: Counterforce

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|| [[basics|**Basics**]] || [[combat_mechanics|Combat]] || [[squad|Squad]] || [[tactics|Tactics]] || [[dtb|Defend the Base!]] || [[skills|Skills]] || [[damage_type_info|Damage type info]] ||

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====== Basics ======
===== Table of Contents =====

  * [[#camera_controls|Camera Controls]]
  * [[#turn_mechanics|Turn Mechanics]]
  * [[#extracting_units_exfil|Extracting Units (Exfil)]]
  * [[#squads_units|Squads & Units]]
  * [[#sight_and_fog_of_war|Sight and Fog of War]]
  * [[#action_points|Action Points]]
  * [[#moving|Moving]]
  * [[#turning_line_of_sight|Turning & Line of Sight]]
  * [[#jumping|Jumping]]
  * [[#crouching|Crouching]]
  * [[#moving_objects_pull&push|Moving Objects Pull&Push]]
  * [[#environmental_hazard|Environmental Hazard]]
  * [[#operating_doors|Operating Doors]]
  * [[#inventory_items|Inventory & Items]]
  * [[#items:_pick_up,_drop,_pass|Items: Pick up, drop, pass]]
  * [[#items:_weapons_&_ammo|Items: Weapons & Ammo]]
  * [[#hacking_electrotechnics|Hacking (Electrotechnics)]]
  * [[#interactive_objects|Interactive Objects]]

===== Camera Controls =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/tutorial_general_camera_video.mp4?1280x720}}

**Scrolling**

  * use the <color orange>map scroll keys</color> (default: <color orange>WASD</color>)
  * you can configure this under <color yellow>Settings / Hotkeys / Scroll tactical view</color>

  * you can also use <color orange>edge scrolling</color>
  * you can configure this under <color yellow>Settings / Misc. / Camera controls</color>

  * when selecting a unit via their unit panel (or F1-F6), the camera will automatically center on the unit (by default)
  * you can configure this under <color yellow>Settings / Gameplay / Miscellaneous</color>

**Zooming**

  * zoom in/out with the <color orange>mouse wheel</color>
  * you can also use <color orange>numeric +/-</color> to zoom
  * press <color orange>numeric *</color> to reset the zoom level to default
  * there's a minimum and a maximum zoom level

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Turn Mechanics =====

**__General Rules__**

Gameplay is divided into <color orange>Turns</color>.
Players always take turns in a predefined order, which is as follows:

  * Human Player #1
  * Human Player #2 (if playing <color yellow>1+1 Squads</color> mode or <color yellow>Parallel squad turns</color> in Single Mission mode is set to off)
  * Additional human player #3 & #4 (in Single Mission, if any)
  * The Alien Horde (AI)

During their own turn, players may act with all their units without any restrictions on unit order, selection, movement, attacking, etc., as long as their units have <color #66ff00>enough Action Points</color>.

A player may also choose to end their turn at any time. It is NOT mandatory to spend all (or any) APs.

<color orange>Before the first player's Turn</color>, status effects (burning, etc.) are applied to static objects--don't stand next to a burning barrel!

<color orange>At the start of the Aliens' Turn</color>, active Nests may grow and produce eggs. Eggs may hatch if they've been provoked or have matured. Alien reinforcements may arrive from open service tunnels or the edges of the map (on the surface)


**__Additional Rules / Details__**

At the start of a player's turn, before actual control is given to them, specific rules and <color orange>status effects</color> (if any) are applied to all of their units in squad order.
The exact order of the effects is as follows:

- if they are standing in a poisonous environment, <color orange>poison buildup</color> is applied.

- available <color #66ff00>Action Points</color> are reset to the maximum.

- if they have any items that have a persistent effect (like the Rubber Ducky giving Morale), the effect is applied in the item inventory order

- non-item-based <color red>regeneration</color> (if any) is applied (see regenerating aliens)

- if they are standing in an <color orange>area effect</color> (fire, for example), it is applied as if they were stepping in it (again).

- <color red>bleeding</color> is applied (and the bleeding amount is then reduced by 1).

- cloaking amount (if any) is reduced.

