Totally Accurate Battle Simulator, or TABS, is a physics-based battle simulator developed by Landfall Games. The game's premise is brilliantly simple: pit two armies against each other and watch as they clash in a glorious, physics-driven ballet of chaos and hilarity. But beneath the wobbly ragdoll characters and absurd unit designs lies a surprisingly deep and strategic game. TABS is a sandbox of possibilities, where players can create their own scenarios, experiment with a vast array of units, and discover the most ridiculous ways to win. This article is your ultimate guide to mastering TABS, from its core mechanics to its hidden secrets and its endless creative potential.

TABS is a game that is as much about experimentation as it is about strategy. It's a game that encourages you to fail spectacularly, to laugh at the absurdity of the physics, and to discover your own unique ways to win. We will cover all the essential "how-to" knowledge, providing you with the strategies and insights needed to become a true master of the battlefield and create your own epic battles.

How to Understand the Core Mechanics and Units

The foundation of TABS is its unit-based combat. You have a limited budget and a wide array of units to choose from. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is the first step to victory.

• The Unit's Cost: Each unit has a cost, which is a reflection of its power and utility. A simple club-wielding peasant is cheap, but a powerful knight is expensive. You must balance your budget with the power of your army.
• The Unit's Stats: Each unit has a set of hidden stats, such as health, damage, and speed. A good player will learn to understand these stats and to use them to their advantage.
• The Factions: The units are divided into factions, such as the Vikings, the Spooky, and the Pirates. Each faction has a unique set of units and a unique playstyle. For example, the Vikings are a close-quarters faction, while the Spooky are a stealthy and tricky faction.

How to Strategically Place Your Units

Unit placement is the most crucial part of any battle. A well-placed unit can turn the tide of a battle, while a poorly-placed one can lead to a quick defeat.

• The Frontline: Your frontline is your first line of defense. It's a good idea to place your high-health, melee units here to absorb the enemy's attacks.
• The Backline: Your backline is where your ranged units, such as archers and catapults, should be. They are your primary source of damage and should be protected at all costs.
• The Flank: The flank is your opportunity to surprise your enemy. You can place your fast, agile units here to attack the enemy's backline.

How to Master the Game Modes and Their Objectives

TABS has a variety of game modes, each with its own set of objectives and strategies.

• Campaign Mode: Campaign mode is a series of pre-made battles that you must win to progress. It's a great place to learn the basics and to get a feel for the different factions and units.
• Sandbox Mode: Sandbox mode is your creative playground. You have an unlimited budget and can create your own scenarios, from a simple battle between two armies to a complex war between multiple factions.
• Legacy Mode: Legacy mode is a special game mode that features all the units from the game's early access versions. It's a fun and nostalgic way to play the game.

How to Unlock the Secret Units and Factions

TABS is filled with secrets, from hidden units to secret factions. Finding them all is a fun and challenging way to extend your gameplay experience.

• The Secret Units: The secret units are the most powerful and the most absurd units in the game. They are often hidden in plain sight and can be unlocked by completing a specific task or by finding a hidden button.
• The Secret Factions: The secret factions are the most unique and the most powerful factions in the game. They are often a combination of multiple factions and have a unique set of abilities.
• The Lore: The game has a surprisingly deep and rich lore that you can uncover by finding the secret units and by exploring the game's world.

How to Use the Unit Creator and Its Possibilities

The Unit Creator is the most powerful tool in the game. It allows you to create your own units with a wide array of options.

• Customizing Your Unit: You can customize every aspect of your unit, from its appearance and its weapons to its stats and its abilities. You can create a unit that is as powerful as a god or as weak as a single peasant.
• Sharing Your Creation: You can share your creations with other players, which allows you to download and play with their units. This is a great way to get a new set of units and to see what other people have created.
• The "Meta": The Unit Creator is so powerful that it has its own "meta." The "meta" is the most powerful and the most absurd unit that you can create at any given time. The meta can change with every update, so it's important to stay up to date on the latest creations.

How to Master the Game’s Physics and Its Absurdity

The physics in TABS is the heart of the game's comedy. The wobbly ragdolls, the ridiculous animations, and the absurd explosions are what make the game so fun to play.

• The "Ragdoll" Physics: The ragdoll physics is a key part of the game's charm. The wobbly, uncontrolled movements of the units are what make the battles so hilarious and unpredictable.
• The Absurdity: The game is filled with absurd and hilarious moments, from a single peasant defeating an army of powerful knights to a catapult launching a cow into the enemy's ranks. The game's absurdity is a key part of its appeal.
• The "Fun" Factor: TABS is a game that is meant to be fun. Don't take it too seriously. Laugh at the absurdity, create your own ridiculous scenarios, and have a good time.

Conclusion

Totally Accurate Battle Simulator is a masterpiece of game design, a game that proves that a game doesn't need to be realistic to be fun. By mastering its core mechanics, experimenting with its unique units, and embracing its absurdity, you will not only conquer the battlefield but also experience a journey that is as personal as it is epic.