This article is considered accurate for the current version (1.59) of Foxhole.
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The “Stygian Bolt” Large Field Gun is fitted with a monstrous 94.5mm cannon paired with heavy angled blast shielding. Inspired by the rows of narrow canyons in their homeland of the Lacrista province, Mesean engineers designed this field weapon to keep its crew as safe from ancillary fire as possible while maintaining forward momentum.
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— In-game description
The 945g “Stygian Bolt” (simply known as a Stygian) is a late-game ColonialLarge Field Gun that must be deployed in order to fire. It equipped with a high-velocity 94.5mm main cannon.
The 945g “Stygian Bolt” houses a crew of two soldiers:
Driver (Left Side)
Controls the movement of the vehicle - requires a soldier in the Gunner seat in order to move
Deploys and undeploys the vehicle with F (takes 3 seconds).
Gunner (Right Side)
Controls the reloading, and firing of the chassis-mounted 94.5mm main cannon
Required to move the vehicle
NOTE: Despite not having an actual Passenger seat, it is possible for a soldier to stand on the Spade (the long metal piece on the back of the vehicle) and move with the crew.
Players cannot switch between left and right seats.
Armament
The 945g “Stygian Bolt” is equipped with one main armament:
The 945g “Stygian Bolt” is a Field Weapon that is highly effective at countering enemy armored vehicles, as the main armament deals heavy damage to even the toughest vehicles at long range. Despite these advantages, it is largely a defensive weapon, as the mobility makes it unable to quickly advance and take out enemy armor before they can react and retaliate. Once enemies are aware of a Large Field Gun, it will immediately become a priority target- some planning is necessary to use one effectively.
Since 94.5mm is a large shell, the push gun needs at least one dedicated ammo bearer (increasing the minimum number of crew to three) in order to ferry the shells from a storage area (preferably a Material Pallet), to the gun's location. This powerful round is both a major strength and a primary weakness- the limited ammo capacity and extra reloading steps can put the gun in vulnerable positions if the crew is not careful, but a single well-aimed shot will often disable a tank before it can return fire.
Heavy Truck Evacuation
Using a Heavy-Duty Truck is highly recommended when moving this Field Weapon. It can transport the gun, extra ammunition, and a gun crew over long distances quickly with a reasonable degree of protection, allowing for much faster maneuvering than simply pushing the gun around. If fighting on an especially active frontline, it is highly recommended that the driver remain on standby to evacuate the gun if it is is in danger of being destroyed or being overrun by enemy infantry. Additionally, these trucks have seats for five passengers- two extra players can ride along to defend the gun from enemy infantry, replace fallen gun crew or carry medicals supplies and basic materials to heal injured crew and repair the gun.
Chassis
All push guns, by their nature, are one of the most vulnerable vehicles in the game in terms of crew protection. The crew is fully exposed to the enemy, meaning they are susceptible to all types of enemy fire. Due to push guns requiring both crew members to move the gun, this means the death of a single crew member could result in the entire push gun being overwhelmed and lost. Due to this, it is recommended to only lock the gun when it looks like enemy infantry are going to overwhelm you and are able to steal the gun. This tactic is vital if a push gun is decrewed, as it allows a friendly soldier to quickly man the vehicle and drive it back to safety.
Since the 94g "Stygian Bolt" needs to be deployed in order to be fired, it is essential that the crew sets up in a good defensive position. This firing position should be in a position where the Field Weapon can be used with maximum effectiveness, as well being able to be retrieved by friendly troops or vehicles (via towing). Unlike other, more mobile field weapons, initial placement before firing is extremely important. Consider concealment, cover, evacuation and resupply routes, and potential flanks to guard. If there is time to prepare a position, sandbags, barbed wire, landmines, and tank traps can help to protect the gun crew and force enemy armor into the gun's arc of fire.
Visibility Mechanics
Push guns have a special visibility mechanic, which allows them to operate uniquely among armored vehicles. Similar to infantry, push guns are affected by field of view, meaning that their movements cannot be seen unless it is within your line of sight. Due to this, push guns are able to not be seen by hiding behind various structures, or even bushes (though this tactic depends on how big the bush is). This line of sight is also affected by the time of day, with nighttime making it possible for the push gun to become invisible to the enemy if you're far enough from them. Do keep in mind that if the enemy decides to illuminate your position, this will expose your location until the flare dies out.
Tips
Like all vehicles that use large shells, they can be quickly submitted into them without accessing their inventory
While this can be done for all vehicles, it should only be done if they can carry/use large items
Equip the shell and walk up to the vehicle
Submit the shell into the vehicle - pressV
Trivia
The term "Stygian", refers to anything related to the river Styx. This adjective is often used to describe a deep, dark black color.
In 1.54 Naval Warfare, the 945g “Stygian Bolt” received multiple changes.
Towing was added, which allowed certain vehicles to "hitch" certain vehicles (mainly Field Weapons), allowing them to be moved without the need of larger equipment, such as Flatbed Trucks and Cranes.