Evolution 3.0

From Tactical Wiki

This wiki article is a guide for ArmA players new to the Evolution 3.0 Multiplayer Coop Mission and as a refresher and further orientation for more experienced players who may have never played Evolution on the TG server. Your contributions to this article are gladly welcomed!

Contents 1 Overview 1.1 Features 1.2 Special TG Features 2 Getting Started 2.1 Connecting to the TG Server 2.2 The Lobby 3 Gameplay 3.1 Mission Briefing 3.2 The Base 3.2.1 Spawning 3.2.2 Rank 3.2.3 Base Facilities 3.2.4 Base Vehicles 3.3 Squads 3.3.1 Joining a Squad 3.3.2 Managing a Squad 3.4 Adjusting Video Settings 3.5 Getting Equipped 3.6 Primary Objectives 3.7 Secondary Objectives 3.8 Repairing, Refueling, Recovering, and Healing in the Field 3.8.1 Repair Trucks & Refuel Trucks 3.8.2 Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) 3.8.3 Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) 3.9 Side Missions 4 TG Modifications 5 Miscellaneous

[edit] Overview

Evolution 3.0 is a custom multiplayer (1-30 Human Coop) air, land, and sea combat game covering the entire Island of Sahrani created by KilJoy [SFG]. The overall objective is to clear 11 different cities of enemy A.I. and complete 10 side missions that complement the overall objective.

[edit] Features

All the unique features of the mission can be found here: Evolution 3.0 Thread - Bohemia Interactive Forums

[edit] Special TG Features

Just like all games supported by TG, there are ArmA Rules and SOPs that must be followed. Be sure to read them fully and direct any questions to the Admin team.

There are some special TG enhancements (configuration changes as well as how we play the game) that make this mission better. The TG Evolution 3.0 server runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So, Because the mission remembers your rank and the previously completed objectives and side missions, the mission is played in "realtime". You can join, play, leave, and as long as you come back before the mission is completed (completion time varies depending on server population and other factors) you return with your same rank and abilities and are able to re-join the fight!

When server population supports multiple squads and/or air, armor, and command elements; a platoon system is implemented to increase coordination and enhance immersion. Squads coordinate attacks on common objectives, request air transport and close air support, request support in the form of repair/refuel/re-arm and medical assistance and much more.

Because in-game VOIP is still problematic for some, Use of TeamSpeak is mandatory while on the Evolution Server (even if you have no microphone). For more information on how TeamSpeak is used in this mission, see this thread in the TG ArmA Forums: SOP (Radio) - In-game TeamSpeak Use and Keybinds

[edit] Getting Started

[edit] Connecting to the TG Server

1. Find the TacticalGamer.com Evolution 3.0 Server in your Multipplayer game browserand click "Join".
2. Enter the current password (which can be found on the forums)
3. You will then be connected to server which can take between 1-10 minutes depending on server population and other factors (the more players connected, the longer it takes to connect).

[edit] The Lobby

Once connected to the server, the first screen you will see will be the Lobby. The Lobby is where you can choose your player's class and position. Evolution has a limit of 30 human players positions. All of the positions in the lobby default as squad leaders. If you do not want to be a squad leader, after the mission loads you can join a different squad. The 30 positions are distributed among various classes. Other than the appearance of each class in-game (skin), only two classes are distinct: Medic and Engineer (more on these differences later) Here are the current classes:

• Rifleman (Group Leader)
• Rifleman
• Sniper
• Medic
• Engineer
• SF Assault
• SF Marksman

Once you choose your class, click "OK" to load the mission.

[edit] Gameplay

[edit] Mission Briefing

Just like all ArmA missions, there is a comprehensive briefing available on the notepad accessible from the map screen. Much of the information in this guide is derived from the mission briefing so be sure to call it up whenever you need a reminder.

[edit] The Base

[edit] Spawning

When you first spawn into the game, you will spawn at the Main Base north of the city of Paraiso in South Sahrani. The initial spawn point is near the airport terminal. Whenever you die in-game, you will also respawn in the Main Base inside the Barracks at Mission HQ.