- all the "elemental" (damage type based) effects are applied in the following order:
  * AP loss from knockback in the last turn
  * tranquilization
  * burning (fire)
  * acid
  * poison
  * freezing (cryo)
  * shadow energy

- <color #08e8de>Morale</color> is increased (if applicable)

- a Morale check is made to see if the unit panics or goes berserk. If it does, the effect is concluded before the next unit is evaluated.

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Extracting Units (Exfil) =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/images/tutorial_general_extraction.png}}

When a unit stands in an <color orange>insertion</color> or <color orange>extraction</color> area, and the situation allows (see later), you can use the <color #66ff00>green "Extract unit" button</color> to extract the unit for <color #66ff00>no Action Point cost</color>.

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/images/tutorial_general_extraction_02.png}}

An <color #66ff00>insertion area</color> is where you start the mission; in most cases, it is an elevator or a designated part of the map. Unless you're specifically instructed to, extracting a unit through the ingress point won't contribute to mission completion, and will remove them from your active squad for the remainder of a multi-mission Operation. 
However, they won't count as a casualty.

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/images/tutorial_general_extraction_03.png}}

An <color #ee00ee>extraction area</color> is where you have to go to complete a mission (if that's the objective). This is often the case in some tasks during multi-mission Operations and by definition for the "Reach extraction point" objective in Single Mission mode.

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Squads & Units =====

Your marines (units) are organized into [[squad#general_info|Squads]]. A Squad may consist of 3-6 units by default.
If you have more than 1 Squad in a mission, you may select any marine in any Squad while it's your turn in <color orange>single-player mode</color>. Otherwise, different players and their Squads can only act after one another.
You directly control all of your units. To do so, you always have to select the unit you want to act with first.

You can do this by either:
  * Left-clicking on the unit in the main view.
  * Left-clicking on their unit panel in the squad view on the left.
  * Pressing [<color orange>F1</color>]-[<color orange>F6</color>], respectively, based on their order in the Squad (top to bottom).
  * Pressing [<color orange>TAB</color>] to select ("cycle") the next available unit.

You can change between Squads (if you have more) by clicking on the Squad name above the unit panels on the left or by simply selecting a unit from another Squad.

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Sight and Fog of War =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/tutorial_general_los_turning_video.mp4?1280x720}}

<color orange>Fog of War</color> means that the parts of the map you haven't explored yet are completely unknown, and not visible at all. Any enemy action in these areas won't be seen during the enemy's turn. Many missions take place in unexplored places; in some cases, though, Fog of War will not be present at all.

Once you <color yellow>explore</color> a grid on the map, the Fog of War effect is permanently removed, and you'll always see structures and static objects (crates, etc.), including details when they take damage from any source. 
To explore a grid, you have to acquire an unobscured Line of Sight to it a single time.

<color orange>Line of Sight</color> is a different, even more important mechanic. All units can see in a 90-degree arc. When a grid is <color yellow>being observed</color> by at least one friendly unit, you'll see enemies and their actions in real-time when it's their turn. When an enemy leaves the observed area, you won't see them anymore, even if Fog of War is no longer present in that area. It is very important to do exploration and perimeter checks with this is mind. Enemies can and will hide outside of the Line of Sight, and will oftentimes try to flank you.

See [[#turning_line_of_sight|Turning and Line of Sight]] for some additional details!

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Action Points =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/other/images/tutorial_general_aps.png}}

**Action Points display**

Numbers regarding Action Points or AP costs are shown in <color #66ff00>green</color> on specific buttons, popup and tooltip windows.

  * a unit's <color orange>current available APs</color> are shown on their unit panel, under their portrait
  * they are also shown on the Action Points bar above the inventory

  * action buttons and inventory item slots on the UI always show the <color orange>actual AP cost</color> of that action / item usage

  * the attack mode tabs on the Combat panel also show the actual AP cost of the respective attack
  * when targeting, the target tooltip will show the <color orange>actual AP cost</color> of the attack

  * when interacting with items on the map, the mouseover tooltip will show the <color orange>actual AP cost</color> of the action

  * item descriptions also show info about the original AP cost of an item, without modifiers

  * if APs are shown in <color #ee00ee>magenta</color>, it means the unit is [[damage_type_info#tranquilization|tranquilized or paralyzed]] (thus actions cost more APs than normal)


