Special Tactics

Special Tactics is a tactical-action game where you choose loadouts, plan moves and complete objectives in multiplayer or Survival mode. Its simultaneous turn-based system gives each turn 50 seconds in real time. Combat emphasizes peeking and gathering information, with an interface designed to keep its tactical depth accessible.

Multiplayer

You can play 1 vs 1, or form a squad of two with friends for 2 vs 1 or 2 vs 2 matches. Choose weapons for each class and select four soldiers, including combinations such as two Snipers and two SMGs. Matches center on planting or defusing a bomb. You can also create custom match rules, such as Snipers-only or hardcore mode.

Survival mode

Each round, a bomb is planted at a random location. Choose four soldier classes based on where it is, then defuse the bomb while facing enemies. You can complete a round challenge, such as using all Shields or killing two enemies with one sniper shot, to earn double points. Enemies grow smarter and more numerous each round, and a run ends if you fail to defuse the bomb.

Classes and loadouts

The five classes have different ranges, movement speeds, fields of view and damage profiles:

• Assault: medium range, slow movement, a large field of view and weak damage.
• SMG: short range, fast movement, a large field of view and high damage.
• Shotgun: very short range, fast movement, a large field of view, very high damage and splash damage.
• Sniper: very long range, slow movement, a narrow field of view, very high damage and splash damage.
• Shield: fast movement, 50 degrees of coverage and the ability to melee.

Weapons have individual strengths and weaknesses. Silencers conceal your position when firing but reduce damage and/or range; foregrips increase fire rate but slow the time to your first shot; and sights extend range while narrowing your field of view. You unlock weapons through Gold earned in Multiplayer and Survival.

Equipment and boosters

You can give one booster to a soldier each turn: Armor, Range, Damage or Speed. Each game, you also get two of each equipment item, which any soldier can throw:

• Smoke: blocks line of sight and can significantly change the battlefield.
• Frag: deals focused splash damage.
• Flash: can blind and stun multiple soldiers.
• Fire/Incendiary: slows movement and blocks paths.
• Sonar Detector: detects enemies within a radius through walls.
• Throwing Axe: requires precise aim but is very lethal.

Maps and progression

The game has eight maps: Construct, HQ, Rail, Rush, Gallery, Iceworld, Fall and Home. You collect trophies to rank up from Recruit to Masters, and a Replay Analysis System lets you review matches.

Focus Point controls

Controls and soldier combat AI are built around Focus Points. Setting one while moving a soldier makes them aim down sights and move slowly while rotating around the point, instead of sprinting. Focus Points let you peek around corners without committing and support tactics such as strafing, throwing grenades around corners, moving in one direction while looking in another, and backpedaling.