Play by the Creed Edition #3

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1. How well does your previous knowledge of San Donato IN ACB, factor into your Artifact Assault games on this map?

Wonderwoman193 says, “Very well. I’ve been able to be more successful at both protecting and stealing the artifact thanks to my knowledge of the map.”

Anthonyc says, “To be honest I never actually played ACB, tho first time playing AA in ACR I found it well layed out, and easy to play.”

Cheeselightsaber says, “I find it always helps to know a map well, and AA is definitely one where finding the best route can really help. And with all the time I spent on San Donato in ACB, I know the map like the back of my hand.”

” Having played San Donato for nearly 2 years. Once I got the Extra Map Content, and once I got in a Artifact Assault match in San Donato. It felt as if i new every route to take, every round to protect. It gave me a great advantage at the borders, especially the border by the middle roof.”

” I am very familiar with San Donato and because of the fact the artifact spots are always the same it is very easy to memorize the best routes.”

2. Are you happy about the designated home bases in this map? Or do you have a better choice for home base?

Anthonyc says, “Yes extremely, I think its perfect the way it is, both bases have their advantages.”

Cheeselightsaber says, “I think the areas for the bases are definitely good choices. There’s nothing worse than a base that’s surrounded by buildings and every spot in the circle in within aerial range, so the fact that neither are close to particularly high roofs (there are very few in San Donato anyway) is very nice.”

Wonderwoman193 says, “I am. The home bases are very spacious and there are so many ways to infiltrate if you’re stealing.”

” Personally I have no complaints with the bases. If I were to decide on other good places I would not mind seeing a base placed on the side of the church in the corner and the other placed to the far corner diagonal from it. Basically the two far corners currently not in use.”

” I actually think each designated home base is awesome. What I like most about it, is how the main border line is by the middle roof.
So most players tend to just rush through those roofs then they usually run right through the middle again, to get back to their base. This gives me a advantage I like to run around the map to approach the artifact. Its good to stay out of the carnage, and just enter and get the artifact smoothly.. and Digsuise Teleport out. These bases are so perfect because it is, in my opinion at least. A good psychological challenge. Are you gonna join everyone and duke it out in the middle? Or be behind the scenes? and go around the back. I find it so perfect.”

3. Do you prefer this map for capturing the artifact? Or defending?

Cheeselightsaber says, ” Definitely defending. My preference in AA is defense, but San Donato makes it a bit easier on me. There are quite few locations where some free running tricks could aid a capture, and only a small number of chasebreakers located in the central building/square, (you could possibly use the church one too, but I normall don’t) which make defense much simpler for me.”

Wonderwoman193 says, “My style of play for the Artifact Assault is to always try and steal, but there are certain maps where is better to defend. This map I find it so much better to steal thanks to my previous experience on it on ACB.”

Anthonyc says, “I like to do both, capturing is what I would go for straight on in the game, but defending also has its benefits with grab kills and such.”

“I am not so good with capturing in AA, usually I just handle backup and help my team mates get to the base with the flag. San Donato is one exception. I am so comfortable with this map that I do really well with both. So I tend to get in a few stuns, then go and hunt the roof in the middle, get some aerials and then go back to protect.”

“Most definitely capturing. As stated above, the main borderline by the middle roof is a huge distraction to all the players. Everyones getting shot, killed, drop killed, shot, animus hacked, stunned, taunts and it seems unique because each home base seem perfectly across each other. So everyone will be in the middle. Which leaves the outer edges of the map, perfect places to get in undetected. To capture a good amount on this map, you really have to avoid the stunning and taunting parties on the roof. Stay completely away from the roof and in the middle. Always go around the side. Its usually what other players least expect. “

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1. A majority of the community complains heavily about the abuse of Gun and Teleport in this mode. The beta did not have these abilities,players claim this was the true way of playing AA.. Thoughts?

Cheeselightsaber says, “I don’t mind gun all too much in AA to be honest. The artifact drops where the carrier was shot, so their teammates have an opportunity to get the flag still and run it in for the capture. I personally don’t use it, but it’s nowhere near as abused as teleport. For me, teleport takes the fun out of the mode. There’s no such thing in any capture the flag mode I’ve ever played before, and for me it ruins the thrill of the capture. Some say it takes no skill, which I don’t think is all too true, but running it back without teleport definitely takes more skill in my opinion. My advice against both of these abilities? Run rapid reload knives. They can prevent shooting and teleporting if timed right.”

Wonderwoman193 says, “Guns and teleport should be banned for this mode because it makes the game too easy. It’s more fun to have the thrill of not knowing how you will either catch the thief or steal the artifact.”

Anthonyc says, “I agree with that. I used the gun and teleport starting off but I rarely use them now, when you get into the swing of things, you dont really need them, theres better ways to score and defend without using either of them.”

“I have no issues with gun. I am really sick of those who run in with teleport and immediately throw smoke to keep me from killing them. I loved the beta for this reason. I fell in love with AA but once all abilities were available to the public they started abusing them. So now I just use knife and templar when defending.”

