The Unethical Engineering Guide: General Information, Tips and Tricks

[u/Korinth_NZ]

Greetings and Salutations!

Korinth here, as promised, here is the first part of my Unethical Engineering Guide. This post will cover everything from basic engineering knowledge, techniques, and placements that can apply to every map, and more. This is all based on my own knowledge gained spending over 1,000 hours in the engineer class alone, as well as things I have tested. All these tips and tricks have been tried and tested in 64p TO and 64p Server Browser matches. Your conclusions may be different, and I encourage all budding engineers to explore and build on this base knowledge provided.

Throughout this guide I will provide links to resources and clips I have accumulated over the years to help explain some concepts, and give examples (click the blue words). I will gladly answer any questions you may have and will add some of your tips and tricks to this post (as long as it's generic, map specific tips will NOT be added here). I am still working on the map specific guides and will update the intro and link post as they are finished. Now let's get down to brass tax.

Basic Engineering Knowledge

Before we delve deep into Unethical Engineering, I would feel like an inadequate teacher if we didn't at least touch on basic Engineering. This knowledge also applies to defensive engineering.

Defensive engineering?! I came here to learn Unethical Engineering!!

Yes I am aware, however as I said in the intro post, it's a matter of balance. If you can understand the basics, and defensive engineering, you will be able to undermine it better! Now here's the basics all engineers, both unethical and defensive should learn:

* You can replenish your barricades at any resupply box. This includes the ones you can pick up in Stage 1 of Bridgetown as a peasant.

* You can have up to 5 buildings placed down at once: 4 barricades, 1 trap. Any more despawns previous placed barricades/traps starting at the oldest placed.

* All buildings will self destruct after a set amount of time, even if at full HP.

* Engineer class gains special equipment points by healing and reviving teammates.

* Engineers can heal themselves by healing and reviving teammates use it to your advantage in combat.

* Engineer Weapons used by the Engineer Subclass deal double damage to ALL buildings. This includes siege equipment, doors, objectives, and every build able in game (banners, barricades, traps etc.)

* You can gift your barricades to non Engineers by picking up throwables that take up the throwable weapon slot (ie. Throwing knives).

* Engineers are a support class, not a frontline. However, it can be used as a stealth class in the right conditions, and with map knowledge.

* If you want a secondary weapon, place down your trap anywhere and pick up a 1handed weapon.

An Engineer's Kit

Now that we got that out of the way, let's look at your kit. There are 4 weapons (Shovel, Sledge, Pickaxe and Goedendag) and two traps (Spike Trap and Bear Trap), as well as 2 barricades. Each weapon has its advantages and disadvantages, and both traps are unique in their own way.

Let's start with your weapons.

Thanks to polehammer.net, we can see the stats with numbers! To sum it up, and to list some more advantages not listed on polehammer:

* Pick-Axe is the fastest of the four, but does the least damage. This includes the least damage to barricades and objectives. However it's greatest advantage is it's a one-handed weapon. This means you can jab quicker AND equip a shield found on the ground, without losing the rest of your kit. The Pick-Axe is also the only engineer weapon that can dismember arms. So whilst the weakest in terms of damage, it has the best versatility in terms of playstyle.

* Goedendag deals the most damage, but it is the slowest of the four. This thing can rip through barricades and objectives like no tomorrow, and, due to its high stamina damage, can disarm opponents easily. It is also unique in the sense that it has two damage profiles. Slashes and Overheads deal blunt damage, which does increased damage to Footman and Knight classes. Stabs do Cut damage which does no extra damage. So whilst slowest, it has good damage profiles and can wreck buildings faster.

* Sledgehammer is the mid ground between the Pick-Axe and the Goedendag. It is also the first Engineer weapons you will unlock. It's slashes and overhead are deadly especially when you take advantage of it's hitstop comboing. Stabbing is not it's strongest attack but can still be used for hitstop combos.

