MARINE

Squad Engineer

Difficulty: Medium
Supervisors: Squad Leader
Rank: Lance Corporal
Duties: Set up defenses, babysit big guns, open doors and spam barbed wire.
Guides: Construction, Guide to Engineering
Unlock Requirements: Three hours as any squad role.
Detailed Description: |__________|
You have the equipment and skill to build fortifications, reroute power lines, and bunker down.
Your squaddies will look to you when it comes to construction in the field of battle.
|__________|

But the good news — we got four of these robot sentries with display and scanners intact. They really kick ass, I think they'll come in handy. ―Corporal Hicks, Aliens

As a Squad Engineer, your main goals will be fixing power, getting through doors, and setting up fortifications for a FOB (Forward Operating Base) that'll be used for defense and to secure a supply route. Without you, your platoon will have no power or a FOB which is critical for mission success.

Squad Engineer

You'll have two different playstyles you can experiment with. One, as a FOB building and Utility Engineer, who sets up defences and makes sure power is running. The second way to play Engineer is to be a Combat Engineer, breaching walls, hacking open doors, welding vents and repairing broken APC and lights as marines advance. Both are as good as the other, but too much of one is bad. Make sure there is a FOB that will be able to be defended, and if there is one, make sure marines will be able to make it from building to building effectively.

Automated Closet

Standard EquipmentArmorBackpacksBeltsPouchesAccessoriesMasks

Equipment:	Description:
USCM Marine Uniform	A standard-issue Marine uniform, only worn by USCM combat personnel. There are also variants of this uniform issued to other Marine personnel.
USCM Combat Boots	Standard issue combat boots used by the USCM for combat situations.
M10 Pattern Marine Helmet	Standard Issue Helmet used by USCM. Provides modest protection from bullet and melee attacks at the head. The M10 Helmet has also two internal slots for storing pocket-sized items. It also has an inbuilt camera allowing for command staff to observe the squad's actions from aboard the Almayer. Addendum: "Donator" Helmets, while looking unique are essentially a custom M10 Helmet.
USCM Combat Gloves	Standard issue insulated marine tactical gloves.
USCM Headset	Standard issue USCM headset which has an inbuilt HUD for the user that displays marine roles.
Welding Glasses	Standard issue engineering welding glasses. Wear on eyes for best effect.
MRE	Standard issue USCM brand Meal Ready-to-Eat, property of the US Colonial Marines. Meant to be consumed in the field, and has an expiration that is at least two decades past your combat life expectancy.

Armor:	Description:
M3 Light Armor	Specialized Light Armor used by the USCM, complete with a shoulder-mounted flashlight. While it provides less protection from physical trauma, it provides more mobility to the user.
M3 Pattern Marine Armor	Standard Issue Armor used by USCM. Provides modest protection from bullet and melee attacks. It also has a shoulder-mounted flashlight for night-time combat.
M3 Heavy Armor	Specialized Heavy Armor used by the USCM, complete with a shoulder-mounted flashlight. It further protects the user by covering more areas of the body and has tougher material which makes the user withstand more hits, but it takes out most of the user's mobility.

Backpack:	Description:
USCM Satchel	A heavy-duty satchel carried by most USCM soldiers. It is standard gear for most of the USCM. Holds 5 normal size items.
USCM Lightweight IMP Backpack	The standard-issue backpack of the USCM. Designed to slug gear into the battlefield. Has to be held in one hand to access items inside. Holds 7 normal size items.
H5 Pattern M2132 Machete Scabbard	A large leather scabbard used to carry an M2132 machete. It can be strapped to the back or the armor.
L44 M37A2 Scabbard	A large leather holster allowing the storage of an M37A2 Shotgun. It contains harnesses that allow it to be secured to the back for easy storage.
USCM Technician Welderpack	A specialized backpack worn by USCM technicians. It carries a fuel tank for quick welder refueling and use. Has to be held in one hand to access items inside. Holds 5 normal size items and 260 units of welder fuel.

Belt:	Description:
M276 Pattern Toolbelt Rig	The M276 is the standard load-bearing equipment of the USCM. It consists of a modular belt with various clips. This version lacks any combat functionality and is commonly used by engineers to transport important tools. This contains all the tools for the Combat Engineers and Maintenance Technicians to do their work.

Pouch:

Description:

Construction Pouch

Designed to holster construction materials.

Explosive Pouch

Container designed to hold up to three grenades or other explosives.

Tools Pouch

Designed to hold all your different types of tools.

