As you spend more time on the Terminid front, you’ll encounter various operation modifiers that change how you approach a mission. One of the more challenging ones is Atmospheric Interference. This isn’t just a minor annoyance; it fundamentally changes how you can rely on a core part of your kit: Orbital Stratagems. Let’s break down how it works and how most experienced players adapt.

What does Atmospheric Interference actually do?

In simple terms, this modifier adds a significant random deviation to the landing point of every Orbital Stratagem you call in. Normally, an Orbital Strike hits exactly where you throw your beacon. With Atmospheric Interference active, the actual impact point can land anywhere within a several-meter radius around your marker. This makes precision targeting nearly impossible. It’s important to note that sustained barrages, like the Orbital Gatling Barrage or the 380mm HE Barrage, do not “walk” onto the correct target. They will fire their entire sequence at the initially calculated (and now incorrect) point, which often wastes the Stratagem entirely.

Which Stratagems are most and least affected?

The impact varies greatly depending on the Orbital. Here’s the general consensus from player experience:

• Most Affected: Precision Strikes. Stratagems like the Precision Strike become almost unusable. Their small area of effect means the random spread usually results in a complete miss. Even targeting a large, slow enemy like a Bile Titan becomes a gamble.

• Less Affected: Wide-Area Barrages. Orbitals that cover a huge area, like the Orbital 120mm HE Barrage, suffer less. While the center of the barrage is off-target, the sheer size of the affected area means it might still hit something useful. It becomes an area-denial tool rather than a precision weapon.

• Minimally Affected: Tracking Stratagems. The Orbital Laser and Orbital Railcannon Strike are interesting cases. Their initial targeting is subject to the same inaccuracy. However, their automatic enemy tracking functions are not impaired. Once they acquire a target, they perform as normal. Therefore, their real-world performance drop is minor.

• Unaffected: Eagle Stratagems. This is the most critical tactical takeaway. Eagle Stratagems (Eagle Airstrikes, Eagle Napalm, etc.) are not impacted by Atmospheric Interference at all. They remain perfectly accurate.

What’s the practical strategy when this modifier is active?

Most players immediately change their loadout and tactics when they see this modifier during mission planning. Here’s what usually happens:

1. Swap Orbitals for Eagles: The most direct counter is to replace your Orbital Stratagems with Eagle variants. If you need a precision strike, bring an Eagle 500kg Bomb or Eagle Airstrike. For area denial, Eagle Napalm Run is excellent. Your Eagle calls are a reliable source of firepower.

2. Rely on Support Weapons and Sentries: This is a good time to bring tools you control directly. Autocannons, Expendable Anti-Tank launchers, and all types of Sentry Guns perform exactly as expected. Many players also favor the Recoilless Rifle or Spear for handling heavy armor reliably.

3. Use Orbitals Differently: If you must bring an Orbital, use it for pre-emptive area denial or to control bug breaches. Don’t try to use it on a specific enemy in the heat of combat. Call it on a fixed point, like a hillside or a chokepoint, and let enemies run into its inaccurate but still dangerous blast zone.

4. Communicate with Your Team: Let your squad know Orbitals are unreliable. This prevents someone from wasting a crucial strike call on a Titan, expecting it to die, only for the shot to land harmlessly 20 meters away. Coordination shifts to Eagles and direct fire.

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Is there any upside to this modifier?

Frankly, no. It’s purely a difficulty spike. However, successfully completing a high-diffculty mission with Atmospheric Interference active feels rewarding because it tests your adaptability. It forces you to prove your skill isn’t dependent on calling in perfect Orbital Strikes and that you can effectively utilize the full array of tools at your disposal.

In general, treat Atmospheric Interference as a signal to change your playstyle. It turns Orbitals from precision surgical tools into unpredictable artillery, elevating the consistent performance of your Eagles, Support Weapons, and your own shooting skills. Planning your loadout with this in mind is the key to overcoming the challenge.