**Additional rules / details**

<color yellow>//Action Points are always reset to the maximum at the start of each turn.//</color>

Exceptions:
  * when a unit is <color orange>knocked back</color>, but there's not enough space behind them, they suffer a penalty to max. APs in the next turn
  * severe <color #ee00ee>paralysis</color> can result in 0 APs at the start of a turn

  * Bear in mind that a unit's maximum Action Points per turn is largely based on their [[skills#agility|Agility skill]] level. (Base: <color #66ff00>40</color>, <color #66ff00>+3</color>/level) Some skills and specializations may also modify the AP cost of specific actions.

  * Particular items also modify the amount of available APs per turn while they are active (e.g. different armors may reduce APs while they are being worn).

  * <color #ee00ee>Tranquilization / paralysis</color> levels 1-3 increase the Action Points cost of <color orange>ALL ACTIONS</color> (including item usage and movement) by <color #66ff00>1-3</color>, respectively.

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Moving =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/tutorial_general_moving_ap.mp4?1280x720}}

**How to move**

  * <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on a destination

  * if there is a viable route, the path will appear (green, yellow, and red arrows)

  * at the destination, the number will indicate the amount of <color #66ff00>APs</color> you'll still have remaining after the movement
  * if the number is negative, it means you're missing that many APs (thus you can't complete the movement in the current turn)

  * a <color yellow>yellow arrow</color> indicates you'll have less than <color #66ff00>10</color> APs there (it is important for [[combat_mechanics#defense_mode|Defense mode]])
  * a <color red>red arrow</color> will be shown on grids you can't get to in the current turn

  * <color #66ff00>left-click again</color> on the destination to start moving

  * click anywhere or press any key during movement to <color orange>abort</color> it (the unit will stop on the current grid)

//Straight and diagonal movement cost different amounts of APs//
{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/MOVING_MARINE_AP_COST_1_1.mp4?720x720}}

//Plotting and executing a movement//
{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/MOVING_MARINE_PATHFINDING_1_1.mp4?720x720}}


**Additional rules / details**

By default, the pathfinder will always select the shortest AND safest path.

If there's a <color orange>floor hazard</color> you don't want to avoid because it results in a longer path, you can either move grid-by-grid, or revise your settings under <color yellow>Settings / Gameplay / Pathfinding</color>.

When there's a floor hazard on the path, it will be indicated by the destination AP cost being displayed in <color red>red</color> between exclamation marks.

A path may be completely blocked by otherwise passable objects (crates you can move or destroy, locked doors you can unlock, etc.) -- it is up to you to deal with these situations with your other abilities.

Remember that you can also [[#jumping|JUMP]] to bypass obstacles or hazards, but the pathfinder won't take that into consideration due to different AP costs; you have to make the decision!

By default, straight movement costs <color #66ff00>2</color> APs, and diagonal movement costs <color #66ff00>3</color> APs.

Some objects and walls can block diagonal movement! These are generally discernable by their size, and by how they take up free space around them.

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Turning & Line of Sight =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/TURNING_HIDDEN_ENEMY_16_9.mp4?1280x720}}

**How to turn**

To change direction with a unit, you can either:

  * <color #66ff00>right-click</color> on the map in the desired direction

  * use the <color orange>numeric keys 1-9</color> that represent the 8 directions around key 5
Turning <color #66ff00>does NOT cost any Action Points</color> and can be performed under all circumstances -- when already in Defense mode, or being paralyzed, etc.


**Additional rules / details**

All units can see in a <color yellow>90-degree arc</color>, up to a <color yellow>range of 10</color>. When a grid is <color yellow>being observed</color> by at least one friendly unit, you'll see enemies and their actions in real-time when it's their turn. When an enemy leaves the observed area, you won't see them anymore, even if Fog of War is no longer present in that area.

All marines also have a <color orange>headlight</color> that illuminates said 90-degree arc area in its range. Especially in dark areas, increasing the light level on a grid by casting multiple headlights on it (or by other means, like flares, fire, etc.) also increases the <color yellow>hit chance</color> of an attack performed against a unit there.

