Wing Commander: SecretOps Help by Tozo!

Primary Objectives: Escort the Cerberus into hyperspace;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Guns: Cloudburst; Chain Ion;
Missiles: Artemis = 6; PilumIV = 6;
Enemies: Moray, Stingray, Manta;
Your Ship: Panther

Make sure you are familiar with all of the keys like Afterburners (TAB) Flares (E), and Autopilot (A) before playing your first mission.

NAV #1
You will encounter a wave of four Morays at first. The Morays are slow and can be taken out easily with good aim and Cloudburst guns. When the last Moray is on it's final breath, a second wave of five enemy ships will appear. They are a mix of Morays and Stingrays. The Cloudbursts work well on the Morays, but the Stingrays might be too fast for you. A combination of Artemis missiles and Chain Ion cannons will clean the 'rays up pretty quick.

NAV #2
Seven ships will meet you at this NAV. Two Morays will try to escape, if they succeed you will fail the mission. Hit your afterburners and let a few Artemis missiles talk them out of their escape. While you're chasing the two chickens a group of Mantas will stick on your tail. Drop some flares to distract their missiles, and if your shields start getting low hit C then 5 to tell your wingmen to help out. When you have killed the two runaways use your remaining missiles on the Mantas. When they are dead it's time for you to get back to the Cerberus.

Mission #2: Scramble / Ambush

Primary Objectives: Defend the Cerberus;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Guns: Dust Cannon; Cloudburst;
Missiles: Artemis = 4; Swarm = 8;
Enemies: Skate; Skate Class B; Lamprey; Baracuda; Manta; Moray;
Your Ship: Wasp;

Scramble!
This is a tough mission! If you lose a wingman, don't even bother trying to finish. Just restart.

The mission starts with an uncountable number of enemies inbound. Then Hit "B" right away to activate your rocket boosters (only available on the Wasp) to get to the baddies before they get to your wingmen. Your role in this mission is to take out the fighters that are attacking the good guys. If you go after the big Barracudas in your little ship, you and your wingmen will die. Your Primary targets are the Skates and Lampreys. If you finish them off set your sites on the nearest Manta. Don't worry about the Skate Class B ships, they aren't a threat until they split up.

When you are going head-on against an enemy, never fire a missile, because it will get destroyed by their gunfire. If you are using swarms you need not worry about that rule, there are too many of them for the enemy to stop. If you are successful in destroying the fighters your wingmen will have no problem with the barracudas. A good rule for attacking is to fire at an enemy until your guns dry up, then shoot a missile at him. Now he's dead. Your guns will recharge by the time you find another enemy.

The golden rule for this mission is to keep your eye on the radar and go after any enemy close to a friendly.

Mission #3: Straight on Out

Primary Objectives: Escort the Cerberus to Jump;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Guns: Cloudburst; Chain Ion;
Missiles: Artemis = 6; PilumIV = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Skate; Manta;
Your Ship: Panther;

If you completed the 2^nd mission, there should only be 3 NAV points to finish this level. If there are more than 3 NAVs you screwed the 2^nd mission up big time, and I can't help you out.

NAV #1
You'll face around eight enemies right off the bat. They are just Skates and Morays, so pick off the slow guys first with your Cloudbursts, and use the Artemis missiles on any Skates that your wingmen don't pick up.

NAV #2
12-14 enemies are waiting for you at this point, and they are a mix of Mantas, Morays, and Skates. Your wingmen do a good job at killing the skates, but the Mantas are constantly tailing your buds. Go after the evil Mantas with missiles and guns blazing before anything else. Clean up the Morays next, and then use missiles on any Skates left. Check your wingmen's health ("C" then "4") and you're ready to go to the next NAV.

NAV #3
An easy mix of 12 Morays and Mantas. Use up your remaining missiles, look at the stars, play with your camera angles, take a nap... whatever. This final NAV is simple.

Mission #4: Visit to Aunt Ella

Mission 1 Mission 2 Mission 3 Mission 4 Mission 5 Mission 6

Primary Objectives: Defend the Cerberus;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Guns: Tachyon Cannon; PLS Particle;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; PilumIV = 8;
Enemies: Devil Ray; Skate Class B; Skate; Moray;
Your Ship: Vampire;

Scramble!
Don't be afraid to use your missiles on this one; they really load you up! There are two major waves of enemies on this mission, and you should greet each wave with a big Tracker missile! The tracker flies straight for awhile, then splits up into 4 pieces to chase after the closest enemies. After firing the Tracker into the crowd, immediately go after the Skates with Artemis missiles and the Particle gun. Like always, leave the Skate Class B ships alone until they split. Morays aren't worth a missile, so just blast them with your Particle guns, which are my favorite guns for this mission. The Particle guns fire fast and seem to do a fair amount of damage. The Devil Rays are your biggest problem for this mission. If they are giving you a hard time press and hold "P" to bring up your ship power levels then move your joystick closer to the shield to give you more protection. Then give that Devil Ray a troublesome load of PilumIV missiles. When you clear the baddies out return to the Cerberus to complete Episode #1!

