Countering Specific Builds and Playstyles

Learn how to counter specific builds and playstyles in THE FINALS. Counter aggressive Lights with APS Turrets, break defensive Heavies with RPG-7s, and disable.

Adapting to Opponent Strategies: Countering the Meta

In the fast-paced arenas of THE FINALS, understanding and countering common enemy builds and playstyles is essential for consistent victory. The three build types—Light, Medium, and Heavy—each have distinct advantages that can be exploited if you know how to react. For instance, a team heavily reliant on Light builds might be incredibly fast and aggressive, aiming to overwhelm opponents with sheer speed and flanking maneuvers. Their weakness lies in their fragility. A well-placed Shotgun blast from a Heavy or a coordinated burst from a Medium's assault rifle can quickly dismantle a Light player. Abilities like the APS Turret can also be effective at locking down areas and punishing aggressive pushes from Light contestants.

Conversely, teams favoring Heavy builds often adopt a more defensive and attritional playstyle, using their superior health and firepower to control key areas and push objectives slowly but surely. Countering this requires a more tactical approach. Instead of engaging them head-on in open areas where their weapons excel, try to isolate Heavy players or utilize the environment to your advantage. A Light build with a Grappling Hook can quickly reposition to flank a Heavy, while a Medium build can use explosives like the RPG-7 to chip away at their health from a distance. Denying them cover by destroying it with explosives is also a viable strategy.

Teams that lean heavily on Medium builds often present a balanced threat, capable of both offense and defense. They are particularly dangerous when utilizing support abilities like the Heal Beam or Shield Generator. To counter a Medium-heavy team, focus on disrupting their support capabilities. Prioritize eliminating the Medium players who are actively healing or shielding their teammates. A well-timed EMP Grenade can temporarily disable their gadgets, creating a window of opportunity for your team to push. Remember that the destructible nature of maps like Skyway Stadium can be used to your advantage. For example, collapsing a building onto a fortified Heavy position can be far more effective than a direct firefight.

Specific Counter-Strategies

• Against Aggressive Lights: Utilize area-denial gadgets like the APS Turret and focus fire from Medium or Heavy builds.
• Against Defensive Heavies: Employ flanking maneuvers with Light builds, use explosives to destroy cover, and focus on isolating them.
• Against Supportive Mediums: Prioritize eliminating healers and shield deployers, and use EMP effects to disable their gadgets.
• Environmental Exploitation: Always consider how the destructible environments can be used to counter enemy positions and strategies.