Help with support

[Outlaw]

I've been playing this game for a few months now and feel like I have a decent grasp on the basic mechanics of the game. I feel comfortable with the commando perk (the one I started out playing, level 6 now) and am used to its ability to clear out virtually all the zeds save Scrakes and FP's. Also, I do pretty decently with sharp shooter (level 4 now). I don't always get a clean headshot with the crossbow but I can usually keep a FP or Scrake from doing any damage to the group.

I'm having trouble adapting to support (level 5 now). I mostly try and line up the zeds and take them out with the pump shotgun, using either the hunting or AA12 for the times that we're getting overwhelmed. I've tried a number of load outs: pump, hunting shotgun (or AA12), hand cannon (sometimes katana); hunting shotgun, AA12; AA12, crossbow. I find the versatility to be great but I run into the same issue, during a sustained fire situation I feel like I'm falling downhill with the long reload times of either the pump shotgun or the AA12, with the zeds piling up and gaining ground. I try to reload the pump whenever there's a lull in the action, or even after each shot if there's a bit of distance to the next group of zeds, but its clip just slowly drains itself until I have to switch to my other weapon. Then after that it doesn't really seem like there's enough time to keep both shotguns loaded without letting the zeds gain ground on the group.

Maybe I'm just used to the commando's quick reload speed and power at quickly killing zeds with some distance between them. How do I fulfill a similar role with support without feeling overwhelmed? How do you get around the long reload times of support?

 

[outofrealman]

I've been playing this game for a few months now and feel like I have a decent grasp on the basic mechanics of the game. I feel comfortable with the commando perk (the one I started out playing, level 6 now) and am used to its ability to clear out virtually all the zeds save Scrakes and FP's. Also, I do pretty decently with sharp shooter (level 4 now). I don't always get a clean headshot with the crossbow but I can usually keep a FP or Scrake from doing any damage to the group.

I'm having trouble adapting to support (level 5 now). I mostly try and line up the zeds and take them out with the pump shotgun, using either the hunting or AA12 for the times that we're getting overwhelmed. I've tried a number of load outs: pump, hunting shotgun (or AA12), hand cannon (sometimes katana); hunting shotgun, AA12; AA12, crossbow. I find the versatility to be great but I run into the same issue, during a sustained fire situation I feel like I'm falling downhill with the long reload times of either the pump shotgun or the AA12, with the zeds piling up and gaining ground. I try to reload the pump whenever there's a lull in the action, or even after each shot if there's a bit of distance to the next group of zeds, but its clip just slowly drains itself until I have to switch to my other weapon. Then after that it doesn't really seem like there's enough time to keep both shotguns loaded without letting the zeds gain ground on the group.

Maybe I'm just used to the commando's quick reload speed and power at quickly killing zeds with some distance between them. How do I fulfill a similar role with support without feeling overwhelmed? How do you get around the long reload times of support?

For me, I never shoot if I can only damage two or less zeds unless it is a threat to the whole team such as sirens and raging fps/scrakes. And I use alt fire of hunting shotgun to clear bigger groups of zeds and that should bring me enough time to reload the AA12.

And well.. I "support" the team no matter what perk I use, I just do what no one is doing pretty much that would be healing, welding, killing crawlers and stalkers. If you have to defend one hallway all by your self, AA12 + hunting shotgun should work fine. But usually there will be some rambos standing in the front line and kep killing, so I just level up my medic behind them even I am a support or commando or sharpshooter

 

[nutterbutter]

its clip just slowly drains itself until I have to switch to my other weapon. Then after that it doesn't really seem like there's enough time to keep both shotguns loaded without letting the zeds gain ground on the group.

That's the riddle of support. Support lets you fire multiple shot that penetrate multiple targets but you always have to work to keep the weapons loaded and ready.

Support was the first perk I got to lvl 6 and I really can't play it effectively for a single high level wave anymore. My timing for it has gone and I would probably need a half dozen games of nothing but support to get my timing back. Sharpie and commando really spoil a player with lots of ammo and really fast reloads.

If you are playing alone or holding an area alone, then always be moving laterally to line up mobs. Be moving around for the best shot and reload while moving. If you have guys behind you shooting in the same direction, then you can't do this because you'll just be blocking their shots. If people behind you are shooting in the same direction, you'll have to do the forward/back shuffle. Move up to maximize the shot, fire, then move back to reload. They key is to move straight forward and straight back. Don't block other's shots but you are maximizing your firepower while also buying time to reload.

You don't want them to be perfectly in a line, but you want multiple mobs to be in the cone of fire. You also want them close. Really close. Let gorefasts, clots, stalkers, and crawlers to be close when you fire to maximize damage and accuracy. Reload while they close in. You really want crawlers to be close because you should be firing while the crawler is in the air. That way your buckshot will hit mobs behind the crawler.

If there is a single low level mob, then reload while you have time then whip out the pistol for the kill. Don't waste a shell and the needed reload time for a single low level mob.

When shooting at a group of low level mobs, aim centermast. Buckshot is going to go higher than your aiming point and you don't want to waste that killing power.

Support is fun to play because of the damage of the shotguns but it takes a lot of tactical planning between shots and how to husband the firepower.