Please also note that most vehicles do not respawn. Players must go to the location where they were destroyed/went down and repair and refuel them. The only vehicles that do respawn at home base are the unarmed HMMWVs/MH-6s and the repair/ammo/fuel trucks.

[edit] Rank

Whenever you spawn into the game after the mission loads, your rank will be displayed in the upper right corner of your screen. Your rank will determine what gear (weapons and special equipment) you can carry, what vehicles you can operate, and the number of squad members you can recruit. TG operates an "unranked" server. This means when you first spawn into a mission, you will have the rank of private and can only carry basic gear and operated basic vehicles. However, because TG does not run a public Evo 3.0 server the ranking system has been modified to advance you very quickly and you'll soon have access to the full complement of gear and vehicles available. You gain rank for earning points. You earn points by killing enemies, transporting personnel, repairing/healing, and completing objectives and side-missions. Here is a quick overview of the ranking system:

• Private
• Major
• Colonel

Whenever you respawn (either through death or a new connection) into a mission, you will maintain your last earned rank until the mission is restarted. When the mission/server is restarted, you will once again be a private and have to start over (with everyone else). You can also be demoted by losing points due to team kills (including accidental) so beware (ring, ring, ring!). Whenever you earn enough points to earn a higher rank you will receive a message on your screen with your new rank and capabilities

[edit] Base Facilities

• Airport Terminal - This is the building near which you first spawn when loading the mission. This building has no specific role in Evolution.
• Transfer Shack - This building is located next to the Terminal building and is used to join squads, select side missions, and adjust settings.
• Mission HQ - This is a series of buildings in the middle of the airfield where you can transfer squads, gear up, and also where you re-spawn
• Recruitment Shack - This building located in the middle of the airfield where you can also

join squads, select side missions, and adjust settings.

• Ammo Crates - There are two ammo crate locations. One by the easternmost hangar and one at Mission HQ. Here you can select which weapons and additional equipment to carry.
• Firing Range - Adjacent to the barracks at Mission HQ there are several red silhouette popper targets (like in the ArmA tutorial missions) to practice firing weapons. Please use extreme caution because the firing line is very close to newly respawned players and active runways.
• Hangars - There are various vehicles inside the different hangars.
• POW Camp - The POW camp is attached to the southern portion of the base. This is where captured officers, other POW's, and rescued side-mission pilots are transported (see mission descriptions below for more information)

[edit] Base Vehicles

Nearly the full complement of ArmA West vehicles are available at base (including those requiring rank and objective unlocks). Different vehicles are located in various locations on base.

[edit] Squads

[edit] Joining a Squad

After the mission loads and you spawn, you will be a squad leader. If you do not wish to be a squad leader (or the platoon system is in effect and you are ordered to join a squad) there are multiple locations where this can be done.

The two primary locations are the Transfer and Recruitment Shacks. To join a different squad, walk inside and aim your reticle at the desk. In the middle of your screen you should see "Select Mission" in white. Using your mouse wheel, scroll down until "Request Transfer" appears in your action menu and select it with your middle mouse button. You will then see a screen that lists all of the squads currently active in the mission. Find the squad you want to/have been instructed to join (often pre-arranged on TeamSpeak) and click "Join Group" on the very far right of the screen next to your chosen squad. You will then see a message saying your request has been sent and see a radio message to the SL requesting transfer to his/her squad. If successful, you will receive a "Follow" order message in the radio chat.

In addition to the shacks, you can also join a squad if you are in the same vehicle as your intended squad leader. To join a squad from a vehicle, scroll your mouse wheel down and select "My Squad". This will bring up your squad screen. At the bottom of the screen click on "My Vehicle". A new screen will appear showing all the occupants of the vehicle you are currently in. You can then request transfer the same way as in the shacks.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are some bugs in the current squad system that may make the process of joining a squad a little more difficult. The most common bugs are the inability to see the name of the squad leader, squad number, or actually join the squad.

When requesting to join a squad, if you cannot see the name of the squad leader in the request transfer screen, ask the squad leader for his/her in-game squad number. This will be a three number/letter designator unique to the squad. The format of the designator will be 1-1-A or 3-1-C or a similar number/letter combination (please note that this is different than the squad number system used in TeamSpeak which has been simplified for ease of use). If you can see this squad number you can join the squad the same way as described above even if you do not see the SL's name.

