[11-1] Evil Strategies

Learn the devious Commander Snatch strategy in Total Annihilation. This guide shows you how to capture and eliminate enemy commanders early for a swift victory.

Alright, let's talk about a truly sneaky, borderline-unsportsmanlike way to win in Total Annihilation, called 'Commander Snatch.' It's all about grabbing the enemy's commander right at the start of the game and using it against them. This is the kind of move that can definitely cost you some friends if you pull it too often, but hey, it's effective!

The Strategy: Commander Snatch

1. Scout the Enemy: First off, you need to know where your opponent is spawning. This is easier on some maps than others, especially water maps. If you start with a good chunk of resources, immediately build an aircraft plant. Queue up a scout plane and an air transport (like the Atlas or Valkyrie). While that's building, have your commander start setting up your basic base.
2. Locate and Move In: Once the scout is ready, send it out to find the enemy. As soon as your transport plane is built, send it directly to the area where you spotted your enemy.
3. The Grab: Your enemy will likely be busy setting up their economy with metal extractors and power plants, maybe even their first production building. This is your window! Order your transport to land near their commander and pick it up. If they aren't actively controlling their commander (like if it's busy building something), this is pretty straightforward. If they *are* controlling it and shooting at your transport, it'll be a bit tougher, but still doable.
4. The Payoff: Once you've got their commander in your transport, they can't get it back. If this was their only commander on the map, have your transport self-destruct. This takes out their commander and usually a good chunk of their base with it. If there are other opponents, you can fly the captured commander over to another enemy's base and detonate your transport there, taking out a second commander!

How to Counter This Evil Plan:

• If you suspect your opponent might try this, get some basic defenses up early, like a light laser tower.
• If you start with low resources, it's harder for them to pull off because they can't afford an aircraft plant right away.
• If you *do* start with high resources and they go for this, your best bet is to immediately build a Kbot lab and churn out one or two missile Kbots. Put them on guard duty around your commander.

Just remember, this strategy is super effective the first couple of times, but once your opponent figures it out, they'll be ready. Use it wisely, and maybe apologize to your friends afterward!