MischiefSC, on 25 August 2014 - 12:30 AM, said:
Sprint top of the mountain on Alpine - that ridge on the north side, whoever takes that first generally wins. If the team that starts closest to the hill takes it they have cover and the approach has none. If the approach team (the slope, not the cliff side) takes that ridge they have cover and can shove the other team back down into Death Valley.
I actually find that the mountain slop of Alpine is not a very good (nor imaginative) place to go to. It's best for being an easily recognized structure near the center of the map that provides some moderate advantage, but I tend to feel that the approaches and firing lanes (to and from) can be many and hard to predict. However, in most pug matches, you are correct that this is the place to go, but I refer to it as Murder Hill for a reason. It's just as likely to work as it is to backfire and get you killed.
Strategy wise, I much prefer the lesser known area of I12/H12. That higher mountain ridge is far more protected from approach, letting one gain more control over defensive position and choosing how one wishes to hit. It's easier to hit and fade back if needed. It also has a limited approach options (through the top side of the map, or from J12(?) lower side) and you can easily set up any brawlers on those slops to prevent a rush. Then, your LRMs can easily also support from any direction, even if people try to climb from the side approaches. I also find there is plenty of cover to block LRMs, as well as breaking line of sight when you choose/need to.
Of course, the ridge behind murder hill is less known, so it isn't as easy to use in a PUG match. Most people will still go to murder hill, though the Radio Tower has also been becoming a common tactic as well...
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