Sandtrap is the largest map in the game and possibly one of the most difficult to drive. While it has a lot of wide open spaces, some of the terrain makes it difficult to maneuver. That combined with Brute Choppers and a horde of anti-vehicle weaponry makes Sandtrap also one of our most dangerous maps. With all the ways a hog can be killed the key is persistence. Keep at it and you should get high numbers. Sometimes Sandtrap can be hell on a warthog driver, sometimes it can be a blessing.
Team:
No matter how good your team is, you will not be able to hold down every anti-vehicle weapon in Sandtrap. There are too many dangers that can get to the Hog. However, a good team will give you the support you need by doing everything right. Lasering enemy vehicles and trying to control key points and areas of the map will support any Hog driver. A good combination of teammates that can put up a good offense and defense will get you good runs in Sandtrap.
Routes:
Sandtrap is such a large map that there are no real "routes". Everywhere you go there will be several exit strategies if you meet trouble. The best way to plan your driving path would be to plan for enemy vehicles. Know where they're going and avoid them so you can mop up any limping foot soldiers. At the beginning of the match, always go the opposite side of the Banshee. Because the Banshee is a vital strategic vehicle, there is always a brawl over it in the beginning. It�s best to avoid this area because both lasers will be pointing this way. It will be easier to sneak around to kill the laser if he doesn't see you in that initial brawl. Learn how to hide in Sandtrap as well. Take some tumbles over pyramids to avoid dangers if you need to.
Dangers:
This list will be in order of most dangerous to least dangerous.
Laser:
Each base has a laser in Sandtrap. There is no "controlling" the lasers by your teammates. Sometimes you'll get lucky and an enemy with their laser will get ambushed. However, since you cannot count on complete laser control, you will need to be crafty as a driver. At the beginning avoid the Banshee side of the map and sweep around and try to ambush the laser. The people who grab the laser like to take the high ground in order to get a better view of the Banshee side. By sweeping the opposite way, you increase your chances of catching the laser off-guard and can ambush him to "down" the enemy laser. The laser will be problematic all throughout the map for you. Don't ever stop moving and keep plenty of objects between you and high points of the map. Communicate where enemy lasers are as much as possible.
Missile Pod:
Not only are there twin lasers on the map, but each base also has a Missile Pod. One Missile Pod spawns on top of the pyramid by the spawn (Territory 4), the other spawns beneath the Pelican. Because of all of the terrain, it's easy to duck behind some cover to avoid these. Just remember, don't stop. If you need confirmation, make your gunner turn around and tell him to let you know when all missiles are not following you anymore.
Choppers:
Enemy choppers are a pain in the behind. A good chopper driver will have no problem downing a poor hog driver. Remember that distance is a great advantage in this fight and be careful of getting hit. A chopper round will flip a hog, especially if it's making a sharp turn or power sliding.
Enemy Hog:
Enemy hogs will appear a lot on Sandtrap, try and distance yourselves and use creative driving to get rid of them. Remember to avoid shaking your gunner's reticule. And try to draw them out into your teams anti-vehicle fire.
Rockets:
The rockets are located on top of the pyramid with the air lifts. They are dangerous only if you get in to close and let them get lined up for a shot. Remember, rockets are easily spotted when being carried and call them out to your gunner. Use crafty driving to dodge any shot at you.
Banshee:
The Banshee is easily one of the most strategic vehicles in this map. However, it is easier to down a Banshee than it is a Hog sometimes. Usually Banshees do not remain in the air for long. If you do get into a ground to air fight, remember that the Banshee doesn't have to worry about terrain and that you do. Try to floor it over some smooth terrain and give your gunner a clear gun on the enemy banshee.
Trip Mines:
There are two trip mines, one at each base. They are rarely grabbed and thrown. When they've been thrown, they're usually easy to spot. Have your gunner take out any visible ones, and listen for the beeping of a hidden one.
Plasma Grenades:
Plasma grenades are not as much of a problem in Sandtrap because of all of the other options to destroy a hog. However watch the Rocket pyramid for enemies throwing plasmas because this is the most notable area that plasma's can be picked up. Another spot you might show some caution is the Banshee spawn. Anytime some one is camping and waiting on the Banshee to respawn they will have a fresh supply of Plasma grenades. Show caution when trying to take him out. It may be easier to drive outside of the "boundary" to approach the Banshee spawn.
Brute Shots:
Brute Shots aren't that big of a problem unless a couple land good hits on you. Then you might get flipped and from there a well placed grenade will take you out. Brute shots are located on the bridges connecting the two main pyramids. Watch out for enemies uptop and aviod power sliding when under Brute Shot fire.
Energy Drain/Plasma Pistol/Frags:
There are Energy Drains under the Rocket pyramid next to each air lift. Avoid having one of these thrown on top of you by distancing yourself from the edge of the pyramid. Remember Frag grenades do not bounce on Sand. They will stay where they land so do not drive over a thrown on expecting it to bounce away.
Boarding:
Because sometimes getting boarded cannot be avoided practice all anti-boarding techniques. People jumping from the pyramids might get a good board on you. Also remember the sand slows you down some. Power sliding isn�t as affective as in other maps, so try and avoid sliding to splatter people. Instead barrel into them head on and don't slow down.
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