Best Early-Game Squad Weapons in MENACE: A Tactical Guide

When you’re diving into MENACE for the first time, the C1A2-SPC Carbine might seem like the best option for your squad, but let’s be real—it’s far from ideal for the early game. If you want to survive the chaos of pirates, Xenos, and deadly engagements, upgrading your gear is a must. Here’s a tactical breakdown from a dedicated fan on what weapons to grab ASAP to maximize your effectiveness in those brutal first few missions.

1. The K-PAC: Your Reliable All-Rounder

If you’re upgrading from the C1A2-SPC Carbine, look no further than the R10A6 K-PAC Assault Rifle. This bad boy is a staple for any player looking to enhance their squad’s firepower early on.

Armor Penetration: You’ll need this to deal with pesky pirate raider armor.
Rate of Fire: With a solid ROF of 3, you’ll be able to pin enemies more effectively. This makes a huge difference in high-pressure situations, especially when you can’t afford to lose soldiers to a manpower bleed.
Suppression: Keeping enemies under control? Absolutely crucial. Suppression is your friend when your squad is in a firefight—whether it’s pirates or Xenos, the K-PAC keeps them pinned long enough for you to maneuver or take them out.

It’s one of the best choices for infantry engagement, especially early on. Think of it as your bread-and-butter upgrade.

2. The Crowbar: High Damage, High Risk

For those who want to maximize damage output, there’s no better weapon than the BR3A3 “Crowbar” Battle Rifle. This gun might not have the best close-range stats, but when you need to delete an enemy from a distance, it’s perfect.

High Damage & Armor Penetration: Ideal for long-range combat where enemies are hiding behind cover. A well-placed shot can obliterate heavy targets.
Caveat: The downside? It’s slow. The Crowbar has a low rate of fire, making it less effective for suppression or close-quarters combat. But when you need to wipe out high-priority targets in one hit? It’s a game-changer.

3. The Specialist’s Arsenal: Mortars and Grenades

While the K-PAC and Crowbar are reliable, you need utility weapons for those tough situations where standard firearms won’t cut it. That’s where the Light Mortar and Grenade Launcher come in.

Light Mortar: Its long-range HE (High Explosive) rounds and smoke utility are invaluable for breaking line of sight, keeping your squad safe while you advance.
Grenade Launcher: A must-have for any Vanguard-style team. The Launcher has a 70% chance to hit every unit in an enemy formation. It’s the perfect tool for wiping out groups of enemies hiding behind cover.

These weapons are a lifesaver when you face large groups or entrenched enemies. If you’re running a small squad, you’ll want at least one of these.

4. Anti-Armor: AMRs & RPGs

Early on, you’re likely to face light vehicles or heavily armored infantry, and that’s when the Anti-Material Rifle (AMR) and RPGs become essential.

AMR: Great for eliminating heavy infantry or light vehicles from a distance. It’s not the best in terms of ammo economy (so always pack extra mags), but when you need a kill shot, it delivers.
RPGs: One of the most efficient ways to deal with armored threats. Don’t let the low ammo count fool you; they pack a punch against even the toughest targets.

Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on ammo supplies. On Expert difficulty, running out of ammo can end your campaign in a heartbeat. Always have spares.

5. The Autocannon: Vehicle Dominance

If you’ve got access to vehicles (like an APC or IFV), the Autocannon is the perfect weapon for vehicle integration.

Burst Function: It works similarly to a grenade with each burst, letting you hit multiple targets with a single shot.
Versatility: Pair it with a Light Grenade Launcher for absolute domination. You can wipe out swarms and heavy targets without putting your squad at risk.

Tactical Summary: Early-Game Weapon Priorities

In the early game, upgrading your squad’s weapons is critical for survival. Here’s the checklist:

Replace Carbines ASAP: As soon as you have access to the K-PAC or Crowbar, swap out the C1A2-SPC Carbine. These upgrades will help you stay competitive in early skirmishes.
Focus on Suppression: Weapons with a high rate of fire (like the K-PAC or LMGs) are essential for pinning enemies. Once they’re suppressed, you can safely advance or hit them with heavy-hitters like the Crowbar.
Carry Utility: Don’t forget about smoke grenades or a Light Mortar. They can be the difference between life and death when visibility is low or enemies are entrenched.
Watch Ammo: The heat-based ammo of energy weapons is something to manage carefully. Make sure you’re always stocked up with the right supplies!

Weapon Loadout Recommendations

Here’s a sample loadout that I swear by:

Weapon Slot	Recommended Weapon	Role/Purpose
Primary	R10A6 K-PAC Assault Rifle	Balanced, suppression, and good armor penetration. Great for infantry.
Secondary	BR3A3 Crowbar	High damage, anti-armor, long-range hits.
Special	Light Mortar or Grenade Launcher	Utility for suppression, smoke, and clearing out entrenched enemies.
Anti-Armor	AMR or RPG	Primary tools for dealing with vehicles or heavily armored targets.
Vehicle	Autocannon	For APCs or IFVs, allowing you to eliminate enemies with ease.

