[Clone Wars Campaign] Faster Rhen Var Segment With Out Of Bounds

https://youtu.be/wbHMRkrPwQs

Using what is essentially a 'hole' in the Ice Caves, it is possible to fly beneath two of the CIS capture points and become untouchable by enemies while doing so. I discovered the Ice Cave hole and the platform behind the Lighthouse capture point by looking through ancient "Star Wars Battlefront Glitches" videos on Youtube. I organically discovered the path to the Citadel capture point, and I'm not aware of anyone else having used this strategy before.

This alternative strategy makes capturing these two points much, much easier than before, eliminating some of the precarious gunfights you have to go through to ace this mission. This strategy also almost surely makes Rhen Var quicker, and I'd bet my last dollar a segment under 4 minutes is possible with a good run. 

I am going to continue doing research and trying to find similar methods of easily capturing command posts on the Clone Wars Campaign. I'll try to find a way to capture the last post on Rhen Var from out of bounds, (although I doubt it's possible) and then I'll look at Theed and Kashyyyk: Docks. Hopefully I'll find more!

EDIT: [small]After trying this strategy on my Xbox version of the game, the large area to land behind the Lighthouse is not there! Meaning you can't take the Lighthouse and then fly to the ledge near the mouth of the cave. You can, however, fly directly to that ledge from the hole you fall into. (and then onto the Citadel capture point) Who knows, this way might actually save a redundancy most of the time, having to recapture Lighthouse when the CIS almost inevitably take it.[/small]

Clone Wars Campaign Guide

Updated 3/6/22 with current WR strats.  RNG Manip has also been addressed for map 1.

Clone Wars (CW) consists of 7 maps (3 as CIS, 4 as Republic).  The maps are slightly different than Instant Action and follow a story-based format with varying units.

XBOX and PS2 run the same stats as PC version 1.0 with the exception of slightly longer PC load times and no auto aim.  However, version 1.0 only came on the three disc set.  Best of PC and Fan Favorites both came with version 1.2, which has some differences from 1.0.

RELEVANT TO CW
Vehicle hitpoints lowered
EMP Launcher reload time increased, longer jet recharge time for REP Jet Trooper, more health for Droideka Shield

Some initial notes:
Strategies are subjective and improvements are always welcome.  I will note a few things that I have noticed and think are currently optimal, but they are not set in stone obviously.  However, I will generally assume that you are familiar with the classes and loadouts and map layouts and basic game mechanics.

RNG Manip is implemented in this Run on PC 1.2:  Go to Instant Action, load Jabba's Palace (either era), spawn, shoot twice, and then Quit.  You may now go and start the run as normal.
RNG Manip on Console/Steam (1.3): It's best to play this category off a fresh boot, it gives pretty close to same RNG as PC 1.2.

Naboo: Plains
Spawn (CLASS: Pilot) as quickly as you can and grab a tank and take it down to the Heads (left Command Post). If RNG manip was used, there should only be 3 Gungans on each version.  Kill all 3 before they build turrets then head towards the shields. You may want to back up towards the shields to kill any Gungans that respawn.

If not using RNG manip, kill as many as you can at the Heads before you get out, but don’t take too much time.  The only weapons the Gungans have are grenades here, so if you see blue, start moving.  You can go ahead and take the CP or just neutralize it and continue to the shields.

Go inside the shield and proceed to take out the back Fambaa.  Swap between the main pilot and the turret on top for max damage.  You shouldn’t have too much trouble, but on occasion the turrets can whittle down your health to dangerous levels, so don’t be afraid to shoot the closest one.  

After the Fambaa is down (don’t worry about the second one), drive to the back CP (Redoubt), get out, and go up into the head – there’s only two ways to attack you and you keep holding the CP.  Kill Gungans and heal as necessary (pilot dispenser is amazing).  Generally you only get attacked from the CP side, but once in a while a Gungan is able to successfully toss a grenade in from the front.  You shouldn’t have any issues once you have the CP.  If for some reason your AI did not capture the heads, you may need to tank smash the Gungans there or just reset.

Alternate Strat: If not using RNG manip, you can consistently stay in the 2:30-2:45 range by taking a STAP to the heads, neutralizing the CP and killing all the Gungans, and then using the STAP to grab a tank.  The benefit is that you get a buddy and they can help take the Redoubt.

Risky Strat, Big Reward: If you can get your tank just in front of the head at the Reboubt we camp in while firing at the Fambaa, you can exit your tank inside the head and save several seconds of turret destroying.  You have to be aware of both the window and the turret outside the door.  The turret will fire if it sees you and Gungans will try to fix the tank and turn and throw grenades at you.

