I managed to get around to joining in some AvA (Agency vs Agency) action on the Conquest map Echelon last night, although our Strikeforce was tasked with trying to distract…

Firestorm had two proper (right amount of the correct classes etc..) Strikeforces up and running for attacking and defending hexes so I joined the 3rd team that was building up.  This team was tasked with trying to drag forces away from where the other two were attacking and trying to keep nearby agencies distracted so they didn’t attack our hexes while our teams were away.

Our team was comprised of whoever was available so we didn’t really expect to be able to fight any organised groups very well, or at least this is what I was told. I figured it can’t matter that much surely as long as you have the right amount of people?!  I was very wrong.  Conquest isn’t like just joining a pick up group in the normal PvP matches, these are all well organised teams who have their whole team specced to win. My first attack on a hex showed me just how true this is, we didn’t even get close to taking the first point :(

A couple more attacks went a bit better, we got to the 3rd point a couple of times in a few of them.  One match even had no one defending so we actually won one :)   Trying to keep people alive during these hex raids is hard work, and you really feel like you are letting the team down when people die (even if there was nothing you can do) but as you can see I can put out a nice amount of healing so I am happy.

The map came to a close and I could see more clearly what we had lost with all the attacks that hit us, the map looked like this..

Only Alliance hexes..

All in all, it was a good night and a good experience in what Conquest mode has to offer.  Looking forward to seeing the more full scale battles with people bringing proper equipment (tanks etc..) to the field. Echelon looks to be a very busy map so keeping hexes is going to be a challenge. Bring it on :)