To counter a Sledge vertical play in Rainbow Six Siege, you can use defenders like Mute or Mozzie to deny the ability to open up floors or hatches. Deployable shields or Castle's barricades can also slow down Sledge's vertical attacks and force him to use utility before entering a room.
Understanding Sledge's Playstyle:
In Rainbow Six Siege, countering a Sledge vertical play requires a combination of map knowledge, game sense, team coordination, and strategic positioning. It's crucial to understand Sledge's playstyle and capabilities to effectively counter his vertical play. Sledge is an operator with a breaching hammer, allowing him to create vertical lines of sight and entry points from above or below the objective. He excels at disorienting defenders by smashing through soft floors, ceilings, and walls, causing chaos and giving his team a tactical advantage.
Preparation and Setup:
Before the round begins, it's essential to reinforce critical floors, hatches, and walls to deny Sledge easy access to the objective from above. Identifying the key areas that Sledge is likely to target for vertical play based on the map's layout and objective site is crucial. Utilize reinforcements, deployable shields, and other gadgets to fortify vulnerable areas and limit Sledge's breaching options. Creating rotate holes between bomb sites or important rooms can also help defenders maneuver effectively and respond to vertical pressure.
Sound and Communication:
Sound plays a significant role in countering Sledge's vertical play. Listening for audio cues such as the sound of Sledge's hammer hitting surfaces or the movement of attackers above can provide valuable information on their positioning and intentions. Communicating effectively with your team about Sledge's location, the destruction of soft surfaces, and potential threats can help coordinate a cohesive defense. Using voice chat or ping systems to call out enemy positions and movements is essential for reacting swiftly to vertical pressure.
Operator Selection and Utility:
Choosing operators with gadgets and abilities that can counter Sledge's vertical play is crucial for a successful defense. Operators like Castle, Smoke, Mute, and Bandit can disrupt Sledge's breaching capabilities with barricades, toxic gas, jammers, and electrified walls. Castle barricades can delay Sledge's progress and force him to use utility to remove the barricades or find alternative routes. Smoke's gas can deny entry points and deter attackers from pushing through vertical openings, while Mute and Bandit can prevent breaching or drone entry with jamming or electrification.
Positioning and Roaming:
Effective positioning and roaming are key components of countering Sledge's vertical play. Maintaining a dynamic defense by positioning defenders strategically throughout the map can prevent Sledge from gaining easy access to the objective from above. Roaming roamers can disrupt attacker pushes, flank vertically inclined attackers, and provide valuable intel to the team. Engaging Sledge from unexpected angles or setting up crossfires with teammates can catch attackers off guard and neutralize vertical threats effectively.
Map Knowledge and Adaptation:
Map knowledge is indispensable when countering Sledge's vertical play. Understanding the layout of the map, common vertical play strategies, destructible surfaces, and potential angles of attack is crucial for formulating a defensive plan. Adaptation is key when facing a skilled Sledge player who can quickly switch positions and apply pressure from different angles. Anticipating enemy movements, adjusting defensive setups, and improvising counter-strategies based on real-time information are essential to disrupt Sledge's vertical gameplay effectively.
Patience and Discipline:
Counter Sledge's vertical play requires patience and discipline from defenders. Rushing to confront Sledge directly may play into the attacker's hands and lead to unfavorable engagements. Instead, maintain discipline by holding angles, gathering intel, and coordinating with teammates to respond strategically to Sledge's vertical pressure. Avoid peeking unnecessarily or exposing yourself to unnecessary risks that can give Sledge an advantage. By remaining patient and composed, defenders can outplay Sledge and secure the objective against vertical onslaughts.