Keep in mind: On rare occasions, a Gungan will slip away and grab a back CP.  It’s happened to me occasionally, so it’s not a big worry, but can stop a run before it even really starts.

Naboo: Theed
Spawn (Pilot) at the top right CP and grab the tank quickly. Because of a scripting typo, this map does not have the delay that the others do, so you need to move fast because you can get a bad spawn.  Make sure you have a copilot, then go down to the bottom right CP (Guard) and capture it, killing any guards in your way.  A Gian Speeder may come your way, and there are three options: drive by, kill the drivers, or pull a Phantom and smash their tank with yours by shoving it in a corner.  Killing the drivers is tricky but is best because they might head for and take the top right CP, which is a big risk on this level.  They can also harass you while you take the Guard.

Tell your AI to get out of the tank with you to cap the CP, and when the CP is captured, get in it again and take out the turrets around the bottom middle CP (Palace).  There’s one right as you leave the Guard, then one on either side of the courtyard. Drop off your AI in the center, and harass the enemies as you go to the bottom left CP (Office).

Exit your vehicle and sprint (at least as fast as BF1 will let you) up the stairs. Because this should be their last CP, they are going to all spawn there and try to take you out.  Find a comfortable spot, preferably near the pseudo-doors because less troops can see you there, and take them out as quick as possible.  If all goes right, you should have all three CPs and the timer will count down.  Respawn quickly if you have to save a CP.

Note:  You may have to respawn quickly to help the Office, as it is usually

Keep in mind: This map is volatile.  One session you can run a very quick time and the next can really be bad because the AI picks different spawns and objectives.  It is probably right around 50% of the time that the enemy AI grabs the top left CP (Office) and tries to take the top middle CP (Rotunda).  If you get favorable spawns by your AI, it doesn’t lose too much time to go grab the Office.  Once in a while they will grab the top right if they drive a tank by and jump out.

Kashyyyk: Islands
Spawn (Pilot) at the bottom CP (Landing Zone) and grab a fighter.  Drive it to the top Wookiee CP (North Village).  Kill some Wookiees right on the CP and land and start capturing it.  You can probably just neutralize it or if the Wookiees are being particularly annoying - you can fully capture it.

Get in the fighter and make a beeline for the bottom Wookiee CP (South Village).  There are a couple different flight paths you can take, but once you get there, you can hide behind the CP and be totally safe.  The CP takes a while to capture, but Wookiees rarely come and there is no spawn point inside.

After the CP is down, there are a few options: YOLO the last CP (Village Center) (this generally takes a few tries because of the amount of Wookiees that spawn there, but is the fastest if successful).  The safer strat is to use the fighter to strafe all the Wookiees until they bleed out.  There is also a strat that utilizes the fighter as a barricade to help cap the CP. In any case, this is a reasonably safe map usually.

Very Risky Strat, High Reward:  If you use a deka, there is a possibility this map could be faster, but unlikely without manip.  Making a beeline to the South Village and entrusting the entire map to AI is a possibility but not a recommended one.

Keep in mind:  Same as before, RNG dictates where the Wookiees go.  Your teammates can get overwhelmed and the bottom CP (Landing Zone) can be captured, and it takes a long time to get it back because of how far it is.  Once in a while the North Village and the West Harbor get captured too.

Geonosis: Spire
Spawn (whatever) at the back CP (Command Center) and jump in a LAAT gunship.  Take off immediately and set up a gunship strafe, which you can watch in the top videos (setup sideways, press down one way and then wave your mouse back and forth.)  Hop out and grab the spider on the right side of the map.  If you fail, grab an ATTE and go to the right side as well.  Your goal is to destroy all three Techno Union Ships as fast as possible.

Consoles can use the gunship to take out Techno Union Ships - they do a lot more damage than on PC. Once you take out all 3 (you can also leave the 3rd one for an AT-TE if you want, but it may not get destroyed), land at the back door of the Spire and order your AI you get out.  It may take two or three tries.  Then, you have to get out and try to corral them using the Follow Me command (only 2 can follow at a time).  Take as many as you can into the Spire and capture it.

The remainder of the battle is based on what command posts are left.  If one side is owned by the CIS, then go that direction.  If both are owned, then you probably want to go to out the East Bunker (right side of the map) because it is closer. Capture the bunkers and make a run for the derelict if you need to.

Keep in mind:  This map can take forever.  Some bad RNG can make it go from 5 or 6 minutes to 10 minutes, even if you are playing “perfectly.”

