Shardpunk: Verminfall Beginner’s Guide – Tips for Getting Started

by Fernando Diaz / Articles, Misc. Guides / 14 Apr 2022

These days, turn-based tactics games are becoming less common. The golden age of renowned franchises like XCOM and Panzer Corps has passed. However, there’s a captivating new indie game on the scene: Shardpunk: Verminfall.

This captivating title combines turn-based tactical combat with RPG elements, including character progression and weapon upgrades. For newcomers, mastering the game mechanics and developing strategies are crucial to overcoming the challenges you’ll face. Our comprehensive beginner’s guide will walk you through the essentials of Shardpunk: Verminfall, assisting you in assembling a well-rounded team, optimizing your combat tactics, and effectively navigating the game world.

Building a Well-Balanced Team

When assembling your team, it’s essential to consider each character’s unique abilities, weapons, and traits to create a diverse and adaptable group capable of handling various situations and enemy types.

Think about how each character’s skills and traits can complement the rest of the group. For instance, Mycroft Valentine has a combat skill called Ground Slam and a shelter skill called Search Old Stashes. However, his starting trait of weak reflexes might make him a less attractive option. In comparison, Tilly Rexword has a shotgun and a katana as her primary weapons, with abilities such as Katana Slash and Sharpen the Katana. Her “Close and Personal” trait grants a 50% critical hit chance when attacking adjacent enemies, making her especially effective in close combat situations.

Gideon Shaw is a skilled hunter who excels in Overwatch reaction shots with abilities like Quick Shot and Multi-Overwatch. Meanwhile, Rose Jennings is a proficient medic who wields a shotgun. Her abilities, including Salvage Bandages and Field Medic, make her a stellar choice for healing and support roles.

To build a well-rounded team, consider combining the offensive prowess of Tilly Rexword with the supportive skills of Gideon Shaw and the healing expertise of Rose Jennings. This combination ensures that your team can deal damage, back one another up, and heal as needed.

Movement, Action Points and Hotkeys

Shardpunk is a turn-based game. Each character has two Action Points [AP] available each turn that can be spent on movement or actions. You will see a description of an action when you select it from the list at the bottom of the screen. Movement is the default action. Moving to a closer area (white) costs 1 AP, while moving further away (orange area) costs 2 AP. You can use the left mouse button to select an action and the right mouse button to execute it. You can also use the WASD keys to move the camera and the mouse wheel to zoom in and out. Some useful hotkeys to help you navigate the game more efficiently are:

Next selection: E

Previous selection: Q

Cancel/pause: ESC

Perform action: Enter or Spacebar

Fast forward enemy movement: Alt

Preview % hit chance: Alt

Show character details: C

Toggle inventory: Z

End turn: Backspace

Select special action: X

Incorporate an Automaton into Your Team

In Shardpunk: Verminfall, your team can include up to three characters and one automaton. There are three types of automatons to choose from: Support Unit, Medical Unit, and Combat Unit. Each automaton boasts unique abilities that can complement your team’s talents.

For instance, if your team is short on healing capabilities, the Medical Unit automaton can be an invaluable asset, as it can heal multiple allies simultaneously without generating stress or needing stimpaks. Conversely, if your team requires extra firepower, the Combat Unit automaton can target enemies with potent area-of-effect abilities like Cone Blast and Shock Attack.

Optimize Your Combat Strategy

Position your survivors so that enemies come to you, and use “overwatch” to capitalize on enemy movements. Make use of grenades and melee abilities to deal high damage and control crowds of enemies. Prioritize high-threat enemies and exploit terrain for cover and flanking opportunities.

Scouting and Navigating the Map

Since the entire map is visible from the beginning, plan your route to reach the bunker as quickly as possible while also maximizing loot opportunities. Exercise caution when scouting ahead, as enemies can sometimes hide in corners or ambush your team.

Managing Stress and Utilizing Camping

Stress, which can be caused by factors such as using stimpacks, getting hit, or encountering rat soldiers, impacts your characters in various ways. To reduce stress, make use of camping, employ abilities, or allow characters to rest. Ensure you have enough medical supplies to heal your characters during camping.

Fusion Core Management

Fusion cores are valuable items that can be used to revive characters, instantly breach bunker doors, or execute widespread attacks. Save these for critical moments and make strategic decisions on when to use them for maximum impact.

Balancing Speed and Loot Collection

Loot is vital for character progression and weapon upgrades. Reaching the bunker quickly is essential. However, you should also attempt to collect as much loot as possible along the way. Plan efficient routes to maximize loot collection without sacrificing speed.

Achievements and Team-Based Skills

Complete in-game tasks, such as eliminating multiple rats in a turn or using a special ability to kill a rat, to earn achievement points, also known as medals. Unlock additional in-game content with the medals earned by completing achievements. Invest these points in team-based skills that further enhance your characters, such as increased HP or AP during camping. These unlocks will help your team improve and add more enjoyment to the game.

Fernando Diaz

Fernando is doing what he always did, sharing his honest opinions about games whenever he can. The difference is now he is writing and not talking about it.
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