(Alliance Infantry Mobile Training Facility, Lecture Hall again)

Welcome back everyone, I hope you’ve had the opportunity to try out the Bespin missions since last time! Today we are going to study the battles on Yavin IV, that took place during and after the assault on the first Death Star. The Empire was able to gain a foothold on the moon in a collection of ruins called “The Arena”, from that they launched an attack on the Alliance base in the Massassi temple. The Alliance soldiers fought valiantly and were able to hold the imperials off long enough to evacuate.”

“We will start with the Arena, a battle the alliance lost. In the center are the ruins giving this area its name; it’s a large rectangular structure with ledges running along both outside and inside the walls. The center is on ground level, with remains of ancient structures criss-crossing the open area, making advances very perilous. The Empire and the Alliance have one command post each inside the walls, perched high up on a ledge across from each other, they also have a command post each in the open area surrounding the arena. Both teams have access to vehicles, AT-ST’s and Assault Speeders, more on those later.

You want to start in the southernmost command post, called the “Gate”, head north toward the big stairs leading up to the outer ledge around the arena. Sometimes imperial troops will be very quick to attack down those stairs, in that case, hang back a while and take them out. As soon as you get a break run up the stairs and either pick off imperials from the many holes in the wall (sniping), or turn right and then left (heading north) until you come to a large hole in the wall which places you above and behind the imperial command post (to the left of it). This is a good spot for troopers or wookies as you can use your rifle to pick off imperials both on the ledge and in the arena below you, as well as attack multiple targets by lobbing grenades at them. It’s easy to retreat into cover should you come under fire, as well as making quick dashes out on the inside ledge to better cover the imperial position. If done right you will soon see your team mates advancing through the ruins below you and the command post will be yours shortly after. Do not try and take the outer command post first; your Vanguards and speeders will deal with the AT-ST threat. Your job is to win the arena.”

“Now let’s look at the area surrounding the Massassi temple in which the Alliance had built a base. The large temple pyramid sits on a hill surrounded by woodlands and smaller ruins and structures. The imperials are fighting an uphill battle, but have the advantage in form of AT-ST’s that romp through the battlefield. Our first job is therefore to take them out. Start in the temple (southernmost command post) and grab a speeder bike, then head north skirting the western side of the map. Cross the river and head up the mountain path. It can be hard to spot the first time, but if you turn right after crossing the river and keep close to the mountainside you should stumble on it. Admire the view and pass under the waterfall (very cool) and attack the imperial command post from the rear. If you’re fast you should see the two scout walkers stomping their way across the bridge when you arrive, let them go and you should find resistance almost non-existent. Hold and take the command post, watch out for new arrivals (as usual). A small rebel strike team should join you shortly after taking the post, join them, cross the bridge, and take out the imperials at the pool. This position is quite heavily defended, so advance carefully. It is critical that you take the pool and that you hold it after it’s under rebel control. The Empire will launch several counterattacks either from the stairs leading up to the other temple ruins, or from the viaduct on the western side. You must stand your ground here. Around the perimeter of the pool are gun emplacements that can be used to repel the attacks. Make use of them and of the cover you get behind the structures surrounding the pool, you will soon notice that the Empire are starting to lose a lot of men. Continue to hold your position and venture up the stairs or go west towards the viaduct to pick off more imperials, only stay ready to retreat to load up more ordinance or to fight off an attack from another direction. When your number superiority feels comfortable enough launch an attack on the remaining imperial command posts and victory is yours. When you have the time, take a look around the command center in the temple to see some familiar sights.”

(Next lesson)