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Any tactics for Q3dm18 SP on Nightmare?

SanDoodlecs · 10 Sep 2026 at 00:42 · permalink

Trying to complete the single player mode in nightmare difficulty, I'm stuck at Q3dm18... The bots (most of the time, Major) reach 20 in no time, can't keep up...
I've been trying over and over but the best rank I got is 3rd...
Anyone has some tips to share?
Thanks

D3i-Mos · 10 Sep 2026 at 00:42 · permalink

Yeah, you have to watch out for Major in this one, just like DM17. I think the action happens mostly on one edge of the map where there is a semi-circular tall shaft and a vertical launch pad. Bots will jump on that repeatedly and will get fragged mid-air by whoever is in the area. I think that's how Major gets many frags really quickly. Your best bet is to be around that area, on the top of that shaft. It's still not going to be easy but you could steal some frags from her this way.

There is also a ledge nearby with 2 stairs leading up it from each side. That area is pretty traveled by bots as well. You could score some frags there if you can handle the railgun. And it is pretty close, so you don't have to travel far to cover both of these locations.

SanDoodlecs · 10 Sep 2026 at 00:43 · permalink

Yes I just played a game where I ended up 2nd with 19 frags (god damn!) and I mostly used a tactic like you said... I feel I'm close to complete it but god damn you have to be perfect...

SanDoodlecs · 10 Sep 2026 at 00:43 · permalink

I just did it now!! Yay!

D3i-Mos · 10 Sep 2026 at 00:43 · permalink

Congratulations! The next couple of maps are pretty easy by comparison, if I remember correctly. You'll probably be alright until you meet Xaero :)

SanDoodlecs · 10 Sep 2026 at 00:44 · permalink

I think I only have one map left before xaero.. I know I'm in for a long suffering 😂

D3i-Mos · 10 Sep 2026 at 00:44 · permalink

He is so accurate with the railgun and over such long distances that it feels a bit unfair. By the time you see him, it's usually already too late. After many frustrating attempts, I discovered a way to defeat him by being smarter than him and used that strategy every time I did that map.

SanDoodlecs · 10 Sep 2026 at 00:44 · permalink

Yeah I'm used to it, I've been playing instagib 1v1 against him for years.. Just for the sake of rail practice... And that's a damn good training, even tho I've beaten him a lot, lot less than he did.

I promised myself I would get a Q3 tattoo if I ever manage to beat the game on Nightmare 😉

SanDoodlecs · 10 Sep 2026 at 00:45 · permalink

Will keep that in mind, thank you

SanDoodlecs · 10 Sep 2026 at 00:45 · permalink

God damn I'm down to the last level against xaero, Jesus Christ this is something else... Sometimes I can't even see where he is, and I'm already dead!