Summary
- Combat in Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader is not just about brute force, but also about strategy and utilizing mechanics and abilities to overcome obstacles.
- Proper positioning of companions is crucial in combat, as it allows players to take advantage of cover and separate their group to effectively engage enemies.
- Understanding each enemy's plan and strategizing accordingly is essential, whether it's focusing on a single enemy or dealing with overwhelming numbers. Divide and conquer to make combat more manageable.
Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader is a turn-based CRPG that goes deep in both its lore and mechanics. Delving into the grimdark setting of the 41st Millennium, players get to face some of the galaxy's deadliest threats. From Daemons to Drukhari, there is rarely a shortage of enemies for the Rogue Trader and their retinue to take on.
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Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader players have ten companions to choose from, but some are far better to have at one's side than others.
Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader can be tough even on normal difficulty, and some encounters will challenge players new to turn-based combat. Getting to grips with the ins and outs of the combat system will help players when taking on these tougher enemies. Combat in Rogue Trader isn’t only about brute force, the game includes many mechanics and abilities that will help the player overcome all obstacles, where often a strong strategy is better than a strong weapon.
10 Positioning
Position Companions For Advantage
From the very first moments of combat, players will see Rogue Trader isn’t about simply rushing at enemies. The game allows players to position their team before the combat has even started.
This mechanic can be vital for tougher enemies, who can quickly whittle away the companions’ health bar. Players should consider the layout of the terrain and find any cover available that companions can get behind. This is also the perfect moment to decide which companions will fight which enemies and separate the group before the firing starts.
9 Enemies Plan
Plan your Strategy Around Your Enemy's Actions
The enemies in Rogue Trader are varied and numerous. Each enemy fights differently and, depending on the situation, has different goals in combat. One of the key aspects of being successful in battle is quickly determining the enemy's plan.
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For instance, some encounters will center around a single enemy, and defeating this one character will end the battle faster. Meanwhile, other encounters attempt to overwhelm the players with numbers. This requires a different strategy altogether. Figuring out the enemy's plan will help the player decide which companions to use and where to place them.
8 Divide and Conquer
Separating The Retinue Into Small Groups
Rogue Trader can be an unforgiving game and players can be quickly overwhelmed. Certain enemies can stun characters or knock them down, which forces them to skip whole rounds. An important tip when facing off against numerous enemies in the game is to try and separate the team into different areas.
Bunching up the retinue will give enemies a larger target to attack and will cause higher damage to more characters. Players should consider splitting the group and attacking from multiple angles. This will split the enemy force and make combat more manageable over time.
7 Movement
Plan Your Movement Carefully
Movement is extremely important in combat and deciding how or where a companion moves is vital. Certain long-range weapons cannot be used when too close to an enemy. In addition, retreating out of an enemy's engagement range can trigger an attack of opportunity on the player.
The warrior also loses the ability to charge if too close to an enemy, meaning it is possible to completely lose an attack each round if the player has moved in to engage. Players should plan their movement carefully and consider which attacks or abilities that movement might affect.
6 Companions Roles
The Right Tool For The Job
While some companions share an archetype, each companion in the game has a unique backstory and unique talents. Each also has their motivations and goals that can help the Rogue Trader or set them on a different path. Learning the different roles each companion plays is a vital part of the game and will help the player when it comes to combat.
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Some companions are best used pushing forward into melee range, blocking enemies from advancing, and being a frontline attack force. While other companions are better suited for ranged attacks, holding the rear and firing at enemies the frontline has yet to reach. Learning these roles will help in the overall strategy of combat.
5 Talents and Abilities
Know Which Abilities To Use At The Right Time
The leveling system in Rogue Trader is deep and varied and comes with a huge selection of talents and abilities to improve the player's character and companions. Many of these abilities or talents can be vital in combat and learning which to use at the right time can make all the difference against harder enemies.
Some abilities debuff enemies, so they take more damage or lose armor, while some will buff a companion to hit even harder or even take another turn. Some abilities even need to be used before or after a main attack to be most effective.
4 Momentum
Unleash Stronger Attacks
One of the unique mechanics in Rogue Trader is Momentum. Momentum can be a game changer in combat and can either save a situation or bring it to a swift end. Players will gain or lose momentum by either killing enemies or by losing health themselves.
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Once enough momentum has been gained or lost, players will get access to their heroic acts or desperate measures abilities. These are stronger abilities that can turn the tide of combat. They give players the incentive to either push on and fight till the last or ruthlessly end the battle quickly and decisively.
3 Fully Equipped
Use All The Items Available
The world of Rogue Trader is filled with loot that players can collect. From firearms and melee weapons to healing and stat-boosting items or even different types of armor and augmetics. Each playable character in the game comes with a selection of slots that can be filled with various items.
Many of these items give a boost to the player, from damage or dodge. There are also many grenade types scattered around the game to collect. It is always recommended that each character is fully loaded with the best gear, ensuring players are always ready for combat.
2 Maximum Effect
Cause As Much Damage As Possible
There are times in Rogue Trader when the player and their companions are completely outnumbered by enemies. Be it groups of desperate rebels or hordes of rotting poxwalkers, the game doesn’t hold back.
Many of the weapons in Rogue Trader can hit multiple enemies at once. This can be extremely useful when up against superior numbers. Some rifles can shoot through multiple enemies, some guns have a rapid fire that sprays its victims, and the psyker has an attack that chain hits enemies that are close to each other. Players should plan their attacks to have the largest effect on as many enemies as possible.
1 The Order Of Combat
Know Who's Next For An Advantage
On the left-hand side of the screen in Rogue Trader, players will see the order of combat. This is the order the player, their companions, and the enemies take their turns. This can be very useful to players as they can see which enemies will be making a move next.
With this information, players can gauge which enemies pose the biggest threats to which companion and respond before that enemy has a turn to cause damage. This is also useful if companions are low on health and either need to retreat or receive aid.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
- Released
- December 7, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Owlcat Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
