Totally Accurate Battle Simulator (TABS) is one of the most hilariously entertaining strategy games ever created. Developed by Landfall Games, TABS combines physics-based chaos with deep tactical thinking. Players create armies from a wide variety of quirky units and pit them against each other in a sandbox world where the most ridiculous strategies can sometimes be the most effective.

At its core, TABS is about creativity, experimentation, and understanding how different units interact. From ancient warriors to futuristic robots, each unit has unique abilities and limitations. This guide will teach you how to master the game from basic tactics to advanced strategies so you can conquer every level and dominate in sandbox mode.

Understanding the Basics of Battle Setup

Before you can become a great commander in TABS, you need to understand how battles are structured. Every match consists of two sides: the blue and the red team. You have a budget of points to spend on units, and your goal is to defeat the opposing side by eliminating all enemy units.

Different maps present different challenges. Some are flat and open, while others have obstacles, hills, or water that affect your strategy. Positioning your troops wisely is often more important than just picking the strongest units.

In early levels, focus on understanding unit cost and value. Some cheap units can outperform expensive ones when placed strategically. Experiment with combinations to find the perfect balance between quantity and quality.

Learning Unit Types and Factions

TABS offers a huge range of factions, each representing a unique era or theme. You’ll encounter groups like Tribal, Medieval, Renaissance, Pirate, and even Secret or Legacy factions. Each one comes with specialized units that excel in specific scenarios.

For example, the Tribal faction relies on basic melee warriors and ranged units like spear throwers, while the Renaissance faction introduces musketeers and balloon archers. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each faction allows you to counter them effectively.

When starting out, test each unit in sandbox mode to see how it behaves. Watch their attack speed, range, movement, and durability. Knowing how your troops fight is the first step toward crafting powerful armies.

Positioning and Terrain Strategy

Positioning is one of the most important aspects of TABS. Placing units randomly often leads to chaos, while strategic placement can turn the tide of battle. Use terrain features to your advantage.

High ground gives ranged units better visibility and protection, while narrow pathways can be used to funnel enemies into choke points. Placing melee fighters in front and ranged units in the back ensures balanced combat.

Consider the physics of the game as well. Since TABS relies on ragdoll mechanics, uneven terrain can cause units to stumble or miss attacks. Test placements on different maps to discover where your army performs best.

Building Effective Armies

Building the right army is both an art and a science. Every battle in TABS requires a unique setup depending on your opponent’s formation and the available budget. Instead of always choosing the strongest units, think in terms of synergy.

Try combining multiple unit types to cover different roles. For instance, use shield bearers to absorb damage, followed by archers for long-range attacks and a few heavy hitters to deal massive blows.

A good army includes a balance of frontliners, support units, and damage dealers. Don’t underestimate the power of distraction either sometimes using weaker units to draw enemy fire allows your powerful troops to finish the job.

Utilizing Special and Secret Units

As you progress in TABS, you’ll unlock Secret Units hidden throughout the maps. These are powerful characters that can drastically change the outcome of battles. Discovering them requires exploration and attention to detail.

Some Secret Units, like the Samurai Giant or the Dark Peasant, are incredibly strong but expensive. Use them sparingly and combine them with support units to maximize their potential.

Experiment with different combinations of normal and Secret Units to find creative solutions. The unpredictability of these special units often adds an element of surprise to your strategy, especially in custom or sandbox battles.

Mastering Sandbox Mode

Sandbox mode is where your creativity truly shines. Unlike campaign mode, sandbox lets you set up any army combination with unlimited resources. This mode is perfect for testing tactics, experimenting with new units, or creating hilarious scenarios.

You can simulate real-world battles, pit factions from different eras against each other, or simply create chaos for fun. Use this mode to learn how each unit behaves and identify the most efficient strategies for future campaigns.

Sandbox mode is also a great tool for improving your understanding of physics interactions. You’ll quickly learn how projectile units respond to movement and how different terrain types influence outcomes.

Advanced Tactics and Battle Psychology

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to move into advanced tactics. These strategies involve predicting enemy behavior, baiting attacks, and exploiting weaknesses.

Try using decoy units to draw enemy fire or separate their forces. For example, placing a few weak units at the front can distract enemies while your powerful troops flank from the sides. Flanking maneuvers are especially effective against ranged-heavy armies.

Timing is also crucial. Some units, like bomb throwers or mammoths, deal heavy damage but move slowly. Using faster units to engage enemies first gives your heavy hitters time to reach their targets without being overwhelmed.

Experimenting with Custom Content and Mods



One of the best aspects of TABS is its modding community. Players around the world have created custom factions, maps, and scenarios that you can download to enhance your experience.

Mods allow you to play as entirely new units, from pop culture icons to mythical creatures. This keeps the game fresh and encourages endless experimentation. You can also design your own maps and share them with others.

If you enjoy creativity, consider building your own custom battles or campaigns. Modding in TABS not only extends gameplay but also helps you think like a designer, refining your tactical skills in new ways.

Understanding Unit Interactions and Counters

Every unit in TABS has a counter. Learning these interactions is essential to winning difficult battles. For example, shielded units can block arrows but are weak against explosive or piercing attacks.

Flying units may dominate ground troops but can easily fall victim to ranged projectiles. Heavy units like giants can crush small armies but struggle against agile fighters or ranged groups.

Make a habit of studying how units react to one another. The more you experiment, the better you’ll become at predicting outcomes. This knowledge transforms you from a casual player into a true battlefield strategist.

Tips for Campaign Success and Long-Term Play

Success in the TABS campaign depends on patience and adaptability. Some levels may seem impossible at first, but analyzing the enemy formation and testing different unit combinations will eventually reveal the solution.

Start each level by observing the map layout and enemy units. Then, plan your formation based on their weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to retry battles multiple times with different approaches experimentation is part of the fun.

Long-term play in TABS also involves maintaining creativity. The more you explore, unlock, and experiment, the more entertaining the game becomes. It’s a sandbox of infinite possibilities, limited only by your imagination.

Conclusion

Totally Accurate Battle Simulator is more than just a physics-based comedy; it’s a complex strategy experience disguised as chaos. By learning unit interactions, positioning, terrain usage, and advanced tactics, you can transform seemingly random battles into carefully orchestrated victories.

From discovering secret units to experimenting with mods, every aspect of TABS rewards curiosity and creativity. Whether you aim to complete every campaign level or build wild scenarios in sandbox mode, mastering the game means embracing both strategy and silliness.

At the end of the day, TABS isn’t just about winning battles it’s about enjoying the unpredictable joy of warfare in the most hilarious way possible.

Summary:

Master Totally Accurate Battle Simulator by learning unit interactions, terrain tactics, and creative strategies for fun, chaos, and total victory.