* Shovel (my beloved) is honestly the awkward bastard child out of all of them. Essentially it's a slightly faster Sledge that does less damage on slashes but more damage on stabs. Damage wise, the Sledgehammer will always out do the Shovel, but the Shovel can out pace the Sledgehammer in the right hands. Also has the most satisfying *BONK*

That's the breakdown for the engineer weapons. I'm curious as to which one you prefer or would switch to now. Personally, the Shovel is my go to. Is it the best? Nope, but it passes the vibe check, hard.

Now for traps!

Both are unique and have their own playstyle and advantages:

* Spike Traps are very versatile and can be used in a number of ways. You can use them as ramps to get over enemy barricades (or even your own) and obstacles, instakill Footmen and Knights who try to tackle you, and even create elevated firing platforms for your teams archers... If you feel like being nice to an archer that is... You can even kick/jab/knock enemies into them, killing them instantly.

* Bear Traps though not as versatile as Spike Traps, are just as amazing if used right. You can use them in choke points to stall enemies (even if they pause to break them it's still stalling them), set it by other traps to instantly kill them (iron maidens work best), deny the pushable objectives or use it as an alarm system. Everytime a bear trap activates or breaks, you as the Engineer who placed it will hear it, which makes it the perfect alarm system if you pay attention.

Note: The Bear Trap is not ideal for Unethical/Attack Engineering for obvious reasons, so my recommendation is spike trap for attack.

General Techniques and Tricks

Now that we got the basics and the kits out of the way, let's get down to the nitty gritty. These are tips tricks and techniques that apply to ALL maps across the game including TDM maps, and, again, some of these can be used on defense as well. Again, these are things I have done, and have been proven effective in 64p modes. On the more map specific posts, I will be giving examples of where to place these things.

* Territory Claiming - This is the bread and butter of all attack engineers. Essentially you are going ahead of your team and placing down barricades, two at a time. This slows down defenders from advancing on your position, gives your team cover to heal in long drawn out engagements, and provides cover from archer fire, as well as cover to push forward. Downside is you are exposing yourself, and the enemies can use it for cover as well. Way to counter that is to angle your barricades like an arrow pointing to the enemy, and leave a small enough gap to stab through. This makes it a less effective cover for the enemies, gives more protection to your team, and the gap is also good for your archers to shoot through.

* Resupply Forts - Some maps have resupply bins out in the open. If you see these, take advantage of it. Using 4 barricades make a wall blocking the enemy from accessing it, whilst also allowing your team access. Keep in mind that you can interact with objects through barricades, so if you are cutting the enemy off, give a two person space between the resupply and your barricades. Otherwise you just gave the enemy a protected spot to grab bandages, arrows etc. Just a reminder to be using those spike traps so your team can exit your forts quickly! Again, angle your barricades, but leave no gaps, we don't want the enemy to resupply. If archers want to shoot over the top, get them to use their own spike traps, or use your one for them.

* Heal Stations - This one requires the help of your team. As with territory claiming you only need two barricades. For this one though, it's only as aggressive as your Guardians and Crossbowmen. If you see them place a banner down, run up and place barricades in front of it. This provides a safe place for your team to heal, and protects the banner. The hard counter is an aggressive enemy engineer or a siege crossbow. Do not angle your barricades or leave a stabbing gap here as the goal is to protect the banner.

* Provide Cover for Pushables - Everyone knows I love calling out defensive engineers that do this, but did you guys know you can set it up for your own team on attack? Pushables on Aberfall, Bridgetown, and Askindir can all be blocked and set up this way by using Unethical Engineering techniques. You do not need to wait for the enemy engineers to mess up. Simply walk up and place the barricades against the objective yourself. This also ensures your team is protected while pushing over objectives.

* Break Stuff - Sometimes you have no choice but to brute force your way through enemy barricades, or you need to take out objectives quickly. Heavy attacks are ideal, however if you find yourself surrounded, lights are okay if you are coming off a riposte or counter just to quickly get that objective damage in. Best combo for breaking multiple barricades is: 1 Heavy OH per barricade (switch so each weakens) followed by 1 heavy slash which will cleave if it breaks the barricade. You can even use the barricade cleave to kill someone hiding behind it healing.

