ArmA 3: KOTH Recommended Main Base Configuration
This recommendation, if implemented, would effect the main base of each team in the King of the Hill (KOTH) mod of ArmA 3. The intent is to expand the main base footprint to improve the movement from spawn to the objective area, provide better station (weapon, kit, ammo, etc...) access to players, encourage greater team organization, and hinder vehicle use by novice operators. Other gains from this concept would be to provide easier access to transportation for random players, ensure players make an informed decision when purchasing a vehicle, and provide no-cost access to base defense to defend against enemy aircraft. Here is the current main base configuration:
The flow from the spawn to the objective area should be sequenced for an efficient kit selection and transport process. The current spawn is in the middle of the pavillion with an option to exit the structure out either end. The recommended spawn location would be on one end of the structure with one exit on the other end as depicted in the following image:
The current disposition of stations packs most of the stations on one end of the main spawn structure. The two most used stations (kit and weapon) are currently closely situated in the same corner. The recommended configuration would spread stations out and provide more than one station for high-demand items. In the center along the path to the exit of the structure would be two kit stations bookended with the weapon stations. Along the side walls on either side inside the structure would be a new knowledge station (discussed in more detail later in this recommendation) and the existing change appearance (clothing) station.
Upon exiting the initial structure, players would be ready for helicopter pick-up. Other stations and options would be afforded for players who wish to operate an aircraft, use a ground vehicle, and/or join a squad.
If no helicopter is present upon exiting the main spawn structure, the status of vehicles can be checked to see if a team-owned vehicle will be returning to the main base. Players can view the real-time feed on the status board for all friendly vehicles in vicinity of the helicopter pick-up area: Number of crew, number of passengers, and the flight activity (enroute to the objective area, in vicinity of the objective area, returning from the objective area, at base, destoryed/inoperable, or other).
Ammunition stations are generally used by players who are returning from combat. The new positions are placed out away from the main spawn structure for easier access and faster resupply.
Considering most players just need a ride into the objective area, access is slightly detered by placing vehicle purchasing stations in a separate structure. Aircraft are not visible to fresh spawns unless the vehicle already has an operator and are in the process of picking up passengers. There are two stations to purchase vehicles. There is a status board in front of the two stations to empower purchasing players to make an informed decision on the type of vehicle desired to serve in a needed role on the battlefield. Here is the extended view of the recommended main base configuration:
Exiting the vehicle purchasing structure to the right provides access to public vehicles. The vehicles being out of sight from fresh spawns discourages light-hearted adventures. The intent is to have the vehicles just far enough away to dampen the curiosity of the lone wolf trouble makers. Walls and elevated walkways channel players in the desired direction of travel. From the time of spawn, the fresh spawn will be directed and not distracted. Back in the main spawn structure at the time of spawning, the left wall is solid and opaque to deny knowledge of the existence of unoccupied vehicles. The right side is open to view, but movement through the see-through wall is not possible to direct fresh spawns to the vehicle pickup areas.
Upon exiting the main spawn structure, players can check the status of ground vehicles. Those ground vehicles desiring crew members or passengers are advertsied on the status board and awaiting additions in the marshalling area. In close proximity to the status board to either side are squad stations. This is where individuals and squads can advertise for additional troops and individual players can shop for a group to fight with.
There are stairs coming down from the main spawn building with one set of stairs on the left and one set of stairs on the right. On the left is the enclosed vehicle purchasing structure with elevated walkways leading to vehicles. There are stairs going down to vehicle spawn locations. All-form of ground vehicles can be driven under the elevated walkways, under the main spawn structure, through to the ground vehicle marshalling pick-up area, and on toward the objective area. There is a wall to deter ground vehicles from encroaching into the helicopter pick-up area.
The new Knowledge station in the main spawn structure will offer:
(Some of these modules could be offered on a webpage/site and/or YouTube)
- Brief overview of the game
- Overview of the stations
- Player progression overview
- Tips for new players
- Match statistics (stats)
- Developer credit
- Make ArmA Not War competition familiarization and results
- Functions & Roles
- Teamplay; Joining a group/squad
- Communication: Text, VoIP, 3rd Party software, Map, Hot keys