Into The Breach, the critically acclaimed Roguelike released a free update called Advanced Edition that gives the base game a massive overhaul. Subset Games released an update with the same title for their first game released, FTL: Faster Than Light, which introduced a plethora of new content, and this update treats Into the Breach no differently.
The Advanced Edition contains new Vek, weapons, missions, and squads that change the game on its head. This includes new mechanics, like tile cracks, which is a specialty of the new squad, Cataclysm. Although powerful, they are far from user-friendly compared to the original set of squads. This guide will help navigate the inner workings of Cataclysm and how to turn failed timelines into victories.
Squad Lineup
Pitcher Mech
Class: Prime
Best Pilots: Prospero, Camila Vera
Pitcher Mech is weak compared to its squad mates but far from useless. This Mech is phenomenal at launching Vek into cracked tiles, thus turning them into pits, which will cause all non-flying Vek to fall immediately and die. This is an effective strategy throughout the entire game and can make short work of Vek Leaders.
Prospero will keep Pitcher Mech floating above any pits, making it the ideal pilot. If you can’t get Prospero, Camila Vera is a solid pick since she ignores webbing and smoke, allowing Pitcher Mech to move freely.
Triptych Mech
Class: Ranged
Best Pilots: Prospero, Silica
This Ranged Mech features the Tri-Rocket weapon, which launches three missiles in a line, pushing targets away. This pairs well with Drill Mech as each missile can turn any cracked tile into a pit and simultaneously push non-flying Vek down the hole. Play around with the distance between your Mech and your targets, as you can ram units into each other dealing even more damage.
Prospero is also a solid choice for Triptych Mech since it can prevent it from falling down pits. Silica is another pilot to consider, as it gives you two shots if you don’t move. Shooting twice may not be viable every turn, but it’s especially useful in the final stages of the game when there are swarms of Vek.
Drill Mech
Class: Science
Best Pilots: Kai Miller, Morgan Lejune
The Drill Mech is the centerpiece of this squad, as it can create cracked tiles upon killing an enemy, which can be turned into pits capable of sending enemies to a quick death. Increasing the Drill Mech’s damage is vital to create cracked tiles, so spend all Reactor Cores on this Mech before anything else. Keep this Mech on the front lines, so it can quickly engage with Vek.
By far, the best pilots for this Mech are Kai Miller and Morgan Lejune since they can outright increase the damage output of the Seismic Capacitor. Morgan is more reliable since their Boosted effect is replenished after every kill. Kai Miller, however, starts with the Boosted effect but quickly loses it when she is below max HP.
Cataclysm Strategy
The Cataclysm Squad revolves around a new feature in the game that allows Drill Mech to crack tiles upon killing Vek. After a tile has been cracked, any other source of damage will break open that tile and turn into a pit, instantly killing any non-flying units, including Pitcher and Triptych Mechs. Start with Drill Mech on the front line and kill an enemy to crack adjacent tiles, then have Pitcher mech toss Veks into the cracked tiles. Triptych can open multiple pits at once and push enemies down as well. Flying enemies will be your biggest concern, as they will not fall down the pits.
Powering up Drill Mech’s damage should come before most everything else, although for one Reactor Core, you can upgrade Pitcher Mech’s launch distance, which is not a bad investment early on. Expanding your arsenal should be your next priority after completing islands since Seismic Capacitor is the only weapon to create cracks, besides Fissure Fist, but is not a guaranteed find. Look for weapons that freeze enemies, as frozen units are prone to falling down pits, even if they can fly!
Cataclysm Achievements
Unstable Mech: Crack 10 tiles in one mission
Upgrade Drill Mech’s Seismic Capacitor or employee Kai Miller as a pilot to maximize damage output. It’s essential for Drill Mech not only to eliminate a unit but to do so all over the board so that you’re not repeating cracks on the same tiles.
Core of the Earth: Drop 10 Enemies into pits on one Island.
Have Drill Mech kill off enemies to create cracks on tiles, then use Pitcher Mech and Triptych to open up pits. Triptych can open up several pits simultaneously, while Pitcher Mech can dunk foes in the hole.
Miner Inconvenience: Destroy 20 Mountains in one game.
You will want to play on Easy mode and aim to complete three of four islands for this achievement. The best island by far is Detritus Disposal, thanks to its “Destroy All Mountains” mission, as this will net you roughly five to ten mountains. Outside this mission, have Drill Mech crack mountains on other islands, then use Triptych to destroy them from a distance.
The Cataclysm squad is one of the most enjoyable squads to play in this new update. Those who feel brave should take on Unfair Mode, which is on par with Darkest Dungeon level difficulty. Advanced Mode is a free update and comes automatically with a download of Into The Breach.
