Staying Alive in DUST
Cover
Avoid crossing wide open spaces!
Get into the habit of scanning the environment for possible cover: a doorway, a vehicle, a box, a low wall. Move from cover to cover until you reach your objective.
Image 1. Take your time, don't run straight to the objective as shown in the image below, you probably won't make it!
Image 2. Good cover is indicated by the orange arrows. Move from cover to cover, taking out enemy threats from safe positions as you head towards the objective.
Prone
In a firefight, especially if there's no good cover nearby, go prone. The prone position will make you a much smaller target. It will also make you a more accurate shooter.
Tunnel Vision
Try and avoid getting fixated on one direction when you're engaging the enemy. They can easily appear from your side or behind you. Scan your environment for threats often.
Cornering
Never run around blind corners!
As you approach a blind corner raise your weapon and ADS (aim down sight). Cautiously walk around the corner whilst looking through your sights. If there's a threat you'll be ready for it.
Image 1. You're approaching a blind corner
Image 2. Raise your weapon.
Image 3. Aim down your sights and carefully move round the corner.
All clear ... this time!
Friend or Foe
In DUST, you have no convenient markers above soldiers to tell you whether they are friend or foe. But you do have a tactical map (press M) with 3 levels of zoom (press N whilst in map view). Use your map frequently.
If you're not sure whether that individual crossing the road in the distance is a friend or an enemy the map will help you. If you see a blue dot in that area then it's one of yours. If you see a red dot it's an enemy that has been spotted. If there's no dot then it's also an enemy. Your team mates are always marked on the map.
Image 1. Someone is moving across the road up ahead, but you can't identify them (red diamond). Should you engage?
Image 2. Check your tactical map.
Okay, it's a friendly (red diamond), we're good!
N.B. If there is an active AA vehicle or helicopter with radar, all friendlies and enemies within their scan range will be visible on the map.
Know Your Vehicles
Another essential battlefield skill is learning to identify vehicles. The vehicles in DUST are very distinctive, and because armoured vehicles and aircraft can only be used by their own faction identifying the vehicle type will tell you who to shoot at.
In fixed wing aircraft, the HUD does the work of identification for you. See the F18 Flight Manual.
Fire Mode
As a rule, use semi auto (single shot) for medium to long range engagements. It's far more accurate and you'll conserve your ammunition.
Use automatic fire in close quarters engagements. Bursts of three to five rounds are preferable.
Need help with your tactics? Feel free to ask.
Gattobuono
Again, another great article, this time about strategies. This mod actually makes me play more tactical, like PR and AIX Reality, despite being completely singleplayer!
Thanks!
I've sent you a pm. :-)
Very well explained!