Kamino: Tipoca City
This is where the fun begins.  Spawn (Jet Trooper) and fly out the center door and go down the steps. (If you have enough jet, you can also fly straight toward the enemy CP.)  As you go down the steps, throw at least two grenades on the walkway from the CIS CP.  Once you’ve successfully slowed down the AI (you may need to take out a Droideka or two and may die in the process), cut around the CIS CP (on the rounded part, may want to see movement in one of the top videos) to get up to the Alpha 3 CP.  If you can fire a shot up there before a CIS droid gets up there, do it to distract them until you can get enough jet to get up there.  Ideally, you reach it before they do, but this requires precise movement and just a little luck.

If you die, or the CIS reaches the Alpha 3 before you, your team generally has captured the Alpha 2 to spawn at.  If not, spawn at the Cloning Center and capture it and work your way to the Alpha 3.  This could take a while if they start spawning en masse there.

Once you get the Alpha 3, take out the CIS droids on the platform overlooking the Alpha 1.  Then go Rambo on the Alpha 1 until you take out all their reinforcements or capture it.  

This map can be the fastest in the entire run, but it can also be pretty slow.  This is one of the few parts of the run where movement can be really important to achieving a good time.  The Jet Trooper only has so much fuel (well, on 1.2 anyway.  1.0 and console has a lot more fuel), and it is needed to execute the movement from Alpha 1 to Alpha 3 well.

Rhen Var: Harbor

Spawn (Jet in the Ice Caves and make your way towards the town (Harbor, whatever, it’s the town).  Go as fast as you can to reach a tank, and use said tank to push the other AAT into the wall. The enemy AI are not smart enough to enter vehicles near walls/barriers, so it will not be taken by the CIS. You’ll want to take out anyone who tries to get up to the Lighthouse or into the Ice Caves as well.  Park your tank at the steps next to the ice caves, then making a beeline for the far right CP (Fortress) is usually your best bet.  You can also make a stop and capture the lighthouse, but it isn't totally necessary.

You can capture the Fortress in many different ways: There are two elevated locations near the CP that can be safer but it's very easy to walk out of the radius or get hit by a stray nade.  It's usually easier to fight the good fight and centralize yourself around either the ammo or health droid and kill all the droids around you while staying out of the turrets' line of sight.  Kill the droids in the turrets after you neutralize the CP or are near capturing it.

After grabbing the Fortress, work your way to the tank that is nicely still sitting against the wall where no AI has touched it.  Jump in, kill a few droids, block off one of the stairwells, then jet jump into the Citadel. The turrets can be a pain so it doesn't hurt to blow them with the tank.  The biggest door has a set of steps that you can crouch behind the first pillar on to capture.  It is not completely safe, but many less AI walk by you than any other place.  If an AI does walk by you, they have a chance of not seeing you.  Do not walk too far up the stairs or all your hard work will go to waste.

Once it is captured, the rest of the map should be clean, or you may have to do a lighthouse/fortress recapture.

Safe Strat: If you really, really need the lighthouse, you can glitch out of the wall of the Ice Caves (at the CP, go the complete opposite way of the ammo droid and run into the long wall.  Search for a hole in the floor and you can fly over to the lighthouse.  This does not work on PS2).  However, even though this glitch is convenient, it doesn’t really save any time if done at the beginning – I think it is more worth it to grab one tank, especially because it keeps the CIS from hammering your AT-TE and also allows more troops to enter the town to help capture the CPs.

Keep in mind:  The Ice Caves is a horrible CP to lose because there is no tank support and it is hard to retake it because it is in such confined quarters. The tank strat has been adopted to mitigate this risk and now the Ice Caves should rarely be lost. There are lots of places to hole up to capture CPs if recaptures are needed but many of them can be fairly slow on this map.

Kashyyyk: Docks
There are two independent strats to this map, pick your poison:
1.) Capture the beachhead and attempt to cap all of the other CPs
2.) Capture a Dock, the Landing, the other Dock, and then tank smash all the AI.

Strat #1: Risky McRiskTaker Strategy:
Depending on how well Geonosis went, this could be the longest map of your run.  Spawn (Jet) at one of the Piers (preferably the left one due to the fact the CP is on the left) and run to the back.  Jet-nade off and get to the CP – stealthily avoid those tanks and try not to attract attention of the leaving droids.  This is the least defended this CP is the entire map, so we want it now if we're using this strat.  Use the CP as a barrier and you can hide from some spawning enemies or use it as a shield if they spot you.  If one of the painfully slow Spider Droids comes your way, just use the CP as a barrier.  You generally won’t be bothered until you actually neutralize the CP, but by then you don’t have to worry about people spawning behind you and using the CP as a barrier is more viable.

