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. While this update brings a breath of fresh air to the turned-based game, some of the new squads are not as straightforward compared to the base game squads. This guide will focus on how to play as the new Bombermech squad to save humanity in a new timeline.
Squad Lineup
Pierce Mech
Class: Brute
Best Pilots: Kai Miller, Morgan Lejune
The Pierce Mech starts with the AP Cannon, which pushes the first target, but damages the second unit. The two damage helps dispatch Hornets and Scarabs, but utilizing a pilot like Kai Miller can increase the damage to three, killing almost everything on the first island in one hit. One way to play Pierce Mech is to place it behind the building to avoid damage and safely remove Vek from the board.
Bombling Mech
Class: Ranged
Best Pilots: Silica
As the name implies, Bombling Mech launches a controllable walking bomb (or two with an upgrade) that can be used to deal one damage in an area or plug spawning Vek. Having Silica pilot the Bombling Mech, with all the appropriate upgrades, is capable of launching four Walking Bombs in a single turn. Walking Bombs can move three spaces after being launched and will automatically self-destruct at the beginning of your next turn.
Exchange Mech
Class: Science
Best Pilots: Kazaaakpleth, Camila Vera, Prospero
This Mech features the Forced Swap weapon, which swaps a nearby target with any other unit on the board. This is great for dropping Alpha Vek like Scorpions, Centipedes, and Tumblebugs into water or lava, and makes the Final Island a walk in the park. Working in tandem with the Walking Bombs is ideal for rearranging multiple Vek on the board, eliminating several threats in a single turn. Keep Exchange Mech on the front lines or near water to quickly engage with Vek.
Prospero is a solid pilot with its ability to fly, but if you’re still uncertain with using Swaps, then having Kazaaakpleth (an homage to FTL) can help cover some ground with its reliable two damage and push ability.
Strategy
The Bombermechs are an overall powerful group of mechs capable of damaging, shuffling, and thwarting Vek from surfacing. Your priority should be to get Reactor Cores and feed them to your Bombling Mech, as this is your ace in the hole. Launching two Walking Bombs in a single turn opens up several options for your team, but using them to damage Vek should be your last option, unless the Vek has only one HP. Instead, it is more valuable to use them as playing pieces for your Exchange Mech to swap with Vek that are threatening mission objectives and buildings.
Plugging up Vek spawning points is also a powerful option, but be aware that stopping one Vek from spawning will only increase the amount of Vek spawn points on the following turn. They’re also good for being a middle unit for your Pierce Mech’s AP Cannon to score kills, in case there isn’t another unit already.
Once you have two Bomblings, the next focus should be increasing damage output on the Pierce Mech. It’s best to have four damage with the AP Cannon if you’re aiming to complete a three or four-island run before the final island, but if you’re going for two islands only, then three damage is plenty. The Exchange Mech doesn’t require much alteration, as Forced Swap is powerful on its own. Investing in Reactor Cores to move speed will greatly help cover more ground is better.
The one downside to Bombermechs is their overall lack of firepower, so weapons like A.C.I.D. Projector and Tank Weapons are must grabs for this squad. A.C.I.D. helps Pierce Mech and Walking Bombs dispatch Alpha Level Vek and Vek Leaders, while Tanks can add another playing piece to the board. You can safely deploy a tank with Silica and not sacrifice a turn doing so.
Bombermech Achievements
Hold the Door: Block 30 Emerging Vek by the end of Island 2.
It’s best to begin a run with Silica at max level and hopefully with an additional Reactor Core. Invest all Reactor Cores into Bombling Mech, activate Silica’s Double Shot plus Two Bombs, launch four Walking Bombs to plug spawn points, then rinse and repeat. Play this on normal or hard, as it will increase the number of Vek spawning each turn.
No Survivors: Have seven units (any team) die in a single turn.
Engage with the same strategy as above, but this time make sure you have some low-health Vek on the board that the Pierce Mech and Walking Bombs can quickly eliminate. Kill three Vek and have the Bomblings self-destruct to earn this achievement.
Powered Blast: Pierce a Walking Bomb with the AP Cannon to kill an Enemy.
Place the Pierce Mech far enough away so that a Walking Bomb can safely move into the line of fire for the AP Cannon. Having a pilot like Kai Miller can help ensure that the Peirce Mech can kill a Vek reliably.
The Bombermechs are easily one of the strongest squads in the game and one of the best contenders for the dreaded 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. Have fun and bombs away.
