Ultimate Beginner's Guide for Marvel's Midnight Suns Combat 

I got to admit, you did a better job explaining game mechanics than the game devs. Looking forward to it.

Seeing Odd working hand in hand with Firaxis after all these XCOM playthroughs brings a tear to the eye. Lets go Midnight Suns!

If you’re playing on your own without watching any videos, the game’s combat system can be overwhelming. Especially if you’re new to a strategy game like this. However, this video is beyond helpful and makes everything more easy to understand.

It took a while for me to get used to Midnight Suns odd, bouncy, geometric combat, but once I did I was hooked. Especially once you've tweaked your heroes decks, unlocked some combat upgrades, and crafted some items, it REALLY opens up.

Even though I've watched all the gameplay videos and streams leading up to this, I still learned a lot about the mechanics and strategies that can be used. Thank you for creating and putting out this wonderful video!

Short answer for me is go Tank, Damage, Support combos for the win always. Tanks Captain America, Wolverine, Hulk Pure Damage Ghost Rider, *Captain Marvel, **Scarlet Witch Technical Damage Iron Man, Spider-Man, Magik, Blade Support Nico Minoru, Doctor Strange You can play Hunter with builds for all three classes. I use him as a healer with good damage because I feel like that's his most powerful build. *Captain Marvel is really a damage hero because she loses her Binary as a Tank; play her with Captain America to keep her Block and Binary **I play Unleashed and Detonate to eliminate the whole board; it's the second best Damage after Hulk's Worldbreaker Best cards for each hero and why: Hunter: Bladestorm, Heal, Call To Arms - Hunter has 30 cards so mix and match. These three cards do damage, heal and double heroic points. Captain America: Tactician, Dig In, Shield Bounce - he is the Defense Tank, he blocks enemy attacks and lets his teammates do their roles. Wolverine: Berserk, Chain Swipes, Eviscerate - his lifesteal and taunts make him a tank while good mods make him better than Cap at dealing damage. Hulk: Worldbreaker, Smash, Challenging Roar - build up Rage and six heroics with Smash and Roar then unleash the best card in the game - Worldbreaker. Ghost Rider: Hell Ride, Hellmouth, Lash, Penance Stare - Hell Ride to clean up the whole battlefield and Penance Stare for the bosses. Captain Marvel: One Step Ahead, Regroup, Photon Beam - you need Cards, Binary and Block to be effective with her. When she's Binary she's very fun. Scarlet Witch: Unleashed, Detonate, Hex Mark - Unleashed and Detonate will take out the whole battlefield. Hex Mark gives you refunded card plays. Iron Man: Mark Target, Leave It To Me, Surgical Strike - Mark Target for AoE Marked and a Vulnerable on bosses, Surgical Strike is awesome damage. Spider-Man: Opportunist, Stengthened, Infernal Spider - With Spoder-Man the environmental damage is his bread and butter Magik: Limbo's Grasp, Kick, Gather: she's best for moving enemies in position for teammates to AoE clobber them. Her legendary card makes her a good Tank. Blade: Make Em Bleed, The Hunger, Glaive; Build up Bleed and use The Hunger to create endless Marked card refunds. Nico Minoru: Empower, Witchfire, Double Up - imagine getting Hulk's WorldBreaker, duplicating it with Double Up, then using Empower to make both zero heroic cost Doctor Strange: Agamotto's Gaze, Blessing of the Vishanti, Astral Meditation - he boosts teammate damage, adds card plays and heroics points and restores items Hope this helps.

I can see how they jumped from Chimera Squad to this game. However the combat is much different. This game feels like a game of pool where you want to take a shot but then you want to setup your next shot and then your next shot and so on till you run the table/room. Maximizing the environmental effects and damage makes it so that it matters less about which heroes you use if you plan out your shots correctly.

The most valuable combat tutorial I've seen. Thank you.

Excellent video! I've watched all the live streams, but this was what I was really looking for. A slow paced explanation of the basics of combat. Thanks so much for making this video!!

