Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious!

**Azura** · 02-09-2008, 02:20 PM

For the new guys, or in case you forgot! The mini-map is the second best tool you can utilize in battle; besides the Defib! I probably look at it more than the HUD at times, in conjuction with the bigger map, more power to you! In a firefight, a glance here and there can give you the advantage you need! In a nut shell, the mini-map gives you all the information you need, from enemy locations, revivees, allies, squads, flags and just about everything else. Which all boils down in the tactical cauldron: Situational Awareness! Then if you place that in a fry pan with some good ol' fashion squad members and your map: Strategic Awareness!

Let's start off with some mini-map tips!

- The Key "N" (default) adjusts the zoom on the minimap. I like to keep it zoomed in when I'm playing infantry hence more exact positioning. When I play armor, a further zoom helps because I can find NME armor that is farther away!

- Transparency is pretty important really. I always made it non-transparent because you get a more defined look at statics, buildingd, which helps detect the exact location. I know the maps well enough that mine is back at default.

- Static or Rotational Mini-Map? Well that's really up to your preference, I think a rotational mini-map has more advantage, mostly I concentrate on what is ahead.

Elements of the Mini-Map

Revives: One of the most important things on the battlefield, is finding the critically wounded guy! With 80% of the team assault, revives should be easy and quick! But, there's a problem, a small portion has a hard time finding the body. A lot of reasons can affect this, like the icon not appearing, middle of a fire fight, too many bodies etc... When you hear "Man-Down" take a quick glance, for what it's worth, you won't run in the wrong direction!

Infantry Positioning: Those red, blue, and green dots (white if selected) indicate enemy, ally, and squad in respective order. Did you know that the mini-map even shows which direction they are facing. Extremely useful as a Squad Leader, you now know exactly what's going on. Is there a particular reason your squad is facing East?

Vehicle Positioning: Always knowing where the enemy vehicles are can save your puppy fighting soul! Just like above, knowing which way they are facing will give you another advantage. Notice that enemy tank a ways down has his back to you, go get him! Also, it'll save your tooshy from blowing up, the mini-map shows some infantry behind you, turn around!

Here is a super awesome mini-map tip that goes hand and hand with Vehicle Positioning. Grey Vehicles are empty! Think about it, you'll know what vehicles are being unused, what the enemy might pull out, and best of all the Rorsch! The Rorsch can be a silent killer, if you bring you walker into a flag and the mini-map shows two grey Rorsch's, destroy them anyways. Now if all of a sudden your getting shot at, look at the mini map, if someone got in one it won't be there any more. Any vehicle pilot needs to know how important that is!

Role Icons: I'm pretty sure the medic/support/engy icons are distinct enough. But, there's a good reason why they are important. Instead of calling for supplies over and over, look on your mini-map and go to one. If your playing the role someone is calling, the mini-map will indicate where the caller is. You should go to them too!

Commander Tools: Yup, the mini-map shows that too! The Orbital Strike, Emp, and Supplies show on the mini-map before that actually drop. Seeing that will save you from getting smoked by your commander! Also pay attention to supply drops if you need stuff, go to one.

Commanders, zoom in when you drop a supply box, dropping on a squad number isn't the most accurate way.

Using the Mini-Map

Now that you understand the basic concept of the mini-map, let's start boiling that in the tactical cauldron!

The mini-map above me is showing me four things:
1. I am at an enemy flag
2. Squad 1 is capping
3. There is one contact just north of me, facing east
4. There is a casualty at Statue

May not seem very important, but what if all of a sudden a grenade takes out squad 1?
That casualty at Statue, chances are there is an enemy there or shooting there.
How safe am I? The IDS isn't big enough, there could be more enemies just outside of it.

This is Situational Awareness, which is key to becoming a better player, increases your survivability, and the bottom line, a great Team Player!

Now, let's dump that into a fry pan with some squad members and take a peep at why the mini-map makes your squad work better!

Utilize the above information and blow it up to a squad size level. As the squadleader, you should treat your squad as one single fighting unit. And since you need to keep on eye on it, your mini-map is the quick way to do it. You'll be able to tell right away if your squad is with you, the direction of movement, and what is around your squad. As a squadleader it is your responsibility to be the back up eyes and ears, constantly scanning the mini-map as the battle wages on.