Password for episode #2 (with all missions completed): Acheron

Episode 2: Thickening (Ella system)

Mission #1: Fresh Start

Primary Objectives: Escort and defend the Cerberus;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Guns: Cloudburst; Chain Ion;
Missiles: Artemis = 6; PilumIV = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Manta; Red Manta; Stingray; Devil Ray;
Your Ship: Panther;

The following strategies will only work if you received the password "Acheron" for the first episode.

Start
This mission starts you off with a few easy Morays to warm you up. Pick those guys off with full guns then get on your way. Always use full guns when you're in the Panther. Tap the trigger to fire short bursts of the Cloudburst and Chain Ion combo until the enemies shield is worn off, then hold the trigger down to let the Ions do their work on the hull. This is extremely effective for every fighter you face.

NAV #1
Ten Morays and one Manta are at this NAV. Set your sites on the Manta and take him out before the Morays, or else he might give your wingmen a hard time. Press "L" to keep your sites constantly on him. When the Manta is dead take lock off ("L" again) and finish off the Morays. Deaaad Bug!

NAV #2
Morays, Red Mantas, and Stingrays are the big welcome wagon for NAV #2. Set your sites on the Red Manta, and give him an Artemis or two in the rear. The Stingrays aren't a threat, because there are only two, one short of being able to join together.

NAV #3
Two Mantas, one Red Manta, five Stingrays, and a handful of Morays are your playtoys for NAV #3. Get that Red Manta first, then switch to killing the Stingrays and normal Mantas. As always, the Morays are just there to look pretty.

NAV #4
Mantas (both flavors) and Morays will meet you at this NAV, but that lone Devil Ray will mix things up a bit. I would say kill the Devil Ray first, but the Red Mantas would eat the Cerberus alive. Get the Red Mantas first, and tell you wing to kill the Devil Ray. This is the last NAV, so be sure and use up your missiles!

Alternative strategy for mission #1 from Alex!

Hi, here is something I've discovered that helped me to finish the first mission of the Acheron-Password second episode. At each waypoint when the enemies appear, tell all your wingman to return to formation and sit right next to the Cerberus till its turrets (not the big cannon) start shooting at the incoming bogies. Once that happens, turn your wing loose, and kick butt, the AA fire from the Cerberus is very helpful, and they don't seem to attack the Cerberus enough to damage it much if at all.

Also the massive cannon on the Cerberus is VERY annoying sometimes especially when you are close on someone's tail, and the Cerberus decides to take some shots at the same target, vaporizing you in the process.

Mission #2: Unfriendly Terms

Primary Objectives: Patrol all NAV points;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Guns: Cloudburst; Chain Ion;
Missiles: Artemis = 6; PilumIV = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Manta; Stingray; Devil Ray;
Your Ship: Panther;

NAV #1
A handful of Morays and Regular Mantas. Go after the Mantas first. Keep an eye on your wingmen's tails and this NAV shouldn't be a problem.

NAV #2
Morays and Stingrays here. Head for the Stingrays first, and if you see them join, GET OUT OF THEIR WAY! Always attack connected Stingrays from the tail. If you see them about to connect, don't hesitate to fire a missile to break them up. You will probably save a wingman by doing so.

NAV #3
Excalibur ships should help you destroy the Morays, Stingrays, and Mantas at this NAV. Kill the Mantas first unless the Stingrays are giving you hell, then kill the Stingrays until there are only two left. Pick off the Morays, and check on your wingmen's health (c-4).

NAV #4
The Devil Ray at this NAV has his sights set on your wing. If you have any doubt about your wingmen's or your missile dodging skills, go after him first. There are also four Stingrays here that start off pretty far apart. Make sure they don't get close.

Random Tip from Tigershark!

A tip on nose to nose confrontations - if you can take the hits to the shields, go for it. If not, steer away left or right several degrees putting the attacker out of view. Then veer back on the original course to find the bogie has turned towards your fake. Now you are on his tail, so whack him!

Mission #3: Deep Strike One

Primary Objectives: Eliminate Destroyer; Eliminate Bombers;
Secondary Objectives Eliminate Alien Transports;
Guns Dust Cannons; PLS Particle;
Your Ship Shrike;
Missiles Artemis = 4; Pilum IV = 4; Lancer LT = 6; Pike T = 2; Mosquito = 36; Dragonfly = 36;
Enemies Moray; Manta; Red Manta; Barracuda; Triton; Orca;

NAV #1
Just Mantas and Morays here. This NAV is to help you get used to your new cumbersome ship, the Shrike. I find myself using Afterburners much more due to its slow speed. Get the Mantas off of the screen first, then head for the Morays.

NAV #2
At this NAV there are 3 Red Mantas (the Bombers) trying to escape so they can head for the Cerberus, which is far away. You must stop them before they get out of reach. Start attacking ASAP! Do anything you can to stop them, use up your Artemis and Pilum IV missiles, tell your entire wing to attack them, run your afterburners dry� anything! If they get away you fail a primary objective and the mission. When the Red are dead, go and play around with the Morays.

