This week, we introduce the MG Squad, a highly defensive GDI unit, and Nod’s Avatar, capable of destroying units after death. Read on for tips, tricks and counters to master these new units.

NOD: AVATAR

Explodes upon destruction, damaging nearby enemies

The ultimate expression of Nod’s power, the Avatar Warmech is designed to counter the heaviest units in GDI’s arsenal. Equipped with both an Obelisk-Class laser cannon and a powerful flamethrower, the Avatar can dispatch enemy ground units with ease.

Stats: Faction: Nod

Building: Temple of Nod

Rarity: Epic

Tiberium Cost: 220

Unlocks at Player Level 60 Deployment Tips: Use the Avatar’s move speed and ability to fire on the move stay ahead of enemy threats. However, when near death, send the Avatar at the largest concentration of enemy units you can find. The Avatar explodes when destroyed, damaging any adjacent units.

Counters: Zone Troopers, Cyborgs

Orca, Banshee, Basilisk, Kodiak Strong against ground vehicles, send in anti-vehicle air or infantry units to deal with the Avatar. Be careful using slow units like the Kodiak. When the Avatar dies it explodes, damaging any nearby units. Slow units may get caught in the explosion, taking severe damage or even total destruction. From the Devs: “The Avatar is an oft requested addition to Rivals and a unit we’ve been just as eager to get it into the game. Finally Nod has a unit that can go head to head with the Mammoth Tank.” - MrBlack

GDI: MG SQUAD

Occupy strategic locations with this highly durable, defensive unit

The GDI Machine Gun Squad is a man-portable heavy machine gun operated by a crew of three. Although extremely slow and unable to attack on the move, they have great firepower and durability when deployed, making them ideal for harvester defense and occupying strategic locations.

Stats: Faction: GDI

Building: Barracks

Rarity: Rare

Tiberium Cost: 30

Unlocks at Player Level 42 Deployment Tips: MG Squads are ideal for protecting harvesters and defending strategic locations. Use them in pairs to provide bounding overwatch as you move forward. It takes time to set up before the MG Squad is ready to attack, so plan ahead to make the most of this unit. After deployment, it takes reduced damage from enemies, allowing it to hold a platform until reinforcements arrive.