Electronics Pouch

Designed to hold all your electronic needs as an engineer. Issued to Engineers, or found inside the ColMarTech automated armaments vendor in Requisitions.

Contains 6 slots.

Circuitboards	Powercells

Magazine Pouch

Uncommon issue pouch that can hold two magazines and/or handfuls of shotgun shells. Holds 2 slots.

Medium General Pouch

A general purpose pouch used to carry more small items and also magazines. Contains 2 slots.

Flare Pouch

Can hold 8 flares (including activated flare). Refillable with a M94 Flare Pack.

First Aid Pouch

Standard issue field aid for all soldiers. Comes pre-loaded with basic medical supplies. Expended autoinjectors can be restocked at a NanoMed

on the Almayer and Dropships.

Large Pistol Magazine Pouch

Pouch able to hold pistol magazines.

Pistol Pouch

A holster to carry pistols, typically a standard issue M4A3 handgun, or 88M4 Pistol.

Accessories:	Description:
Shoulder Holster	A traditional shoulder holster that can be attached to all uniforms. Can holster any handgun and completes the look of any hard-boiled detective.
Webbing	Sturdy mess of synthcotton belts and buckles, ready to share your burden. Holds 3 small sized items or magazines.
Brown Webbing Vest	Worn brownish synthcotton vest with lots of small pockets to unburden your hands. Holds 5 small sized items.
Black Webbing Vest	Robust black synthcotton vest with lots of pockets to hold whatever you need, but cannot hold in hands. Holds 5 small sized items.

Mask:	Description:
File:Gas mask.png Gas Mask	A face-covering mask that can be connected to an air supply. It is currently purely cosmetic.

Automated Equipment Rack

Each Equipment Rack starts with 45 points for you to spend on additional items for your deployment. These are all listed below.

Essential Engineer SetHandheld DefencesEngineering SuppliesSpecial AmmunitionGun Attachments

Equipment:	Description:
Plastique Explosive	C4 is typically issued to Squad Leaders, Specialists (Using the Demolitions Loadout), Engineers and Responders. C4 is primarily used for quickly breaking into secure buildings, but its also the most effective method to destroy alien tunnels. The minimum time that can be set on a charge is 10 seconds and detonates in a 1.5 meter radius. Combat Engineers and Squad Leaders start with 1 in their vendor though they can buy additional blocks for 5 points, Demolition Specialists and Scout Specialists start with 2 in their crate. Anyone with Trained level of engineering can plant C4.
Sandbags x25	Holds twenty five (25) empty sandbags. Must be filled with dirt (or snow) manually. Dirt not included.
Metal x50	Stack of ten (10) sheets of metal. Can be constructed into standard Metal Barricades or other misc items.
Plasteel x30	A ten (10) sheet stack of plasteel. Used in the construction of durable Plasteel Barricades.
High Cap Power Cell	Used for powering various devices that require power. 10,000W.
Entrenching Tool	Used for digging and filling up sandbags, as well as deconstructing them. Can be folded to fit in a backpack.
Light Replacer	Can be used to instantly replace broken lights with fresh new ones. Limited charges.

Structures:

Description:

UA 571-C Sentry Gun

The Sentry Gun automatically tracks and fires upon any target that is wearing an ID not hooked up to the Almayer's systems. Via IFF, they are unable to hit friendly marines, allowing them to be safely placed behind marine lines as they lay down suppressing fire. The sentry has a 135 degree firing arc, 5 tile range and a steady fire rate. Has 500 bullets.

**Ammunition:**
M30 Ammo Drum (10x28mm Caseless)	Contains five hundred (500) 10x28 caseless rounds. Ammunition for the UA 571-C Sentry.

**Deployment and Maintenance:**
How To Deploy It: Activate the sentry gun in your hand. The tile in front of your character must be in an open space. Simply click on the sentry gun to turn it on. Maintenance: Wrench for anchoring/unanchoring the sentry, making it moveable. Welder for repairing. Use the Security Access Tunner (multitool) on the sentry gun to disassemble it for pickup.

UA 42-F Sentry Flamer

The Flamethrower Sentry Gun automatically tracks and fires upon any target that is wearing an ID not hooked up to the Almayer's systems. Just like the UA 571-C Sentry gun, this sentry has IFF but the fire that lingers doesn't. The flamethrower sentry has a 135 degree firing arc, 5 tile range and a slow fire rate. Has 100 units of fuel.