NAV #3
Mantas, Morays, Barracudas, Tritons, and an Orca� Oh my! Good thing you have Excalibur and Thunderbolt ships backing you up here. If you screwed up the last NAV you won't see the capital ship Orca anywhere. Cruise around, take out the Mantas first, and then the Morays if they are giving your wing trouble. This clears the air (space doesn't sound right) and helps you and your wing take out the cap ships safely. If you finish off the fighters quickly there should be one or two Barracudas left. Fly around behind them and take 'em out with Dust Cannons right in their engines. Your Auto Pilot sign may show up at this time, but don't press it! Wait to finish off all of the ships first. Your next target should be the big Orca. Target it and start cycling through its subsystems ("R"). The Shield Generator should be your first target and is easily killed with cannons and an Artemis missile, but most likely one of your wingmen has destroyed this subsystem by now. Your next target should be the engine, and it stands no chance against a Pike Heavy Torpedo. Don't fire the torpedo until you are very close to the engines, that way the turrets on the Orca wont pick your torpedo off (or you can fly around and kill all of the turrets, whatever is easier). Next go after the bridge with your last Pike, and the Orca will be dead! Primary objectives will be complete at this point, but I recommend that you stick around and destroy the Tritons to pick up the secondary objectives. Use your Lancer Light Torpedoes on their engines and bridges, but watch out for turret fire. Good luck, this is the hardest mission in this episode!

Random Tip from Tigershark!
Afterburners (turbos to us old timers) are great for closing the distance between foes, but in a dogfight, release them when turning. Use the afterburner to gain ground with little turning. You will turn much faster with the afterburners off. I constantly play the afterburners like flooring the accelerator pedal when racing between turns. Sometimes you cannot gain on a bogie even with afterburners. Let him go, burners off and watch him return nose to nose.

Mission #4: Phase Focus

Primary Objectives: Rendezvous with Confed convoy; Escort & defend friendly ships;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Guns: Cloudburst; Chain Ion;
Missiles: Artemis = 6; Pilum IV = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Manta; Red Manta; Skate; Stingray; Devil Ray;
Your Ship: Panther;

NAV #1
Three Mantas and four Morays welcome you to this NAV. Yup, you guessed it! Kill the Mantas first. Fire an Artemis at anything chasing your wingmen. When the Mantas are dead, go get the Morays.

NAV #2
A load of Morays and five Skates will attack you here. In the Panther I always have my guns set to full, but full guns work so well against Skates that I recommend everyone use them. It will only take two good shots with full guns to kill them, and when they are dead head after the Morays.

NAV #3
A few seconds after meeting up with the convoy, a load of Devil Rays, Red Mantas, and Stingrays attack. Go after the Red Mantas first, but if a Devil Ray crosses your path don't be afraid to send a couple missiles his way. Switch guns to full, and fire a few bursts until the enemy's shield is gone, then hold down the trigger and the Chain Ion will do its work on the hull. You need to perfect this method of firing to effectively protect the friendly ships. If you see three Stingrays far away that are joined together, don't bother trying to catch up to them to attack with cannons. By the time you catch up a wingmen could be dead or a subsystem on your cap ship destroyed. A missile will stop them from doing any severe damage.

Alternative Strategy for Mission #4 from Alex!
Hi, I'd just like to relate to you something I've noticed about mission #4 episode #2. What you do is when you start the mission, do not go on patrol, go straight to the last waypoint and meet the capital ships and kill the ships attacking them. Once you have done that go to the other nav points, the covering fire from the capital ships can be quite helpful there if you keep the dogfights close in to them. Once you have been to all the waypoints go back to the Cerberus and you are done.

Mission #5: Back Yard Sweep

Primary Objectives: Escort and defend the Cerberus;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Guns: Cloudburst; Chain Ion;
Missiles: Artemis = 6; Pilum IV = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Red Manta; Stingray;
Your Ship: Panther;

NAV #1
Three Red Mantas and Three Morays are at this NAV for your enjoyment. Switch guns to full and kill the Red Mantas first. Pick their shields off slowly, and then hold the trigger down to eat away their hulls. Kill the Morays, and enjoy this easy NAV.

NAV #2
All of the Stingrays at this NAV are headed for the Cerberus, and they will connect together and blast the cap ship until it is dead. Make sure they don't succeed by giving any joined Stingrays a nice little Pilum IV missile. Chase down the Morays, and you're ready for the next NAV.

NAV #3
This is an exact copy of NAV #2, except this time a Red Manta is present and has its sites set on the Cerberus. Kill it before the Stingrays.

NAV #4
Yawn... This is just like NAV #2, but this time there are two Red Mantas. Kill them first, then Stingrays, and then Morays. I think I see a pattern forming...

Random Tip from Tigershark!
If defending an objective - Cerberus, for example - don't stray too far from it. Keep watching the radar or listen to the warnings from the objective. Usually this means the target is under attack. Close quickly, and hit the nearest bogie to the objective. Sometimes you don't even need to target the bogie - just look for who is shooting at your objective.

