How to Win

Here are some basic things you need to know before entering Valiant Tactics battlefield.
To be honest, this game is not so easy that you can enter the battlefield and win without knowing anything.
Whether you're just starting or you've lost 10 games in a row, let's try to become a better player.
By the way, please read "Battle System" before reading this section.

　

Selecting Units

There are several ways to select your units.
Please use it properly according to the battle situation.
★This guide is a subjective reference, please use it as a guidance only.
You can practice in solo mode, so if you are not confident enough, practice it thoroughly.

　
・Click your unit★
The basic selection method. The selected unit is marked with a white triangular edge.

　
・Enclosed units in a frame (multiple selection)★
Selection methods that are taught in tutorials and beginner missions.
This is an essential operation method, so if you haven't learned it yet, please do Tutorial 1 or 2.
Enclose the units in a frame by dragging your mouse. All units in the frame will be selected.


　
・Select unit from the unit list
In a melee fight, the units overlap and it becomes difficult to click.
In that case, you can click the unit from the unit list at the bottom right of the screen.


　
・Use the default shortcut
You can use the shortcut provided by the game for easier access to the units you want to command.
F Key　select commander unit
A Key　select all infantry units
S Key　select all cavalry units
D Key　select all long range (archer and mage) units

　
・Use saved shortcut
Select the unit you want to register as a shortcut (one unit or multiple units), and press ctrl + 1 to register it in 1 key.
After that, you can select that unit with one key push. You can register 1 to 0 key.

1 to 3 key have a unit icon displayed on the left side of the screen.
1 key: Vine, ２ key: Ceres Rondo, ３ key: Sealife and another unit.
It only works with the number keys on the top keyboards (non numpads).
This shortcut may not be necessary for your first win, but it's something you'll want to learn by the time you graduate from Rookie.

　
　　
Left image is where the unit is not yet selected. The selected unit has a white triangular edge.

　

Units Movement

　
・Point-designated movement (AP, TP)★
With the unit selected, click somewhere in the field.
A blue flag will show up and the unit will move towards the blue flag.


　
・Unit designated movement (AP, TP)★
With the unit selected, click the unit on the field (either enemy or ally).
The specified unit is marked with a down arrow and the selected unit will start moving toward the specified unit.

If the specified unit is defeated, the moving unit will stop.
In a melee fight, you can concentrate the attacks by specifying the enemy unit that you want to defeat first.
If the enemy unit is difficult to click, you can also specify it by clicking the enemy unit list at the bottom left of the screen.

　
・Routed movement (TP only)
You can draw a curved path by holding down the unit and dragging the mouse on the map.
When it becomes AP, the unit will begin to move in that path.
At the time of TP, it is also possible to use it from the move menu by right-clicking the unit.

　
・Full movement (TP only)★
At the time of TP, you can select this option from the move menu.
The units can move faster than normal, but during that time they cannot attack enemies at all.
If you change the destination while moving with full movement, the full movement will be canceled and the speed will return to normal,
however you still cannot attack or counterattack during that AP.
If you can use this move properly, the survival rate of the commander will be greatly increased. This is one of the essential operation to win.

　
・Distance Shooting (TP only)★
At TP, you can select this option from the long range unit.
Click Distance Shooting, click the unit you want to attack, then click the direction you want to escape.
It will move to keep a distance from the target unit while shooting.
If you can master it, the survival rate of the long range unit will increase considerably.


　
・Standby (TP only)
At the time of TP, you can select this option from the move menu.
Canceling the move command you have made.

　
If you read this far, you should be able to move your units to the right and left for the time being.
Your units will automatically attack the enemy units within your attack range.
Once you get used to it, you can perform different operations in instant.
Let's make sure to defeat the enemies one by one.

　

Using Inspire

Battle should be much easier if you use commander's "Inspire".
You can activate the skill using spacebar. The skill range is indicated by a yellow circle.
Inspire can be used for every 40 seconds and you can stock it up to 3 times.
Since turn time limit is 30 seconds, the first charge will be ready after 10 seconds of the second turn.
Always use it when it's ready to avoid over capping.

How many times you have stocked is displayed with a very small dot under the commander's type icon.

The unit must be inside the yellow circle that appears when you select a commander.
Procedure:
1. Select the commander (you can click directly, use the F key, or click the commander in the unit list)
2. Press spacebar (any skill can be activated with the spacebar)
3. Select the unit you want to buff (you can click the unit directly or you can click it from the unit list)

To use the skill, register the unit you want to buff in the first shortcut.
You can activate it by just using the keyboard. Press F → spacebar → 1 key.
You can set the shortcut anytime you like.

Three Kinds of Skill

Once you have used to "Inspire", let's try other skills.
I will introduce some skills with the similar method as "Inspire".
If you can use Inspire, you should be able to use other skills.
SP is required to use the skill. You can check how much SP you currently have at the top right of the screen.