Christopher Odd: best argument to buy Midnight Suns I can think of.

Thanks Chris! Your X-Com2 videos really helped me beat L/I without any losses so i'm very happy to see you cover this. There's just so much info you're adding. Video's like these are the difference between dumping a game because it's just too overwhelming / missing information, and spending 2k hours (like I did with X-Com2) on it.

I have been pumped for the game for the last two months. Absolutely can't wait to play.

That Nelson and Murdock billboard a reference? If Daredevil comes to this game...I'm gonna lose it. Him or Elektra..I WILL LOSE ITTTTT

Great intro to the basics, thanks for this. Can't wait for Friday!

Fantastic Video Chris. Can't wait for your future coverage. 👍

I’ve never played this type of genre before and I’m not sure I’m up for it, but your explanation gives me a little hope that I might be ok, lol… I was hoping that it would be more of a “punch & run” type of game…

Couldn't stop looking @ that Nelson & Murdock billboard. Please give us a DD DLC down the line.

very helpful explanation on fighting mechanism for this game,

Great tutorial and explanation guide..playing this game now and this video was especially useful with understanding the core mechanics of the game and how best to get the most out of every turn

Great video - I understand the combat mechanics much better thanks to you - the game is deeper than I expected - Thanks for your clear explanations of how to play the game.

Always a like for studios that put up 4K videos

It's amazing to see this game working, I can see why you like it. This game does not work on my PC, it crashes constantly and performance is awful before it crashes.

Extremely excited for the game. I've heard so many good things so far! I truly can't wait to play it.

Take a sip of whatever you're having every time the narrator says "We'll get into that later." :D

I've been hyped for this game basically since it was announced, but I've been so impressed by the regular and thorough updates and everything from the devs. Really shows faith in their product and gets the community involved.

Mark Target was they keycard in this battle and you entirely ignored it. 😅 Should have used one of the redraws to improve mark target (giving at least two goons the "marked" status) and just go to town with Iron Man's attacks. Even if they're not "quick", if you kill a marked target, you get the card play refunded. You pretty much always want to "redraw" mark target to get the AoE-version on 3+ guys and then basically play through your whole hand, which can give you more heroism points to spend on environmental attacks or the dual-hero big damage cards. Especially since Mark Target also applies "vulnerable" (double damage received) to the primary target making it easier to kill (and thus easier to get the card play refunded). It may cost one card play but since it generates extra card plays. Obviously, this is captain hingsight speaking, I'm a bunch of hours into the game now, two month's after release but this hurt to watch. 😅

Watching this in 2024. I’ve played other tactical RPG games but there are enough mechanics that are different that it helps to watch this. Overall, this is great info even beyond the tutorial and it’s good to see tips beyond the basics.

Nice seeing Chris do these videos

Got the Legendary Edition can't wait to play tonight after work!!

Thanks, still working things on normal became frustrated after noticing that once you accept a mission if it is too difficult and you want out, you better have a save just before in mirror table otherwise you'll need to go all the way back to whatever previous save you had, wished the game warned you of this.

You did a great job with this. I feel like I understand it so much better.

Damn, those Area attacks would be so handy in the early game. I just started and at level 8.

Amazing! It's late here in thr UK so won't take it in currently but I look forward to watching tomorrow.

The video needs the bad ass Midnight Suns anime intro.

Really good guide. Preordered and I'm hyped 🎉🎉🎉

Just ordered and downloaded the game on ps5. The game doesn't want to load beyond the difficulty selection. I've tried reinstalling it several times. Somebody help!

Well done, @ChristopherOdd !!

couldn’t you have use the quick blast at the end of the first round instead of the blast? I thought it could have given you an extra card play but I might be mistaken in this scenario (this is a genuine question) also thank you for this video!

Hi can't wait to play it and thanks you for everything to the team

This has been one of the best games I’ve played this year besides elden ring!

