Overview
This guide is about Overwatch, a commonly used, but not understood mechanic, which leads to frustration.
Introduction
As I said above, Overwatch is commonly used. It is not commonly understood, so many times I have seen people rage about how Overwatch is broken. Hopefully, this the following explanation will further your understanding, and make you a better player.
How does it work?
Most people think, that if someone moves you can see, you shoot them while on Overwatch. This is not the case. What Overwatch actually does is more complex. It triggers if all of these are true:
- There is at least one shot in the gun.
- You can see the enemy.
- The enemy has moved more than one tile IN YOUR LINE OF SIGHT
- Overwatch is activated and hasn’t been triggered before this turn. EXEPTIONS: Sentinel, Rapid Reaction.
- Shots with Overwatch have a -20% aim penalty, unless the unit is a sniper with Opportunist.
If you move one square, Overwatch will not trigger. It also will not trigger if you enter line of sight.
Avoiding overwatch
These are some ways to avoid taking Overwatch shots:
- Move one square at a time. You will not take overwatch shots, but you will be exposed and you won’t get anywhere in a hurry.
- Move up to corners, and don’t blindy rush around them.
- Dashing will still trigger Overwatch, but you gain extra defence while dashing.
- If you surpress the unit on Overwatch, they will not shoot.
- Putting a smoke grenade in the area where overwatch will trigger (usually where your unit is) and dashing your unit will give them the smoke cover, and the dashing cover bonuses.
Any other ways you know, please suggest in the comment area.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. I hope it is useful, and please leave a rating, and feedback/ CONSTRUCTIVE criticism in the comment area.