Some objects (big crates, machines, etc.) will [[#turning_line_of_sight|block the Line of Sight]] (and light). Units will never block it.

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Jumping =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/JUMP_1_1.mp4?720x720}}


Jumping allows a unit to traverse a short distance without touching the ground, <color orange>avoiding any area effect</color> and/or <color orange>half-height</color> static obstacle. You <color red>CANNOT</color> jump over units, not even over really small ones.

Activate jumping with the <color #66ff00>Jump button</color> or the hotkey <color orange>J</color> (by default). (You can deactivate jumping the same way.) When jumping is activated, the grids you can actually perform a jump to will be <color #66ff00>highlighted</color> on the map; <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on one to perform the action.

Jumping only works in the 4 straight and 4 diagonal directions.

A [[skills#agility|secondary specialization in Agility]] allows a unit to traverse a longer distance (+1 grid).

The <color #66ff00>AP cost</color> of jumping is greater than the cost of normal movement (under general conditions) -- it is up to you to take this into consideration. The Pathfinder won't factor in the possibility of jumping when plotting a path -- bear this in mind also!

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Crouching =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/CROUCH_16_9.mp4?1280x720}}

Your marines can crouch down. A crouching marine is considered <color orange>half-height</color>, enabling you to fire over their head.

A crouching marine also receives a slight <color #66ff00>bonus</color> to <color yellow>ranged accuracy</color> and <color yellow>Ranged Defense Value</color>. Any half-height covers also count as full cover.

On the other hand, targets behind half-height covers that you would normally be able to attack may become obscured.

Movement while crouching costs <color #66ff00>+1 APs per grid</color>.

To crouch / stand up, use the <color #66ff00>Change state button</color> left of the inventory.

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Moving Objects Pull&Push =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/PULL_PUSH_1_1.mp4?720x720}}

Many objects you encounter can be moved (pulled or pushed). The list includes crates, barrels, databanks -- anything that is not too big (i.e. doesn't take up more than 1 grid), and not considered fixed to its surroundings.

To <color orange>push</color> an object, you need to stand next to it and click the <color #66ff00>Push button</color>, then <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on the object you actually wish to push by <color yellow>1 grid</color>. (If there are more objects, you can choose which to move.) You can only push an object if nothing is blocking its movement. (Even hiding aliens may do so in some cases!) By default, pushing costs <color #66ff00>6</color> APs.

<color orange>Pulling</color> works similarly, but the grid behind you must be free. By default, pulling costs <color #66ff00>7</color> APs.

You <color red>CANNOT</color> pull/push aliens, marines, or other units (like turrets).

A [[skills#endurance|secondary specialization in Endurance]] lowers the cost of pushing and pulling by <color #66ff00>1 AP</color>.

Under <color yellow>Settings/Gameplay</color>, you can find an option called "Legacy directional interaction mechanics." If you enable this, you need to face the object you want to move, but you don't need to click on it on the map -- just press the action button!

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Environmental Hazard =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/HAZARDOUS_GRIDS_1_1.mp4?720x720}}

**Area effects**

<color red>Fire</color>: explosions and direct firearm hits on flammable materials create fire. These generally subside over the course of 2-3 turns. While burning, though, stepping into them results in a moderate [[damage_type_info#fire|fire buildup]] increase with the chance of being instantly set on fire.

<color #ee00ee>Shadow Fire</color>: Shadow Envoys leave behind trails of shadow energy infused fire as they move. Stepping into one of these increases [[damage_type_info#shadow|shadow energy buildup]] that does damage at the start of the next turn and cannot be treated. Aliens stepping into shadow fire will be healed for 10 HP. The shadow fire subsides after a few turns.

The pathfinder will automatically try to avoid these hazards if possible. To override this, move grid-by-grid through the hazard, or revise your settings under <color yellow>Gameplay/Pathfinding</color>.


**Hazardous materials**

<color #66ff00>Radioactive pool</color>: these greenish pools of liquid, radioactive materials can be found all around places where alien activity has been observed. It is known that Wurms and Wormpigs secrete this "bile" as part of their life cycle. Stepping on one of these will confer [[damage_type_info#acid|acid]] and [[damage_type_info#poison|poison]] buildup. The pools are also flammable.

