Confuse Ground Units In Arknights EM-26-11: A Tactical Guide

Hey guys! Ever feel like those Expedition Drills in Arknights are just a tad too challenging? Specifically, that infamous Expedition Drills IX (EM-26-11)? Well, you're not alone! But what if I told you there's a way to turn the tables and make things a whole lot easier? That's right, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of ground unit pathfinding manipulation! Sounds complex? Don't worry, we'll break it down in a way that's super easy to understand and even easier to implement. This guide is your key to mastering Expedition Drills IX (EM-26-11) and showing those pesky ground units who's boss. Get ready to learn how to confuse those units, make them stuck, and ultimately, conquer this challenging stage. Let's get started!

Understanding the Labyrinth: Ground Unit Pathfinding in Arknights

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of confusing our enemies, let's first understand how ground unit pathfinding works in Arknights. Think of it like this: each unit has a built-in GPS, but this GPS isn't always the smartest. It prioritizes the shortest path to its destination, but sometimes, that shortest path can be… well, a little silly. This is where we come in! We're going to exploit this "silly" behavior to our advantage. The AI generally follows a set of rules. They will attempt to find the most direct route to their objective, typically a blue box that they need to reach. However, this pathfinding isn't perfect. The game calculates the path based on the current map layout and obstacles. This calculation is done dynamically, meaning the path can change if the map changes, for instance, if you deploy an Operator in their path. This is our key to success! By strategically deploying Operators, we can manipulate the path the enemies take. We can create detours, choke points, and even completely block their paths, forcing them into a standstill or a less-than-ideal route. This isn't about cheating; it's about using the game's mechanics to our advantage, thinking strategically, and outsmarting the AI. It's like a real-time puzzle, and we're the puzzle masters! So, understanding these basic principles is crucial before we can implement our confusion tactics effectively. We'll explore these tactics in detail in the following sections, but remember: knowledge is power, especially in Arknights.

The Art of Confusion: Tactics to Manipulate Enemy Movement

Alright, now for the fun part! We're going to explore the various tactics you can use to confuse those ground units and make them dance to your tune. This is where your creativity and strategic thinking come into play. Remember, there's no single "right" way to do this; experimentation is key! One of the most common tactics involves blocking paths. By deploying Operators in specific locations, you can create a wall that enemies can't pass. This forces them to recalculate their path, often leading them down a longer, more convoluted route. Think of it as creating a traffic jam on a virtual highway! Another tactic is to use bait Operators. These are Operators with high HP and defense that you strategically place to draw enemy fire and attention. This diverts them from their main objective and gives your other Operators time to deal damage. It's like using a decoy to confuse your opponent in a real-life battle! We can also consider choke points, which are narrow passages that force enemies to bunch up. This makes them vulnerable to area-of-effect attacks and slows their advance significantly. Imagine a funnel that concentrates the flow of enemies into a single, manageable stream. Furthermore, remember the power of terrain. Some maps have natural obstacles or bottlenecks that you can exploit. Use these to your advantage! Position your Operators strategically to maximize the effectiveness of these features. This can significantly reduce the number of enemies that reach your defense line. Finally, don't underestimate the power of timing. Deploying Operators at the right moment can completely throw off the enemy's pathfinding. For instance, deploying an Operator just as an enemy is about to turn a corner can force them to backtrack and take a longer route. By combining these tactics and experimenting with different approaches, you'll become a master of confusion in no time! Remember, the goal is to make the enemies' path as inefficient as possible, giving your team the upper hand. So, let's move on and see how these tactics can be specifically applied to Expedition Drills IX (EM-26-11).

Expedition Drills IX (EM-26-11) Deconstructed: Identifying Key Chokepoints and Opportunities

Now, let's get specific! Expedition Drills IX (EM-26-11) is notorious for its tricky layout and challenging enemy waves. But fear not, because we're going to break it down and identify the key chokepoints and opportunities for confusion. First, take a good look at the map layout. Notice the narrow corridors, the open areas, and the various obstacles. These are your playgrounds! The narrow corridors act as natural chokepoints, making them ideal locations for deploying Defenders or other high-defense Operators. This will force enemies to bunch up, making them vulnerable to AoE attacks, and slow down their advance. The open areas, on the other hand, offer opportunities for baiting and kiting enemies. You can strategically place ranged Operators or Operators with good mobility to draw enemies away from their main path and into kill zones. Pay close attention to the enemy spawn points. Knowing where the enemies will appear allows you to pre-position your Operators and set up your defenses in advance. This gives you a significant advantage in controlling the flow of the battle. Another crucial aspect is to identify the enemy types. Are there fast-moving enemies? Heavily armored enemies? Ranged enemies? Each enemy type requires a different approach, so it's essential to adapt your strategy accordingly. For example, fast-moving enemies might be susceptible to crowd control effects like Slow or Stun, while heavily armored enemies might require Operators with high damage output or Armor Penetration. Don't forget about the environmental hazards! Some maps have hazards that can damage or hinder your Operators. Be aware of these hazards and position your Operators accordingly to avoid unnecessary losses. By carefully analyzing the map layout, enemy types, and environmental hazards, you can identify the key areas where you can exploit the enemy's pathfinding and create opportunities for confusion. This will significantly increase your chances of success in Expedition Drills IX (EM-26-11).