“Which sounds more exciting and fun?
Having to steal and protect an artifact with you’re wits, map knowledge, and team work?
Or having to steal and protect an artifact with a simple Gun Shot, or a simple Teleport out of there approach?
Its lazy type of playing, and the Gun in AA itself requires no skill whatsoever. However, Teleport does have its stealthy uses and it actually can work, and I’d love it to, but 99.99% of players who use Teleport, use Smoke. Thats why I believe Teleport has to go. If players used Teleport the right and intended way with Disguise then it would be perfect. This gets me the artifact about 95% of the time, approach from the side walk in stealthily, pop disguise steal the artifact. Now once you’re disguised with the artifact no one knows its you, there is no kill symbol over you’re head. Then casually walk through a chase breaker, or on a lift and teleport back to you’re base. So Teleport, can be used but its abused. The gun has to go.
In my honest opinion… I still prefer ACR’S AA during the beta compared to ACR’s live version of AA. ”

2. How much different would Artifact Assault be if the score determined the winner rather than artifacts?

Anthonyc says, ”
I guess there would be an increase of players camping on the line trying for some stuns.”

Cheeselightsaber says, “I’ll use Chest Capture as an example for this. Chest Capture is based on points and not chests capped. Because of this, many players take Chest Capture to be Manhunt with chests, ruining the point of the objective. If Artifact Assault were to be based on score rather than artifacts, it would simply be all out border camping wars, and nobody wants more of that.”

Wonderwoman193 says, “Very different because this game is more of a team mode and if there is only one winner then nobody would be helping each other.”

“I believe it would change the mode itself in a huge manner. Players and teammates would rely heavily on their score, their quality kills. You would have much more emphasis on protecting the artifacts, seeing as you would need to land a quality kill before they steal the artifact. There would be much more tripwire bombs, offensive smoke traps, knife traps. And the variation, stealing the artifact adds a huge defensive strategy to it. 1 or 2 teammates, or maybe the whole team would go as one to defend, and having the intent of stealing that artifact. It would be total chaos, and it would be awesome. lol.”

“I think it would ruin the mode even more. I also think no one would really bother with stealing the artifacts if they knew it was score based, unless you make each flag worth tons of points. I am always up for a challenge tho.”

3. Some abilities cause your opponents to drop the artifact, do you agree with this or do you think it is pointless?

Wonderwoman193 says, “I like this because it makes the mode more challenging.”

Anthonyc says, “I like the idea that if someones going to kill you from a distance, that your team still has a chance to score.”

Cheeselightsaber says, “Like I said before, the gun (and/or hacks) forcing the artifact to drop isn’t a big deal to me. If your teammates are supporting you the way they should be, they will pick up the artifact and still score. If it simply disappeared and went back to their base, gun would be used even more, since there’s no consequence for using it.”

“I agree 100% on this matter. The only way an artifact is dropped is if the Artifact carrier is Shot or hacked. This is a lazy way of defending you’re artifact. You’re just standing in one spot, while the Artifact Carrier is probably halfway across the map, so if he decides to shoot. Then by all means does that artifact deserve to drop. You need to work to protect you’re artifact. Not just get a simple shot. Even shooting the artifact carrier can do more damage for you. Their teammate might be around the corner to pick up his shot teammates artifact. “

“I agree with it, I think if you have a strong team then they should be following you. If anyone could just kill from far away then what is the point in even trying? As far as dropping the artifact this also applies to poison by the way.”

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1. In your opinion is it acceptable to use smoke/teleport to steal the artifact?

Cheeselightsaber says, “I think it’s acceptable. But I wouldn’t condone using that set. Like I said before, a well timed knife can solve that problem most times.”

Wonderwoman193 says, “I personally use Teleport/Knives. I think the smoke bomb is much abused on this mode, but I accept it because there are abilities to counter it.”

Anthonyc says, “I think that would depend on the player, if their a newcomer to the game then I think they should do whatever the can to score, but if its a prestige doing it, id be against that.”

“Absolutely not. smoke/teleport is the most abused and cheap tactic done in AA. It takes out the fun in the mode, in terms of protecting and capturing. A majority of the teleport/smoke users. don’t use the smoke to defend themselves, and they just use it as a shield so they can use their teleport. Its incredibly lazy. Sure, it’ll get you a score… but it requires very little to no skill. As i mentioned above… using teleport in the Disguise/Teleport manner is the proper, stealthy way to fool and trick you’re pursuers… And it looks cool, lol. Honestly, I knew this constant teleport/smoke addict on the other team…. So i stood 40 feet away, and let him steal the artifact.. none of my teammates were there, and he smoke/teleported as he got the artifact… Face palm

“This is the reason I stopped liking AA after the beta was over. I think it is cheap to use over and over, shows a lack of skill. Of course if your brand new to the mode then I am not judging”

2. Which perks and loss streak abilities are best suited for AA/San Donato?

Wonderwoman193 says, “Overall Cooldowns, Fast Getaway and for loss streak Boost Cooldowns. Getting my abilites ASAP is what I need the most therefore Cooldowns are a must. Fast Getaway is great for when you are carrying the artifact and have more than one pursuer chasing.”