So remember the power of the mini-map, this simple tool that is known to hang out in the top corner of your screen is just as important as your rifle. Everything that happens on the battlefield happens on that little beast, the trick is being able to constantly use it rapidly and accurately.

**machowner** · 02-09-2008, 02:38 PM

Good write up! A lot of very good tips in there!

**rage4order** · 02-09-2008, 03:09 PM

Beautiful writeup Azura!

**daithi1** · 02-10-2008, 08:36 AM

Nice write up, from the mini-map you showed, you may also notice squads 1 push may fail because it is being flanked by 2-3 enemies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azura

Commanders, zoom in when you drop a supply box, dropping on a squad number isn't the most accurate way.

I'm glad some one else said it, kind've. A CO should always deny permisson for asset use, always. The game doesn't allow zoom whil request is up. You have the best view, use it. Deny, zoom in assess situation. Anything other than supplies will more or less always be in the wrong postion or could be better positioned. Sorry kind've off topic.

**Lyramion** · 02-10-2008, 10:56 AM

I am playing like 70% minimap 30% on screen >.>

SithJedi · 02-10-2008, 11:35 AM

Excellent Work.

Adeimos · 02-17-2008, 03:18 AM

I usually pay 60% attention to my MM, and 40% to on-screen. It's handy to be a medic because if you keep your peripheral vision on the minimap, you can see if there are any enemies sneaking up behind you, by seeing if there are any teammates recently slain. Morbid? Yes. Effective? Yes. It might not give you a gauge of numbers, but to know they're there gives you the element of surprise, and therefore the ability to take out medics. The minimap is your friend.

HBrutusH · 02-17-2008, 01:57 PM

Problem comes when you start playing using the mini-map too much, and you lose all situational awareness when there isn't a uav..

I'm disabling my mini-map for a bit...

**rage4order** · 02-17-2008, 02:48 PM

The mini map is all about situational awareness and what is around you. Some would argue it is the most important asset in situational awareness.

**Specterr** · 02-17-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HBrutusH

Problem comes when you start playing using the mini-map too much, and you lose all situational awareness when there isn't a uav..

I'm disabling my mini-map for a bit...

The mini map is your #1 tool for situational awareness IMO.

Unless your just sitting there staring at it I don't think you can use the mini-map too much, I am constantly looking checking it, especially if my squad is on the move and not currently engaging, even in an intense fire fight I will still glance up to get a feel for enemy positions.

I've had it before where my mini map and my 3D map both broke during a match and I felt like a chicken with my head cut off the whole round, totally cut down on me effectivness and awareness of the battle.

HBrutusH · 02-17-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Specterr

Unless your just sitting there staring at it

D'oh.

**Azura** · 02-17-2008, 10:38 PM

I once got revived and my mini-map was blank. If it weren't for me disconnecting Santa would have brought me a Purple Heart early!

Seriously, it felt like it was my first day playing.

**Quade** · 02-18-2008, 03:27 AM

I would just like to add one thing. Mainly for support. Drop your IDS!!!! It is a very useful tool in securing your squade. After you drop it find time to take out your supply box and rearm. As your squad progresses on a flag drop the ids. I believe it only takes about 10 seconds to resupply your IDS. After you resupply you can throw another IDS giving vision to your advancing squad. I prefer to be point, mainly cause I have a shotgun, buy also to throw out IDS. I will get an IDS out before I die anytime that I'm support.

**Razcsak** · 02-18-2008, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quade

I will get an IDS out before I die anytime that I'm support.

This also makes it easier and safer for him to get revived.

**jazy2** · 02-20-2008, 08:50 PM

I have recently tried "support" after permanently unlocking the IDS....

I've only really tried it on "pub" servers and I have to say the results are quite spectacular!

It remains to be seen if I would have the same level of success on a |TG| server.