**Ammunition:**
Sentry Incinerator Fuel Tank	A fuel tank of usually Ultra Thick Napthal Fuel, a sticky combustible liquid chemical, used in the UA 42-F. Contains 100 units of fuel.

**Deployment and Maintenance:**
How To Deploy It: Activate the sentry gun in your hand. The tile in front of your character must be in an open space. Simply click on the sentry gun to turn it on. Maintenance: Wrench for anchoring/unanchoring the sentry, making it moveable. Welder for repairing. Use the Security Access Tunner (multitool) on the sentry gun to disassemble it for pickup.

21S Tesla Coil

A perfected way of producing high-voltage, low-current and high frequency electricity. Minor modifications allow it to only hit hostile targets with a devastating shock. When hostile targets are zapped, they are significantly slowed down. It has a maximum range of 5 tiles, though if other defence modules are placed next to it, they'll be disabled.

**Deployment and Maintenance:**
How To Deploy It: Activate the Tesla Coil in your hand. The tile in front of your character must be in an open space. Simply click on the sentry gun to turn it on. Maintenance: Wrench for anchoring/unanchoring the Tesla Coil, making it moveable. Welder for repairing. Use the Security Access Tunner (multitool) on the Telsa Coil to disassemble it for pickup.

R-1NG bell tower

A tactical advanced version of a normal alarm. Designed to trigger an old instinct ingrained in humans when they hear a wake-up alarm, for fast response. It has a 1 tile range, meaning anything next to it will trigger the alarm. Once triggered, the hostile that triggers it will be slowed down for a short duration. Though if the same hostile enters the range again, they won't trigger it. It will only trigger when a different hostile entity enters the bell tower's range.

**Deployment and Maintenance:**
How To Deploy It: Activate the Bell Tower in your hand. The tile in front of your character must be in an open space. Simply click on the sentry gun to turn it on. Maintenance: Wrench for anchoring/unanchoring the Bell Tower, making it moveable. Welder for repairing. Use the Security Access Tunner (multitool) on the Bell Tower to disassemble it for pickup.

JIMA Planted Flag

A planted flag with the iconic USCM flag plastered all over it, you feel a burst of energy by its mere sight. An inspiring piece of work that just screams of freedom. This flag once activated, provides a permanent Focus and Hold order buff to all nearby marines within a 3 tile radius. Multiple flags overlapping will not improve the buff but if placed correctly, it will extend it.

**Deployment and Maintenance:**
How To Deploy It: Activate the Flag in your hand. The tile in front of your character must be in an open space. Simply click on the sentry gun to turn it on. Maintenance: Wrench for anchoring/unanchoring the Flag, making it moveable. Welder for repairing. Use the Security Access Tunner (multitool) on the Flag to disassemble it for pickup.

Equipment:

Description:

Metal x10
Cost: 5 Points

Stack of ten (10) sheets of metal. Can be constructed into standard Metal Barricades or other misc items.

Plasteel x10
Cost:7 Points

A ten (10) sheet stack of plasteel. Used in the construction of durable Plasteel Barricades.

Sandbags x25
Cost:10 Points

Holds twenty five (25) empty sandbags. Must be filled with dirt (or snow) manually. Dirt not included.

Airlock Electronics
Cost:2 Points

Used in the construction or maintenance of a door.

Entrenching Tool
Cost:2 Points

Used for digging and filling up sandbags, as well as deconstructing them. Can be folded to fit in a backpack.

Mini Extinguisher
Costs:5 points

A portable fire extinguisher, highly useful for saving inventory space compared to the traditional extinguisher.

High Capacity Power Cell
Cost:3 Points

Used for powering various devices that require power. 10,000W.

Incendiary Grenade
Cost:6 Points

Used for setting an area ablaze as area denial.

M20 Mine Box
Cost:18 Points

A secure box holding anti-personnel proximity mines. There are 4 M20 Claymore anti-personnel mines per mine box.

**Deployment and Deactivation:**
How To Deploy A Mine: Take a M20 mine out of the box with an empty hand, Stand on top of the tile you want to place the mine on, Face the tile you want the mine to detect enemies on, Click on the mine in your active hand. Keep in mind that any mob that enters the mine's tile, or the tile it's facing, living or dead, will cause the mine to detonate unless they have an appropriate USCM/Company ID. How To Deactivate Mines: Use a Security Access Tuneron the deployed mine.

