Plan the turn before spending the first AP
The squad acts before the enemy, and each Operator normally has three AP. Before moving anyone, identify the objective, targets that can be removed this turn, safe cover, and which allies have line of sight for Call for Backup. A move that blocks an ally’s shot can cost more damage than the active Operator gains.
A reliable default sequence is:
- Use any free setup action or Advantage ability.
- Apply a debuff, remove cover, or expose the priority target.
- Attack with an Operator who can trigger a useful Backup partner.
- Reposition anyone still exposed.
- Place Overwatch only after that Operator has finished every other action.
The sequence is a flexible template, not a rule. Timed objectives, reinforcements, or a vulnerable ally can make movement the first priority.
Call for Backup whenever the shot matters
Backup lets another Operator with line of sight assist the active attacker. The official overview describes it as a zero-AP action available each turn, while current guide testing emphasizes that the assist itself is reliable and also contributes to relationship growth.
Check the proposed helper before confirming. A high-damage ally may be better saved to assist a tougher target, and a unit without line of sight cannot contribute. Place support Operators where they can see multiple lanes rather than hiding them behind geometry that protects them from both enemies and useful teamwork.
Treat Advantage as a shared tempo resource
Dealing damage fills the squad’s Advantage pool, capped at 10 in the official gameplay overview. Advantage abilities do not consume AP, so they can open a turn, extend it after normal actions are spent, or rescue a plan that missed an important shot.
Avoid two opposite mistakes:
- Hoarding at the cap and losing potential generation from later hits.
- Spending the pool on the first available ability without checking what the next Operator can do.
The strongest use is usually the one that changes the number of meaningful actions this turn: extra AP, area damage on clustered reinforcements, a defensive taunt, or a team accuracy boost.
Overwatch is a commitment
Overwatch creates an adjustable cone and can interrupt enemy movement. Investing more AP can allow more reactions, but activating it immediately ends that Operator’s turn. Move, use Utilities, or take any other required action first.
Longer cones carry a lower chance to hit, so cover the lane enemies must cross rather than the largest possible area. Overlapping narrow cones can be more useful than pointing every Operator at the same empty half of the map.
Break cover instead of gambling against it
Full cover makes a target harder to hit. When the displayed chance is poor, look for flanking routes, higher ground, explosives, pushes, or abilities that expose the enemy. EA’s own example pairs a knockback from Tel-Rea or Kabb with a squadmate’s Overwatch.
Cover can be destroyed, including the cover protecting your squad. End the turn with an escape plan instead of treating one strong position as permanent.
Carry Utilities that cover class weaknesses
Medkits help manage damage, while grenades and other Black Market Utilities give classes access to effects their native kit may lack. A balanced loadout should answer at least three questions: who restores health, who handles grouped enemies, and who moves a target out of cover?
These recommendations describe the launch build. Balance changes can alter individual Talent or Utility priorities without changing the underlying AP, cover, Backup, and objective-first principles.