If there is an AAT or STAP left behind, take it (take it, take it!!).  It will make this so much easier. 99% of the time this doesn't happen. If you one, drive it to the closest dock, take out the dude in the turret, and drive it up on the dock.  Get out and take the CP.  If you don’t have a vehicle, you’re going to have to fly to the closest Dock, take out the dude in the turret, and just try to take the Docks on foot.  There’s no fancy way to do this – if you can destroy the turret, do it, otherwise, just be precise and make sure no one gets in it because that’s an insta-death at that range.

After taking the first dock, either find an abandoned tank or fly straight for the Landing (beach cp).  If you can limit them to 1 CP, you can find an AAT and use it as a barrier to cap the final CP.  This strat is very hard to pull off, which is why we at Phantom's Strats Inc. recommend a safer approach unless you need a risky strat to PB.

Strat #2: Tank Smash Extravaganza
Spawn as a Jet at either pier (the right one usually is the best way to start).  Walk to the final platform without a hut and wait until the AI move just far enough out of range and jump down to the CP.  Cap it and kill whoever spawns there and any nearby AI.

See if there are any AATs or STAPs abandoned near you, and take that to the landing, or go on foot.  Try to mash follow me to get a buddy to help you take the CP and watch for spawning Dekas on either side.  After the capture is made, find a tank or go to the other dock.  Seeing a pattern?  Always be on the lookout for tanks because you're going to need one after the 2nd dock is captured.

Tank smash as many AI as possible, making sure they don't reach the docks. If you can reach the vehicle repair droid at the Beachhead, then you can spawn kill them much more quickly.  Otherwise, just finish off all the AI as fast as possible.

Keep in mind:  There is just too much going on in this map, and you are only one soldier.  You need to do whatever you can to keep them bleeding and/or have an AAT at your disposal to kill as many troops as possible.  Strat #1 is viable but much more risky than Strat #2 - with Strat #2, Droidekas become negated after the AI is left with only the Beachhead and they're all funneled down the center with the exception of tanks.

Congratulations!  You made it!  Go get yourself a WR now!

GCW Any% Speedrun Guide

GCW Speedrun Guide

Some initial notes: 
Not gonna lie, this category sucks.  It is two missions longer than the CW Any% run, and also is much, much more random.  Be prepared to reset a lot after you get the basics of this strategy guide down and start grinding for some good times.  As always, strategies are subjective with this game and can and should be improved for faster/more consistent times.  These are just the ones I believe are currently optimal for the category.  If you haven’t read the other guide, I give the same disclaimer of assuming you know maps, classes, and game mechanics for the run.

Same blurb as before about 1.0/1.2:
XBox and PS2 run the same stats as PC version 1.0 with the exception of slightly longer PC/PS2 load times (than the XBone version anyway) and no auto aim.  However, version 1.0 only came on the three disc set.  Best of PC, Fan Favorites, and the Steam version all come with version 1.2, which has some differences from 1.0.

BOTH
Vehicle hitpoints lowered

CW 1.2
EMP Launcher reload time increased, longer jet recharge time for REP Jet Trooper, more health for Droideka Shield

GCW 1.2
Shotgun spread lowered for IMP Dark Trooper, Shorter jet recharge for IMP Dark Trooper


Also, I’m going to be up front with this:  Pilot is probably the best class for PC for this run, but on PS2/Xbox, Auto Aim does level the playing field a lot for rifle/pistol accuracy, and many runners are successful with it. This run is not as linear and there are many times where you just take your best class and run with it, and you may have to switch classes depending on the situation.

Tatooine: Dune Sea
Spawn (best class) at the Sand Crawler and pick up a speeder bike and drive it to the far Rebel CP (the Bluff).  Hide behind a rock or the CP and pick off enemies if they fire at you or seem to be lingering.  This is a large CP that takes twice as long to capture as a normal CP.  

Once you take it, jump back on your speeder and go to the Homestead and run in, forgetting the fact that enemies are firing at you from all sides.  Camp near the ammo/health droid and pray that no one throws a grenade in while picking off enemies that try to stop your capture. The key to this map is that it does not matter whether you or the Tuskens own the CPs, as long as there are none neutral and none owned by Rebels – it’s preferable that the Tuskens don’t lose their CPs to the Rebels or your Empire.  If all went well, this map is over.  Yes, that’s literally it.

Situational Strat: There are times when you start fighting with the Tuskens to take the bluff.  If this is the case, and there are no Rebels in the vicinity, just take a bike to the homestead and let them finish the job.

Safe Strat: If you are having trouble with taking the Bluff, you can take a TIE instead and land above the bluff.  If you go prone on the ledge, you can take the CP and avoid fire.  This is slightly slower but definitely safer in the long run.  Then you need to perfect the art of abandoning ship to land right into the Homestead. 