**Tactics:**
Deploy the mines at where marines will likely be present/guarding (and within view range), thus more likely to result in a kill. The trigger area is two tiles, the mine's tile and the tile it's facing. Cover the whole two tiles corridor instead of leaving one tile open. Conceal the mines with (lit) flare, empty flare box, wood plank, unfolded roller bed, empty backpacks, etc. Deploy the mines facing north or west, because they can easily be concealed with a lit flare.

Security Access Tuner
Cost:4 Points

Used to hack doors/vendors along with disabling mines.

Plastique Explosive
Cost:5 Points

C4 is typically issued to Squad Leaders, Specialists (Using the Demolitions Loadout), Engineers and Responders. C4 is primarily used for quickly breaking into secure buildings, but its also the most effective method to destroy alien tunnels. The minimum time that can be set on a charge is 10 seconds and detonates in a 1.5 meter radius.

Power Control Module
Cost:2 Points

Used in the construction or maintenance of Area Power Networks (APC).

Range Finders
Cost:10 Points

A pair of binoculars, with a laser targeting function. This one is only used for gathering coordinates for mortar targets, supply drop coordinates and Orbital Bombardment coordinates. Ctrl + Click turf to acquire its coordinates. Ctrl + Click rangefinder to stop lasing.

Magazine:	Description:
M39 Armor Piercing Magazine Costs:6 points	Holds forty eight (48) 10x20mm AP rounds. Has better armor penetration, but lower overall damage.
M39 Extended Magazine Costs:6 points	Holds seventy two (72) 10x20mm rounds. Holds more ammunition than the standard magazines.
M40 HEDP Grenade Costs:10 points	Exploding in a 5x5 blast radius, these Grenades also have the potential to damage nearby walls. Take care when using near structures leading to space or even near your own marines! It is set to detonate in 3-5 seconds. Both the Demolition Specialist and Heavy Grenadier Specialist has these grenades in their vendors at round start. More can be ordered in Cargo.
M40 HEFA Grenade Costs:10 points	Explodes in a 5x5 blast radius with a large shrapnel range. High-Explosive Fragmenting-Antipersonel. A small, but deceptively strong fragmentation grenade that has been phasing out the M15 fragmentation grenades alongside the M40 HEDP. Extremely lethal near the epicenter of the explosion. Capable being loaded in the M92 launcher, or thrown by hand.
M41A Armor Piercing Magazine Costs:6 points	Holds forty (40) 10x24mm AP rifle rounds. Has better armor penetration, but lower overall damage.
M41A Extended Magazine Costs:6 points	Holds sixty (60) 10x24mm rifle rounds. Holds more ammunition than the standard magazines.
L42A Armor Piercing Magazine Costs:6 points	Holds twenty (20) 10x20mm rounds. Has better armor penetration, but lower overall damage.

Attachment:

Benefits:

Drawbacks:

Angled Grip
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Majorly decreased wield delay Slightly decreased recoil Slightly increases accuracy Slightly decreased bullet spread

**One Handed:**
Slightly decreases accuracy Slightly increased bullet spread

**Both:**
Increased weapon size

Extended Barrel
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Moderately increases accuracy

**Both:**
Slightly decreases damage

Gryoscopic Stabilizer
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Slightly reduces bullet spread

**One Handed:**
Majorly reduces bullet spread Moderately increases accuracy Greatly reduces the accuracy penalty for moving.

**Both:**
Moderately reduces burst spread

**Both:**
Moderately decreased firing speed

L42 Synthetic Stock
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Moderately increases accuracy Moderately reduces recoil Greatly reduces bullet spread Slight reduction of the accuracy penalty when moving

**Wielded:**
Major wield delay

**One Handed:**
Moderately decreases accuracy Moderately increases recoil Greatly increases bullet spread

Laser Sight
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Slightly increases accuracy

**One Handed:**
Slightly increases accuracy Moderately reduces bullet spread Slight reduction of accuracy penalty when moving

**Both:**
None

U7 Underbarrel Shotgun
Costs:6 points

**Both:**
Adds the ability to fire three semi-auto buckshot rounds Reloadable with additional buckshot Toggled by using Activate Weapon Attachment

**Both:**
The short barrel reduces the ammo's effectiveness Slightly reduced accuracy compared to an actual shotgun Slightly reduced knockdown/stun effect compared to an actual shotgun Slightly reduced accuracy when firing compared to an actual shotgun Moderately reduced damage compared to an actual shotgun Can only be loaded with buckshot

Shotgun Stock
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Moderately increases accuracy Moderately reduces recoil Greatly reduces bullet spread Slight reduction of the accuracy penalty when moving

