So ... you're stuck at T1 because you joined in late or missed your evo times eh?
Welp, just like in CS:GO, looks you'll be stuck in the ~Silver~ T1 League.
Believe it or not, how competent someone is as a T1 is a VERY good indicator of how robust or competent a player is. This guide will help you become more robust by instilling certain mind-sets.
Let's get Started
Runner:
Spoiler:
The runner, as the name implies, is a hit-and-run beast. You will engage lone-targets, slash twice, then scurry away and hope your slashed did debilitating damage like broken bones or IB.
Most runners, however, don't implement this mind-set.
They usually like to stay and slash 3, 4, even FIVE times before running off ...
This is a perfect example of what NOT to do, as you will get point-blank-lightning-quick-draw-buckshotted faster than you can type 'D' for DEAD.
Here's the mind-set steps you should constantly be running through your mind:
1: do I have an escape route / plan? If not, go to the last step.
2: Is this marine alone within at LEAST 5 tiles of another marine? If so, go to step #4
3: Is there more than 1 marine? If so, go to the last step.
4: Does the other marine have a shotgun? If so, go to the last step.
5: Engage by pouncing, slashing once or twice, and then going to the next step. If you miss your pounce, don't bother slashing.
6: Reposition and STAY AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS!
Defender:
Spoiler:
The Defender, as the name implies, is a caste based on sheer force of will. There are (at least to me) 3 different ways to play Defender.
Vanguard / Frontliner:
Spoiler:
Take the steel crest Strain. This will allow you to move while in fortify.
When you see your sisters pushing, or when the Queen says she's gonna screech, FOLLOW THEM IN! and fortify before doing so.
When you initially start a charge / push (Usually led by a hive leader, or the queen as almost always happens), you'll be met with a wall of gunfire towards you and the Leader / Queen. If they are a smart Leader / Queen, they push you to make you go faster in front, after taking about 1/4 of your HP bar in damage, they typically then try to get past you, then screech or go in with the xeno gang squad.
After you get up after the queen tackles you, or in general, just jump into the fray WITH THEM. BE A TARGET. YOU ARE THERE TO GET SHOT INSTEAD OF YOUR SQUISHY SISTERS.
Once, of course, your xeno friends start getting peppered with bullets and the marines get back up, your sisters will retreat, HARD. Don't worry, keep being in fortify, and back away whilst facing the marines. Don't worry too much about slugs, even if you're stunned briefly or silenced by slugs or PB Buckshot, you still have your fortify bonus technically active.
The only reason you should UN-fortify and RUN is when you're at about 1/3 to 1/4 health (preferably 1/3).
... Kinda simple, repeat the process of:
1: Push when your fellow xenos push, activating fortify.
2: Jump into the fray WITH your allies.
3: Cover their retreat when they inevitably get peppered and they stop focusing you.
The BBF, or, The Boiler's Best Friend:
Spoiler:
... do I even NEED to explain this?
Go Steel Crest Strain and constantly be in front of your boiler friend to soak up the random bullet or sniper bullet that comes their way.
The Offensive Defender:
Spoiler:
I am personally not a fan of this because it encourages reckless behavior and strategies, but it does pay off IF you get it right.
DON'T go steel crest, and don't ever fortify or lower your crest.
You're there to rush in, use your ability of tail-sweep, crest-ram, and then get out.
Sentinel:
Spoiler:
Sentinel is a greatly mis-understood caste in the game. Which is unfortunate, because it has a GREAT capability to disorient, SLOW, and then STUN targets.
In my opinion there are 2 'ways' to play sentinel.
Frontline Flak-Gun:
Spoiler:
ALWAYS ... ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS load air-burst neuro.
Your spit will travel towards the tile, and basically 'detonate' in a 3x3 cube centered on where you spat unless it hits someone first.
BEWARE: HITTING SOMEONE DIRECTLY WITH NEURO-FLAK DOES NOT INFLICT NEURO ON THE DIRECT TARGET, ONLY THE ONES SURROUNDING THEM.
This is AMAZING for front-line, ESPECIALLY if you have a queen that screeches before-hand because your neuro can virtually keep up to NINE FUCKING MARINES DOWN ON THE FUCKING GROUND PERMANENTLY.
Shotgun / Scatterspitter:
Spoiler:
I personally like this one the most, and here is why.
You hardly have to aim, and you spit around 6-7 neuro-spitlets in front of you. EACH of them dealing as much neuro 'damage' as a normal direct neuro spit.
Keep in mind, however, that your range is now basically limited to 2 tiles, 3 if you want only 1 spitlet to hit.
It's great for back-line 'cade-snatching, and against people who don't have shotguns. Simply run towards them, middle-mouse button, and BAM, they are:
Stunned for about 2-3 full seconds.
Disoriented / MAJOR aim de-buff for about 6 seconds.
Slowed for about 10 seconds (The last thing to wear off).
This is ABSOLUTELY FAN-TASTIC for capturing lone-marines, because there is absolutely NOTHING they can do against shotgun neuro-spam.
Drone:
Spoiler:
Ah ... the most boring, yet useful caste in the game.
You are Mrs. Support of the team.
Weeds unweeded areas.
Rock the Sticky Resin 'till the wheels fall off, and take requests.
Guide to being a T2 xeno comes
Soon(tm)