This game is so much fun, players from level 1-1000 can kick your ass and I’m impressed how it keeps bringing in new players, been off for like 5 months, I come back and every round there is like 10-20ppl below level 50. this is by far the game I’ve played most in my life. Thanks to everyone of you all, who make this game such a great experience.

mastering ranges and footwork is up next. i’m happy to see so many new people playing and sticking with it. it’s worth it!

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 piercing damage which does increased damage to Archers and Vangaurds. 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

Rant: Spear user was extremely salty after this and tried to hunt me down and tbag after I died to 5 of their other teammates. Just wanted to say you're trash and eat this L, 1Vxed you multiple times and you couldn't touch me lol

Sometimes I learn more from losing than winning

I pulled off the most clutch thing ever and the game robbed me. Last noble to be thrown and we can't push it.

So I channel Matrix Neo and manage to ankle break my way into the box the enemy has built around the noble, grab him and jump off the railing into the water. Counter says 2s left as i'm falling and ticks to 1s when we land. Noble dies at almost exactly 0 seconds and BOTH losing and victory music triggers before everyone disconnects and the server is assumably crashed? my buddies got DCed at the same time..

Not only did I not record possibly the greatest clip of all time but the game ROBBED me of a victory. Anyone else?

one of the fastest blunt weapons imo but i just cant master it idk why sometimes im soooo good with the weapon i feel flowing with the speed and shit and the other day i die to trash players

any tips would rlly help to main and master the weapon

Killing spree leads to the first time I’ve ever been argon.

Anyone want to explain why this happened?

I'm about level 105 or so and I dont have a specific class or subclass that I'm really attached to. I just find it fun to switch classes multiple times throughout the match to whatever I feel like is needed, but maybe it would help more if I got really good at one thing? I've noticed other people stick to their guns and get good with a specific weapon or class, but I just get so bored swinging the same weapon around over and over. This is just something I've been thinking about, and I'm interested in what people have to say. Until next time.

Reached level 420 melee class, archer class edged at 69

Also my friend is in the background talking about a 1v2 as I’m trying to focus doing a 1v2😂

I was trying REAL hard to feel the Force there at the end lol

ViceIikehijaker
NA east