**Both:**
Slightly increases weapon melee damage

**Wielded:**
Major wield delay Slightly decreases movement speed.

**One Handed:**
Moderately decreases accuracy Greatly increases bullet spread Moderately increases recoil

**Both:**
Increases weapon size Slightly decreases firing speed

M41A Skeleton Stock
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Moderately increases accuracy Moderately reduces recoil Greatly reduces bullet spread Slight reduction of the accuracy penalty when moving

**Both:**
Slightly increases weapon melee damage

**Wielded:**
Major wield delay Slightly decreases movement speed.

**One Handed:**
Moderately decreases accuracy Greatly increases bullet spread Moderately increases recoil

**Both:**
Increases weapon size Slightly decreases firing speed

Quickfire Adapater
Costs:6 points

**Both:**
Moderately increases firing speed

**Both:**
Moderately decreases accuracy Decreases burst-fire shots by 1 (from 3 or 4) Moderately increases spread

Recoil Compensator
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Greatly reduces recoil

**One Handed:**
Moderately reduces recoil

**Both:**
Moderately increases accuracy

**Both:**
Moderately decreases damage

Red Dot Sight
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Greatly increases accuracy

**One Handed:**
Slightly increases accuracy

**One Handed:**
Slight decrease in accuracy for moving.

Reflex Sight
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Slightly increases accuracy Moderately decreases bullet spread

**One Handed:**
Slightly increases accuracy

**Both:**
Moderately increases the accuracy penalty when moving

Submachinegun Stock
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Moderately increases accuracy Moderately reduces recoil Greatly reduces bullet spread Slight reduction of the accuracy penalty when moving

**Both:**
Slightly increases weapon melee damage

**Wielded:**
Major wield delay Slightly decreases movement speed.

**One Handed:**
Moderately decreases accuracy Greatly increases bullet spread Moderately increases recoil

**Both:**
Increases weapon size

Suppressor
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Slightly increases accuracy

**Both:**
Greatly decreases firing sound Removes muzzle flashes Removes firing messages Slightly decreases recoil Slightly decreases bullet spread

**Both:**
Slightly decreases damage

Vertical Grip
Costs:6 points

**Wielded:**
Moderately increases accuracy Slightly decreases recoil Slightly decreased bullet spread

**Both:**
Moderately reduces burst spread

**Wielded:**
Slightly decreases movement speed

**One Handed:**
Moderately decreases accuracy Slightly increased bullet spread

**Both:**
Increased weapon size Slight increase of the accuracy penalty when moving

Equipment and Gear

Metal and Sandbags

At round start, there are 30 plasteel sheets and 50 metal sheets in your essential engineer kit. Plasteel is an expensive but very resistant material at your disposal. More can be purchased at your equipment closet or as supplies start trickling in through the ASRS, you maybe able to acquire more. Don't hoard loads of building supplies otherwise you might find fellow Squad Engineers unable to perform their jobs.

Linking Plasteel Barricades

You can link plasteel barricades together with a crowbar. This is can used for making a gate for the tank. It requires at least 2 plasteel barricades facing the same direction and same state in order for it to work.

Your Gear

Get your gear from the Squad Engineer prep room. Most notable gear are:

Welding Goggles are used to avoid eye damage when welding. Remember to flip them down before you start.
Webbings is spawned with your jumpsuit to allow you the quality of storage. Holds 3 normal size items.
The gloves in your locker are insulated gloves. If you lose them, get another pair from the vendor.
For backpacks, you can choose from these two out of the vendor:
- Welderpack that holds 5 normal size items with 260 units of welding fuel.
- Engineering backpack that holds 7 normal size items.
Toolbelt, see the table below for details:

**Toolbelt tools**
Item:	Function
Screwdriver	Used for securing and unsecuring sentries, also used to open maintenance panels for hacking.
Blowtorch	Used for cutting through walls and fixing sentries. Has 20 units of fuel inside. Refillable with fuel tank, welder pack or welding tank (turn off before refilling).
Crowbar	Used for Opening unpowered doors and displacing girders so you can move them.
Wrench	Used for securing most objects to the ground including girders,vendors, also has another use to rotate sentries. Easily the most used tool in your arsenal.
Cable coil	Used for fixing robotics and diverting power to other areas.
Security Access Tuner	Used to hack doors/ vendors along with disabling mines.
Wirecutter	Used for cutting cable coil and barbed wire, and mending it.

