Tactics FAQ

Last updated on 2008-01-17

Are soakfests unskilled by nature?

Not necessarily. Soakfests can be organized, and even though they are mostly free-for-alls, it can take a lot of skill to play well.

Are tree houses effective?

Tree houses can be effective if well-supported. High ground always is an advantage; yet without ground troops the situation may be grim--it all depends on how well-implemented it is. A topic on the SoakerMedia forums discusses thing to great length.

Are trenches or bunkers effective?

Trenches and bunkers work well in the right places and at the right times. Should they be located uphill, they could easily be defended. Some, however, say that water gunners would be too entrenched to leave: a proper escape route should be considered.

Can a commander be a heavy gunner?

Conventional and long followed advice states they can not, but a commander can be a heavy gunner, and it can even be advantageous to do so. Many people who write against commanders wielding heavy guns are thinking about the loss of mobility and the fact that commanders need to be doing a lot of duties in real time. But often the best place that commanders can possibly be is at the front lines. There, you can direct maneuvers as events unfold and react to enemy movements more effectively. Two roles are not even enough. As an example, I am a co-commander of my team and am responsible for almost every position you could think of: scouting, heavy gunning, skirmishing, etc. I often use them all during a long war. Positions in general should be relative to user weaponry class and skill, not rigid assignments. Also positions should change based on the situation. Attacks are also often more successful if led by an experienced commander with a powerful weapon.

Can a portable base be built?

Yes, but it must be made from lightweight material to make it truly portable. Search around; something is bound to be available that may help.

Can a water fight be fought with only water balloons?

Yes.

Do homemades hold their own? How well do homemades work in battle?

See response on the Homemades FAQ.

How can I plan and start a water fight?

The best way is often to attract friends and others and start casually. For a more serious effort, you need to find more serious people.

How can I recruit people for a water war?

Start with your friends.

How can I setup a trap?

Traps for the most part do not work; therefore we will not recommend any specific setups.

How can I transport troops and equipment?

If you have access to a car, it will be the easiest way to transport things, especially to a remote location. Bicycles can work well with racks though.

How do I build a base?

Find a good location, preferably uphill and capable of a quick getaway if needed. Build from there with what is available; even natural defenses like dirt and wood work wonders.

How does a team win a water war?

The rules determine how a team wins.

How important is teamwork on a team?

Teamwork is important for all teams. Know your team members well, as you can then work better and fight better.

How should I deal with prisoners or captives?

Treat them as well as you would treat a teammate, especially since many times they are in fact friends, just opponents in the current water fight.

I am outnumbered. How can I win?

Consult this article.

Should everyone use equally powerful guns in a water war?

This is a personal choice. Some people don't care if they get soaked left and right by better-armed people, while some do. Not everyone has access to similarly powered guns though.

Should I use forts or bases? How can I defend a base?

Use of forts or bases are personal choices. The easily bases to defend are uphill. Some don't like them though because they prefer to move around; but you game type may dictate use of a base.

What game types are out there?

One hits kills, one hit scores, and soak-fest to name a few.

What is the best hill defense?

Keep the high ground.

What is the best way to defend a base?

The best way to defend a base built it and position it well. With the proper defenses, it can be nearly impossible to take.

What is the largest war you have participated in? How large do water wars get?

There have been many large wars, numbering up to a few hundred participants.

What is the most effective tactic?

The most effective tactic is surprise: You have the upper hand if your opponent can never guess your next move.

What rules do people have for refilling?

Most people allow people to refill without getting soaked. However, this can all change based on the rules that you play by.

What rules should I use? What type of game should I play?

Just set up your own rules. If everyone agrees that you are playing with, then you have a game!

What should I do for training?

At this moment we have no information on this.

What should I wear to a war? Is camo good?

Typically shorts or a swimsuit are all that are needed. Some prefer camo because they fight in heavily wooded areas and therefore benefit from the added stealth.

Where should I fight water battles?

Almost any outdoor area is good for water fights. Some prefer large, outdoor spaces; others can manage with much less space.

Which statistic is the most important during a battle?

The best performance statistic many times is opinion. Most people consider range to be the most important because if users can't hit their targets, they are just wasting water. However, without sufficient output all of the range in the world can't get anyone wet. Shot time also is important because without a long enough shot time, users have to recharge often. In short, all three are important.

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