 

[YFGHNG]

Maybe I'm just used to the commando's quick reload speed and power at quickly killing zeds with some distance between them. How do I fulfill a similar role with support without feeling overwhelmed? How do you get around the long reload times of support?

For me, when I leveled my support to 6 (it was the 2nd perk I got to 6, after demo), the hardest part was learning to go forward face-to-face with a spec, and after shooting, immediately backpedal. I then check to see if there was anything behind me. If there wasn't and the specs weren't dead, I'd shoot again.

When the small stuff appeared, I just switched to my 9mm or handcannon, depending on the difficulty, and took them out. I always made sure my secondary was reloaded and ready to go, even if it meant wasting a whole clip of 8 bullets left. And always gotta make sure there's someone behind you, either to act as bait (to be mean) or to cover your back. Because support isn't the perk that can cover both sides; it's more like a "blast everything out of your way in one direction" kind of perk.

 

[hawkbill666]

I am a level 5 support and it is my favorite perk so far. Ontop of always working to stay reloaded my tactic is one of two things:

1) I stay close to a SS, other support or commando... This is a good idea anyways as its a team game...

or my more common tactic....

2) I create a situation where I am always moving forward. This can just be back and forth, or in circle, or exploring, or anything that keeps me moving forward, with quick looks behind me. If I see a group I move towards it fast and start clearing because I know if I run out of shells I can back up to reload since I started by moving forward. This doesnt always work, but it does most this time. It goes like this.
Loadout is shotgun and aa12. Shotgun is always my primary and I always work to keep it loaded with my move forward and backup tactic. When I back up and find I ran into something that showed up out of nowhere I pull out the AA12 and spray. Of course it was fully loaded and its rare I cant clean up with my 20 shots. Then its back to the shotgun. Wash, rinse, repeat.

 

[JCoquillon]

I've played almost exclusively as a Support since Beta, and especially when you get to higher levels it is a powerful class.

The enormous carry limits, mean you can carry several decent weapons and just switch as you run out of ammo.

Empty AA12 and switch to dual deagles and then when they run out switch to a pump action shotgun.

If you've used up the ammo for 3-4 guns without a chance to reload then you should have already given up.

AA12 should always be kept topped up ready for a Skrake or FP. When they do show up just let rip at the head and chest while backpedaling to stay out of striking range and switch to a 2nd weapon if you run out and can't break off to reload the AA12.

A mistake many make is to run backwards away from groups of ZEDs with the support. It is a class that works best up close, so push forward and blast a path. Backing up gets you in a corner with your back against a surface. A hunting shotgun or AA12 can open up a path right in front of you into open space. The shotgun rounds also do so much more damage when used up close - firing from range is often a waste of ammo.

In the early rounds I dash off and try and grab as much equipment and clots in round1 and 2 so I can purchase the AA12 asap. After that you relax and cover the teammates. Let a mob swarm in on them and then just sweep them away with the AA12.

I'll often stand behind the front members of the team using the M79 to lob grenades into advancing ZEDs and staying ready to clear them if the ZEDs get too close. I'm a lvl 5 medic simply by playing in this role and healing team mates regularly. Same goes for my lvl5 SS, that is largely due to 1st round pistol kills and always using dual handcannons for backup.

But overall the Support is one of the most satisfying classes (you get some of the best ZED-time kills). Especially using the AA12, pumping out shotgun rounds on full auto where every round goes on target to a different ZED is just awesome.

The key to support is to be tictactical. Hold back as much as possible and simply rush in whenever it gets heavy. Then pull back and reload. Don't run around corners reloading, you will regret it. And learn when to advance all guns blazing and when to slowly backpedal to buy you a few more seconds of firing time.

 

[Rainydaykid]

I always play support or commando. For support I always use the 9mm to harass long range targets and kill one or two closer range weaker targets. I always shoot for the head, even with a shotgun. I can rip off 3 gorefast's heads by aiming for the head. With the pump, reload a couple of shells at a time, then top off when you can.

It has always been one of my key points to get really good with the 9mm. It helps with any class.

I don't care for the AA12, and use hunting and pump most of the time.

 

[Vintage]

I like the HS but when I can afford it I like to carry an AA12, Pump Shotgun, Dual Hand Cannons, and 11 grenades. I just like having a **** load of guns and cycling through them killing everything that moves. Then reloading all of them and doing it again. Feels great.

 

[CandleJack]

Generally, pick your targets. Also aim for the upper body for a chance of headshot action.

The Shotgun is a great gun that can spawn on the map, if you're lucky. Reload often and always, with everything as long as it is sensible.

No point reloading the AA12 when the FP is running towards you

Another thing, keep playing more of Support, and learn what situations you are weak in. Try to adapt your playstyle accordingly.

No sharpie? Pack a HS. Generally speaking the Shotgun is the middle-ground between the HS and AA12, and is the best weapon for general usage.

You can retreat back a few steps to reload, or run away if you need to because no one said you can't. Survival is paramount, and tactical retreating can buy you the time to reload and live. Also keep in mind that Crawlers jump in a linear fashion. Strafing in circles can buy you time to reload the Shotgun.