Mission #6: Path to Cygnus

Mission 1 Mission 2 Mission 3 Mission 4 Mission 5

Primary Objectives: Escort the Cerberus to jump point. Eliminate enemy fighters;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Guns: Cloudburst; Chain Ion;
Missiles: Artemis = 6; Pilum IV = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Manta; Red Manta; Stingray; Devil Ray;
Your Ship: Panther;

Start
Your final mission for this episode starts off with an easy mix of Mantas and Morays. Kill them with full guns as fast as you can (Mantas first). A minute or two into the battle a group of Morays and Red Mantas will block the Cerberus's path to the jump. I believe this is unavoidable, so now you have to go through an alternate path to the jump. The Red Mantas that just appeared should now be your first priority, and if you witness a torpedo being launched at the Cerberus do your best to shoot it out of the sky (space still doesn't sound right). Kill the Morays last and you should be ready for NAV #2.

NAV #1
(Blocked, impossible to get to)

NAV #2
Morays, Stingrays, and a Devil Ray all show up frighteningly close to you at this NAV. You will be shot at right from the start. If the Cerberus is in bad shape go after the Stingrays first. Otherwise take out that evil Devil Ray ASAP, because he has his sights set on your wingmen. Use missiles liberally here, it's your last chance to blow up bugs until Thursday!

Password for episode #2 (with all primary/secondary objectives completed): TMA-1

Episode 3: Hide and Seek (Talos system)

Mission #1: Friends in Need

Primary Objectives: Rescue Shy Meadows;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: Rescue Kyoto Rose; Rescue Cheryls Song;
Guns: Dust Cannon; Cloudburst;
Your Ship: Wasp;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR = 4; Swarmer AB = 8;
Enemies: Moray; Manta; Devil Ray; Stingray; Red Manta;

The following strategies will only work if you received the password "TMA-1" for the second episode.

Rescue!
Right when the mission starts hit "B" to activate your boosters so you can reach the bugs before they do a lot of damage. Set your sites on a Red Manta and head straight for him. While you are getting there, press and hold "P" and focus your power on shields and guns. You will be using afterburners so much in this mission you don't have to worry about your regular speed. Before you reach the Red Manta, Stingrays will try to attack you. Ignore them, but adjust your shields to the rear. When your boosters die out the nearest Red Manta will still be very far away. Don't look for anything closer, just hit your afterburners and keep going after him. By the time you kill off the last Red Manta, your wingmen should be finished killing the Devil Rays. If not, kill them next and then the Stingrays. If you can kill the Red Mantas fast enough the bonus objectives shouldn't be a problem.

Alternative strategy for mission #1 from Starwolf!
Here's what I suggest:
This one seems to be the toughest mission in this episode - you should be extremely fast to complete all objectives. Step on afterburners right as you get control on your ship. There are a couple of Devil Rays going head to head on you - try to get them as quick as possible (rush head-on to the closest, and put a full load from all your guns when in range, then finish the second with missiles and/or guns), or they will sneak on you from behind and will shoot you down in no time. Go at full speed and take down two or three Red Mantas with your Artemis in "launch - lock next" manner, but watch Stingrays closely, and don't let them combine into the x3 - this is lethal to your capships. If you manage to down three Stingrays asap, the remaining will not be able to combine since they will be busy to evading your wingmen. Another thing to think of is that if you take out the first wave really quickly, the second one may not appear at all (lucky for you) In any case, pay most attention for Red Mantas because they're the ones launching torpedoes at your capships, and don't let Stingrays combine - this means you shouldn't lock on one target for a long time - if you can't take it down in five seconds or so, let it go and catch another one, keep 'em busy evading you. If you see a torpedo rushing close to you at your capship, try to shoot it down - shooting the head of its trail may casually blow it up - this way you will save yourself time for dealing with enemies - every capship can stand only two torpedo hits or just a few Stingray x3 shots.

Mission #2: Circumvention

Primary Objectives: Escort and Defend the Cerberus;
Secondary Objectives: Escort and Defend Civilian Transports;
Bonus: Eliminate 50% of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Chain Ion; Cloudburst;
Your Ship: Panther;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR = 6; PilumIV FF = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Manta; Red Manta;

NAV #1
If you completed the bonus objectives on the last mission two extra ships will be along side you in this mission. The Red Mantas at this NAV will have their sites set on the Cheryl's Song transport. Make sure they don't destroy it.

NAV #2
This is almost a duplicate of the last NAV, but now there are only two Red Mantas going after Cheryl's Song. (Or another civilian transport if Cheryl's was destroyed)

NAV #3
This is getting easy to write! This NAV has the same strategy as above, but now only one Red Manta.

NAV #4
Three Red Mantas on this NAV. Two are headed for a civilian transport (or the Cerberus if there aren't any left), and one is headed for the Talos Station. Hit CTRL + N to find the Manta going after Talos, and kill him first, and then go after the other two.

Random Tip from Tigershark!
Regarding Panthers, I disagree with the tactic of rotating to use the higher turn rate to replace the lower pitch rate. Generally it matters little. Just anticipate the bogie's evasive maneuver, and combine a turn with a pitch.