If you cannot see the intended squad number, you may need to collapse the the active squads on screen in order to see the one you want to join. You can do this by clicking on the small "-" signs to the left of each squad (you can expand them again later by clicking on the "+" later).

If you still cannot see the squad number you may need to close the squad screen and try again or go to a different transfer station or vehicle. If you still cannot join a squad, the SL may need to create a new squad or you may even need to re-spawn or re-connect to the server.'

[edit] Managing a Squad

If you are a squad leader you have several management options for your squad:

Accepting Human Players - When other players want to join your squad, you will received a message saying "Player X wants to join your squad" and in the middle of your screen saying "Recruit Player X". Scroll your mouse wheel and select "Recruit Player X" to accept them into your squad. If successful you will automatically give them a "Follow" order over the radio chatter/text. You are unable to accept new players in certain squad management screens so it may be necessary to have the player resend the request. If you do not recruit a player after a short time you will automatically send a text message saying you do not have room for them at this time.

Dropping Players - You may also drop players from your squad. To do so (and access all the "My Squad" functions when not in a shack or vehicle), press "0,0". The squad action menu will appear and then select "My Squad". To drop a player from your squad, click "Drop" on the right side of the screen next to the player's name (you can also drop A.I players this way as well).

Resigning - If you wish to resign and select a specific player to take command of the squad again call up "My Squad". In the upper right hand corner of the screen you will see the "Switch" button. Click it and the screen will then request you to choose a new SL. If successful, you will send a radio chat message to your squad informing them of your resignation and the new SL. If you do not want to select a new SL specifically, you can just disconnect from the server and the game will choose on automatically.

Recruiting A.I. - Lastly, you can also recruit A.I. Squad Members. The number of squad members you can recruit is determined by your current rank. To recruit A.I., access your squad action menu by pressing "0,0" and then select "Recruit Soldier". A recruitment screen will appear where you can choose the class of A.I. soldier you want to add to your squad. The new A.I. will then parachute down close to your current location.

[edit] Adjusting Video Settings

Regardless of whatever custom video settings you have selected for ArmA, Evolution 3.0 has some different default settings that are automatically applied every time you load the mission (they are not remembered when you disconnect between sessions). These settings can only be changed in the transfer or recruitment shack. While in the shack scroll your mouse wheel down until you see the settings options. When you load the mission you have the following settings:

ViewDistance = 900m

AirViewDistance = 1200m

TerrainDetail = Low

If you would like to adjust these settings select on the various up/down options in the shack menu. As you change them you will see the updated levels in the upper left hand corner of your screen.

[edit] Getting Equipped

Every time you initially spawn or respawn after a death, you will only be equipped with a very basic loadout: An M16A2 rifle (iron sights), 5 M16 magazines, 2 frag grenades, binocs, and NVG's. Depending on your current rank you can replace or supplement these with various weapons and gear from the two ammo crate locations on base. Simply go to either location, select gear when you are close, and you will see th gear screen with the items available to you at each location). Once you gear up you are ready to get into the fight!

[edit] Primary Objectives

The primary objectives of Evolution 3.0 is to clear 11 different cities in both South and North Sahrani. To clear a city you must fight your way in and through the city by killing and capturing enemy A.I. When you successfully clear a city you will receive a message on your screen that the objective has been completed. Just because a city has been cleared does not mean there are no hostiles still within the city. There may still be some armed enemy that you may encounter so do not let your guard down.

Cities that are yet to be cleared will appear on the map within a gray circle. This circle demarcates enemy controlled territory. As soon as any friendly players approach the gray circles (on land, sea, or air) enemy A.I. in that city will spawn. As such, it is very important not to enter or fly over the gray areas until you are ready to assault it. It is also important not to assault multiple cities all at once (perhaps two at maximum if there are enough players) because the more A.I. active in the mission at one time, the more lag caused on the server (A.I. require much more server resources to manage than human players).