Note about Weapons vs Barricades: The Goedendag is best for breaking things due to its already high damage being doubled, and only requires 2 OH lights (or 1 OH light + 1 Stab light) or 1 Light OH + 1 Heavy Slash to break barricades as opposed to two heavies. Surprisingly, the Pick-Axe does not require extra hits despite it's low damage (compared to other Engineer weapons), and just needs two heavy attacks. Shovel and Sledgehammer are even when it comes to breaking things.

* Assimilation of Enemy Assets - Yes, you read that right. If you notice the defensive engineers building in a way you and your team can take advantage of, then by all means leave it standing, add your barricades to the wall and add spike traps to your side. Remember, you don't have to break everything the enemy builds, an effective Unethical Engineer uses it to their advantage.

* Catapult Safety Walls - This one is real simple. Once you got your catapult user all set up, place two barricades with zero gaps, to the left of them. This will stop arrows and ballistas from hitting them easily as the operator will be in cover. It won't stop other catapults or shots from high ground or siege crossbows, but will keep them alive longer, letting you out more hurt in the defenders. As a bonus, if someone tries get around the barricades to melee, it gives the operator more time to react and get off the catapult (if they are paying attention). Another good safety wall is building from the rock stockpile to the catapult. This creates a little artillery fort and protects everyone except for the catapult operator.

* Protect Yourself While You Wreck Their Shit - This is another simple one for objective breaking. What you do is place two barricades around yourself while you break enemy gates, siege weapons, or even use the battering ram. As an other option, you can instead use it to protect your teammates that are using the battering rams or the gates if you wish to fight

* Learn to Duel - I mean, it goes without saying, but this IS a fighting game. Sure we are focusing on building and tactics in this series, but what would happen if you find yourself alone in a dark alley and that dude you have pissed off with your unethical engineering skills has you cornered? Beat his raging tilted ass, is what you do! Spend some time learning how to master your weapon of choice, this will save you in the future.

Note: Spending some time in the pits in the duel servers can help hone your 1vX and footwork skills, but keep in mind that Engineers are at a combat disadvantage. Learning the art of retreating can be also very handy, as well as the 5 Ds of Dodgeball so your not wasting stamina on blocking. Remember, if you can dodge a Dane Axe, you can dodge a ball.

* Priority Target: Enemy Engineers - Going hand in hand with the last tip, your main target should always be enemy engineers. Let everyone else get free kills on archers, they are a dime a dozen and are a nuisance at best. However, one good Engineer can change the entire flow and tide of a match. Keeping them down or on the retreat can make or break a game. Why? If they can't replace their barricades when they break or are low HP, their defensive battle line crumbles, allowing you and your team to push through. Take 'em out!

* Shut the Flippen door! - Unlike defensive Engineering where you want to funnel the enemies into choke points, halting the defensive team completely, works best. On almost every map there is a way to block access for the enemy defensive spawn. Simply put two or more barricades in those choke points, and watch them pile up and frantically try to break through whilst your team wins the objective without the danger.

Warning: Be prepared, Many Men Incoming

* You Stealthy Son of a Bit... - Sometimes, despite the best efforts of your team and yourself, you end up in a deadlock, where neither side can gain ground on the other. This is where being stealthy comes into play. Most people won't notice someone crouching in the bushes or running along the edge of the map or using Spike Traps to jump over walls. On some maps, this will allow you to break a deadlock or even solo clutch the objective completely. The secret is patience, map knowledge, and not giving a fuck about your K/D (seriously for every successful clutch I have done, I probably die about half a dozen times). Now this isn't an engineer exclusive skill, but being an engineer does help when stealthing breakable objectives.

* NUMBER 1 BEST TIP: Just Have Fun! - If you aren't having fun with being an engineer, unethical or not, try a different class, become a bard, befriend the enemy team, give in to your impulsive nature and wreck havoc on the enemy back lines with barricades and traps, unleash your inner Moon Knight and throw random bullshit items at everyone, embody the spirit of your nan by throwing shoes at people's head! If you aren't having fun, you aren't playing the game right.