The pathfinder will also treat these objects as "to be avoided.


**Neutral volatiles**

<color yellow>Hydrazine pools / spills</color>: these hard-to-see pools of extremely flammable hydrazine hydrate rocket fuel can be a curse or a blessing, but you must learn to keep your eyes open for them. When ignited, these pools explode in a 3x3 area, dealing high amounts of physical and [[damage_type_info#fire|fire]] damage. If a marine is burning, the pathfinder will treat hydrazine pools as "to be avoided."

<color yellow>Hydrazine barrels</color>: these barrels are pretty sturdy for what they are, but once severely damaged, they combust in a deadly explosion. You can "secure" them by procuring the hydrazine from them.

<color yellow>Generators / Reactors</color>: when destroyed, a big and deadly explosion occurs. Gauss SNF reactors are extremely dangerous this way.

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Operating Doors =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/tutorial_general_open_close.mp4?1280x720}}

Doors can have 4 states:
  * open
  * closed: can be opened by any unit able to operate doors
  * locked: can be unlocked via hacking
  * sealed (welded): can only be unsealed with a welding torch

You can close an <color orange>open door</color> by standing next to it and using the <color #66ff00>Operate door button</color>. The doors you can operate from the position you're at will be marked, and you can <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on one. For double-sided and double-layered doors, it's enough if one of the wings is adjacent to you. You <color red>CANNOT</color> close a door if an object or unit is <color yellow>blocking</color> one of its wings. Some small aliens (Wurms, Swarmers) are an exception to this: they are automatically crushed to death when they stand in a closing door's way.

A <color orange>closed door</color> can be opened with the <color #66ff00>Operate door button</color>, or by clicking on the door itself while it is highlighted in green. Alternatively, you can plot a path through the door, and it will be automatically opened upon performing the movement (AP costs will still apply!)

A <color orange>locked door</color> can be either locked normally, or be hardwired. In both cases, it has a lock level between 0-5 that determines the chance of success of unlocking it, based on your Electrotechnics skill and the quality of the hacking device (if any) you use. Locked doors can't be operated without hacking. Aliens can never hack doors. Also see the [[skills#electrotechnics|"Hacking (Electrotechnics)"]] entry!

Doors need to be <color #08e8de>powered</color> for their hydraulics to work. If a door loses power, it automatically //unlocks// AND //opens//!

<color orange>Sealed doors</color> can't be opened until they're unsealed. A door can be locked AND sealed at the same time; both statuses need to be removed before you can open it. To seal/unseal a door, use the <color yellow>welding torch</color> item on it.

Sealed doors stay closed even without <color #08e8de>power</color>!

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Inventory & Items =====

Your marines have 10 inventory slots in total. Without a <color yellow>primary specialization in Field expertise</color>, the first two are restricted to weapons and other ordnances, the second two to ammunition and other ordnances, and the last to consumables only.

Each slot may contain a full-sized, non-consumable item (like weapons, extra armor, tools, etc.), or a stack of ammo or consumable items. Stackable items all have a maximum stack size that depends on the type of item.


**Equipping items**

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/EQUIP_ITEM_16_9.mp4?1280x720}}

Units don't have dedicated "equipment slots." Items in the inventory are all considered carried (and generally available for use). Some items <color yellow>do require equipping</color>, though: weapons and wearables (extra armor, etc.) An equipped (active) item will be displayed on a <color #66ff00>green</color> background. Equipped items can't be dropped (unequip them first). <color yellow>To equip or unequip an item</color>, <color #66ff00>right-click</color> on it, or use the slot hotkey (<color orange>0-9</color>).

Equipping or unequipping an item costs Action Points, which are displayed over the slot in <color #66ff00>green</color>.


**Using items**

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/tutorial_general_using.mp4?1280x720}}

To use tools and consumable items, <color #66ff00>right-click</color> on them, or use the slot hotkey (<color orange>0-9</color>).

If the item is a self-consumable, like a stimulant, it will be instantly consumed.

If the item needs a target, the viable grids will be highlighted, and you can <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on one to proceed. To cancel the usage, <color #66ff00>right-click</color> on the item again. The currently used item is displayed on a <color yellow>yellow</color> background.