I’m excited to give this a try! Thanks for the assist with these videos…..first time playing a game like this.

i wish the tutorial had mentioned you can only do environmental stuff if you have heroism. it wouldn't be difficult to mention but no the tutorial example has you throwing pieces of rock like they were candy

Do the minion mobs constantly respawn until you clear the objective? Apols if this is dealt with later as I’m still watching.

Great game, guys. Took me a while to actually pick it up, but I'm glad I waited till I was ready for it. The combination of elements is perfect. I really like the fighting, the mix of turn based tactics and deck buildings is awesome (especially with the whole positioning/threat and target management side) but then to combine this with a Fire Emblem style, social system is genius. You then have the exploration side of things as well. This game really does have everything you could want from a modern RPG, and it does things that are highly original. I don't think there is another game out there that is really similar to this game. Granted you can play games with aspects that are similar, but the whole package, never been seen before. I wish I'd known the game was running the risk of having it's support cancelled, as I'd have done more to try and help the game get more players. It's a shame to hear that there will be no more DLC characters added. I can only hope that we get another game in this style, even if it's not with the Marvel IP.

My favourite team right now (I'm still very early in the game, I'm up to the 2nd Venom mission with Spidey, but haven't done it yet) is Doc Strange, Magik and Nico. I really like the full spell slinger team. Also after I completed that mission, I got the "Emo Kids" bit, which I don't know if you need to do a mission with all 3 of them first, but this is a cool feature, if so. It was my first time using Magik and Nico, and they just gelled for me so well. Shame both Magik and Nico are Dark, as I'm going for a Light Playthrough. I'm still picking the Dark Answers for them though, when applicable to get their friendship up. I have Blade almost at level 2, and I have both Marv and Magik ready to go to level one, but not had the vents pop up yet. Honestly though dude, I spent most of yesterday exploring and doing socials. I think I only did one combat mission, and I was playing for 5 hours, easy. It's so easy to get lost on the grounds. I actually need to find the earth handle (I found the other 3 just exploring) do you have any hints where it might be, please? I don't want to look up guides, but I also have no idea where it could be, and the place is huge.

Can I add that his play, so many moves on one turn requires real thought and understanding of the game. So far, after three hour's play, I have had to restart missions a few times because I wasted cards/didn't understand the full mechanics. It's an excellent game, but really does have a learning curve. Even on Normal level, the game is a lot harder than it seems, particularly on missions where you protect or attack an objective: you have to very carefully utilise your cards or you end up restarting the mission.

I really want a midnight sun's animated series

Do you think we’ll get more dlc characters after the 4 that were announced?

This game looks sick I'm totally buying it

Been waiting a long time for this game. Looks well worth the wait!

When it is coming to the Switch!!! T.T

Looking forward to this game... the only question... XBox Series X oder PC with a RTX2070?!?...

One gripe: on XBox (Series-S) the font size of a lot of text is too small. I find myself frequently leaning forwards to look closer at my TV.

I'm sure it'll be explained, but the cards gained from taking out enemies are those cards you'll receive for just that match or are they permanently added to your total cards for future missions?

I noticed it's raining on this map. Does weather have any effect on combat?

Please add *Red Wolf* (Marvel’s first Native American superhero) *Red Wolf* fits perfect with the Midnight Suns

I just finished it after giving up almost a year ago and the game definitely isn’t for everyone but man it gets pretty fun if you can come to understand the mechanics. The Hunter is kinda dumb though 😅

When do we get our Blade Costume for signing up to the Newsletter

Great teaching and explanation thanks so much.

I’m confused but I’m still gonna play it 😂

"I have a really nice deck" #TwoStarJake

Thanks for posting!

Is strange + iron man actually a good team comp, or was this just to help demo the game?

Cannot wait for this game not long now my fellow hunters

I really start to hate the slow mo on every action... it's just weird ! I hope there is an option to disable this, or that you'll patch it in the game soon. Please keep working on the game after the release, because it's not as fun as it should be, and you'll make it so much better with our feedback.