Practical Application: A Step-by-Step Guide to Confusing Units in EM-26-11

Alright, let's put theory into practice! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to actually confuse those ground units in Expedition Drills IX (EM-26-11). We'll focus on specific strategies you can use to manipulate their pathfinding and make the stage significantly easier. Step 1: Initial Deployment. Start by deploying your Defenders in the narrow corridors. These will act as your frontline, blocking the enemy's path and creating a chokepoint. Place Operators with high HP and defense in these positions to withstand the initial onslaught. Step 2: Ranged Support. Position your ranged Operators behind the Defenders, providing covering fire and dealing damage to the bunched-up enemies. Snipers and Casters are excellent choices for this role, as they can deal significant damage from a safe distance. Step 3: Baiting and Kiting. Identify areas where you can strategically place bait Operators to draw enemies away from their main path. Operators with good mobility and self-healing abilities are ideal for this role. You can use them to lure enemies into kill zones or delay their advance. Step 4: Path Manipulation. This is where the real confusion begins! As the enemies advance, deploy Operators in strategic locations to block their path and force them to recalculate their route. Pay attention to the enemy's movement patterns and deploy your Operators accordingly. Experiment with different placements to see what works best. Step 5: Utilizing Chokepoints. Make the most of the map's natural chokepoints. Position your Operators to maximize the effectiveness of these narrow passages, forcing enemies to bunch up and become vulnerable to AoE attacks. Step 6: Adapting to the Wave. The enemy composition and attack patterns will change throughout the stage. Be prepared to adjust your strategy and redeploy your Operators as needed. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Step 7: Skill Activation. Don't forget to use your Operators' skills strategically! Skills can provide crucial buffs, damage, or crowd control effects that can turn the tide of the battle. Time your skill activations carefully to maximize their impact. By following these steps and adapting your strategy as needed, you'll be well on your way to mastering Expedition Drills IX (EM-26-11) and confusing those ground units into submission!

Beyond EM-26-11: Applying These Tactics to Other Stages

The beauty of these pathfinding manipulation tactics is that they're not just limited to Expedition Drills IX (EM-26-11)! You can apply these same principles to a wide variety of stages in Arknights, making challenging content significantly easier. Think about it: every stage presents a unique puzzle, with its own layout, enemy types, and challenges. By understanding how ground units navigate and how you can influence their movement, you can develop creative solutions for almost any situation. For example, consider stages with multiple lanes. You can use path blocking to divert enemies from one lane to another, concentrating them in a single area where you can easily deal with them. This is particularly effective against waves of fast-moving enemies that can overwhelm your defenses if they're allowed to spread out. Or, think about stages with boss enemies. You can use bait Operators to draw the boss away from your main defense line, giving your ranged Operators time to deal damage without being directly threatened. You can even use environmental hazards to your advantage. By carefully positioning your Operators, you can force enemies to walk through hazards, taking damage and slowing their advance. The possibilities are endless! The key is to experiment and see what works best for each individual stage. Don't be afraid to try new things and think outside the box. The more you practice these tactics, the more intuitive they will become, and the more easily you'll be able to apply them to new challenges. So, the next time you're struggling with a difficult stage, remember the power of pathfinding manipulation. It might just be the key to your success. Go out there and confuse some enemies! You've got this!

Conclusion: Mastering Pathfinding and Conquering Challenges

So there you have it, folks! You've unlocked the secrets to confusing ground units and mastering Expedition Drills IX (EM-26-11). But more than that, you've learned a valuable skill that you can apply to countless other challenges in Arknights. Understanding pathfinding manipulation is like having a superpower. It allows you to think strategically, outsmart the AI, and turn seemingly impossible situations into victories. Remember, the key is to understand the enemy's behavior, identify opportunities, and experiment with different tactics. Don't be afraid to fail – each attempt is a learning experience. And most importantly, have fun! Arknights is a game that rewards creativity and strategic thinking. By embracing these qualities, you'll not only conquer challenging stages but also become a more skilled and confident player. The next time you face a tough challenge, don't just throw your Operators at it and hope for the best. Take a step back, analyze the situation, and think about how you can manipulate the enemy's pathfinding to your advantage. You might be surprised at what you can achieve. So go forth, master the art of confusion, and conquer the world of Arknights! You've got the knowledge, the skills, and the strategic mindset to succeed. Now go out there and make those enemies dance to your tune!