An Idiot's Guide to the SADAR

[Imperator_Titan]

Hi. As the title suggests, this will be my guide on teaching you how to SADAR without blowing yourself or your SL up.

The SADAR
The SADAR itself is the most badass, xeno killing, jaw dropping, salt manufacturing weapon you can get in CM. You'll quickly find out that it's THE most feared weapon in CM due to it's ability to ONE SHOT some T3s.
BUT
This also means that you're going to be a higher priority than PFC Baldie McChromeDome, so you can expect to be endlessly chased by young runners who decided that being honourary crushers and sweeping mines is not good enough for them.

The SADAR comes pre-loaded with HE.


Your Loadout
Your loadout is one of the most important parts. Upon choosing the SADAR in your specialist vendor, you will be greeted with a greenish crate which looks like the sentry crate. Simply drag it to yourself, put ALL the rockets into your backpack and pull out the ultimate badass's weapon. ALWAYS PUT A MAG HARNESS ONTO IT!Next, you're going to have to decide on what to take as your secondary weapon. You should only really be using the shotgun, loaded with buckshot ORthe M41A with any magazine. Putting a gyro on your weapon is fine. Using a SMG at all is pure heresy and you should be lynched for even thinking of such vile thoughts! But seriously, don't take a SMG.

I personally grab a belt full of AP magazines, a M41A with a red dot sight, barrel charger and a forward grip and my SADAR with the mag harness.

Congratulations, now your ready to purge some xeno scum! FOR THE EMPEROR!

Using The SADAR Effectively
The most important part about using the SADAR is to know WHEN to use it. For example, you see a young runner coming down the street right at you and you have HE loaded, would you rather save the rocket for later or would you go for it? There's only one answer and that is to save the rocket for the bigger fish. You're the person who's going to deal with the T3s, leave the T1s to the other members of the squad. The ONLYexception is when it's a life or death situation and you're alone, fighting off a T2.

The next part is to know HOW to use the SADAR. When you have AT loaded, you should be aiming for the crushers, praetorians, boilers and SOMETIMES the queen. When you have HE loaded, you should be aiming for ALL the T3sEXCEPTfor crushers.

Another example, you have HE loaded and there's a group of bunched up xenos and you have a clear shot, would you take it? The answer is definitely.

Why, you may ask? It's because you should be using HE in a support style, downing the targets and letting the marines finish them off. HE doesn't do nearly enough damage to crit a T3 and for that reason alone, you should only be using it in the vicinity of other marines ALSO,Taking out bunches of xenos, even if for a little while should be enough to stop a push and initiate a counter attack. You won't see a group of hunters that got hit by a HE rocket attempt to fight off a hoard of marines, now will ye? Pray to God that they're competent and not like Baldie McChromedome

AT on the other hand, is the exact OPPOSITE to HE, both literally and metaphorically speaking. You should be using AT ONLYwhen you can't risk the target getting away, for example, there's a praetorian that's getting on your nerves by acid spitting at you from behind a corner, there's a boiler that bombarded your best friend, instantly killing them and you want revenge and when there's a crusher tanking all your hits and you're getting saltier by the minuteORwhen you can't trust the marines around you, probably due to the lack of them or if you think that they're going to shoot you in the back upon taking one step forward. Using AT on a Ravager is NOT ideal as they have nearly the same speed as a runner and also the same hit-box as one.

Using AT on the queen is a little tricky, as you can do the damage if you have the good aim, but at the same time, you shouldn't really be fighting the queen alone since using HE on the queen and letting marines finish her off, which happens more often than not is always a better option, especially during a queen screech, since you shouldn't really gamble on your aim, as that might have just ruined your chances of killing the queen.

White Phosphorus
The White Phosphorus rocket, is easily the most underrated rocket out of all of them, probably because it has much more limited uses and is much harder to utilize correctly. Upon hitting a target with it, (Provided they aren't fireproof like the Ravager and the Queen) the target is lit on fire along with a fire tile being spawned where the rocket has landed.

The biggest downside to this however, is that a xenomorph can retreat and extinguish the fire, effectively making it near useless, only good for making them retreat for a while. That makes you think, why not use an AT rocket instead? It has the exact same hitbox for xenomorphs but it instantly dishes out the damage instead of giving it over time.

Another downside is that there is also a flame tile spawned BEHIND you, lighting anyone who was close enough to you as you fired it, on fire.

This is usually the scenario most specialists go through, usually using WP when they have no other rockets left.


Tips and Tricks
Here are some of my personal tips and tricks for when you're using the SADAR.

Macros
You should definitely have a switch hand macro to make swapping from the SADAR and back to your secondary MUCH faster, it really helps save time and it can stop those pesky xenos from pouncing away before you can fire a shot off! Macros make your life easier in just about every way.

If you don't know how to use macros, take a look at this guide which goes into depth on them.
http://cm-ss13.com/viewtopic.php?f=94&t=4875

Trust
You should always find someone that you can count on, knowing that they'll have your back and won't fill you with AP the moment you get pounced by a runner. These people should always have your back and you should be doing the same for them. You should totally use them as HE bait to lure the xenos in.