Cheeselightsaber says, “I personally use x2 score as a defensive-minded player, but if I were to go and try to capture the whole round, I would probably run boost cooldowns. Revelations wouldn’t be a bad choice if the opposing team was being very sneaky, although that’s extremely unlikely.”

Anthonyc says, “Well for perks I use overall cooldown and kill buffer for my kill streak, and for the loss streak, score X2 is always good, if you get a grab kill, maybe some variety.”

“For me personally I would use knife and poison for protecting, yes I can’t leave home without poison. For capturing I would take morph for getting into base and disguise for confusing people. Perks you really need boost cool downs and perhaps fast getaway.”

“Protecting= perks = Kill Buffer, Hot Pursuit. Kill Buffer for the Animus Hack Streak (9 kills or stuns) Everytime you die or get stunned, you’re kill streak resets by 1, instead of resetting. And you want to be on the constant hunt of protecting you’re artifact. And once you get it, you activate the Animus Hack, which will dispatch any opponent on both sides. Hot Pursuit is for constantly being on the go, and having the edge in a chase situation. For Loss Streak, its gotta be Minor Hack, this hack only will kill about 1 or 2 of you’re opponents. Not as great as Animus Hack, but helpful nevertheless.
Capturing = perks = Overall Cooldowns and Kill Buffer. Overall Cooldowns reduces you’re ability recharge time by about 5 to 10 seconds. Add that with Boost Cooldowns and if you happened to lose 5 contracts You get you’re abilities back in almost 10 seconds. So even if you’re running in with you’re teleport, disguise, or smoke..if you die You get it back right away. You could smoke a protector, stun him, run about 20 yards away, wait 10 seconds. They will think you have nothing but thats when you surprise them with you’re boost cool downs.”

3. When playing Artifact Assault on San Donato which ability is the least helpful for you?

Anthonyc says, “The gun.”

Cheeselightsaber says, “Well, like pretty much all modes, I’d have to say Closure. Although it’s useful in most maps for AA, San Donato doesn’t have many chasebreakers to use it on, so it’s not very useful. Other less than ideal abilities to bring would probably be poison and morph due to the high-paced nature of the mode.”

Wonderwoman193 says, “Tripwire. It hasn’t worked once for me on that map. There are so many to miss it and so many roofs that sometimes the opponent doesn’t even touch the ground so the tripwire was useless.”

“I’d have to say Throwing Knives… This usually works like a charm for me on other maps, but San Donato’s layout is bit difficult for me to get an effective throwing knife throw. Most of the players will be on the roof, that in itself is hard to knife. The ground is also very wide, making me more vulnerable to smoke counters. Thats just me of course, but I’m working on improving my throwing knife play on San Donato.”

“I would have to say being San Donato, Closure is pointless as no one really goes into the church and other than the few gates in the center there is no benefit. Seeing as how everyone usually is going on the roof Closing the chase breakers will get you no where.”

New to San Donato/Artifact Assault? Read bellow for some player tips.

Wonderwoman193 says, “I’m no Artifact Assault expert as I don’t play the mode as much, but my advice is to always try and steal. It’s so much fun and you can get some good points for scoring! You WILL die many times, but that’s okay because that makes it more challenging. Any questions please feel free to message me. PSN: Wonderwoman193.”

Anthonyc says, “Having a smoke bomb handy in any mode is good, might just save your life, and if your in a chase, when they get caught in it, a stun gives you an extra 200 points for brutal escape, use it wisely.”

Cheeselightsaber says, “Really, I’d say just have fun and mess around with your ability sets. I find Decoy/disguise to be a very fun way to grab the artifact undetected and get a few lures. If you take AA too seriously, it won’t be fun. Go out there and have some chaotic games!”

“If your new to the mode I say, remember that when you run with the artifact your a moving target. Take your time when stealing inside the base, stay in a moving group either morphed or in disguise and you can be undetected. If your protecting then always have knife and templar handy, one thing for sure someone has teleport.”

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If you’re new to Artifact Assault you’re in for a lot of fun. My advice, starting out, stick to protecting for a while. Get a good understanding of you’re defending part of the map. You wanna know the routes people take. The more and more you work on you’re protecting, you’re capturing will excel. Once you want to capture, don’t approach all running flat out on the roofs and jumping down the middle. You’re just asking to be killed by doing that. Approach from the very outer edge of the map. Disguise is you’re best friend. Utilize that as you capture. Be very blatant, wild and active as you protect. Be very stealthy and sly as you capture. Such is the way of being an Assassin. “

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Play by the Creed is an independent blog written and collaborated by Prodigy April and Wabashop. We bring interviews from real players in ACB, ACR, and AC3 multiplayer.