Using an item costs Action Points, which are displayed over the slot in <color #66ff00>green</color>. For uses with a target the cost is only applied when the action actually takes place.


**Organizing items**

Organizing items in your inventory doesn't cost any Action Points, but activating/equipping/using an item usually does.

Moving items:

  * <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on an item to select it, then
  * <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on a suitable slot to move it to. This can be either:
    * an empty slot with no restrictions, or with appropriate restrictions
    * a stack of items of the exact same type (merge stacks)

Swapping items:

  * <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on an item to select it, then
  * <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on a slot with another, different item or stack; if both slots have no or appropriate restrictions, the two items or stacks will be swapped

//Splitting and merging a stack of ammo//
{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/other/videos/tutorial_general_split.mp4?1280x720}}

Splitting stacks:

  * <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on an item stack to select it, then
  * <color #66ff00>right-click</color> on an empty slot or on a non-full stack of compatible items to split off 1 piece
  * you can hold <color orange>SHIFT</color> for batch splitting (amount depends on item)
  * when done, either deselect the original stack (<color #66ff00>left-click</color>), or <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on the last stack you split it into


Merging stacks:

  * like moving, but the target slot needs to be a non-full stack of the exact same item type

On dropping, passing, and picking up items, see the next Encyclopedia entry!

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Items: Pick up, drop, pass =====

**Picking up items**

  * use the <color #66ff00>Toggle item pickup button</color> (default hotkey: <color orange>X</color>) to mark all adjacent grids with items; these can be items on the ground, or items in an accessible item container (shelves, open crates, etc.)
  * <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on a marked grid to display the <color yellow>item pickup bar</color> above the inventory; this does NOT cost APs
  * <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on an item on the <color yellow>pickup bar</color> to actually pick up the item (if possible)
  * picking up an item costs <color #66ff00>4</color> APs by default
  * even if your inventory is full, you can pick up items that can be automatically merged with an existing stack

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/DROP_PICK_ITEM_1_1.mp4?720x720}}


**Dropping items**

  * select an unequipped item (<color #66ff00>left-click</color> on it)
  * grids you can drop it to will be automatically marked; <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on one to drop the item
  * default AP cost is <color #66ff00>3</color>
  * a grid can only contain a maximum of 8 items/stacks
  * even if the target grid is full, you can drop items that can be automatically merged with an existing stack


**Passing items**

  * select an unequipped item (<color #66ff00>left-click</color> on it)
  * adjacent units you can pass the item to will be marked; <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on one to drop the item
  * default AP cost is <color #66ff00>5</color>
  * you can't pass an item if the target unit doesn't have a suitable inventory slot
  * even if the target's inventory is full, you can pass items that can be automatically merged with an existing stack
  * you CANNOT throw an item (throwing a grenade is technically considered //item usage//)

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/PASS_ITEM_1_1.mp4?720x720}}

[[#Top|Back to top ↑]]
===== Items: Weapons & Ammo =====

//Looting a weapon from a crate, then equipping and loading it from inventory//
{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/tutorial_general_pick-up.mp4?1280x720}}


**Weapons**

Weapons are full-sized (i.e. not stackable) items that need to be equipped ("taken in hand") before use. When a weapon is equipped, the [[combat_mechanics#the_combat_panel|combat panel]] is visible in the bottom right corner, and you can access combat-related actions.


A unit may have two or more weapons in their inventory, but only one can be equipped at a time. Switching between them can be done by simply equipping a new weapon--this will have a combined AP cost of the respective unequip and equip actions. A weapon doesn't need to be kept in a weapon slot, but it's recommended, as you'll probably need the non-restricted slots for other items.

Most weapons use ammunition and have a specific <color yellow>caliber</color> (or more generally, ammo type) <color yellow>ammo capacity</color>. When a weapon is loaded, the ammo in it is actually inside the weapon, so if you pass that weapon to someone else, they can use it.

<color yellow>//Weapons must be unloaded AND unequipped before you can sell them in the Squad Assembly screen.//</color>

<color orange>Shields</color> are also considered weapons, thus you can keep them in a weapon slot, and they also need to be equipped for their effects to apply.