Supply
There comes a time in every SADAR specialist's life where they run out of rockets. Asking a marine that is still onboard the Sulaco or going to the Sulaco to order some from Requisitions for you is pretty handy, as sometimes you can't fully depend on your SL to get them, as they're usually busy giving orders since without them, the squad would be a big mess or they're incompetent and command usually have better things to do than to order rockets.

Another thing is that, if you have competent cargo staff who you can rely on for rockets, you should use the SADAR on T2s but no less. You can put down Young T1s with a well-placed burst. Being in the middle of an assault with no rockets because you spent them all on young runners is the one scenario that you DON'T want to be in.

Firing in General
Corner shooting with the SADAR is the best way to blow yourself up or worse, seriously, don't do it. Using the SADAR over tables is currently RNG-based on whether you hit the table or not. I don't recommend trying it unless as a last resort. It's a direct hit on a rack, so don't even try it. I personally don't try it inside the FOB unless the targets have already broken through.

Radius
You should memorize the radius of the HE rocket, it really helps you to know if your target is going to be caught inside the radius or if they're going to escape before it does, which in turn allows you to save your HE rocket for another target.

Summary
To summarize this post for all ye lazy people.

-Use AT when you can't rely on nearby marines or when you can't risk the target getting away.

-Use HE in the vicinity of marines or when the targets are bunched up, so you can put them out of the fight for a short while.

-Use WP to make a certain target retreat for a while or when you have no other rockets left.

-Use macros to be the ultimate badass.

-Always be near someone you trust.

-Ask your fellow squadmates to get you some rockets from Cargo once yer running low.

-Use the SADAR on T2s if you have a competent cargo staff who you can rely on.

-Don't attempt to use the SADAR inside the FOB unless as a last resort.

-Memorize the radius of the HE rocket for maximum efficiency.

-Prepare to get salty when a queen screeches JUST to capture you because you're the ultimate badass and she knows that too.

-Not value marine life, as who cares about your best friend who dragged you outta the hive when you have a young runner to kill and your best friend is blocking the path!



UPDATE

Due to recent nerfs, especially the wielding delay one, the SADAR is now almost impossible to use. I recommend taking any of the other specialist items over it unless you get the wrong side of the coin and are forced to choose it. Everything else performs miles better than the SADAR at the time of writing this, 06/08/2017.






Thanks for reading!

[nerocavalier]

Personally, my attachments are a quickfire, grip, and ext. barrel. Being able to suppress and unload a storm of bullets at downed xenos can never go wrong. Harnesses are recommended but not mandatory since it's possible to survive without one.

Good news, according to admin testing, racks should no longer block SADAR rockets.

Warning: results may vary, if faced with HE rocket detonating in your face, direct all salt to your friendly Administrators instead of local Mentors.

[Imperator_Titan]

Good news, according to admin testing, racks should no longer block SADAR rockets.
Warning: results may vary, if faced with HE rocket detonating in your face, direct all salt to your friendly Administrators instead of local Mentors.

I'm going to look for ye, I'm going to find ye and I'm going to make you stand ontop of the rack and shoot an AT rocket at it for maximum anger control if all does not go according to plan.

[nerocavalier]

I'm going to look for ye, I'm going to find ye and I'm going to make you stand ontop of the rack and shoot an AT rocket at it for maximum anger control if all does not go according to plan.

Your message cannot be delivered at this time. Perhaps you should re-direct to a third party i.e Administrators?

[Imperator_Titan]

Your message cannot be delivered at this time. Perhaps you should re-direct to a third party i.e Administrators?

*Begins slamming face into keyboard for maximum anger*
asjfdhsatbghweyhrvusbegtvdertgivseyrdr9vudr5bordmvun

[Rocco Ward]

This is a very helpful guide, although it's missing information about white phosphorus rockets, and pointing out that the default rocket that the SADAR spawns with is loaded with HE.

[Eenkogneeto]

Just chiming in, You aren't using a sadar properly if you aren't shooting regardless of tier. You are the counter to the aliens backlog of 30+ larva. Kill any of them, regardless of tier, that you can.
Don't even be afraid to HE rocket a runner pointblank if you have marines nearby, It'll die, you wont.

[Swagile]

Just chiming in, You aren't using a sadar properly if you aren't shooting regardless of tier. You are the counter to the aliens backlog of 30+ larva. Kill any of them, regardless of tier, that you can.
Don't even be afraid to HE rocket a runner pointblank if you have marines nearby, It'll die, you wont.

Do not listen to this advice, because you will run out of rockets when they matter (xeno T3 push), and Req will not get you those rockets in time.

I experienced this myself when I needed rockets the most as I ran out after killing 3 ravagers, and a boiler, and my rockets weren't there to stop a Xeno rush from making us lose Hydro due to Queen screech + Crusher stomp, and Req wasn't any help.

Basically, if you have shit Req, be conservative. But if you have really good Req, listen to Enkogneeto's advice.

[Imperator_Titan]

This is a very helpful guide, although it's missing information about white phosphorus rockets, and pointing out that the default rocket that the SADAR spawns with is loaded with HE.