In the field

Power and T-Comms

Upon the first deployment, you are likely to be tasked to either fixing the Power, building the Portable Telecommunications Tower or FOB duty.

Overcoming obstacles

Use a crowbar to pry open powered down doors.
Hack doors to open previously locked passageways.
C4 doors/walls if you don't have time to hack/deconstruct.

Lighting up the place

Fix the APC's and replace broken lights with the light replacer along the way as you advance.

Floodlight Repair

While you may have fixed the power for the colony (and turned on the Colony Floodlight Switch ), the xenomorphs will have most likely broken floodlights around the place which you'll need to fix. To fix a floodlight you'll want to use the following steps:

= -> -> -> ->

Emergency Floodlights can be unwrenched and be moved around.

Make use of vendors

Use a wrench to move useful vendors like medical vendor to a FOB then Hack them to allow medics and marines to vendor the items.

Securing flanks/supply route

It's crucial to secure the supply route from FOB to the front. Otherwise, reinforcements, Medics, and wounded marines will be easy targets to be picked off and the front will risk being cut off and encircled. Since material supply might be limited under certain circumstance so you can't barricade all the way; instead, you need to focus on the choke points like doorways, to secure as many sections you can with the little materials you have. You can save some materials by simply welding doors shut along the way. And once marines have learned that can Xenos use vents, you can weld the vents shut to deny their usage. You can also use vendors/cabinets as blockades to save more materials but they can potentially block bullets as well, resulting in a potential cover for aliens.

Your flanks are a vital part of your frontlines, FOBs and supply lines. The enemy will always try to find a way to breach your vulnerable locations and pick off your fellow team mates. If you think they can breach into your vulnerable flanks or supply lines, secure it.

In the Front

This is where the combat engineer shines and determines whether or not the marines will gain a foothold or be routed after their initial push. There are three main types of barricade lines you can build in the front, but there are some principles that apply to all.

Build the barricades inward for more firing space and bigger kill zone
Force the enemy into the choke point/corridor so fewer of them can attack at once (and block each other when they retreat)
Distant the barricades to enemies' nearest corners/covers, thus exposing them with more firepower before they can reach the barricades and when they retreat
Build the barricades with marines standing one tile behind in mind

Barricade Layout:

Description:

The original barricade line makes a small chokepoint which can't effectively utilise the full power of the marines in the area; to fix this the barricade defence could've been constructed on the red line to allow for additional marines to fire or even further back on the blue line to use the xenos cover against them and create a two tile chokepoint that will expose them to more gunfire, while also keeping the defending marines at a safe distance.

✔ Large kill zone.

✔ Forces the enemy to walk past a choke, Exposing them to more fire on their attempted exit

✔ Two tiles from the enemies nearest position with cover. (Meaning they have to expose themselves to push)

✔ Marines standing one tile behind the barricaded position so they can't be slashed but can still hold the barricade itself.

This is an example of what not to do when constructing a barricade position.

By having the barricades extend outwards it places the defending marines into the chokepoint giving them a disadvantage during combat.

This is an example of what you should do when constructing a barricade position.

By having the barricades extend inwards it utilises the chokepoint making it harder for the xenos to push through.

Frontline FOB/Outpost

A secured space slightly behind the front for marines to resupply, triage and casevac. Without a frontline FOB, Medics and the wounded will be harassed constantly and supply melted. And in the event of counterattack, marines will likely to be routed without a place to fall back to. Frontline FOB doesn't need to be big (a 6x6 space will do, bigger if high pop), otherwise, parts of the FOB likely be left unguarded and be melted.

Secured barricade line

Build at a choke point, apply the principles, and you get a decent defensive position. To reinforce a barricade line, build barricades one tile in front of the barricade line not behind.

Unsecured barricades

Mostly seen when you want to build a secured barricade line but ran out of plasteel, so you have to leave some gaps. While they are not fully secured, they are still useful to hinder counter attacks and block off Boiler gas and Crusher charge. To avoid hindering marines' push, you can build them in the middle of the corridor (e.g. middle 2 tiles out of 4 tiles), then the sides tiles in further one tile.

Barricade as marines push

Sandbags are particularly well suited for this job, as they can be built by marines and the build time is short. Metal barricades (with barbed wire) work too, though instead of standing in the front and build there, it's much safer to build it just behind the front then move them to the front (See this table for how to move barricades).

Robotic limbs repairing

Target the damaged limb and use:

Blowtorch for brute damage.
Cable coils for burn damage.