**Ammunition**

Ammunition (ammo) are stackable items, varying in maximum stack size. By using (<color #66ff00>right-click</color>) a stack of ammo, you can specifically load that kind of ammo in the currently equipped weapon (if compatible). For example, by using the HCB Acid Charge ammo item, you can automatically swap out the HCB Mark II ammo in your Bulleteer. Swapping ammo like this costs both the unload and reload APs of the weapon--but this extra cost is factored into the AP number displayed over the ammo's item slot.

When <color orange>unloading</color> a weapon (including ammo swapping), the unloaded ammo will be automatically merged into the first compatible stack of ammo, or if there's none, it will appear as a new stack. If, for any reason, it doesn't fit into the inventory, the excess stack will be dropped to the ground.

<color orange>Hand grenades, mines, and deployable ordnances (turrets)</color> are all considered both weapons and ammo, thus you can keep them in any of the combat-related restricted slots.

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===== Hacking (Electrotechnics) =====

//A skilled marine manually hacks (unlocks) a door, then seals a service tunnel//
{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/INTERACTIVE_ENVIRONMENTS_1_1.mp4?720x720}}


During missions, you will encounter different electronic systems that need to be <color orange>hacked</color> to be operated.

Some of the most important ones are:
  * doors (either initially locked, or you want to lock them)
  * door consoles (they lock/unlock connected <color orange>hardwired</color> doors)
  * generators / reactors (you can turn them on/off)
  * code fragment databanks (access them to loot code fragments)

All of these have a <color yellow>lock level</color> between <color yellow>0-5</color>. The chance of success for a hacking action depends on your [[skills#electrotechnics|Electrotechnics]] skill (and any bonus from the hacking equipment used) compared to this level. For lower level systems, no skill is required if the unit has a good enough tool. <color yellow>Secondary specialization</color> in [[skills#electrotechnics|Electrotechnics]] will allow a unit to hack some systems without a tool, while a <color yellow>primary</color> will allow them to bypass hardwiring without accessing the respective control console.

<color orange>To hack a system without a tool</color>, you need to stand next to it, and click on the object when it is highlighted in green.

<color orange>To use a hacking tool</color>, you just have to use the item in your inventory, then select a target. Better hacking tools can even be used remotely.

There are also some objects that require no hacking per se, but having points in Electrotechnics will greatly reduce the AP cost of operating them. Such objects are:
  * mainframe databanks (primary objective for specific missions)
  * generic databanks (access them to loot datapads)
  * service tunnel hatches (access them to seal them, preventing alien reinforcements)
  * valves

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===== Interactive Objects =====

{{https://angrycatstudios.com/usccf/basics/videos/INTERACTIVE_ENVIRONMENTS_CRATES_1_1.mp4?720x720}}

Many of the objects you find on a map can be interacted with in some form or other. Generic interactions do not require any skills or tools (though, for example, some proficiency in [[skills#field_expertise|Field expertise]] or [[skills#electrotechnics|Electrotechnics]] can reduce interaction AP cost), and objects you can interact with will be automatically <color #66ff00>highlighted in green</color> if you have the APs for the interaction. Then you can <color #66ff00>left-click</color> on the object to perform said interaction.

Some of the generic interactive objects are:
  * closed/locked doors: open/unlock manually (if possible)
  * closed item crate: open lid to see inside (becomes a container) 
  * service tunnel hatches: close & seal hatch (no more alien reinforcements from it)
  * generic and mainframe databanks: loot datapad/datadisk 
  * hydrazine barrels: procure hydrazine (barrel is no longer volatile)

Some objects require <color orange>hacking</color> to be interacted with -- see the [[skills#electrotechnics|Hacking (Electrotechnics)]] entry.

Many objects can be moved -- see the <color yellow>Moving objects</color> entry.

Many objects are <color orange>half-height</color>, which means you can see, fire, and [[#jumping|jump]] above them.

Objects and structures also provide <color orange>cover</color> from a given direction, which reduces an attacker's chance to hit you.

Almost all of the objects and structures you encounter are <color red>destructible</color>, and many are <color red>flammable</color>. On the other hand, you can also <color orange>repair</color> objects and walls/doors with a <color yellow>field repair kit</color>.

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USC: Counterforce

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