Keep in mind:  If you can get someone to help you take the CPs, try to protect them.

This map has about 47 different ways it could end, and you might as well reset if you are looking for top times because it is the first map.  The top example is the Tuskens losing the Cisterns to either team or just fighting for it endlessly.  Sometimes the Rebels grab the Sand Crawler.  I had one grab the Dune Sea once.  Anything can happen in this game.


Tatooine: Mos Eisley
Spawn (Dark Trooper) at the Market (top CP) and make your way down the straight stretch at the top of the map to the top Rebel CP (Shops).  Go through the buildings behind the CP so that a bunch of Rebels leave and you don’t get mauled by 10 Rebels that were just going to go about their business.  There’s normally 3ish left, so take them out and grab the CP.  If you’re looking for a nice spot to sit, the ammo droid is still in the capture radius but is relatively safe compared to the rest of the CP.

After it is taken, bypass the Hangar and go to the bottom Rebel CP (Cantina).  The reasoning is that the Hangar is much, much easier to capture as the last CP than the Cantina because of the AI spawns.  Most of the time, Vader is also helping to kill off the Rebels in the Cantina, so it’s generally not too hard to take as the second CP.  

After capturing, jet jump to the top of the wall and make your way to the Hangar CP on the barge.  You should probably crouch and roll like mad and chuck grenades at the other side of the barge, because it can get a little hectic up here, but definitely survivable.  If you didn’t lose a CP, you’re good.  Don’t reset right away if you lose a CP, though, because the map is small enough that you can get to them quickly.

Alternate Route:  You can take the Cantina first very quickly, but I’ve found that it is harder to take the Shops, so you want to hit it right as the AI leave but before they all start respawning.

Risky Strat, Big Reward:  This is more RNG based than anything, but you could try going after the Hangar instead of the Cantina.  Sometimes the AI is able to push and take the Cantina, saving a ton of time.  However, be prepared to fight through a madhouse if you try to take the Cantina as the last CP.

Fun Strat: This is the only time I’ve found a use for a “jet-nade” in this campaign.  It can save you a few seconds to get to the Shops but is pretty much a frame perfect trick.  You have to be just in front of the grenade and it has to go off at the same time you jet jump.  If you hit it at the wrong angle you will hit the ceiling of the level.   Save yourself some extra grief and just jet jump twice.

Keep in mind:  This is the first map we use the Dark Trooper.  The DT is a tough unit to use initially, but is incredibly worthwhile.  Its jet jump is much more focused and allows for some long stretches to be cleared quickly, while its shotgun is one of the most powerful weapons you use.  If you practice one unit in this run, this is probably it.  You can save a lot of time on maps 2-4 by using it effectively.

Rhen Var: Citadel
Spawn (Dark Trooper) and fly up to the Ruins with your first jet jump, then towards the Rebel Courtyard with your second jump.  You should be at the steps down into the courtyard.  Chuck two grenades at the very bottom of the steps and then fly over to the other set of steps the Rebels can climb up.  Throw your other two grenades at the bottom and then jet up to the Terrace CP (top right) and capture it.  It’s good to stand near the ammo droid and throw grenades to the relative area of the Rebels.  

When it is captured, kill the closest Rebel(s) to you that tried to make it up the steps and then jet down to the Courtyard CP.  Preferably, you want to fly into the 2nd level (the one just above ground level) and go down and sit just behind the wall to the CP where you can still capture it.  Kill any rebels that see you and when you take the CP, and assess the situation.

In a perfect world, you are done with the level.  However, the chances of this happening aren’t too good so you’ll want to kill the closest Rebels and work your way to either the white CPs (generally the Watch) or the now Rebel-controlled Terrace.

Keep in mind: This map is pretty straightforward, but it really depends on how dumb your AI are feeling that day and how annoying the Rebel AI decides to be.

Yavin IV: Arena
Spawn (Dark Trooper) and jump into the Arena ASAP and grab the CP.  You should throw a few grenades into the Rebel Box CP, but this does take a little bit of practice to hit correctly.  After capturing, pull out all the stops and jump right into the box CP.  With any luck, your grenades have thinned out the AI and you can camp out near the ammo and health droids, either throwing grenades at the entryways or just picking off stragglers.

After you take the Box, check and make sure there aren’t any AI who could cause issues, then fly towards the last Rebel CP.  I like to go off to the far right of the CP and then work my way back in to get it to avoid the occasional sniper and turret, but you could sometimes feasibly YOLO down the middle if traffic doesn’t look too heavy.  Sitting along the outside pillars of the CP is the easiest way to take it without attracting attention, and as long as you don’t shoot or the AI gets distracted, it should be an easy (if lengthy) capture.  Hold it for 20 seconds or pick up whatever CP was lost.

