We guide you through the new Aliens Fireteam Elite class, the Phalanx.
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Cold Iron Studios has finally revealed the new class. The Aliens Fireteam Elite Phalanx class is a new class launching in Season 1 for free, allowing players to equip a Riot Shield, CQW and a Handgun. Here is everything we know on the new Phalanx class and build suggestions worth using.
Releasing with Season 1 on September 8th, the new Phalanx class and their collapsible shields will allow you to serve as a mobile bunker for your Fireteam. They are armed with a one-handed Handgun and CQW, and when swarmed can trigger a point-blank Shock Pulse to disrupt foes. pic.twitter.com/o27D9MrsRj
— Aliens: Fireteam Elite (@AliensFireteamE) September 7, 2021
The Aliens Fireteam Elite Phalanx Class is a brand new class that specializes in using Riot Shields, along with a CQW and a handgun. The Phalanx’s abilities are as follows:
Shields Up – Deploy a shield blocking most shots from the front but causes you to move very slowly.
Shock Pulse – Immediately stuns nearby enemies and causes them to be dazed, reducing their movement speed and take damage over time.
Bulwark – Blocking damage with your shield builds Bulwark stacks. Each stack of Bulwark increases damage by 3% stakings up to 5 times for a total of 15% extra damage.
The idea behind the class is to get into the frontline, pop your ballistic shield up and take a few hits before.
If you’re interested you can find the Phalanx patch notes here.
The Phalanx is the class that will become the default tank of the Fireteam roster. Their purpose is very flexible, becoming great bullet sponges against Synthetic firefights, along with taking a beating from Xenos directly in front of the Phalanx. The great thing about this is that the shield will grant you Bulwark stacks against any type of incoming damage.
Depending on your level in the campaign, you will likely want to change your weaponry around. If you are up against Synthetics, you will likely need to have a handgun with a decent range. The TwinHammer or the Kramer are the two obvious choices. As for your CQW weapons, you can opt for the Stormsurge for that controlled burst fire. If you have the 15% damage bonus, that burst fire Weak Point hits could be incredibly effective.
Read More: Aliens Fireteam Elite Weapon Tier List.
If you’re playing a level where you know your controlling points against Xenomprhs is handy, you’ll likely want to deal damage up close and personal. While we don’t think the Rapid Responder is a great weapon, it might be worth it for the Phalanx, as are the rapid firing handguns. The reason why si that extra rapid spray in close quarters or huge stagger chance from can save the Phalanx in those hairy situations. Alternatively, the Incinerator seems incredibly strong for those Xenomorph chokeholds. Perhaps you would rather use an auto shotgun such as the Type 76 Auto Shotgun or the Type 21 Tactical? That could be fun too! The 15% damage bonus is most certainly worth it and will make these weapons much more competitive while using the Phalanx as compared to the Tecchy or Gunner.
As for your coop synergy, we strongly advise not taking a Demolisher, as the friendly fire against a Phalanx is riskier than ever. Instead, taking a Doc is a great partner as the Phalanx will likely have to deal with Acid explosions and fire a lot more than any other Aliens Fireteam Elite class.
As mentioned, the Alines Fireteam Elite Phalanx is much more prone to Acid. Every Xeno, especially the Spitters can eave traces of acid on the ground. The Phalanx is more than likely going to step into that and take more damage, so take caution with your positioning. While the shield is up, you are going to move slower, so if you do get caught in acid, take your shield down as long as it is safe to do so.
What do you think about the new Aliens Fireteam Elite Phalanx class? What weapons do you think will work on the Phalanx? Let us know in the comments below! Furthermore, when we know more about the class, we will update the guide section with suggested perks and mods.