Mission #3: Hidden Foes

Primary Objectives: Patrol all NAV points;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: None;
Guns: Chain Ion; Cloudburst;
Your Ship: Panther;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR = 6; PilumIV FF = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Manta; Skate; Devil Ray; Triton; Stingray;

NAV #1
You have enough allies on this mission to destroy a dozen Cap ships, so the Morays and Mantas at this NAV are pretty much a joke.

NAV #2
Exactly the same as the first NAV, but this time there are Stingrays involved. Fortunately there are only two of them, so they don't really pose a threat. Take out anything close to a teammate.

NAV #3
Just when you thought this mission would be easy� two Tritons, a good number of Skates, Mantas, Morays, and a Devil Ray show up. If you can kill the Devil Ray fast, do it. The Mantas and Skates will eat your wingmen alive if you don't stop them quickly. Make sure you concentrate most of your power on guns for this NAV. (press and hold P, then move the joystick)

NAV #4
You needed a break after that last NAV, and you will get it here. Only Stingrays and Morays will attack you. Get the Stingrays first, and make sure they don't join.

Bonus Mission Strategy from Ronald!
Completing the bonus objective for this mission is so simple that I am embarrassed to admit that I couldn't figure it out at first.
I went directly to NAV 3, took out the gun turrets on the two transports, then went after the Devil Ray and the red mantas. It never occurred to me that the Excaliburs have the armament to kill the transports, and that it would help if I got them all to NAV 3 at 100 percent fighting capacity (I was getting them there before, but they were badly beaten up). A few torpedoes from the Excaliburs, and one of the transports was history: You only need to knock off one transport to complete the bonus objective. It was then easy to go back to NAVs 1 and 2, mop up, then proceed to NAV 4 to kick some more butt.

Mission #4: The Great Forbidden

Primary Objectives: Escort and Defend Civilian Transport;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: None;
Guns: Chain Ion; Cloudburst;
Your Ship: Panther;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR = 6; PilumIV FF = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Red Manta; Barracuda;

NAV #1
Lalalala... all clear...

NAV #2
Four Red Mantas and a bunch of Morays will lead the attack at NAV 2. All of the Red Mantas are headed for the Kyoto Rose. Kill them as fast as you can. When the last one is dead, a second wave of bugs will appear. Three Barracudas and two Red Mantas will go after the Kyoto Rose. Hit the Mantas first, then kill the Barracudas by slowly flying behind them and destroying their engines with missiles. When you're all done manually fly to exact point of the 2nd NAV and your auto-pilot light will come on.

Random Tip from Tigershark!
I always use full guns even though they drain gun power quickly. But I always use restraint in firing, making sure that I am well within range for several good hits.

Mission #5: Deep Strike two

Mission 1 Mission 2 Mission 3 Mission 4 Mission 5

Primary Objectives: Escort Cerberus to Jump-Point; Eliminate Destroyer;
Secondary Objectives: Eliminate Alien Fighters; Eliminate Alien Transports;
Bonus: None;
Guns: Dust Cannon; Pls Particle;
Your Ship: Shrike;
Missiles: Mosquito RP = 36; PilumIV FF = 4; Dragonfly RP = 36; Artemis ELRIR = 4; Lancer LT = 6; Pike T = 2;
Enemies: Moray; Triton; Barracuda; Manta; Orca;

NAV #1
10 Morays to play around with here. Wake me when it's over.

NAV #2
Two Barracudas, two Tritons, and an Orca will give you hell at this NAV, but you should clear the area of every Manta before attacking the big guys. Don't worry about the Morays unless your inner shields are worn. When you're ready to attack the large ships, go after the Barracudas first with cannons and Mosquito missiles. The Tritons shouldn't give you a hard time if you destroy their engines with Lancers, and then pick off their turrets. Take out the bridge with a Lancer or two, and that Triton will be dust. The Orca should be dead by the time you are done with the Tritons. If it's not, your Pike Torpedoes should do the job on its bridge & engine.

NAV #3
All clear... it's time for episode #4!

Password for episode #3 (with all primary/secondary objectives completed): Laumer

Episode 4: Cygnus Triangle (Cygnus system)

Mission #1: Evaluation

Primary Objectives: Patrol all NAV Points;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: Eliminate 75% of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Chain Ion; Cloudburst;
Your Ship: Panther;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR = 6; PilumIV FF = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Devil Ray; Manta;

The following strategies will only work if you received the password "LAUMER" for the third episode.

NAV #1
4 Morays at this NAV, that's all.

NAV #2
The Mantas start off with their sites set on Zero. Kill them fast to save your buddy, then pick off all the Morays.

NAV #3
The Mantas and Devil Ray here are going after you. The Morays are going after your wingmen. You may want to kill a moray or two first, but don't ignore the Devil Ray on your tail. After about 30 seconds the big fighters will go after your wingmen.