Keep in mind: This is the second truly straightforward map in a row – there’s no risky strats that I’m aware of and you’re just dealing with RNG.  The Rebels don’t normally recover if you cover your bases and make sure no one is left to quickly take the Arena or the Box back before you go take the Gate CP.

Notes thus far:
If you’ve made it this far, and you’re like “Boy this is easy!” well, as they say, this is where the fun begins.  You are now the Rebel Alliance with no Dark Trooper.  Temple is the only one with an even playing field of 200-200, the rest are 250-200 in favor of the Empire.  This adds on even more pressure to take all the CPs, not because you will lose in easy, but because there are 50 extra units to cope with if you don’t get all the CPs.  On top of this, all these maps are pretty heavy RNG based, and you could easily go all 5 without winning one by captures.

There is potential for HUGE time save on these maps as opposed to the first part of the run.  For example, you could feasibly as a seasoned runner run a sub 16 on the first four maps (under 4 minutes a map) even with some unlucky RNG.  If you would have the same luck on the next 5 maps, you are talking about anywhere from 5-15 minutes (I hate Hoth) per map.  However, you could also run a 2 minute Hoth or Platforms, a 3 minute CC, or a 4 minute Temple and Endor.  This is where the potential to “break the category” lies.

Yavin IV: Temple
Spawn (best unit, otherwise Pilot) at the temple and grab a speeder bike.  WAIT UNTIL THE AI START SPAWNING!  I don’t normally capitalize stuff, but this is important: WAIT!  If you do not, then the next strat is harder.  Go down to the Viaduct (left side) and sit behind the CP, taking out whoever is in the turret or the AI stragglers.  If you do not wait, they will all spawn and then swarm you, making this capture a lot harder.

Hopefully you still have your bike and can take it around the back way to the Overlook.  You can walk if there is no bike left, but it’s kinda slow.  This CP takes forever to capture and AI will spawn there, as it is usually one of the last 2 Empire CPs remaining.  Kill everyone that spawns and take it over.

If you are a pilot, respawn as trooper, rocket, or sniper (your best unit).  You need grenades (grenade launcher generally isn’t strong enough) to execute the next strat. Slide down the hill to the fountain.  I generally take rocket to destroy the turrets and while I’m still in the water, execute a nade jump to the top of the nearest of the Stonehenge looking pillars.  While in the water, the nade detonates faster and requires a little bit less timing.  If you destroyed the turrets or at least got rid of the gunners, you should still be alive and can go prone to avoid all fire.  When it’s neutral, you can take out all the enemies around and win the round.

Keep in mind: The Overlook has this fun thing where one or both AT-STs can get stuck. It really, really sucks, because as soon as that CP goes neutral, the AT-STs will reroute and come back.  The only way to avoid them is to crouch behind the CP and hope that it doesn’t get close enough to see you.
Also, you can lose the Viaduct or Temple or Dry Pool or the Altar… dumb RNG.

Hoth: Echo Base
This is the level that proves your mettle.  Sub 2 minutes or 12 minutes? You decide!  (Actually RNG pretty much decides if you have good execution).

Spawn (any) and take a snowspeeder and fly to the Forward Camp CP (set up your tow cable to one side).  It doesn’t hurt to wait a second or two to let the Imps walk away.  Once you get the CP, fly your snowspeeder at an AT-ATs legs, quick swap and fire at an AT-ATs legs and swap back, circling the AT-AT.  Please practice this a lot because it’s more consistent than waiting for the AI.  After you destroy the first AT-AT, if there are a couple Imps at the Forward Camp, you can shoot them down to hold the CP.  Once you destroy the 2nd AT-AT, and hold all other CPs for 20 seconds, the battle is over.

Safe Strat, Minor Reward: I normally would recommend a safe strat but not this time.  You can wait for an AI to spawn and get in your snowspeeder.  They make it faster to take the CP, but don’t save any time on the AT-AT and can really get on your nerves if they keep missing (they are usually fine though).  I recommend learning the solo snowspeeder strat and sticking to it.

Keep in Mind:  The AT-ATs are on a respawn timer – something like 2 or 3 minutes, I don’t remember for sure.  If you’re going to destroy them, please take them on while they are both alive instead of individually because you can’t win if one of them respawns, even if you have all the other CPs.  
This map can get out of hand pretty quickly because of the size of the map as well and waiting for a snowspeeder can be time consuming.  No death runs here can be sub 2-minute with AI help and bad runs can sit at 15 minutes.