Sorry about that, kinda forgot about WP. Updating it now.

[Imperator_Titan]

Just chiming in, You aren't using a sadar properly if you aren't shooting regardless of tier. You are the counter to the aliens backlog of 30+ larva. Kill any of them, regardless of tier, that you can.
Don't even be afraid to HE rocket a runner pointblank if you have marines nearby, It'll die, you wont.

Like Swagile has stated, if you use up those rockets on the lower castes, that's going to be one less rocket for the bigger ones.
Ye should only be doing that when you can rely on Cargo for more rockets.
You can also put down a young runner in a well-placed burst.

Also updated.

[nerocavalier]

AT is actually a really good thing if you know where something's going to rush you from and if you have good reflexes.

That T3 that's rushing you? It can disappear with one click.

[Swagile]

AT is actually a really good thing if you know where something's going to rush you from and if you have good reflexes.

That T3 that's rushing you? It can disappear with one click.

AT can also miss... even when you click on a xeno.

I clicked on a hunter with AT that pounced on a dude and the AT flew OVER the hunter.

After that, I only ever use AT if im desperate.

[nerocavalier]

AT can also miss... even when you click on a xeno.

I clicked on a hunter with AT that pounced on a dude and the AT flew OVER the hunter.

After that, I only ever use AT if im desperate.

Click behind them for best results. I generally miss with AT if I'm trying to lead but in a straight line, RNG hasn't failed me yet.

[Swagile]

Click behind them for best results. I generally miss with AT if I'm trying to lead but in a straight line, RNG hasn't failed me yet.

Thats exactly what it did.

It flew over the hunter.

Made me so butt flustered I quit using AT unless im desperate.

[nerocavalier]

Thats exactly what it did.

It flew over the hunter.

Made me so butt flustered I quit using AT unless im desperate.

RNG hates you, apparently. Haven't had an AT rocket miss yet on my end.

[jaggaaff]

My preference as a secondary is an M41A with RDS , Suppressor and 5 AP mags (one in gun 4 in store). I put all of my rockets in my backpack except for an AT rocket which goes to my belt.

Protip: Rockets fit on belt slot.

Protip #2: even Young Crushers can tank AT, as long as they're full health.

Protip #3: Double-SADAR praetorian/queen for max kek.

[Crab_Spider]

Thats exactly what it did.

It flew over the hunter.

Made me so butt flustered I quit using AT unless im desperate.

The same happened to me on Christmas, I saw an Elite Hunter running for me, and so I fired an AT rocket at it, I was never so disappointed in my life.

[Imperator_Titan]

Thats exactly what it did.

It flew over the hunter.

Made me so butt flustered I quit using AT unless im desperate.

One of my AT rockets once 'narrowly missed' the queen.

I gave up on life that day.

[Steelpoint]

From experience my usage of SADARs is wholly based on the competence and efficiency of cargo.

If cargo is being robust and processes my requests for more SADAR ammo, I tend to be very liberal with the usage of my rockets. A dead Alien is a dead Alien one way or the other and that's a win in my book.

If, however, cargo is slow or unresponsive to my requests. I'll reserve my rocket for one of four situations. I see a Elite/Ancient Alien, I see a Tier 3 Alien, I see a clump of Aliens or I'm in a life or death situation and I need a answer.

----

On topic, this is a pretty good guide all around for the best weapon any Marine can have.

[Imperator_Titan]

Good news, according to admin testing, racks should no longer block SADAR rockets.

Warning: results may vary, if faced with HE rocket detonating in your face, direct all salt to your friendly Administrators instead of local Mentors.

Tested it today. Fired three HE rockets at a carrier behind a rack.

All three rockets blew up in my face, somehow I didn't outright die but my soul and dignity did. I also broke every bone in my body, one after another.

[nerocavalier]

Tested it today. Fired three HE rockets at a carrier behind a rack.

All three rockets blew up in my face, somehow I didn't outright die but my soul and dignity did. I also broke every bone in my body, one after another.

Aggressively PM Scrat since they're the one that tested this.

RIP racks.

[Szunti]

You have the best weapon and you still take a barrel charger and as much AP as you can leaving nothing for the plebs? Can't you be even more selfish? And I think both are wasted, cause you use rockets on armored things anyway, but denied others to have their own armor piercing rounds and you compensate the lesser damage of AP ammo with charger instead of using normal ammo.

[Steelpoint]

Against T3 xenos even a direct hit with a AP rocket won't necessarily kill them in one hit, the Barrel Charger and AP rounds are there to help in finishing off weakened enemies, in addition there are times where you may not have your SADAR loaded and you need a strong enough weapon to ward off enemies.

[Karmac]

Long as you aren't shooting the damn thing at racks I'll be happy with you, SADAR rockets don't fly over 'em, they just blow up on the rack.

[Imperator_Titan]

Long as you aren't shooting the damn thing at racks I'll be happy with you, SADAR rockets don't fly over 'em, they just blow up on the rack.

Yeah, I found that out the hard way, stopped using the SADAR inside the FOB unless the xenus scum have broken in.