02-09-2008, 02:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
Azura Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Newington, CT Age: 20 Posts: 1,148	Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! For the new guys, or in case you forgot! The mini-map is the second best tool you can utilize in battle; besides the Defib! I probably look at it more than the HUD at times, in conjuction with the bigger map, more power to you! In a firefight, a glance here and there can give you the advantage you need! In a nut shell, the mini-map gives you all the information you need, from enemy locations, revivees, allies, squads, flags and just about everything else. Which all boils down in the tactical cauldron: Situational Awareness! Then if you place that in a fry pan with some good ol' fashion squad members and your map: Strategic Awareness! Let's start off with some mini-map tips! - The Key "N" (default) adjusts the zoom on the minimap. I like to keep it zoomed in when I'm playing infantry hence more exact positioning. When I play armor, a further zoom helps because I can find NME armor that is farther away! - Transparency is pretty important really. I always made it non-transparent because you get a more defined look at statics, buildingd, which helps detect the exact location. I know the maps well enough that mine is back at default. - Static or Rotational Mini-Map? Well that's really up to your preference, I think a rotational mini-map has more advantage, mostly I concentrate on what is ahead. Elements of the Mini-Map Revives: One of the most important things on the battlefield, is finding the critically wounded guy! With 80% of the team assault, revives should be easy and quick! But, there's a problem, a small portion has a hard time finding the body. A lot of reasons can affect this, like the icon not appearing, middle of a fire fight, too many bodies etc... When you hear "Man-Down" take a quick glance, for what it's worth, you won't run in the wrong direction! Infantry Positioning: Those red, blue, and green dots (white if selected) indicate enemy, ally, and squad in respective order. Did you know that the mini-map even shows which direction they are facing. Extremely useful as a Squad Leader, you now know exactly what's going on. Is there a particular reason your squad is facing East? Vehicle Positioning: Always knowing where the enemy vehicles are can save your puppy fighting soul! Just like above, knowing which way they are facing will give you another advantage. Notice that enemy tank a ways down has his back to you, go get him! Also, it'll save your tooshy from blowing up, the mini-map shows some infantry behind you, turn around! Here is a super awesome mini-map tip that goes hand and hand with Vehicle Positioning. Grey Vehicles are empty! Think about it, you'll know what vehicles are being unused, what the enemy might pull out, and best of all the Rorsch! The Rorsch can be a silent killer, if you bring you walker into a flag and the mini-map shows two grey Rorsch's, destroy them anyways. Now if all of a sudden your getting shot at, look at the mini map, if someone got in one it won't be there any more. Any vehicle pilot needs to know how important that is! Role Icons: I'm pretty sure the medic/support/engy icons are distinct enough. But, there's a good reason why they are important. Instead of calling for supplies over and over, look on your mini-map and go to one. If your playing the role someone is calling, the mini-map will indicate where the caller is. You should go to them too! Commander Tools: Yup, the mini-map shows that too! The Orbital Strike, Emp, and Supplies show on the mini-map before that actually drop. Seeing that will save you from getting smoked by your commander! Also pay attention to supply drops if you need stuff, go to one. Commanders, zoom in when you drop a supply box, dropping on a squad number isn't the most accurate way. Using the Mini-Map Now that you understand the basic concept of the mini-map, let's start boiling that in the tactical cauldron! The mini-map above me is showing me four things: 1. I am at an enemy flag 2. Squad 1 is capping 3. There is one contact just north of me, facing east 4. There is a casualty at Statue May not seem very important, but what if all of a sudden a grenade takes out squad 1? That casualty at Statue, chances are there is an enemy there or shooting there. How safe am I? The IDS isn't big enough, there could be more enemies just outside of it. This is Situational Awareness, which is key to becoming a better player, increases your survivability, and the bottom line, a great Team Player! Now, let's dump that into a fry pan with some squad members and take a peep at why the mini-map makes your squad work better! Utilize the above information and blow it up to a squad size level. As the squadleader, you should treat your squad as one single fighting unit. And since you need to keep on eye on it, your mini-map is the quick way to do it. You'll be able to tell right away if your squad is with you, the direction of movement, and what is around your squad. As a squadleader it is your responsibility to be the back up eyes and ears, constantly scanning the mini-map as the battle wages on. So remember the power of the mini-map, this simple tool that is known to hang out in the top corner of your screen is just as important as your rifle. Everything that happens on the battlefield happens on that little beast, the trick is being able to constantly use it rapidly and accurately. __________________ Last edited by Azura; 02-09-2008 at 03:23 PM.

