Optimizing Team Positioning for Clear Shots

Combat Summary

• Maintain clear sightlines and firing lanes by keeping a respectable distance from your fellow Dwarves, especially when large swarms approach.
• Always be aware of where your teammates are aiming and avoid running directly into their cone of fire to prevent unnecessary Friendly Fire.
• Utilize terrain for cover and strategic elevation, but never block critical escape routes or primary shooting angles.

Alright, Miners. We’ve all seen it: a new recruit, or even an old hand, getting in the way. Blocking a Gunner’s minigun, running in front of a Scout’s M1000, or stepping directly into a Driller’s flamethrower stream. This isn’t just annoying; it’s a hazard. Proper Team Positioning is as crucial as a full clip and a fresh pickaxe. It’s about maximizing our collective damage output and minimizing self-inflicted wounds. Get your angles right, and we’ll all come back richer.

Best Use Case

Optimal Team Positioning is critical in tight tunnels, during defensive phases like Salvage Operations, or when holding ground against large swarms. It ensures every Miner can contribute their full firepower without shooting through a teammate. In Mission Tactics that involve static defense, such as a Black Box uplink or fueling a Refueling Pod, designated positions can make or break the mission.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent mistake is tunnel vision – focusing too much on your own target and not the team’s overall Line of Sight. This leads to Miners stepping directly into an ally’s firing lane, blocking critical shots, or worse, absorbing rounds that were meant for a Praetorian. Another common error is bunching up too tightly, making the team an easy target for area-of-effect enemies and maximizing potential Friendly Fire incidents. Don’t stand on top of the Engineer’s sentries, don’t run in front of the Gunner’s shield, and for Karl’s sake, don’t stand in the Driller’s C4 blast radius.

Class-Specific Advice

• Scout: Your mobility is your best asset. Use it to reposition constantly, flanking enemies and providing light from advantageous angles without obscuring teammates.
• Engineer: Deploy your turrets strategically to cover flanks or specific choke points. Place platforms to create new firing positions above the fray, not directly in front of existing ones. Your LOK-1 can auto-target, but still, aim for clear shots.
• Gunner: Your job is often to hold a line. Set up your shield to protect, not to block team fire. Position yourself to maximize your clear shot length while still maintaining defensive coverage.
• Driller: Your tools reshape the environment. Dig strategic tunnels or defensive holes, but be mindful of creating bottlenecks or dead ends for your team. Your flamethrower and cryo cannon have friendly fire potential, so watch your arcs.

When To Avoid It (Or, When to Break the Rules)

Sometimes, breaking formation is necessary. A downed teammate needs revival, or a critical objective needs immediate interaction. In these moments, swift, decisive action takes precedence over perfect Line of Sight. However, even in chaos, a brief glance at your team’s current engagement can save lives. Communicate if you’re about to cross a firing line. A quick “Watch your fire!” or “Crossing!” can prevent serious Friendly Fire incidents.