Random Tip from Tigershark (aka: The WC god)!
Launching multiple rockets at targets. You can only fire a single IR missile at a target until it connects, but the Panther has IR and FF missiles. Launch the IR after lock on then switch to the FF missile and just fire. You can score two quick hits on a difficult target (Devil Rays) this way.

Mission #2: Salvation

Primary Objectives: Escort Rescue Shuttle to the Albergetti; Patrol secondary NAV route;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: Eliminate 75% of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Chain Ion; Cloudburst;
Your Ship: Panther;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR = 6; PilumIV FF = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Stingray; Manta;

NAV #1
Nothing.

NAV #2
The three Stingrays have to be stopped before they do any more damage to the Albergetti.

NAV #3
This is the first NAV I have seen without a Moray in awhile! Just six Stingrays here. Make sure they don't connect, and if they do don't attack them head-on.

NAV #4
The four Mantas here will do a great deal of damage to your wingmen if they are not killed quickly.

NAV #5
A generic mix of Mantas and Morays here. Get the Mantas first.

Mission #3: The Twilight Purchase

Primary Objectives: Patrol all NAV points; Rendezvous with Twilight Purchase; Defend Twilight Purchase; Escort Twilight Purchase;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: Eliminate 75 % of Alien Fighters; Eliminate 75 % of Alien Bombers;
Guns: Chain Ion; Cloudburst;
Your Ship: Panther;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR = 6; PilumIV FF = 6;
Enemies: Ray; Moray; Stingray; Remora; Red Manta; Skate Class-T; Skate;

NAV #1
This one starts off with a few easy Morays and a Ray, but then seven Remoras join in the fight. Get the Ray first, then the Remoras. Remoras can be taken out with one full-gunned shot.

NAV #2
Every enemy here is attacking the Twilight. Try to kill the Red Mantas first, but if you see a 3x Stingray don't think twice about firing an Artemis missile at it.

NAV #3
Four Skate Class T's are attack the twilight, so you should stop them before worrying about the Mantas. When the Skate Class T breaks, don't go after the smaller skates, just head for the next Class-T.

Random Tip from Tigershark!
If you have the front shields, don't be afraid to ram a bogie. They generally stop for a second afterwards, allowing you to pepper them with gunfire.

Mission #4: Building Blocks

Primary Objectives: Patrol all NAV Points IN ORDER;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: Eliminate 75 % of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Chain Ion; Cloudburst;
Your Ship: Panther;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR = 6; PilumIV FF = 6;
Enemies: Manta; Moray; Devil Ray; Skate;

NAV #1
Four Mantas. Kill 'em.

NAV #2
Get the Devil Ray first, then the Mantas. Don't worry too much about protecting your bombers. No capships ever show up.

NAV #3
Kill the Devil Ray first using an Artemis along with full guns for each bug. Get the Mantas next. Press "L" so you don't lose sight of an enemy.

Random Tip from Kaisar!
When flying a mission and taking heavy hits, the eject indicator shows up. I ignore this and take evasive maneuvers. Then I return and kick some ass before the bugs get me.

Mission #5: Rising Blocks

Mission 1 Mission 2 Mission 3 Mission 4 Mission 5 Mission 6

Primary Objectives: Ensure Cruiser Elimination; Defend Bravo Wing;
Secondary Objectives: Eliminate 75 % of Alien Fighters; Eliminate 75 % of Alien Cruiser Gun Turrets; Eliminate 75 % of Alien Cruiser Missile Turrets; Eliminate Alien Cruiser Shield Emitters;
Bonus: None;
Guns: Chain Ion; Cloudburst;
Your Ship: Panther;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR = 6; PilumIV FF = 6;
Enemies: Manta; Stingray; Moray; Devil Ray;

NAV #1
Pretty much everything but the Morays are attacking the Bravo wing here. You must keep that wing alive. Stop the Devil Rays first, then the Mantas.

NAV #2
Whoooole lotta Stingrays here! Keep killing them even after the third or fourth wave. Your bombers will take care of the rest.

Password for episode #4 (with all primary/secondary objectives completed): Kasparov

Episode 5: Viral Legacy (Luyten system)

Mission #1: Welcoming party

Primary Objectives: Defend the Cerberus;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: ?;
Guns: Cloudburst; Dust Cannon;
Your Ship: Wasp;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR = 6; Swarm AB = 8; PilumIV FF = 6;
Enemies: Red Manta; Skate Class T; Skate; Manta;

The following strategies will only work if you received the password "KASPAROV" for the fourth episode.

HOLY SHIT!
Ok, it may look intimidating, but all you really need to worry about are 3 Red Mantas and 3 Skate Class T ships. Every other red blip on your screen is Mantas and Morays. Hit "B" right at the beginning and set your sites on a Skate Class-T ship.

The problem here is that the big fighters are spread out in three groups. This would make it hard to attack Red Mantas first, then Skates etc� The best way of approaching this mission is to go after one Red Manta or Skate Class-T, and then kill all of the smaller ships around it before moving on to the next Red Manta or Class-T. Be sure your power is focused on guns & shields. You don't need to worry about speed power since it doesn't affect afterburner speed.