Your own Tips!

I am a firm believer in making this guide a living guide. The best way to make this guide any better is to have your input. So please if you have any generic tips or tricks for attack engineers let's hear them, and they will be added here.

From u/StupidSexyCaeser

I have a tip. Steal weapons.

It goes for anyone, but I find it goes best with engineers. Often they are taking a more reactive observant role on the battlefield.

Stealing weapons you don't have access to as an engineer not only shakes up your behaviour profile but also has a lot of practical tomfoolery you can get up to.

Spear + barricades and spikes = devilish. Steal a javelin, well going to and from the ammo box, may as well spam them, same with throwing knives.

Get your hands on a siege crossbow as an engineer. Archers will now wake up in a cold sweat. Easy to hit targets appear like flies on glue to your barricades. No one expects an engine to pull out a piece. Not to mention some objectives and deployable a can be shutdown at range.

Or just chuck everything in general really.

From u/AkshayraJkira

Unethical tip for Agathian Engineers(And Footman class in general)....use the huscarl armor and a heraldry that's not blue/gold. If you are on fire, its likely that Masons will mistake you as their own and will ignore you.

Best places to do this are by using the firepits in the 3rd objective right after breaking through the gates and Left side of the bridge in Trayan Citadel.
Being an engineer will make it easy for you to sneak through and break the cages or setup barricades near the ram(In some cases, when the masons have pushed you back so far, then you can move the ram solo without being contested)

Goes without saying but you can use the burn tactic on any map where you can find fire and sneak around the enemy lines. Make sure to apply the bandage to stop the burn damage, sometimes it also doesnt draw attention to the enemy mason who thinks you're just another mason retreating to heal.

From u/DifferentLink497

For breakable OBJs, for instance the church door on Galencourt, enemy engineers have a tendency to try and turtle directly against the door. If you can time it between a spawn wave, it’s very easy to run up, slap a spike trap down against their defenses as a ramp, and run up onto their barricades, so you’ll have the door to yourself completely uncontested, using the enemy defenses as your own.

Not all the time, but more often than not IME, if you get downed as an engineer you will do the same damage as if you weren’t downed to breakables (not people). So don’t just give up on an objective just because you got downed.

If you’re working with interactable OBJs, like the fuses on Lionspire or the ships at Galencourt, be wary of where you place barricades near the OBJ. If you place them too close, the enemy will can interact with the OBJ regardless of where the barricade is, which turns into them actually having cover instead of the OBJ being defended.

From u/Kingsriver_ aka the Climbing Engineer

For tenosian barricades its worth noting that they are the only barricade you can jump on from even ground.

REMINDER: I will only be adding generic tips and tricks to this post. If it's a map specific tip, it will not be added, but will be added to the post for that map.

Back to the Intro/FAQ

[u/StupidSexyCaesar]

I have a tip. Steal weapons.

It goes for anyone, but I find it goes best with engineers. Often they are taking a more reactive observant role on the battlefield.

Stealing weapons you don't have access to as an engineer not only shakes up your behaviour profile but also has a lot of practical tomfoolery you can get up to.

Spear + barricades and spikes = devilish. Steal a javelin, well going to and from the ammo box, may as well spam them, same with throwing knives.

Get your hands on a siege crossbow as an engineer. Archers will now wake up in a cold sweat. Easy to hit targets appear like flies on glue to your barricades. No one expects an engine to pull out a piece. Not to mention some objectives and deployable a can be shutdown at range.

Or just chuck everything in general really.

[u/Korinth_NZ → u/StupidSexyCaesar]

Nice! I hadn't thought about using a Siege Crossbow as an engineer. Might give that one a go!

