Tempest Rising: How to Play GDF (Faction Guide)
Image Credits: Slipgate Ironworks™, Tempest Rising
The GDF are a powerhouse in Tempest Rising when played smartly. They’re strong early, powerful late, and only a little shaky in the middle. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of playing as the Global Defense Force.
Read More: All Tempest Rising Factions Guide
Starting Strong: Early Game Tips
GDF shines in the early game thanks to quick unit access:
Sentinel: Fast anti-infantry vehicle.
Hunter Tank: Solid early armor.
Drone Operator: Garrison buildings, scout, and deny.
Field Scout: Can throw stealth mines that mark enemies.
The two main opening strategies:
Eco Start: Build two Tempest Refineries, then go Barracks and Vehicle Bay. Great long-term payoff.
Rush Start: Use Sentinels and Hunters early to pressure the Tempest Dynasty and deny them map control.
Mark enemy units early with Sentinels or Scout mines. Killing marked units earns Intel.
Mid Game: Units, Intel, and Control
Intel is vital. GDF needs it to:
Produce advanced units
Use support powers
Unlock specialists
You can earn Intel by:
Killing marked enemies
Researching doctrines that give passive Intel
Building structures like the Satellite Uplink
A solid midgame mix:
Drone Operators: Garrison buildings, defend.
Hunter Tanks: Core anti-vehicle force.
Engineers: Capture neutral buildings, repair bridges.
Don’t forget to scout. Even with a defensive build, you need Sentinels for vision.
Defensive Expansion and Map Control
To expand safely:
Capture Mission Control buildings for extended build range.
Use Engineers to drop Guard Towers.
Place turrets (Laser, Grenade, Haywire) near new Refineries.
If needed, use the Support Beacon to build harvesting bases in remote areas or push offensively by building turrets near enemy bases.
Advanced Tech and Doctrines
The Satellite Uplink is key. Add Pods to unlock units:
Specialist Pod: Unlocks Sniper, Shieldmaiden, Comms Officer, and Comms Rig.
Riot Pod: Unlocks Riot Trooper, Riot Medic, Riot Van.
Drone Pod (via Data Core): Unlocks Drone Mauler, Drone Assassin.
Support Doctrines worth researching:
Pinpoint Weaknesses: +20% laser damage, marks enemies.
Virulent Scanners: Slows and weakens marked enemies.
Ambush Protocols: Gives stealth to drones and lowers stealth ability costs.
Late Game Power
Build a Data Core, then unlock:
Condor Bomber: Fire bombs buildings, uses smokescreen.
Queller: Harasses enemy harvesters.
Drone Control Unit: Marks and detects enemies with drones.
Trebuchet: Heavy artillery that applies Tempest Charge.
Hijacker: Steals enemy vehicles with Override.
These are expensive but devastating when supported well.
Support Powers
Communication Jammer: Disables enemy units in a small area.
Spy Drones: Reveals fog of war.
Tempest Airstrike: Great base breaker.
Riot Drop: Drops a Riot Van with infantry.
Final Blurb
Playing the GDF requires you to know your opponent, control the map, and use Intel wisely. Mark everything. Scout constantly. Support your expansions. And when it’s time, unleash the Condors.
That’s how you go from peacekeeper to world dominator.
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