FOB Duty

As an Engineer on FOB duty, you'll be setting up the base that the marines will primarily use to organize, resupply, to retreat to, and to make a final last stand. To make a good FOB, you'll want to make strategic use of your landmines, the smartgun HMG or the sentry gun, and various defensive emplacements. A good FOB is a difference between losing the round and holding off long enough to make a push back and finally win the round.

The Construction page will have everything you need to construct a FOB, from wooden barricades to plasteel barricades. It also includes many other helpful things for an engineer to build around the FOB, or elsewhere.

Principles

Ghost and see where isn't vital after FOB has fallen

One breach is all it takes

One is enough

Fancy and bad

You don't always need a mega FOB

LZ/FOB will only see poking most of the round until siege happens because FOB is a hard target. Thus, ambush xenos are likely to focus on marine's unsecured sections of the supply route. Focusing your effort solely on FOB means using a large amount of material to counter a token force while ignoring the threat targeting the more vulnerable areas. Instead, you need to secure flanks/supply route.

Barricade where enemy can't bypass

While Xeno will try to flank you, your job is to make them a hard time to do so. If you build barricades in where they don't matter (not part of the supply route/no marine will be there), you will do Xeno a favour as there will be fewer defences in where that do matter.

It is the weakest point that matters

It doesn't matter there are three layers of barricades in Nexus if the one layer metal barricades at LZ is breached, the wounded and the supply will be killed and melted. Even worse, Xeno can ignore Nexus entirely and focus on LZ then everything in Nexus will be wasted.

Use materials wisely

Plasteel is expensive, 40 points for 30 plasteel (6 doors) vs. 20 points for 50 metal (8 barricades with barbed wire). Yet plasteel is crucial to how many secure spaces you can create. If you are out of plasteel, you are forced to keep an opening in the cade line, thus compromising the effect of the barricade line.

A corridor with traffic? A plasteel barricade with barbed wire. No traffic but a high threat (e.g., Crusher charge/constant poking)? Sandbags barricades with barbed wire. No traffic and want to keep Runners out? Metal barricades with barbed wire. And try to save materials by

Use blowtorch on the vents/doors. ( Flip down before you start.)
Use wrench to move vendors/cabinets/hydro trays as blockades (hydro trays don't block Runner).
Then build barricades behind them if it's high threat and if you can spare the supplies.

FOB Construction Quick Tips

Barricade Placement

Description

This is an example of what not to do when constructing a defensive position.

In the picture on the left, you'll see that the xenomorphs can hit the barricade without being shot due to its forward position and as such the xeno will be able to break through and kill that marine with ease.

This is an example of what you should do when constructing a defensive position.

To rectify the above barricade placement errors you'll want to move the barricades back one tile like the photo on the left. By moving the barricades back this will allow you to shoot xenomorphs who are attacking them.

Barbed Wire

Barbed wire is a string of sharp metal that will harm and prevent xenos from pouncing over barricades once attached. It also gives a small health boost to the barricade itself.

Barbed Wire Tactics	Description
	In the picture you'll see that the engineer was killed due to the xeno being able to pounce over the barricade.
	Due to the engineer placing barbed wire onto the barricades the xenomorph was unable to jump over.

FOB Space

How To: Fob Space

Description

This is an example of what not to do when constructing a defensive position.

In the picture you'll see that the FOB has very little space for the marines to move around in which will lead to:

Friendly fire.
Shuffling of positions.
Preventing wounded marines from entering.
Hindering the movement of supplies.

This is an example of what you should do when constructing a defensive position.

In the picture you'll see that the FOB has ample space to move which means:

The reduction of friendly fire.
Less shuffling of positions.
Ease of access for wounded traffic.
Free movement of supplies.

Fixing Breaches in Defences

Fixing Defensive Breaches

Description

This is an example of what not to do when attempting to fix a breach in the defensive line with hostiles nearby.

In the picture you'll see that this is a highly dangerous and ineffective way to fix the breach in a defensive line if hostiles are nearby. This will let you get slashed up by an alien running up willy nilly and will give you less time to react if multiple Xenos decide to push the defensive line.

This is an example of what to do when attempting to fix a breach in the defensive line with hostiles nearby.

In the picture you'll see that it shows the optimal way of repairing a breach in your defenses if Xenos are nearby.