Random Tip from Tigershark!
Regarding Wasps, my favorite interceptor, save missiles for anything bigger than Skates. Wasting Swarmers on a Skate is good for a head slap.

Mission #2: Defensive Tactics

Primary Objectives: Patrol all NAV points;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: ?;
Guns: Tachyon Cannon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Vampire;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; Pilum IV = 8;
Enemies: Moray; Barracuda; Stingray; Skate; Manta;

NAV #1
Three Mantas, several Skates, and Morays. Stop the Mantas first, then the Skates. This NAV shouldn't be a problem.

NAV #2
Nobody home!

NAV #3
I would tell you to get the Stingrays first, but there are only two. Kill those pesky Skates first instead. If you put your guns on full they should go down with one shot. If a wingman ejects just restart the mission.

NAV #4
Hope you have some wingmen left for this one� Those Devil Rays are a bitch, so kill them first. Conserve your afterburners when attacking Skates. Let them fly ahead of you, and watch them turn back around so you can give them a few good shots.

Random tip from Pascal!
Just a small addition that would be interesting about those two:
The Dust Cannon has more punch but eats your gun's energy pool very fast.
The PLS Particle inflicts only moderate damage but is less energy-expensive.

Mission #3: Luyten Station Support

Primary Objectives: Escort & defend the Cerberus; Defend Lyten station;
Secondary Objectives: Patrol all NAV points;
Bonus: None;
Guns: Tachyon Cannon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Vampire;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; Pilum IV = 8;
Enemies: Moray; Barracuda; Stingray; Skate; Manta;

NAV #1
Five Stingrays and a couple Mantas are the "big" threat here. Kill three of the stingrays then go after the Mantas.

NAV #2
Right when you start this mission, two capship missiles will appear to your right, and they are headed for the Lyten station. Use your NAV map (ctrl + n) to find the missiles, and make sure lock target "L" is on too. Switch to particle guns and shoot them out of the sky (space... whatever). Go after the Devil Rays next with some missiles, and you're done! (the other NAV's are optional and very easy)

Random tip from Viper!
This only works some of the time, but it is useful when it does.
I've found that when I'm attacking the Stingray x3, after sending out a few taunts to get it to come straight at me, it will mimic my movements to a degree. Now with one of them buggers hounding me, and not the big C or my wingmen, I'll go at it full afterburn, and just before firing range for it's big cannon, I start to basically do a circle rotation on the HUD. The bug is too busy trying to match my maneuver, and firing in an almost swirl pattern. So I stop the roll and fire everything I got at it before it can come to bear on me, sometimes with a Pilum IV for good measure. When it works I usually have taken out 1 or 2, the remaining sustain moderate damage. If the vectoring is right, and I can autoslide, the last one is a snap to bag.

Mission #4: Banded Enigma

Primary Objectives: Eliminate alien transports;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: ?;
Guns: Dust Cannon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Shrike;
Missiles: Artemis = 4; Lancer LT = 6; Pike T = 2; Mosquito = 36; Dragonfly = 36; Pilum IV = 4;
Enemies: Moray; Triton; Skate;

NAV #1
Clear.

NAV #2
Morays and Skates here. Go after the Morays first, since you are in a slow ship. Don't even try to catch up to the Skates. Use Mosquito missiles on the Skates when they are headed away from you.

NAV #3
The Devil Rays are you biggest problem. Use Dragonfly and leftover Mosquito missiles on them. You pretty much want to keep your fellow bombers alive on this one so they can destroy the Tritons. When attacking a Triton, shoot off the turret by the engine, then destroy the engine with a Lancer torpedo, and then fly to the front of the ship and destroy the bridge with another Lancer.

NAV #4
Skates and Morays here. Just like the 2nd NAV.

Mission #5: Luyten Strike

Primary Objectives: Eliminate cruiser; Defend Bravo wing; Defend Lyten Station;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: ?;
Guns: Cloudburst; Chain ion;
Your Ship: Panther;
Missiles: Artemis = 6; Pilum IV = 6;
Enemies: Moray; Stingray; Hydra; Manta;

NAV #1
Easy NAV. Hit the Mantas first, then Stingrays.

NAV #2
This is the toughest point in the game so far. After about 30 seconds into play, the Hydra will start launching missiles at the Lyten station. Stop every capship missile that appears. I recommend using an Artemis missile on each of them. Stingrays are also a huge problem. If left alone, they will destroy the Lyten. Hit CTRL + N every 5 seconds (and make sure you have target lock "L" on), and look for a cap missile. If there is no cap missile present go after a Stingray. Keep doing this until your bombers destroy the Hydra. It's tedious, but it's the only way I found. It took me 5 tries to finish this mission with the Lyten intact.

