Multiplayer Online...what to expect

written by Lion

Expect The Unexpected:
As you gain more experience playing against the computer, sooner or later you'll find certain attack patterns the computer AI uses against you. And you find ways to combat the attacks. The computer AI becomes very predictable game after game. When playing against a human opponent this rule doesn't apply. In one game he may use a certain game plan/tactic against you, then change completely in the next game. New players to the multiplayer online arena often times make the mistake of preparing their defense or offense just as they would against the computer AI. This won't work. You must be flexible and be able to make changes to your game plan as the game progresses. In other words, don't get in a mindset that what works on one player will work on all players. This will not be the case. Unlike the computer, live players learn to adapt quickly. A certain tactic you use against a player usually doesn't work in the same game over and over. Human opponents learn quickly. They will be more prepared the next time you try the same tactic. Your well thought strategy may work the first time around, but usually fails if you try using them more than once against the same player. It's best to have several different strategies and become an unpredictable player. Keep your opponent guessing all the time.

Multiplayer Speed:
Unlike playing against the computer AI, in multiplayer games you will find the pace of the game a bit faster, providing of course you have a good online connection.  It's very frustrating to new players who have never played online to find they've lost their base in the first 10 or 15 minutes of game play, or worse still, the first two minutes, which does happen frequently due to engineer rushes, etc. But this can and will happen. When playing against the computer AI, you are afforded the time to build your base. Because the computer AI is predictable, you know about how much time you have to build and what defense or offense you need to prepare. Not so with a human player. Your opponent, if he has any online playing experience at all, will most likely have one thing on his mind. And that is to destroy your base as quickly as possible. Unless of course you have agreed with your opponent in advance a certain time set aside for building a base, which isn't a bad idea for some. Diehard veterans most likely will not give you such an option. Regardless, you need to expect and prepare yourself for an early attack every time you play. Start building your base and lay down some defenses as quickly as you can possibly do. If this is your first multiplayer game and you lose, don't get discouraged. Learn from your mistakes and watch the moves your opponent uses against you. And one very important rule to follow. Don't play entirely defensive. You won't win many games if you are always on the defense. You have to initiate attacks and distract your opponent just as he will most assuredly do to you. As with anything, practice makes perfect. If your new to multiplayer, don't expect to conquer the online world in the first few months. It takes playing experience. Just remember, every time you lose a game, learn from it and you will improve.

The Sneaky Player:
Human players can and will use whatever means they have at their disposal to win. After all, the name of the game is to WIN. Experienced and talented players often get accused of cheating, especially from newer players who just don't understand all the tactics and strategies available to them. These players aren't cheating, but are using strategies available to anyone playing the game. They have just learned to master certain strategies and playing techniques. And if you play online long enough, you will come up against some of these players. 'Sneaky' players will take their units and circle around the edge of the map. Usually the edges of the map are not explored and it's a great way to move your army undetected. Early in the game, expect them to pop up in the middle of your base with engineers ready to take over your buildings. Also, watch the back of your base. Most new players don't pay attention to this very vulnerable area, but rather place all their base defenses up front and all their important buildings in the rear unprotected. Just remember this, your opponent will be looking for any weaknesses in your base. Don't assume he won't attack at a particular area. Always expect the unexpected and try to be prepared for any ground or air attack from anywhere in your base. 

Hints For First-Time Players:
If you are new to the multiplayer online arena, these quick hints and tips will help get you started. They are not advanced strategies, but they will help you to stay alive a little longer and allow you to gain some playing experience. 

• Scout the map as early as possible. By scouting, you can locate where your opponent's base is, find where the ore fields are located, and determine where the enemy may attack you from. Try to uncover as much of the map as possible. When you build your Radar installation, it will help you to spot enemy units coming your way if you have most of the map uncovered. Also, early scouting is the best time to uncover your opponents base before he has his base defenses set up. If you don't scout his base early, you may not have another opportunity later on. 
• Build up your base as quickly as possible. Be aware of what needs to be built before you start your game. You won't have time to think what to build once the game gets underway. Concentrate on base defenses. Don't overdo it with defenses however. Early on, just add enough defenses to hold off any early attacks from your opponent. Place some infantry around your base and place them in guard mode too. It's also a good idea to wall up your Construction Yard to keep Engineers from capturing it. After you have defenses placed, start getting your economy running by building several refineries and Ore Trucks so you can crank out vehicles, etc. You'll need a mobile army if you plan on winning the game. You don't win many games staying bottled up inside your base.
• Expand your base. If you make it past the first 15 minutes or so of the game, most likely your opponent is expanding his base. You need to do the same thing. Build an MCV and head out to another tiberium field. Add a War Factory and some Refineries, and a few base defenses at your new base. By expanding and building several bases, you will keep your economy growing, and at the same time give you different places to launch an attack from. 
• Watch distractions from your opponent. Many players will launch one attack on you as a diversion while sneaking in units from a different direction. But this is a two way street. You should be doing the same thing. It's important to keep your enemy occupied with defending his base. Don't attack from the same direction. Keep your opponent guessing all the time. Don't become predictable. When you become predictable to your opponent you will fail.

Final Thoughts:
The best advise I can give to new players entering the online arena is this: Don't get discouraged when you lose. You will meet up with players that will totally and completely annihilate you. Is this such a terrible thing? At first, it may seem so, but in reality you are beginning a learning process. And this process never ends. No player wins every game. Keep a close eye on what tactics and strategies your opponent uses against you. If you lose a game, stop and ask yourself how you lost. By watching your opponent's moves, you can pick up on new ideas that will make you a better player the next time around. Learn from your mistakes and your game will improve gradually. You can also use the computer AI to practice new strategies and tactics. Just keep in mind most human players react much differently than the computer AI. But using skirmish mode is a great way to hone your skills and learn better base building techniques mixed with your online playing. Good luck and enjoy playing CnC: Red Alert2 from Westwood Studios!

Yours in gaming,

lion