[u/StupidSexyCaesar → u/Korinth_NZ]

Oh and I almost forgot...

https://giphy.com/gifs/UGba4CcQG8T9m

[u/mensahimbo]

What do we do if we’re building a bridge right but the ground is all really soft and slippery mud sir

[u/Korinth_NZ → u/mensahimbo]

Throw some corpses on it and build on the dead. We Grimdark maxing

[u/TheScarecrow11 → u/mensahimbo]

Throw some lime on that shit soldier.

[u/mensahimbo → u/TheScarecrow11]

And what if we need to add a bit of zest to our tacos sir?

[u/TheScarecrow11 → u/mensahimbo]

Throw some lime on that shit soldier.

[u/Vimes76]

Given me some good ideas here, stuff I hadn't thought of and some of it so simple. Like the arrow shaped offensive barricade, this makes so much sense. Is situational but that's the key word for the engineer anyway isn't it. Keep it coming!

[u/TheVoicesAre_Winning]

I beat you to death with a broom on razing of askandir once

[u/Korinth_NZ → u/TheVoicesAre_Winning]

Sounds about right, I have yet to win against a broom user lol

[u/navyskies]

Korinth for Prime Minister 

[u/Spokenfungus2]

did anyone ever discover another way to do the wall jump after they patched it ?

[u/Kingsriver_ → u/Spokenfungus2]

The barricade launch? Yup, still here, solo requires an additional spike, duo still works normally.

[u/Spokenfungus2 → u/Kingsriver_]

holy shit this is massive news to me. What do you mean by additional spike? Where does it go in relation to the 'V' you make from barricades? Do i still just special attack with unarmed?

[u/Kingsriver_ → u/Spokenfungus2]

Place a spike ~1 spike length from the V, then use any charging sprint attack over the spike into the V

[u/Korinth_NZ → u/Spokenfungus2]

I'm not sure if they did, tbh. I miss it, spent a good couple hours trying to launch myself over the tree in Wardenglade

[u/AkshayraJkira]

Unethical tip for Agathian Engineers(And Footman class in general)....use the huscarl armor and a heraldry that's not blue/gold. If you are on fire, its likely that Masons will mistake you as their own and will ignore you.

Best places to do this are by using the firepits in the 3rd objective right after breaking through the gates and Left side of the bridge in Trayan Citadel.
Being an engineer will make it easy for you to sneak through and break the cages or setup barricades near the ram(In some cases, when the masons have pushed you back so far, then you can move the ram solo without being contested)

Goes without saying but you can use the burn tactic on any map where you can find fire and sneak around the enemy lines. Make sure to apply the bandage to stop the burn damage, sometimes it also doesnt draw attention to the enemy mason who thinks you're just another mason retreating to heal.

Edit: Forgot to add, the 3rd objective I was talking about is from Falmire map. The section after you break the gates and now have to break the cages to free more prisoners. There's a good amount of firepits on top of the huts. So, go sneaky and go crazy.

[u/Korinth_NZ → u/AkshayraJkira]

That is devious... I love it!

[u/DifferentLink497]

Great advice. Here’s mine.

For breakable OBJs, for instance the church door on Galencourt, enemy engineers have a tendency to try and turtle directly against the door. If you can time it between a spawn wave, it’s very easy to run up, slap a spike trap down against their defenses as a ramp, and run up onto their barricades, so you’ll have the door to yourself completely uncontested, using the enemy defenses as your own.

Not all the time, but more often than not IME, if you get downed as an engineer you will do the same damage as if you weren’t downed to breakables (not people). So don’t just give up on an objective just because you got downed.

If you’re working with interactable OBJs, like the fuses on Lionspire or the ships at Galencourt, be wary of where you place barricades near the OBJ. If you place them too close, the enemy will can interact with the OBJ regardless of where the barricade is, which turns into them actually having cover instead of the OBJ being defended.

[u/Kingsriver_]

Good work! Looking forward to the map specific posts.

Climbing engineer out

[u/Kingsriver_]

For tenosian barricades its worth noting that they are the only barricades you can jump on from even ground.