Mission #6: Long Range Strike

Mission 1 Mission 2 Mission 3 Mission 4 Mission 5 Mission 6 Mission 7 Mission 8

Primary Objectives: Escort the Cerberus; Eliminate cruiser; Eliminate carrier;
Secondary Objectives: Destroy alien transport;
Bonus: ?;
Guns: Dust cannon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Shrike;
Missiles: Artemis = 4; Lancer LT = 6; Pike T = 2; Mosquito = 36; Dragonfly = 36; Pilum IV = 4;
Enemies: Moray; Manta; Hydra; Triton; Barracuda; Red Manta;

NAV #1
Do what you can to take out the Mantas first. Your Mosquito missiles will come in handy. Next the Barracudas, then the Triton.

NAV #2
Kill the Mantas first, but don't bother with the Morays. Just get the capships.

NAV #3
Two Red Mantas are you only problem here. Kill them first.

Password for episode #5 (with all primary/secondary objectives completed): Veitch

Episode 6: Duel (Krieger system)

Mission #1: Krieger Starbase

Primary Objectives: Defend Krieger Space station; Defend Cerberus;
Secondary Objectives: Eliminate Bombers; Eliminate Alien Fighters;
Bonus: Eliminate 50% of Alien Fighters; Eliminate 66% of Alien Bombers;
Guns: Dust Cannon; Cloudburst;
Your Ship: Wasp;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR= 4; Swarm AB= 8;
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Mission #2: Tactical Reposition

Primary Objectives: Escort and Defend the Cerberus;
Secondary Objectives: Defend Friendly Bombers;
Bonus: Eliminate Enemy Corvettes; Eliminate Alien ACE Pilots;
Guns: Tachyon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Vampire;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; PilumIV = 8;
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Mission #3: Carrier Assault One

Primary Objectives: Eliminate all Alien Carrier Gun Turrets; Eliminate all Alien Carrier Missile Turrets;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: Eliminate 75% of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Tachyon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Vampire;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; PilumIV = 8;
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Mission #4: Carrier Erasure

Primary Objectives: Eliminate Carrier;
Secondary Objectives: Engage and destroy fighters; Eliminate Alien Transports; Eliminate Alien Corvettes; Destroy any other Cap-Ships;
Bonus: Eliminate 50% of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Tachyon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Vampire;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; PilumIV = 8;
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Mission #5: Reposition Battery

Primary Objectives: Escort and Defend Cerberus;
Secondary Objectives: Eliminate Bombers; Eliminate Alien Fighters; Destroy Alien Comm Relay Station; Eliminate Alien Transports;
Bonus: Eliminate 75% of Alien Bombers; Eliminate 50% of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Tachyon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Vampire;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; PilumIV = 8;
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Mission #6: Turrets Swipe

Primary Objectives: Eliminate all Alien Carrier Gun Turrets; Eliminate all Alien Carrier Missile Turrets;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: Eliminate 50% of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Tachyon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Vampire;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; PilumIV = 8;
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Mission #7: Final Blows

Primary Objectives: Eliminate Carrier; Destroy any other Alien Cap-Ships;
Secondary Objectives: Eliminate Fighters defending Carrier;;
Bonus: Eliminate 50% of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Tachyon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Vampire;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; PilumIV = 8;
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Mission #8: Path to Proxima

Mission 1 Mission 2 Mission 3 Mission 4

Primary Objectives: Escort and Defend the Cerberus; Ensure Cruiser Elimination; Ensure Destroyer Elimination; Ensure Carrier Elimination;
Secondary Objectives: Engage and destroy fighters;
Bonus: Eliminate 50% of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Tachyon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Vampire;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; PilumIV = 8;
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Password for episode #7 (with all primary/secondary objectives completed): Moore

Episode 7: Finishing Stroke (Proxima system)

Mission #1: Evasive Recon Patrol

Primary Objectives: Eliminate Alien Transports; Patrol all NAV points;
Secondary Objectives: Eliminate Alien Corvettes;
Bonus: Eliminate 75% of Alien Fighters;
Guns: Plasma; Tachyon;
Your Ship: Devastator;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR= 6; Pilum IV = 6; Lancer LT = 8; Pike T = 4; Mosquito = 90; Dragonfly = 90;
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Mission #2: Midpoint Assault

Primary Objectives: Escort and Defend the Cerberus;
Secondary Objectives: None;
Bonus: Eliminate 75% of Alien Fighters; Eliminate 75% of Alien Bombers;
Guns: Tachyon; PLS Particle;
Your Ship: Vampire;
Missiles: Tracker = 4; Artemis = 8; PilumIV = 8;
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Mission #3: Alien Science Crew

Primary Objectives: Ensure Carrier Elimination; Eliminate 75% of Alien Carrier Gun Turrets;
Secondary Objectives: Eliminate 75% of Alien Carrier Missile Turrets; Eliminate Carrier Shield Emitters;
Bonus: Eliminate 75% of Alien Fighters; Destroy Alien Transport;
Guns: Dust Cannon(1); PLS Particle(3); Turret(1);
Your Ship: Strike;
Missiles: Artemis ELRIR= 4; Pilum IV = 4; Lancer LT = 6; Pike T = 2; Mosquito = 36; Dragonfly = 36; Chaff Pods(36);
Enemies: ?;

NAV ?

Mission #4: Star Smasher