　
Pattern 1 <Same method as "Inspire", Let's call it "Inspire Style">
Activate a skill by selecting a unit → space key → ally unit you want to use.
If you can use Albert's "Guardian", you can use it later whenever needed. Let's learn it slowly after you graduate from Rookie.
Non-Elemental Infantry unit 3 Albert "Guardian" ★
Non-Elemental Scout unit 2 Rita "Hawkeye"
Non-Elemental Scout unit 3 Berna "Aggressive Move"
Non-Elemental Archer unit 4 Elvira "Attack Support"
Non-Elemental Special unit 5 Wolf "Wolf's Encouragement"

Wolf's Encouragement, like Inspire, recharge for every 40 seconds.

　
Pattern 1.5 <Target the enemy>
Activate a skill by selecting a unit → spacebar → the target enemy.
It's quite difficult to use because the target is an enemy. You might need to wait.
If you are annoyed by enemy long range units early on, you only need to use Kain's "Pick A Fight".
Non-Elemental Cavalry unit 2 Kain "Pick A Fight" ★
Non-Elemental Infantry unit 6 Elsa "Elsa Invitation"
Non-Elemental Cavalry unit 7 Ilmera "Ilmera's Eyes"

　
Pattern 2 <Easy activation. If you have extra SP, just click/press spacebar>
Select the unit that has the skill and press the spacebar.
Recommended skills are Roman and Hans. Roman skills only last for 30 seconds, so let's time it carefully!
Non-Elemental Infantry unit 5 Roman "Indomitable" ★
Non-Elemental Cavalry unit 5 Hans "Gush Force" ★
Non-Elemental Cavalry unit 6 Jill "Rush Time"

　
Pattern 3 <Area Effect, with a destination area>
Activate a skill by selecting a unit → spacebar → select an area.
It is easy to use since you can use it anytime. However many skills will have a casting time, so predict where the enemy will go beforehand.
Non-Elemental Archer 3 Kamil "Warning Shot" ★
Non-Elemental Mage 3 Christhard "Spear Shower"
Non-Elemental Mage 4 Altena "Lightning Blade" ★
Non-Elemental Mage 4 Camilla "Camilla Strike" ★

Use "Warning Shot" on the high mobility of enemy cavalry and scout to reduce their speed, "Camilla Strike" for enemy building unit.
If you can use "Lightning Blade" to all enemies that attacking your wall, then you have graduated from Rookie.

　
If you know how to use the 3 patterns above properly, that's mean you understand how the basic skill works.
There are various other operation skills, but we will learn them later.
If you can master the above skills(★), victory is near!

　

Cards Combination

Each unit has its own characteristics, strength and weakness.
Even for the same 1 cost unit, infantry will win when infantry and cavalry fight each other.
In order to effectively use the limited resources (cost) and find an advantages, it is important to consider the characteristics and compatibility of each type of units.

We have explained the details in episodes 5, 6 and 7 of the in-game tutorial. It would be nice if you try it now.

　
Infantry
Average Speed 10, HP 10 Attack 10 per cost.
Infantry main characteristic is when attacking cavalry units, damage is increased by 60%, Lancer Charge is repelled by 200% damage (only in front and side, cannot be intercepted from behind).
If your opponent is a cavalry, you can attack them head-on with infantry.
If you are attacked by mage you might not be able to catch up or run away from them because they have the same speed.

　
Cavalry
Average Speed 15, HP 10 Attack 10 per cost.
Cavalry main characteristic is when attacked by archer, damage taken is halved (skill damage is also halved), and the normal attack from the mage is halved (skill damage is taken as usual).
If the enemy unit is a mage or archer, you can chase and defeat them easily with cavalry.

　
Archer
Average Speed 8, Attack Range 4, HP 5 Attack 5 per cost.
One of the long range unit. They can attack while moving in or running away from the enemy.
The cavalry can quickly catch up and archer only deal half the damage. Archer unit need to get cover behind the infantry unit.

　
Mage
Average Speed 10, Attack Range 3.5, HP 5 Attack 5 per cost.
Another long range unit. They can attack while moving in or running away from the enemy.
Weak against cavalry. It is also quite difficult to catch up with the infantry since they have the same speed.

　
Scout
Average Speed 12, HP 10 Attack 5 per cost.
Class that has wide search range and can move freely, however the combat power is low and many skills are hard to use.
You shouldn't touch this class before you graduate from Rookie.

　
Crafter
Average Speed 10, HP 10 Attack 5 per cost.
You can construct various buildings and artilery.
There are tips on how to construct artilery unit.
It may be good thing to try artilery when you can use basic skills such as placement and movement of basic units.

　
Others
There are other type of units and other element such as fire and water.
You can look more into details on the card data page.

　
After reading all the basic rules, you should already have enough knowledge on how to graduate from Rookie.
Up to this point "move strategy" is the most important thing to win. But there are other tactics such as using spell and operation cards.
If you need more information you can check Another Wiki (JP), for deeper research and expert guidance.
JP Discord Server by Sebun VALIANT COMMANDERS GUILD.


"How to aim for victory?" complete.