Bespin: Cloud City
I’m still kind of rerouting this one, especially after I broke this map’s back by running a 3:15 on it.  Currently it sits at:
Spawn (Pilot) and jump to courtyard. Heal and take the CP.

Go towards the nearest Imperial stairwell and Rambo your way up it and make a beeline for the back CP.  It really depends on RNG and spawns whether or not you get destroyed here, but if you don’t, then take the Forward Flank CP.  If you die, I would just go down the hallway, but it is also feasible to just try to take the FF again.  If you take the forward flank, work your way to the ring platform and go the back way and just YOLO the CP.  Try to keep out of range of the troopers on the ring platform.  If you get the CP, the map should be over, or the Empire will have grabbed the Courtyard.  If they do, just spawn and jump down and try to take it back as fast as possible.

Keep in mind:  I didn’t even think a time like this was possible, but because of how the AI pathing is, it can be replicated and the time dropped more.  I actually started my 3:15 running down the hallway, which is also a viable strat, but the problem is that the FF is notoriously hard to capture at the end and at some point you do have to get the Courtyard.  Possible strat is to nade a friendly down there, which would be amazing if you could get it right.

Bespin: Platforms
Spawn (best unit) and get an X-Wing and go as fast as you can to one of the back Imp CPs, gunning down the AA turrets on your way.  Grab the CP, jump back in, (die, spawn again,) grab the other back CP, then drive your plane straight into the area where you should have blown up the third AA turret.  There are spots at the top of the stairwell where you can take the CP with no risk to life or limb.

Keep in mind: Obviously, if you’ve seen anything this run, this is NOT this easy.  You’re probably going to get mauled by an AA turret, have 3 guys spawn while you take a CP, then lose the back CPs, then somehow lose the extractor, and it can turn into a real mess, real quick.

Endor: Bunker
Spawn (Wookiee) at either of the back two CPs (sometimes it’s just easier to use the Rebel Outpost at the very back) and grab a speeder bike.  You’re going to want to go to the Shield Generator, but you are not going to want to go down the main path.  Right when you go by the Camp, following the AT-ST path (you’ll know it by the logs), go straight instead of veering towards the Barracks with those pesky AT-STs.  You’re going to have to find a path, and the AI do take that way so you can use that as a reference.  Once you get there, jump off, ignore enemies and go into the generator room.  Toss down all three time bombs on the CP and the panel in front of it.  It takes four well-placed bombs, which means you are one short.  This is the tricky part.  You either have to make it to the ammo droid or get an ammo drop. You will probably need to use the grenade launcher or bowcaster to kill AI in the turrets, and you need to be quick about getting your ammo to get back inside and destroy the generator.  If you die, chances are a pilot will fix it by the time you get back.

Go outside and take your bike to the Barracks CP, and YOLO it.  If you get an AT-ST, you better grab it and destroy everything.  However, you probably won’t and the turret will drop you and you will be forced to try to grab the Camp, which is the worst CP in this entire map, and there is no cover from enemies that shoot from all sides and above you.  Even if you do grab the Barracks, it’s the same story.  You have to try to grab the Camp, which is a suicide mission.  If you grab it or you kill the rest of the Empire, you win!  

Keep in mind:  Just take your best unit after you destroy the Bunker.  It’s nice to have a missile launcher for some stuff (random mines, 16 missiles, etc) but if you are just trying to kill AT-STs you are wasting your time.  I prefer a pilot’s healing for the grind for the Camp CP, but bullets are coming so fast that it usually doesn’t matter.


Congratulations!  I would love to see some other people try to run this category because as I was in the middle of writing this guide I ran two straight sub-40 times using mostly these strats.  I want to see someone break this category now. 34:06 is not the lowest this category is going.

Hoth: Echo Base Fast Strats (Rebels)

There is no right or wrong way to play this game and so ultimately, it's entirely up to you how you tackle each level. However, in the interest of going fast, here are some tips:

This strat is only recommended on Easy difficulty. 
As the mission starts, spawn in the hangar of Echo Base. Enter the nearest Snowspeeder and wait for your teammates to spawn around you. When they have spawned, use the directional pad to order one of them into your Snowspeeder with you. Take off and fly to the Forward Camp on the other side of the map.

Once there, land, order your teammate out, exit the vehicle yourself, order your teammate to stay put and capture the command post together. You may have to fight for it, if you do, your teammate can assist you (Note: By the time you get there, most of the Imperials will have moved away from the command post, allowing you an easier time to take it). Once captured, get back in the Snowspeeder and order your teammate to do the same. (Note: If your teammate died, it's a reset, as your teammate is vital for the next part). The reason you take the Forward Camp before taking on the Walkers is because it will give the Imperials something else to focus on rather than your other existing command posts. There will (hopefully) also be less resistance at this command post when you return to it later.

