Wargame: European Escalation reconnaissance, line of sight and weapon stats
Diagnose why a unit cannot fire and compare weapons against the actual target.
Pictures for this guide
Edition covered
The 2012 European Escalation game and its original publisher PC pictures. Tables cover its Command Stars, deck and battlefield systems; AirLand Battle and Red Dragon rules and rosters are separate.
Visible ground is not visible enemies
The camera can inspect terrain throughout the map, but hostile units still need to be detected. Recon units have better optics for revealing small or concealed threats. A friendly spotter shares its information with the army.
| Message | Meaning | Possible response |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid target | Weapon cannot engage that target category | Use a suitable weapon |
| Out of range | Target is too distant | Reposition without losing support |
| No line of sight | Terrain or objects block the shot | Change the angle or position |
| Inefficient | Penetration is inadequate at the current shot | Seek a better angle or appropriate weapon |
Read the firing refusal
The targeting display distinguishes an invalid target, a target outside range, a blocked line of sight and insufficient penetration. These failures need different responses; repeatedly ordering an attack does not change the weapon or terrain.
| Stat | What it describes | Decision it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | Detection quality | Choose and place reconnaissance |
| Stabilizer | Accuracy while moving | Stop when precision matters |
| HE power | Effect on infantry and soft targets | Select anti-personnel fire |
| AP power | Armor penetration | Compare with the target and range |
| Armor by facing | Protection on different sides | Avoid exposing a weak side |
Separate HE from AP strength
HE values describe effectiveness against personnel and soft vehicles, while AP addresses armor. Armor also varies by facing. Compare the selected weapon and angle rather than treating the most expensive vehicle as effective against everything.
Do not apply one range rule to every weapon
Tank-gun penetration can improve as distance closes, but HEAT weapons do not gain that penetration bonus from closing. Moving can also reduce accuracy depending on stabilization. Inspect the weapon type before ordering an expensive rush.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game and edition listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Original publisher manual | shared.fastly.steamstatic.com |