02-09-2008, 02:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
machowner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Tazewell, TN Posts: 2,828	Re: Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! Good write up! A lot of very good tips in there! __________________ \|New to TG? Start here\|*\|Become a Supporting Member\| "Remember to pillage BEFORE you burn!"

02-09-2008, 03:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
rage4order Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern Colorado Age: 38 Posts: 3,054	Re: Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! Beautiful writeup Azura! __________________ \|TG-8th\|RAGE *SigPic provided by www.davidclair.com* New to TG start HERE * 8th Mercs * Admin List * Supporting Membership *De Inimico Non Loquaris Sed Cogites* *****

02-10-2008, 10:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
Lyramion Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 887	Re: Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! I am playing like 70% minimap 30% on screen >.> __________________ Stage6 My BF2142 Videos Youtube

02-10-2008, 11:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
SithJedi Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 16 Posts: 61	Re: Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! Excellent Work. __________________ Proud Battlefield 2142 Player Since November 21st, 2006

02-17-2008, 03:18 AM	#7 (permalink)
Adeimos Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada, eh? Age: 16 Posts: 30	Re: Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! I usually pay 60% attention to my MM, and 40% to on-screen. It's handy to be a medic because if you keep your peripheral vision on the minimap, you can see if there are any enemies sneaking up behind you, by seeing if there are any teammates recently slain. Morbid? Yes. Effective? Yes. It might not give you a gauge of numbers, but to know they're there gives you the element of surprise, and therefore the ability to take out medics. The minimap is your friend.

02-17-2008, 01:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
HBrutusH Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: UK, and proud of it!! Age: 15 Posts: 374	Re: Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! Problem comes when you start playing using the mini-map too much, and you lose all situational awareness when there isn't a uav.. I'm disabling my mini-map for a bit... __________________ <<<<Magic!! -F- Concr3te: "Brutus, goddammit, shut up!"

02-17-2008, 02:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
rage4order Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern Colorado Age: 38 Posts: 3,054	Re: Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! The mini map is all about situational awareness and what is around you. Some would argue it is the most important asset in situational awareness. __________________ \|TG-8th\|RAGE *SigPic provided by www.davidclair.com* New to TG start HERE * 8th Mercs * Admin List * Supporting Membership *De Inimico Non Loquaris Sed Cogites* *****

02-17-2008, 10:38 PM	#12 (permalink)
Azura Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Newington, CT Age: 20 Posts: 1,148	Re: Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! I once got revived and my mini-map was blank. If it weren't for me disconnecting Santa would have brought me a Purple Heart early! Seriously, it felt like it was my first day playing. __________________

02-18-2008, 03:27 AM	#13 (permalink)
Quade Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 27 Posts: 93	Re: Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! I would just like to add one thing. Mainly for support. Drop your IDS!!!! It is a very useful tool in securing your squade. After you drop it find time to take out your supply box and rearm. As your squad progresses on a flag drop the ids. I believe it only takes about 10 seconds to resupply your IDS. After you resupply you can throw another IDS giving vision to your advancing squad. I prefer to be point, mainly cause I have a shotgun, buy also to throw out IDS. I will get an IDS out before I die anytime that I'm support. __________________

02-20-2008, 08:50 PM	#15 (permalink)
jazy2 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ireland Age: 33 Posts: 661	Re: Try the Mini-Map, It's Delicious! I have recently tried "support" after permanently unlocking the IDS.... I've only really tried it on "pub" servers and I have to say the results are quite spectacular! It remains to be seen if I would have the same level of success on a \|TG\| server. __________________ TG-E1st TacticalGamer European Division \| Team up with us today! Shockwave Payback................PAC 3.......EU 1................ONLY 1 battle remaining Sign up here for Shockwave Payback Shockwave 1 ribbon=><=Awesomeness ribbon

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