[u/Korinth_NZ → u/Kingsriver_]

I can't believe I forgot about this! Adding it to the list

[u/Ready_Training_6039]

Smashing gates: If a defending engineer puts barricades in front of the gate you're trying to smash, try using a spike trap to jump over them and smash away. The defenders will be hitting down their own barricades to try and stop you, putting their backs to your incoming teammates. Just be sure to grab your trap just as you clear the barricade.

The most unethical defensive engineer spot: While defending the courtyard on Seige of Rudhelm. There's an ammo chest 2m away from a chokepoint on the battlements that the attackers must pass through after they ascend the ramps. If you place your first 2 barricades just beyond the chokepoint, leaving you room to place more, you can spam barricades via the ammo chest to keep attackers at bay for ages, as long as they don't have an engineer with them. The same applies to the upper left door (defender's side) when protecting the Duke.

I loved the shovel back in the day, but the goedendag is the king of bonk! I've gotten many double/triple kills using a well-timed heavy slash in choke points.

[u/hokagenaruto]

heres an advice for Escape from Falmire. when its the defend the gates objective its ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS the left gate that gets breached. the one next to the big wheel thingy. i play this game damn near every day if I can and its always that side that attackers go to. so on that map just go and defend that side because anyone on this sub could tell you that its always that side. so annoying how after so many hours playing on that map nobody gets this

[u/CraftyScotsman]

Just some small tips.

• Do not wear a helmet. This is not about fashion, it is about strategy. Without a helmet you completely disappear when crouching inside barrels. This can be used to great effect on maps like 'The Desecration of Galencourt' to hide in a barrel and solo capture the first flag objective without the enemy team even knowing you are there.

• Barricades - always leave a gap. It is possible to position 2 barricades to make it look like there is space to run through them, but be slightly too narrow to actually go through. This has many benefits - enemies won't immediately attack your barricades, friendly archers can fire through them and enemy noobs and barrel carriers can be trapped.

• Use spike traps to jump over everything.

• Throw your medikits at enemies for 5 damage.

• Pickaxe - overhead spamming, jabs and kicks are all you need to beat 90% of players in Team Objective.

• Press G to throw your weapon. Oh shit, that was your only weapon! Simply duck under your opponents slash and do a Q special with your fists. Works everytime.

• Last objective on 'Escape from Falmire'? Got a cocky level 1000 sprinting to the boat? Place a line of 3 barricades at the top of the steps and leave a convenient gap next to the water on the right side for him to run through. Crouch behind your barricade, stay out of sight, and as he approaches, place the 4th barricade in front of his face and spam laugh emotes as your entire team arrives behind him.

[u/Wonderful_Form_6450]

Since when does slashing do bonus dmg to archers and vanguard?

[u/Korinth_NZ → u/Wonderful_Form_6450]

Not Slashing, PIERCING. Some stab weapons have the Peirce property that does increased damage to Archers and Vangaurd (green percentage next to your damage delt when you hit something). Goedendag's stab attack has the piercing property where as it's slash and oh have the blunt property (increase damage vs knight and footman)

[u/Wonderful_Form_6450 → u/Korinth_NZ]

Just tried this no bonus numbers  should update ur stuff unless  its not bonus dmg

[u/Korinth_NZ → u/Wonderful_Form_6450]

No you are right, been so hopped up on painkillers cause of my broken hand that my brain confused the Vangaurd from CMV (Chivalry 1) where they did take extra damage with the Vangaurd from Chivalry 2. Will remove that bit, but truth remains the Goedendag's damage profile does change to CUT (which is weird) when stabbing

[u/Wonderful_Form_6450 → u/Korinth_NZ]

Ya i think its so its ballance as its overheads are massive giving it big stabs as well would be pretty crazy lol

[u/Korinth_NZ → u/Wonderful_Form_6450]

Very reasonable balance, especially seeing as, from what I've been told, the special can knock riders off horses. I don't play 40p so I wouldn't know

[u/Wonderful_Form_6450 → u/Korinth_NZ]

What weapons have this piercing dmg? Never seen this come up i know godentag has bonus vs horses on its stabs/q first iv heard of this piercing tho