Take off and fly to the AT-ATs and begin to use the tow cable to take them down (This is where your co-pilot comes in). Try and take out the Walker at the back first to avoid being shot by the other Walker. If you get really good RNG, there's a chance your team will have taken out one of the Walkers before you, though this does not always happen of course. Once both AT-AT's are down, fly back to the Forward Camp. Most likely the Imperials have re-captured the Forward Camp or are at least in the process of taking it back. Sometimes, they won't have touched it, which is rare, but is the best possible outcome. Regardless though, you will still have to defend it.

Once again as before; land, order co-pilot out of vehicle, exit the vehicle and capture the command post again. This will be a slightly harder fight than the previous one as there are likely a group of Imperials that spawned at the AT-ATs and are most likely assaulting the command post. Capture and defend the Forward Camp with all you've got! Once captured, the victory timer should be counting down by now. Continue defending until the timer reaches zero. (Note: there is a small possibility that the Imperials might have taken one of your other command posts, if they have this is also a reset. The reason is because the AT-ATs are on a timer, and in the time it takes you to take back the Forward Camp and an additional command post, it will be too late and the AT-ATs will have respawned).

If you've done done everything correctly, you will have just beat Hoth: Echo Base in under 4 - 5 minutes. :)

Optimal Map Orders for Each GC

Birth of the Rebellion
Tatooine: Dune Sea
Tatooine: Mos Eisley
Bespin: Platforms
Bespin: Cloud City
OVERTHROW KASHYYYK
Rhen Var: Harbor (Sabotage is essential)
Naboo: Plains
Rhen Var: Citadel
Naboo: Theed
Endor: Bunker

Dark Side Rising
Tatooine: Dune Sea
Tatooine: Mos Eisley
Rhen Var: Harbor
Yavin IV: Temple
DESTROY KASHYYYK
Naboo: Plains
Naboo: Theed
Rhen Var: Citadel
Yavin IV: Arena
Hoth: Echo Base

Attack of the Clones
Tatooine: Dune Sea
Tatooine: Mos Eisley
Bespin: Platforms
Rhen Var: Harbor
LIBERATE YAVIN IV
Naboo: Plains
Naboo: Theed
Bespin: Cloud City
Rhen Var: Citadel
Geonosis: Spire

Revenge of the Sith
Tatooine: Dune Sea
Tatooine: Mos Eisley
Bespin: Platforms
Yavin IV: Temple
DESTROY KASHYYYK
Naboo: Plains
Naboo: Theed
Bespin: Cloud City
Yavin IV: Arena
Kamino: Tipoca City

Mini GCs coming at a later time.

Other notes:
The rationale is that for all four main GCs, you want Jedi Hero because it is the best bonus by far.  An argument could be made for BotR that you want to do Platforms first because it is pretty bad and you can do earlier resets, but it can be easier with Luke sometimes.
If the enemy has Rhen Var, it needs to be neutralized next because Orbital Sensors is extremely annoying.  If you have the OS glitch or are playing on console, then it's not as important to have orbital sensors as it is to make sure the enemy doesn't have it.
After this, it's about finding the most efficient way to deny the enemy of the rest of their bonuses, usually leaving them with bacta tanks (although seriously, I wish we could quantify Elite Training).  Once this goal is accomplished, we backload the GC with the most consistent/easiest maps that shouldn't require resets until the final map.

Kashyyyk: Docks is the worst speedrunning map in this game and should be avoided at all costs.

SilenceOfTheLamy

BostonBrew

Dark_Phantom

Shadelz

Star Wars: Battlefront (2004)

Galactic Conquest: Dark Side Rising

Starfy_99

Medium

Hard

Any%

Easy

Steam

Legacy Console

Difficulty

The version of the game that the run was done on.  This is done for informational purposes.

Version

PlayStation 2

Xbox

PlayStation 4

Switch

PlayStation 5

Star Wars

IMPORTANT RULES UPDATE : The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence. 

Name	Author
[Clone Wars Campaign] Faster Rhen Var Segment With Out Of Bounds	Shadelz 6 years ago
CIS	BostonBrew 6 years ago
Clone Wars Campaign Guide	Dark_Phantom 3 years ago
GCW Any% Speedrun Guide	Dark_Phantom 6 years ago
Hoth: Echo Base Fast Strats (Rebels)	SilenceOfTheLamy 9 years ago
Optimal Map Orders for Each GC	Dark_Phantom 3 years ago