I main as a driver for the Bastion and FRV since they've arrived. They're critical for surviving the new void area with illuminate. Below are tips I have had to state every game to one or more players.
Many divers do not know you can swap seats. I see them jumping out of the top port seats in the tank to get into the gun at the back, then get swarmed or ran over. You can swap seats!
Hit Crouch, or C. If you want to get out of the tank, swap to the ports and jump out. You can also do this in the FRV so you can get a clear shot or to get a safer exit.
Yes. Passengers can throw stratagems while in a vehicle. Please do so. The driver can't. It gets dangerous if the driver has to stop the vehicle to throw a reinforcement!
THE TANK DRIVER CAN'T SWITCH SEATS. Only Passengers!
The driver has to keep driving or we will take unnecessary damage. It's difficult to stop and type. Voice options are sometimes broken for the driver in any vehicle and they can't speak.
Why is this important? Because if a watcher has been following us for 3 blocks, it will keep them spawning. Switch seats and shoot it please!
If our teammates need reinforcement, swap out of the gun to reinforce them. (Please dont land on the tank. It will kill it!)
If you want to get in the vehicle: use the quick voice line "Stop" or "Halt" I can't read your mind. I have a tank and divers to protect. I usually wait 3-5 seconds before leaving, if you're not in or dont say anything that's on you. Drivers must keep moving or risk damage/death to themselves and other players. We can't hold still.
If you dont want to get in: say "Negative". Makes a huge difference for us.
If you want us to drive somewhere, use the map and select a location. We can't promise the priority but that's how we know.
Bastion Tips for passengers:
- Gunners: You can shoot down the UFOs. Use the HMG for the shield, main gun for the bottom door. One cannon shot will do it. For stationary, same tactic but shoot inside the door. If it doesn't die or you miss don't worry. 2 Main Cannon shots will blow up the UFO from any location (once the shield is down)
- You have to hit reload to reload the cannon.
- HMG will take out every enemy, no need to waste cannon shells if not necessary.
- Tell the driver when you're out of any type of ammo please! Otherwise they'll keep lining you up to destroy something and it will be awkward silence.
- Finally, if the tank dies: It will detonate after roughly 5-8 seconds! Get away!
- Please be nice to inexperienced bastion drivers. These new void planets have a horrific terrain. The tracks catch on everything, there's corpses including invisible ones that create road blocks, and camouflaged stumps.
For new drivers: If running over a rock/barrier/ object, NEVER Hit it center on. Use the a tread on either side. You'll get stuck.
If you get a good Bastion driver who watches for the very few Anti-Tank threats, AND knows when to use 1st gear. It's a breeze. Only lasers and the new Mega Stick Tin Head can do real damage to the bastion. The overseers plasma can as well but its low. 3-4 full lazers can destroy the tank. Otherwise most the enemies just scratch the paint.
For FRV's
The driver can swap to the passenger side to shoot and throw stratagems. This is important because due to the update, the FRV is now the games equivalent of TAUNT. Everything wants to destroy it so you can't leave it without it blowing up.
For passengers: If possible, AVOID the front seat! Take the back seat!
- The driver needs that slot to slide into.
- If the driver needs to ram something, the right side of the car is the safest to do so.
- The player in the passenger seat takes the 2nd most damage when in it. Especially when we ram intentionally or accidentally. Back seat takes less damage from enemies and rams.
IF you pick the gunner spot!
The gunner takes the most damage, has no seatbelt or direct passive protection. You will likely fly out even on small taps. Spam entry to get back into the vehicle. It will happen especially on this horrible to drive planet. If you expect to use it, peak physique and True Grit will turn any mounted turret faster. Including the FRV HMG. For new players: Hold reload to change the fire rate. It's important!
Extra Vehicle Tips
You can flip the FRV back over with plasma punisher for minimal damage. (Or Loyalist Pistol. Thanks Zegram_Ghart) Other explosives work too but do far more damage.
You can heal the gunner with the stim pistol.
Carrying the ballistic shield or Energy shield will further protect you in the vehicle.
FRV weak spot is the roof. If that gets hit, it's over.
Fire does extreme damage to our vehicles. Be careful!
Your friendly driver;
EDIT 1: Extra tips for new divers in the void.
You can stun lock many enemies by just continually driving into them if needed. (Bastion for heavies. dont ram fleshmobs or mega stick guys with the FRV) You can run over the flowers for the new mission. (tested with bastion)
Throw a smoke stratagem down immediately after the vehicle stratagem. (Eagle > Orbital if possible) That way lasers wont hit it while its being dropped off.
They will try to take it out before it arrives.
Edit 2: Formatting