Embark Studious has added thePower Shift mode inThe FinalsSeason 2. A fresh offering with the content update on March 14, this is the third mode that players now have access to. Quick Cash and Bank It have both been present since the game’s launch, and are fairly similar, but the latest entry is much different. Simply put, it’s a take on the classic Payload system, where the teams have to push it from one end to another. But there’s more to it.
The Power Shift mode inThe FinalsSeason 2 has drawn mixed reactions from the community. Most players fall on either extreme: they either love it, or they hate it. Let’s take a look at the mode’s details and why it may not be as popular as its two siblings.
How To Start Power Shift Mode
To start the 5v5 Power Shift mode inThe FinalsSeason 2, follow these steps:
Since the 5v5 Power Shift mode can support a large party, you won’t be bogged down deciding whichfriends to play with. There is, however, some disappointing news. If you were hoping to play this mode in a private match, that’s sadly not an option. Private matches are currently limited to Quick Cash and Bank It, so you will have to play Power Shift in a public lobby.
Power Shift Mode Gameplay Details
The Power Shift mode inThe FinalsSeason 2 differs in multiple aspects. For starters, the hovering platform is placed at the center of the map; this offers a more balanced footing at the outset. The team who pushes the platform the furthest distance by the round’s end wins. And yet, if either team earns way more cash than the other (about $40,000) by controlling the platform, they will win regardless of the timer.
Power Shift mode falls in line withThe Finals’most distinguishing characteristic: demolition. The platform demolishes the buildings in its path, rather than going around them. This can make for chaotic situations, especially with entire walls and floors falling down on you and your teammates. This doesn’t cause damage to the players, but it can be quite disorienting. Meanwhile, the platform also tumbles a fair bit when rocked with explosives from the bottom.
While all this is going on, you will also have to deal with the environment-bending effects that take place across the map. These can include Low Gravity, Orbital Lasers, and more. With everything put together, you will be in for a high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping time. Fortunately, there’s one benefit in Power Shift that you won’t find in Quick Cash or Bank It.
In the other modes, you can only change between your primary andreserve loadout when you die. In Power Shift, you can change between your class builds as well. As such, you can choose from up to six class build combinations when you’re waiting to respawn. Even better, there are unlimited respawn credits.
Tips and Builds for Power Shift Mode
Because Power Shift is different from Quick Cash and Bank It, your approach needs to be tailored accordingly. Since there are only two teams involved, you have more help and more resistance as well. The meta here has most teams using around2–3 Heaviesfor their tankiness and damage-dealing abilities. The rest areMediumsfor Healing Beams and the Defibrillator.
Avoid using aLight buildif you’re returning to FPS games after a while, or are not super precise with your aim and movement. A light build will offer great mobility here, especially with the new Gateway gadget. However, the low HP and greater number of durable enemies in a close-quarters fight will put you at a disadvantage. Still, there’s a way to go about it. It can be good to have one Light class build with long-range weapons, like the SR-84. This will eliminate enemies from a safe distance, or at least make them imbalanced while your teammates wrap up the job.
The platform needs to be in your favor in Power Shift mode, but avoid having the entire team camping out on it. A couple of Heavies properly shielded withGloo Walls, Barricades,andDome Shieldswill go a long way towards holding the platforms. Meanwhile, having two Mediums around to provide healing and AoE damage support will be good.
As mentioned earlier, you can change your class as well as loadout between respawns. Keep this in mind and have varied loadouts ready before you head into the game. This will help change things on the fly if you come up against some eccentric squads inThe FinalsSeason 2’s Power Shift mode.
