Turn-based strategy franchise Jagged Alliance has returned after 24 years, bringing top-down shooting back to PC gamers in spectacular fashion. In the spirit of its retro predecessors, Jagged Alliance 3 is a tough challenge, even for experienced gamers. So, to help you get started, here are five tips to remember as you begin your campaign.
Merc Moves
The first thing you’ll do once you’ve entered the world of Jagged Alliance 3 is pick your starting mercenaries – the fighters that will carry out any mission you send them on – as long as you’ve got the requisite cash. It’s recommended that you hire four mercs, and create one of your own using the I.M.P. Web, which can be accessed from the in-game laptop.
Militia Moves
Mercs with high leadership scores can train militia, who can be invaluable to your war effort. Inexpensive and relatively easy to maintain, militias can be used effectively when capturing cities. Leave militia in charge of the conquered location and you can rest easy knowing it’s safe from being recaptured.
Money Moves
The key to any successful military campaign is cash flow. You’ll need a steady revenue stream to fund your war campaign, thus it’s prudent to establish one as early as possible. One way you can do this is through mining operations. Look for a diamond symbol on the map to identify an area where you can start earning some passive income.
Map Moves
Exploration is key to success in Jagged Alliance 3. See those ’empty’ territories on the map? They often hide points of interest like resources or side quests. Be careful though, they could also be home to hidden enemies. Enter the Tactical view on your map to inspect empty tiles and find out what lies within.
Merc Moves Part 2
It’s easy to get attached to your mercs, but if you want to ensure consistent success, it’s often best to employ a ‘revolving door’ policy. New mercs become available the more you play, so keep abreast of who is available and consider letting your current mercs’ contracts end if the new prospects look more suitable to your playstyle. If they’re in the middle of an operation, however, it may be worth renewing, at least for a short time, to ensure you don’t miss out on any potential rewards.
Assemble your armies and get ready for some epic battles, as Jagged Alliance 3 is out now via Steam.