What is the best way to assign someone to carry the smoke grenade in Lethal Company?

In Lethal Company, assigning someone to carry the smoke grenade is a critical decision that can significantly impact your team's survival and mission success. Smoke grenades are versatile tools that can obscure vision, create distractions, or provide cover during intense situations. To effectively assign this role, you need to consider the mechanics of the smoke grenade, the strengths of your team members, and the specific challenges of the mission.

First, let's discuss the mechanics of the smoke grenade. When deployed, it creates a dense cloud of smoke that lasts for a short duration. This cloud can block line of sight for both players and enemies, making it useful for escaping dangerous situations, reviving teammates, or confusing monsters. However, the smoke grenade has limited uses, so its deployment must be strategic. The player carrying it should be someone who can make quick decisions under pressure and has a good understanding of the game's mechanics.

To assign the smoke grenade, start by evaluating your team's composition. Ideally, the player carrying the smoke grenade should be someone who is not already burdened with other critical roles, such as the primary combatant or the medic. A support player or a scout is often the best choice, as they are typically more mobile and can react quickly to changing situations. During the pre-mission planning phase, communicate clearly with your team to determine who will take on this responsibility. Make sure everyone understands the importance of the smoke grenade and how it will be used.

Once the role is assigned, the player carrying the smoke grenade should prioritize its use in high-risk scenarios. For example, if the team is being overwhelmed by monsters, the smoke grenade can be deployed to create a temporary barrier, allowing the team to regroup or retreat. Similarly, if a teammate is downed in a dangerous area, the smoke grenade can provide cover for a safe revive. It's important to coordinate with the team before using the grenade, as its effects can also hinder your teammates' vision if not used carefully.

One common mistake is using the smoke grenade too early or in non-critical situations. Since it has limited uses, wasting it on minor threats can leave the team vulnerable later. Another mistake is failing to communicate its deployment, which can lead to confusion or accidental friendly fire. To avoid these issues, establish clear rules for when and how the smoke grenade should be used. For example, agree that it will only be deployed during emergencies or when the team is in immediate danger.

Advanced techniques involve combining the smoke grenade with other tools and abilities. For instance, pairing it with flashbangs or stun grenades can create a powerful distraction, allowing the team to escape or eliminate threats more effectively. Additionally, the player carrying the smoke grenade should be aware of the environment and use it to block off choke points or create safe zones during monster encounters.

Team coordination is essential when using the smoke grenade. The player carrying it should stay in constant communication with the team, updating them on its status and potential uses. If the team is split into smaller groups, the smoke grenade carrier should stay with the group most likely to encounter danger, such as the frontline combatants or the loot gatherers. This ensures that the grenade is available when needed most.

Risk management strategies involve planning for worst-case scenarios. For example, if the smoke grenade carrier is incapacitated, the team should have a backup plan for retrieving the grenade or adapting to its absence. Additionally, the team should always have alternative strategies for dealing with threats, such as using environmental hazards or other equipment to compensate for the lack of smoke cover.

In specific scenarios, the smoke grenade can be a game-changer. For instance, during a mission in a tight corridor filled with monsters, the smoke grenade can be used to block off one end, allowing the team to focus on the other. Alternatively, during a boss fight, the smoke grenade can provide temporary cover for the team to reposition or heal. By understanding these scenarios and practicing their execution, your team can maximize the effectiveness of the smoke grenade and improve your overall chances of survival.

In conclusion, assigning someone to carry the smoke grenade in Lethal Company requires careful consideration of team roles, communication, and strategic planning. By following these guidelines and practicing effective coordination, your team can make the most of this powerful tool and increase your chances of success in the game.