Unshielded Lightnings, running around with nothing more devastating than a pack of 3 Phoenix Missiles and a Rocket. So how's this fun? Imagine the Tanarus we all love, with the kind of action you'd expect out of a Quake style game, and you've got yourself Phoenix Wars.

Your options are limited in Phoenix War arenas: you can only pilot a Lightning, and you must take a Missile Launcher, and either 4 Phoenix Missiles, or 3 Phoenix Missiles and a Rocket. From here, you've gotta worry about staying alive, because those Phoenix Missiles pack a powerful punch against unshielded tanks. Each Phoenix delivers 50 points of damage per shot, and since Lightnings only have 40 Armor and 40 Crits for a total of 80, it only takes two Phoenix Missiles to blow you to smithereens.

So what's the secret? It's all about being quick on the run and draw, and then having a good getaway.

We recommend using only three missiles in order that you can equip a vitally important Rocket. With the Rocket, you can make normally impossible getaways, not to mention the fact that you can use the Rocket for a surprise attack.

Get First Strike. The player who can get the first shot off will probably be the one left standing.

Lead shoot with your targeting computer, even before you have a visual lock. By effectively lead shooting your opponents, you'll deliver the ever important "first strike". Check out the photo to the right.

Use your rocket to attack; fire on the way up and fire on the way down. It's difficult to master, but can be quite effective. Most players have a hard time acquiring a flying target (they usually expect you to drive in a straight line), and this one works especially well when your opponent is blocked from view. The following photo shows what happens when you learn to shoot while flying up, and follow up with the final shot on the way down. The photo to the left shows the aftermath of a well placed rocket/phoenix followup.

Gank the guy that's good. Listen, there's always someone that really bugs you, especially when they're good. So double up with a teammate and gank that sucker. With both of you focusing on him, he'll soon wish he never crossed your path.

Enter Recons quickly by learning to slow down right over the recon pad, hitting enter, then hitting escape to get out. If you can master this, you'll practically re-arm your missile supply without hardly breaking your stride.

Finally, if you absolutely must repair your tank, and time is of the essence, only repair your tank to 51 points (40 Crits and 11 Armor). Think about it. Since a Phoenix Missile delivers 50 points of damage, and two Phoenix Missiles equals death, you might as well not concern yourself with time wasted in adding further armor that won't do you any good.

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