To perform this fixing maneuver, you'll want to:

Build (or unsecure for redeployment) a barricade a few tiles back,
Screwdriver the freshly built barricade,
Wrench it, to allow it to be moved,
Pull the barricade (Ctrl + Click or open up the right click menu) and then pull it to the tile below you (By clicking on the tile), and then finally the breached tile as demonstrated in the photo.
Wrench then screwdriver the barricade to secure it again.

This will force the xenomorphs to run into the FOB to attack you, and put themselves at risk of death due to being in the FOB. This method takes much more time than the above one, however, the safety gained from doing it is worth it's weight in attachments ten times over. If there are no hostiles at all, building it in the normal manner is perfectly acceptable.

Misc. FOB tips

Fob Tips	Description
	In the picture you'll see that it demonstrates that windows, even if reinforced, are not an acceptable replacement for a line of all-American steel barricades. Windows as a defence: Provides no firing lines Weak In summary, avoid using them as a defence.
	If you have a secured barricade line and you want to strengthen it, put the extra barricades in front of the secured barricade line not behind, and don't block the plasteel barricades. And if you can make a secured cade line, make one, checkerboard barricades do nothing to hinder the aliens' attack.
	Barricades will end up damaged due to the ravages of war and incompetence, and if it isn't heavily damaged, you'll be able to use a blowtorch on it to repair it. This works on metal and plasteel barricades. Note that if a barricade is too damaged, you will be unable to fix it. Each time you repair a barricade, it will consume one unit of welder fuel.
	Align the plasteel barricades to reduce traffic jam.
	Place the plasteel barricade at the side reduce the chance retreating marines blocking defensive fire. It also avoids two marines getting in the way of each other when both are exiting/entering.
	Maze-like barricades serve no purpose as Xeno will not follow the corridor, they will slash them down with no regard yet marines will surfer traffic jam. Instead, align the exit with plasteel.

Fortifications of the Trade

Fortification	Material	Function
Hand Rail	2 Metal	A handrail to ward off any intrusions into unwanted areas. Provides very little cover without reinforcing it. To reinforce the handrail, simply add 1 metal sheet to it and weld it. To remove reinforced plate : , To unsecure: (To secure: ), Deconstruct: ->
Snow Barricade	3 Snow Piles	A very weak barricade constructed from snow piles with a snow shovel. It's better than thin air at least. Deconstruct: Click on the snow barricade with the snow shovel. Gives back 3 snow piles (fewer if barricade is damaged).
Wood Barricade	5 Wooden Planks	Used for a hasty defense against aliens. Mostly seen prespawned. Can be repaired with additional wooden planks at any damaged condition. Deconstruct: Bash the wooden barricade to break it. Give back 3 wooden planks .
Metal Barricade	4 Metal	The least durable among the three main types of barricades (20 points for 50 sheets). Can be repaired with a blowtorch if not overtly damaged. To unsecure: -> (To secure: -> ) Deconstruct: -> -> To upgrade a barricade, click on one with 2 metal sheets, a window will prompt open in which you select the upgrade.
Metal Barricade Reinforced	2 Metal	An upgraded version of the metal barricade. This one can take much more damage from bullets and slashes but is weak to acids and corrosive materials. Can be repaired with a blowtorch if not overtly damaged.
Metal Barricade Bio-hazard Resistant	2 Metal	An upgraded version of the metal barricade. This one can take much more damage from acids and fire but is weak to brute damage dealing weapons. Can be repaired with a blowtorch if not overtly damaged.
Metal Barricade Explosion Resistant	2 Metal	An upgraded version of the metal barricade. This one can take much more damage from explosive sources with no downside. Can be repaired with a blowtorch if not overtly damaged.
Sandbags	5 Sandbags	Dig up dirt with an entrenching tool to fill up the empty sandbags. Second most durable fortification, the shortest build time by far, and can built by any marines. Relatively cheap (20 points for 50 empty sandbags). Can be repaired by using filled sandbags. Deconstruct: Use Entrenching Tool. Give back 5 sandbags (fewer if barricade is damaged).
Plasteel Barricade	5 Plasteel	Functions as a gate. The most durable fortification with longest build time. The most expensive barricade (40 points for 30 sheets). Can be repaired with a blowtorch if not overtly damaged. To unsecure: -> (To secure: -> ) Deconstruct: -> ->
Barbed Wire	2 Metal	Makes the barriade more durable and prevent them to be pounced and climbed over. Damages mobs that melee attack without a weapon. Deconstruct: Use wirecutter to remove Barbed Wire from barricade.
Wall	12 Metal	Used to fully block off an area. See Guide to construction for how to construct and deconstruct.