By prioritizing these weapons, you’ll not only survive the early game but thrive. Always be prepared to adapt, keep your squad flexible, and, most importantly, don’t skimp on ammo—that’s the real key to success. Get out there, Commander, and crush the Xenos!

Mastering the APC’s Roadkill Ability in MENACE: A Tactical Guide

The sci-fi tactical world of MENACE is one where every decision matters, and sometimes, it’s not just the bullets that make a difference—sometimes, it’s the raw power of four tons of armored steel crushing your enemies beneath its wheels. The APC’s Roadkill (or “Run Over”) ability is far more than just a meme. It’s a strategic weapon that, when used correctly, can change the course of battle. Whether you’re facing Alien Swarms or Pirate Infantry, this high-speed, high-impact maneuver will help you dominate the battlefield.

1. Understanding the Roadkill Ability

Before diving into advanced tactics, let’s break down how the Run Over works mechanically.

AP Cost: 45 Action Points (AP).
Execution: Target an enemy unit up to 2 tiles away, including diagonals, as long as there’s an empty space for the APC to move into after the impact.
Damage Profile: Immediate damage, with a heavy suppression effect. The APC doesn’t just crush enemies—it leaves them unable to retaliate effectively.
Armor Interaction: Unlike small arms fire, Roadkill ignores certain armor thresholds, making it effective even against tougher enemies like “Armored Bug Warriors.”

2. Early-Game Domination: Why Roadkill is S-Tier

In the first few missions (Operation 1), the Roadkill ability is an absolute game-changer. Here’s why:

The Swarm Killer Strat: Early enemies like Alien Swarms and Pirate Infantry often lack the anti-armor (AT) weaponry to deal with your APC’s raw power. Let melee-focused enemies close the gap, then flatten them with your APC. It’s a reliable way to wipe out entire squads in a single move.
Suppress and Flatten: Even if an enemy survives the collision, the suppression effect renders them virtually useless for their next turn, leaving them easy prey for your other units.

3. Advanced Strategy: The Bumper Technique

If you want to become a true master of the Roadkill ability, you need to embrace the “Yo-Yo” technique. Developed by the MENACE community, this method allows you to maximize your APC’s impact while minimizing risk.

Forward Hit: Use your APC’s 45 AP to charge into enemy lines and Run Over a target.
Reverse: After the impact, move your APC backwards using its unique Reverse mechanic. This not only shields the more vulnerable rear/side armor but also creates space between your APC and any potential counterattack.
Mobile Cover: Position your APC so that after the Roadkill, it can serve as cover for your trailing infantry. This ensures your support units stay safe while you deal with the front-line threat.

4. Risk vs. Reward: The Dangers of Roadkill

Despite its overwhelming power, the Roadkill ability comes with risks, especially on higher difficulties.

Anti-Armor Ambush: After performing a Roadkill, your APC is often within striking range of RPGs or Guided Missiles. These can disable your APC in a single turn if you’re not careful.
Overextension: Charging deep into enemy territory exposes your APC to ambushes and reveals enemies in the Fog of War, potentially ruining your position.
Ammo Conservation vs. Hull Integrity: While Roadkill saves precious ammo, repairing your APC can be costly. As the game progresses, consider transitioning your APC to a long-range support role with Tank Guns or AGLs, leaving the ramming to specialized units.

5. Optimal Loadouts for Roadkill Playstyle

If you want to lean into an aggressive APC playstyle, you need to optimize your setup.

Pilot Selection: Choose pilots with the Mobile Infantry or Ace Pilot traits. These will help with AP management, allowing you to make the most of your limited turns.
Vehicle Upgrades: Prioritize Hull Integrity and Frontal Armor upgrades from the Black Market. These will help your APC survive enemy counterattacks.
Support Units: Pair your APC with Vanguard infantry carrying smoke grenades. These provide cover for your APC’s approach, letting you land the Roadkill without drawing too much attention.

Pro Tip for Expert Difficulty

On higher difficulty settings, the Roadkill ability becomes much riskier. At this stage, it’s best to reserve Roadkill for finishing moves or as a last-ditch effort to stop a melee unit from reaching your vulnerable snipers. Never lead with it unless you’re absolutely certain the enemy has no anti-armor capabilities in their arsenal.

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Key Takeaways:

Early Game: S-tier ability, crushes early swarms.
Advanced Tactics: Use the “Yo-Yo” technique for maximum impact and safety.
Risk Management: Watch out for anti-armor units, and don’t overextend.
Optimal Loadouts: Focus on pilot traits and vehicle upgrades for survival and effectiveness.