Approximately 120 enemy AI will spawn in each city and will include infantry, armor, and AA units. There are some peculiar quirks about A.I. spawning that are currently being addressed for the next major revision but nonetheless should be addressed. If after entering the gray zone all BluFor are killed (including A.I.), the next time you enter the gray zone, the enemy A.I. will re-spawn at full strength. So, it is important to ensure that some BluFor are still within the gray zone as long as a city is being assaulted. A lone A.I. squad member, well concealed and ordered to "Hold Fire", will keep a gray zone active and maintain current A.I. levels. As stated above, Evolution's creator is aiming to resolve this for the next mission so that if all BluFor are killed, the next time you enter the gray zone, enemy A.I. will re-spawn at approximately the numbers when the city was last occupied (e.g. if there were 120 enemy and you killed 30 before being driven from the gray zone, the next time you enter approximately 90 A.I. will re-spawn).

In addition to the gray zones, you will also see zones of red "+" signs over enemy-controlled cities. The red "+" signs represent the range of enemy AA assets in that city. All aircraft entering those zones could be targeted and shot down. As you clear the city, it is extremely important to destroy enemy AA assets (Shilkas) so BluFor helos and planes can get get closer to ferry troops and supplies and provide better close air support.

Even if you have destroyed enemy AA in a city, there are still enemy aircraft present in the air (they have an airfield in the North). So again always be mindful that hostiles might be in the sky and on the ground.

[edit] Secondary Objectives

Each city you clear usually contains two secondary objectives: Destroying the radio tower, and capturing the enemy commanding officer.

Destroying the radio tower (which spawns in a random location each time the mission is restarted) is an essential part of clearing a city. It is usually an objective that must be completed before the city is completely cleared. The reason why the radio tower is so important is because after a city is assaulted, A.I. will request reinforcements from a neighboring city until the tower is destroyed.

After a city is cleared or once the commanding officer of the city is spotted by BluFor, the officer's location will appear on the map. You gain extra points for successfully capturing and transporting the officer back to the POW camp. Before capturing him, make sure the immediate area is clear. The officer will often have a detachment of armed guard with him that will need to be eliminated before he can be captured (the officer will always be unarmed and should not be killed). To capture him, approach him and when close enough you will see "Capture" on your screen. Scroll your mouse wheel and select "Capture". The officer will then be a "member" of your squad and under the control of your SL (anyone can capture the officer, but only the SL can give him orders). Board him in a vehicle or aircraft and bring him back to base.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are a few quirks with getting the officer (or other POW's) into a vehicle. The officer will not board a vehicle/aircraft until at least one human player is on board. Also, no one else may board the vehicle once the officer is aboard. It may take several attempts until all "seating arrangements" are correct. Additionally, any BluFor A.I. that are not ordered to "hold fire" may engage the officer (and any vehicle he is traveling in even if you are in it) before arriving at the POW camp.

After a city is cleared, you may also find other unarmed enemy A.I. They can also be captured and transported back to the POW camp. Capturing them is performed the same way as the officer.

Once you arrive back at the POW camp, order your prisoner to disembark (this can also be quirky at times). and then to follow you or to move into the fenced/guarded area of the camp. Once inside order him to stop and then you should soon see a message acknowledging the capture.

[edit] Repairing, Refueling, Recovering, and Healing in the Field

Because since most vehicles and aircraft do not respawn when destroyed/downed/abandoned, it is absolutely vital that they be repaired, refueled, and recovered in the the field (vehicles back at bse are automatically repaired/refueled/rearmed) for use later in the mission. There are two primary methods for repairing/refueling vehicles in the field.

[edit] Repair Trucks & Refuel Trucks

Repair and refuel trucks can be driven by any rank player (and BluFor A.I.). Any vehicle that is recoverable (on it's belly and not at sea) can be repaired as follows:

1. Park the fuel truck near the vehicle
2. Get in the Driver's seat of the vehicle
3. You will then see "Repairing" or "Servicing" on your screen and the damage/armor status of the vehicle will be seen to increase in the upper left corner of the screen.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must sit in the driver's seat of a vehicle in order to repair it. However, if you do not have a high enough rank to drive the particular vehicle you cannot sit in the driver's seat. There is a workaround for this however. While the vehicle is empty, get in the driver's seat and you will be rejected. Then get into any other seat in the vehicle (gunner/back). Wait a few moments and you should be able to get into the driver's seat to repair or repair from another seat.

