The art of FOBS

Welcome to a guide of the art FOB. In this guide, I will discuss the importance of proper logistics vehicle, FOB and HAB placement and how it can affect the outcome of a game. I will also explore the ways in which to construct multiple FOBs with limited resources, and how to choose the ideal location for FOBs to increase the chances of success. Additionally, I will delve into the art of tricking the enemy team by strategically placing FOBs in difficult to spot locations, and the benefits of having multiple HABs in the vicinity of objectives. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, squad leaders and blue berries can increase their chances of winning the game.

A common error among squad members is placing the logistics vehicle too close to the forward operating base (FOB). This oversight can result in the loss of 20 tickets, as well as the loss of the logistics vehicle itself, totaling a 25-ticket deficit. While temporarily positioning the logistics vehicle next to the radio during the HABS establishment is acceptable, leaving it there permanently is a detrimental mistake. Placing the logistics vehicle too close to the radio reveals its location, whether it's next to a building, bush, or in the vast desert of Talil. As the images below illustrate, the logistics vehicle can give away the location of the radio, making it vulnerable to enemy attacks.

During the staging phase, it is wise to gaze upon you vehicles load. it is possible to construct three FOBs - each comprising of a HAB and an ammo box - with just one logistics vehicle. To achieve this, it is advisable to have 1800 build and 1200 ammo. Each HAB costs 500 build and an ammo box 100 build. With 1800 build and 1200 ammo it is possible to establish three FOBs, each fully equipped with a HAB and an ammo box, providing optimal spawning locations for the squad. Take note, that both insurgent factions need less build for HABS.

Selecting the ideal location for a FOB can be the deciding factor in a game. One common mistake that squad leaders make is positioning the FOB directly on the capture point. While there may be rare exceptions to this rule, it is generally best to avoid this practice. Placing a FOB directly on the point can be detrimental as it only takes a couple of enemies to disrupt spawning on the point, leaving the squad vulnerable to a steamroll. Additionally, having a FOB on the point can reveal the location of the next objective in RAAS, enabling the enemy to plan their next attack accordingly. It is essential to choose FOB locations strategically to ensure the safety and success of the squad.

A well placed FOB is essential into tricking the enemy team, in apartment heavy maps it is advised to place the FOBS on the top floor or middle floors; this placement makes it hard to hear the radio and hard to find in an abundance of nearby apartments. On other maps, placing FOBS in big bushes or even behind vehicle repair stations is advised, bushes cloud the visibility of the radio while the repair bay cancels out the infamous radio sounds; blocking in a radio into a building using a rep bay is also quite effective, although some squad leads catch onto this tactic and it may make your radio more visible (a double edged sword).

Capturing and maintaining control of objectives is essential to winning a game, and having multiple HABs in the vicinity of the objective is the most effective way to achieve this. As seen in the image below, placing three HABs around the location of the objective (in this case, Geneva Apts) provides multiple effective spawn locations for the squad. Communication, both at the beginning and throughout the game, is crucial in ensuring that FOBS are strategically positioned to provide optimal coverage and support for the squad's objectives. By working together and utilising multiple HABs, the squad can increase their chances of success in capturing and holding objectives.

Rule number 1 of HAB placement, never stick the HAB next to the radio. There are only some exceptions to rule 1, such as the curse of Talil outskirts; placing the FOB in a different bunker may be your demise in holding power at those cursed bunkers.

As demonstrated below from the image,

1. The radio is hidden in a bush and is very hard to see, this makes it hard for the enemies to find your radio, giving you time to recover/destroy the FOB or could completely leave the enemy team dumbfounded leaving them to waste time finding a radio instead of being on the point.
2. The HAB is in a bunker unable to be seen by helicopters and vehicles driving/flying by; although HABs in building can create a confined space and is susceptible to bottle-necking troops to one exit. HAB distance from a radio is vital to making sure the enemy don't gain an easy 20 tickets.
3. If you are unable to bring the logi back to main and want to leave it nearby, neither put it near the FOB or HAB, you can trick the enemy into thinking that the radio is in another area by sticking the logi away from both placements. By establishing a rally away from the FOB and HAB you and your team are able to recover either the radio or HAB if either one is compromised.

Their are multiple ways of easily finding radios, although not one way is a definitive answer. The first method is the flow from main tactic, in this case we will use Goose bay as an example. In the first image below it demonstrates how the enemy vehicles will flow out of main, the enemies will be flowing from east to west in their initial push, so its safe to assume that the radio will be east of the HABs location.

Throughout the game, it's common for helicopters to deploy FOBS in strategic locations to support either an offensive or defensive push. In this situation, the helicopter has dropped the radio in a safe open field. As a FOB hunting engineer, if the objective is to plant C4 on a radio, the most efficient approach would be to locate the radio and attack it first for the best chance of success. At the present moment, the HAB has been spotted, but the location of the radio remains unknown. The most likely areas for radio placement in this scenario would be around the periphery of the open field, hidden in bushes, as illustrated in the image below. By using this method and being aware of the possible FOB placements, the engineer can increase their chances of successfully completing their objective.

Pinpointing the radio can be an easy task with a good squad lead, using the FOB creation markers can give away and pin point the exact location of where the radio might be. From the image below, the enemy team have placed multiple deployments; thanks to our team we are now able to triangulate the approximate location of where the FOB might be. In most cases it will shed off a bit of distance but finding an oddly placed ammo box and the HAB just might give away the radios location.

In conclusion, the proper placement of logistics vehicles, forward operating bases (FOBs), and HABs is essential for the success of a squad in the game. Placing logistics vehicles too close to FOBs can reveal their location and result in the loss of tickets and vehicles. Constructing multiple FOBs with one logistics vehicle is possible by having the right amount of build and ammo points. Choosing a strategic location for FOBs, such as on the top or middle floors of apartments or in bushes, can make it difficult for enemies to locate and attack. Utilising multiple HABs in the vicinity of objectives can increase the chances of capturing and holding them. Communication is key throughout the game to ensure that FOBs and HABs are placed in the most effective locations. Utilising these strategies can provide the squad with an advantage and increase the chances of winning the game.