This article is considered accurate for the current version (1.58) of the game.
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A truck fitted with an advanced rocket propulsion rack, the “Retiarius” webs the sky with deadly, screeching rockets shot at a high frequency over long distances. Holds sixteen rockets.
The R-17 “Retiarius” Skirmisher has 900 HP and is disabled under 65% health. It has "Unarmoured" resistance, even small arms fire and Flamethrowers are a danger to it. It takes 100 Basic Materials to fully repair it from 1% to 100% health with a Hammer. Its health can be instantly repaired at a Garage for 100 Basic Materials.
Interactions
It is the only truck that cannot interact with nearby structures.
Unlike most artillery emplacements and vehicles, the R-17 “Retiarius” Skirmisher is capable of being operated by one crew member, who can act as both the Driver and Gunner. The only limitation to this strategy is that the loading of all the rockets takes twice as long compared to doing it with two players.
Due to being an unarmored vehicle, the R-17 “Retiarius” Skirmisher is vulnerable to small arms fire, which can damage, and potentially destroy the vehicle. Great care must be taken in order to ensure its safety. In order to change the azimuth, the entire vehicle must be rotated, which reduces the overall flexibility of the vehicle, especially when working in small environments with tight corners.
Although its mobile, it should follow standard artillery defensive precautions, and set up a defensive perimeter around it to protect it from enemy infantry, vehicles, or counter-artillery. (unless its being used in hit-and-run tactics)
Rocket Artillery Strategy
All equipment that uses rockets excel at burst damage, compared to regular 120mm artillery, which are suited for sustained barrages. Due to the rocket's relatively low damage and their high dispersion, they are most effective when attacking in groups, as the large volume of rockets increases the chances of hitting targets. Additionally, every rocket has a chance of setting their target on fire, preventing them from being repaired (though the 4C-Fire Rockets have a higher chance of doing this).
Nearly all rocket vehicles can be reloaded prior to their actual deployment, meaning it is possible to do hit-and-run tactics with them. This can be done by loading up the vehicle with rockets, driving to the location, fire all of them, and evacuate before any enemy QRF forces arrive.
Tips
Like all artillery equipment, rockets 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 rocket and walk up to the vehicle
Submit the rocket into the vehicle - pressV
Trivia
The R-17 “Retiarius” Skirmisher closely resembles the BM-13 Katyusha Rocket Artillery of the Soviet Union during World War II. It is well-known for the distinctive noise it creates when the rockets are launched.
Gallery
The R-17 “Retiarius” Skirmisher from the front
The R-17 “Retiarius” Skirmisher from the rear
The R-17 “Retiarius” Skirmisher in its deployed form
The R-17 “Retiarius” Skirmisher introduced in the 1.50 Inferno Dev Stream