Thank you. This video was for me.

A question: is one playthrough on normal difficulty enough to unlock every cosmetic items? Or at least a good chunk?

Fans from Hong Kong! I am ready for this game!

Ive been waiting!!!😁

Hello, I'm a big fan of both tactical RPGs and the MARVEL universe itself. I'm interested in the creation of Russian localization in the game for the Russian Federation?

You gave me hope!!!

Well odd, i was looking for a decent tips video but there arent many yet so im stuck with you i suppose.

What a lovey game from Firaxis.

Thanks for this Guide. For someone like me who never played a strategic game like this or Xcom (know it thanks to a friend of mine) this was very helpfull. And a quick question afterwards: Do I have to play the game on higher difficulty in order to get through it because I get better stuff ect. or can I just play it through on normal (since I am a casual gamer and don´t care about achievements ect.)? Thanks in advance for your answer.

I just want to know the best time to gather plants

Is this game free to download for free on PlayStation 5?

are we be able to pre-download it ?

@Marvel's Midnight Suns do you play with raytracing enabled? because its unplayable as soon as i try it laggs horribly and it also seems there is no way to enable raytracing without also enableing DLSS wich usualy looks terrible on 1080p

We wanted Xcom3 and this is what they have to offer? Super heroes? OK if you like card games and Marvel movies, I suppose.

Will there be a ng+ or something like that?

When it says 2 marked, 2 vulnerable what does the 2 mean?

After a card is played, does it go to a discard pile, or is it recycled in the deck? If it goes into a discard pile, what's the criteria to get them back without using special cards?.....Do I simply play all 24 cards in my deck to recycle my cards in the discard pile?

Lmao the frame rate is sooo bad!!!

this game was good, for about 4 hours, until the helicopter mission. ITS UNBEATABLE. I GETALL OF 2 MY HEROES KO'D after I stop it from taking off. AND MY HUNTER IS LVL 4, AND MOST OTHER HEROES ARE LVL3 plus I have no idea how to use my un-drawn cards. I AM GONNA HAVE TO START ALL OVER WITH USING DIFFERENT HEROES. I like the girl with the purple hair. I used her 1 time and she did good damage any suggestions to add? I am not a big fan of DR. STRANGE. Also never knew about combat items. maybe I should use DR STRANGE, BUT HOW DID U GET THE WINDS OF WATOON CARD. did u cancel ur other card. I dont know alot of this. PLUS I HAVE THE game on PC so I don't know what to hit, I can get to redraw but I cant select them. it just scrolls thru my moves and stuff. Ithink ur saying I can add a redraw before I make an attack, is that correct?

Hey guys I'm buy this game 110 Dallas over. Why not have voice exchange option?? I'm korea only my country not have option??

🤯.. still debating on buy or buy not!

I can’t get past the first wave of the tutorial idk what I’m doing wrong. Hopefully this video will help. The other one I watched didn’t help at all

Quick attack = good attack

I know in a lot of these videos it mention,”mods” that can apply certain status to the cards. Is this going to be for the computer only or are the newest console going to be allowed to use such mods as well..

Imagine the mods people are gonna make im scaree

MCU suits?

How many cards do you get in your deck. Like 60 cards or?

I look forward Odd playing the game in an LP cuz in sure he's, gonna have a ball with it and I look forward to playing it too... Once this flu leaves my system.

Can’t believe I straight dismissed this game considering I love classic turn based rpg’s

From 1 to 5 ...its ?

I think I'm going to await for me to get ps5 for Christmas than I get marvels midnight suns for better gameplay and smooth gameplay.

This hurts my brain. I’m still going to try it though…

PLEASE PLEASE for the love of GOD can we get Dr Voodoo PLEASE!!!

I was disappointed when I found out about the game play being a strategic card game. You explained the game very well. I just hoped the game to to be a free world game like the avengers game or guardians of the galaxy. That's how I perceived promotion of marvels midnight sun 😔

better than avengers at least they gave spider-man to all platforms