Once repaired, a vehicle can then be refueled (if so needed) in a similar fashion:

1. Park the fuel truck near the vehicle.
2. Get in the Driver's seat of the vehicle
3. You will then see "Refueling" on your screen and the fuel level of the vehicle will be seen to increase.

You should always repair a vehicle before refueling it as some damaged vehicles will leak fuel and waste your prior refueling efforts. Please also note that there are ammo trucks that can also re-arm vehicles (and infantry) out in the field as well.

[edit] Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP)

FARP's are one of the most valuable resources away from base. A FARP can repair, refuel, and re-arm vehicles and infantry away from base. There are a couple pre-positioned FARPs in the mission (check the map) but engineers can build FARP's anywhere in the field (not within the base as it is unneeded) as long as they have a repair truck nearby. After a FARP is built, any vehicle near it can be repaired, refueled, and re-armed (without the associated trucks nearby) by getting in the driver's seat. Additionally, there are ammo crates similar to those at base also at the FARPs to replenish infantry ammo as well. To build a FARP scroll your mouse wheel and select "Build FARP". When a FARP is used, the engineer that built it gets points. A FARP remains in place until the engineer that built it builds a new one.

There are also repair and refueling stations fixed in different locations around the islands if you need a quick reapir or top-off your tank.

[edit] Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH)

MASHes can be built by medics anywhere in the field (no vehicle support is required). Wounded soldiers can go to a MASH to be healed in the same way as being healed by a medic. MASHes are crucial to keeping your teammates healthy and in the fight and not shuffling their feet back at base. To build a MASH scroll your mouse wheel and select "Build MASH". When a MASH is used, the medic that built it gets points. A MASH remains in place until the engineer that built it builds a new one.

There is also a M113 mobile Hospital Vehicle at base that can be driven by anyone and heal wounded personnel in the field.

[edit] Side Missions

There are 10 additional side missions (six different types) that must also be before the mission can be accomplished. They can occur at any time during the mission (before, during, or after clearing all the cities - but it is best to clear at least a few cities first to make avoiding AA and unnecessary AI spawns easier). Any combination of the six different mission types can be selected. The mission types are:

• Land Patrol
• Ambush
• Destroy
• Combat Search and Rescue
• Defense
• Combat Air Patrol

There must be two humans in a squad to select a side mission (or a single player must be be on the server more than one hour). Only SL's can select missions for their squads. To select a mission, choose the "Select Mission" option at any capable shack or by accessing the squad action menu ("0,0"). There you can read the mission briefing and accept the mission. There are time limits for each mission. You can check the time remaining and other mission information (as well as cancel a mission) from your squad action menu.

[edit] TG Modifications

TG has elected to modify Evolution to better suit our intended style of play. We are currently featuring two modifications on the server.

UR indicates the mission is unranked. This allows the players to have access to the vehicles without point farming. The extent of the changes are outlined in RANK above.

Tow indicates the mission has introduced some modifications to the UH-60 that allows it to tow/sling HMMVs and 5t trucks (including repair trucks) underneath. This allows for rapid deployment and recovery missions. To operate, get in a uh-60 as the pilot and you will see a new "Hitch" menu command. You must be at least 10m off the ground and within 20m to attach the vehicle.

[edit] Miscellaneous

Headbug - There is a particular bug in multiplayer ArmA that if you are unable to enter a vehicle you may sometime be "stuck" in free look mode and unable to move your body, only your head. This "headbug" can sometimes be fixed only if you are a SL by pressing "0,0,7". This bug has been acknowledged by the developers and will hopefully be fixed at a later date. THIS IS YOUR WIKI! If you have additions, corrections, tips, or tricks, please add them to this article. I will try to keep it updated as the mission is revised!

--Loyalguard 19:10, July 5, 2007 (EDT)