Exploring the Factions of the Future: EDA, Chosen, and Guard

In the distant future of Sanctuary: Shattered Sun, humanity has fragmented into distinct, belligerent, factions. Each has developed unique combat strategies and advanced technologies with which to assert their dominance over their adversaries. As we patiently wait for the release of Sanctuary Shattered Sun, let’s take an initial look at the key characteristics and capabilities of the game’s three factions: the Earth Defence Alliance (EDA), the Chosen, and the Guard. Its time to explore their respective Commanders and their unique abilities, with a overview of their strengths and tactical advantages.

EARTH DEFENCE ALLIANCE (EDA)

The Earth Defence Alliance is a human-first coalition that emerged from a century of corruption and inequality. Viewed by some as callous oppressors and by others as the last hope for humanity’s future. The Earth Defence Alliance commands vast resources and an enormous population. Their military doctrine focuses on efficiency and overwhelming firepower, using both traditional and guerrilla tactics.

Key Features of EDA Commanders

• Hovering Capability: EDA Commanders can hover, providing superior mobility on the battlefield.

• High Durability: EDA Commanders boast the highest HP among the factions, making them resilient in prolonged engagements.

• Missile Burst Weapon: Although still in development, this weapon fires a burst of missiles that can either target multiple enemies simultaneously or focus on a single target.

• Armour Mechanic: Unique to the EDA, this mechanic allows Commanders to have extra HP that can be quickly repaired at the cost of alloys.

• EMP Cloud Ability: This ability, which takes approximately 60 seconds to charge, deploys an EMP cloud that disables enemy weapons and vision within a wide radius, though movement remains unaffected.

• Multitasking: EDA Commanders potentially have the capability to shoot and build structures simultaneously, enhancing their versatility.

CHOSEN

The Chosen are post-humans who have transferred their consciousness into machines. They believe themselves to be the next step in human evolution. They combine heightened intelligence with aesthetic sensibility, leading technologically superior armies from their super-computer networks.

Key Features of Chosen Commanders

• Bipedal Design: Chosen Commanders are, ironically, the most ‘humanoid’ looking Commanders. They have two legs and are equipped with two weapons, emphasizing mobility and firepower.

• Personal Shield: All Chosen units have personal shields, providing an additional layer of defence.

• Underwater Mobility: Chosen Commanders can walk underwater, offering strategic advantages in aquatic environments.

• Single-Tasking: Unlike the EDA, Chosen Commanders probably cannot shoot and build at the same time.

• Special Ability: The special ability for Chosen Commanders is undecided but may include either a forward dash or firing a powerful projectile, both requiring energy and a cooldown period.

GUARD

The Guard are the self-appointed protectors of Sanctuary. They are dedicated to protecting the Dyson Sphere by any means necessary. The Guard are known for their intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities. They employ a combination of expendable drones and specialised military units to maintain relentless pressure on their rivals.

Key Features of Guard Commanders

• Sidestep Ability: Still in development, this ability will allow Guard Commanders to sidestep attacks, enhancing their evasive manoeuvres.

• Grenade Weapon: Guard Commanders will have a grenade-type weapon that fires bursts, dealing area-of-effect (AoE) damage.

• Underwater Mobility: Similar to the Chosen, Guard Commanders can walk underwater, making them versatile in different terrains.

• Enhanced Regeneration: Guard units have superior regeneration capabilities compared to other factions.

• Jump Ability: Potentially, Guard Commanders could jump a significant distance, dealing damage upon landing. This ability would likely have a one-minute cooldown.

• Transmitter Boost: A faction-wide mechanic allows all Guard units within range of transmitters to gain bonus regeneration and increased vision radius.

CHOOSE YOUR ALLIEGENCE

The EDA, Chosen, and Guard each bring distinct philosophies and unique technologies to the battlefields of Sanctuary, shaping their strategies and combat effectiveness. The EDA relies on brute force and adaptability, the Chosen on the precision of advanced technology whilst the Guard rely on overwhelming numbers and tactical ingenuity. By understanding the unique capabilities of each faction’s Commander, you will gain insights into their overall combat strategies. This understanding will give you a tactical advantage and assist in determining the outcome of conflicts in this futuristic world.