In the immersive and historically accurate world of Enlisted, success hinges on a delicate balance of strategic prowess and skilled execution.
This free-to-play, squad-based first-person shooter, set against the backdrop of World War II, challenges players to dominate battlefields, command their units with precision, and outmaneuver their opponents.
Like all games though, some players seem to have it all figured out and consistently rank at the top of the table, while you are always stuck somewhere in the middle.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, mastering Enlisted demands a combination of tactical awareness, teamwork, and a willingness to adapt and evolve as your levels increase.
There is always something to learn, and these are some of the most important things to keep in mind when you join the fight.
The Power of Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any victorious squad in Enlisted.
Utilise your microphone or the in-game chat to keep your teammates apprised of enemy positions, objectives, and any other crucial information.
However, the true key to unlocking the full potential of your squad lies in the art of marking.
Please, guys, for the love of all that is holy mark your targets.
By pressing the designated key (typically “V” on PC), you can pinpoint enemy locations, enabling your allies to coordinate their efforts and unleash a barrage of fire or ordnance upon the marked targets. It shows unsuspecting tank crews where enemy armour is waiting, and allows artillery to rain down fire on enemy infantry.
Master the Terrain
As a skilled Enlisted player, you must become intimately familiar with the maps and their intricate layouts.
Study the chokepoints, cover positions, and potential ambush spots, for this knowledge will grant you a significant advantage on the battlefield. Identify the optimal angles of attack, the safest routes to objectives, and the most strategic locations for establishing defensive positions.
Remember, in the heat of battle, the element of surprise can often mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Utilise Cover Effectively
Enlisted’s realistic bullet physics demand that you treat cover as a precious commodity. Buildings, walls, and other environmental obstacles can mean the difference between life and death. Use cover to your advantage, carefully positioning yourself to minimise exposure while maintaining a clear line of sight on your targets.
A bush is concealment, not cover. A wooden hut is concealment and partial cover. A brick wall is solid cover. If your squad is stood up in a wooden house with a tank spraying lead all over it, expect very quick casualties.
Mastering the use of cover will not only enhance your survivability but also provide you with tactical advantages, allowing you to outmaneuver and outflank your foes.
Focus On One Faction
In the vast and diverse world of Enlisted, it is wise to concentrate your efforts on a single campaign and faction. At least to begin with.
Each campaign and faction has its unique progression system, meaning that the unlocks and advancements you achieve in one will not carry over to others.
The grind is hard in Enlisted, even though they have made it a little easier after player feedback. This means jumping between factions will make your progress painfully slow.
By dedicating your time and resources to a specific campaign and faction, you can streamline and become a true master of your chosen battlefield.
Understand the Mechanics
Enlisted’s mechanics are intricate and nuanced, and understanding them is crucial for success.
Learn the intricacies of each weapon, from the optimal range and reload times to the nuances of recoil management. For example, a fantastic SMG with terrible vertical recoil is best used by a solider with vertical recoil deduction perks selected. This gets you all the power with improved accuracy.
Elsewhere, understand when to employ grenades, where is best to lay tank and AP mines and other specialized equipment, and become proficient in their use.
Additionally, familiarise yourself with the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle, ensuring that you can effectively utilise or counter them as the situation demands. Thy all have different weak points, so know where to hit ‘em.
Squad Composition and Versatility
In Enlisted, your squad is your greatest asset, and selecting the right combination of units is paramount. Each squad possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, and understanding how to leverage them in various situations is key.
For instance, squads equipped with close-to-mid-range weapons excel in urban environments, while those with long-range capabilities are better suited for open terrain like the D-Day landings.
Maintain a versatile and well-rounded squad composition to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the battlefield. Most importantly, know why each soldier is in each squad, and be ready to switch to them when the situation calls for it.
Prioritise Objectives
While the thrill of engaging in intense firefights can be tempting, remember that Enlisted’s true objective is to complete the assigned missions.
This is where you will win or lose games and accrue points which ultimately help you progress and gain levels.
Prioritise objective completion over individual glory, as victories are measured not by kill counts but by successful mission accomplishments. You can still get plenty of kills along the way.
Focus your efforts on capturing strategic points, defending crucial locations, and supporting your team’s overall strategy. How you do that is up to you: dig in with an MG or flank and snipe from behind?
Situational Awareness
Maintaining situational awareness is crucial in the chaotic battlefields of Enlisted. Regularly consult your mini-map to stay informed about enemy positions, movements, and potential threats.
A good position can become a death trap during an airstrike, for example, so sometimes it is better to relocate.
When the opportunity arises, open the full map (typically by pressing “M” on PC) to gain a broader perspective on the battlefield, including the locations of allies, enemies, and incoming artillery strikes.
You should be constantly assessing and be ready to move.
The Importance of Engineers
Engineers are invaluable assets in Enlisted. Ensure that at least one engineer is present in each of your squads, as they possess the unique ability to construct rally points. These rally points serve as additional spawn locations, allowing you and your teammates to rapidly reinforce strategic positions or launch counterattacks.
Arguably, rally points are the key to winning most maps.
Engineers can also construct ammo boxes, stationary weapons, sandbag walls, barbed wire defences, tank traps and other fortifications, further enhancing your squad’s defensive capabilities.
For example, an engineer in a mortar squad means you will never run out of ammunition and can keep pounding the enemy’s front line for the whole game if you want to.
Recoil and Weapon Control
Accurate and controlled fire is the cornerstone of individual success in Enlisted. To achieve this, you must master the art of recoil management.
Utilise techniques such as holding your breath (typically by pressing “Shift” on PC or “L3” on consoles) to steady your aim and minimise weapon sway.
Additionally, adjust your stance based on the situation: standing will result in maximum recoil, while crouching and going prone will progressively reduce it. For even greater control, consider using the designated key (often “B” on PC) to brace your weapon against solid surfaces, virtually eliminating recoil altogether. This is incredibly powerful for snipers.
You can further reduce recoil by assigning the appropriate perks to the soldiers with weapons that give more of a kick.
Flanking and Manoeuvrability
In all of the dynamic battlefields of Enlisted, flanking and outmaneuvering your opponents can often prove decisive.
Instead of charging headlong into contested areas, seek alternative routes and employ flanking manoeuvres to catch your enemies off guard.
This approach not only increases your chances of success but also forces your opponents to divide their attention, creating opportunities for your teammates to capitalise on.
So many players attack the same point over and over again and get mowed down. Don’t be another lamb to the slaughter. Use your head and find an alternative. Or use smoke to cover your approach. Just do something different.