I am writing this guide for Squad Defence after playing the game mode for a while now. I typically join random squads on the map, and just try to help as much as I can. For me, Squad Defence is a great gamemode to learn the basics of Verdun, where you can experiment with all the squad types and specializations you want while going up against waves of enemies, in preparation for the Frontlines gamemode. This guide won't cover these basics, such as NCO commands and the like, but instead, I want to go over tactics/strategies that I have found very useful over my time of playing it.

For new players, the NCO role seems kind of iffy. I had this feeling when I first played, and I had no idea what the responsibilites of being an NCO were. So, if you're a new or inexperienced player in the game, your best bet is to let more experienced players take the NCO role and watch them and learn from them. If you're starting a squad with your friends or something, you can certainly learn through experience. It's up to you, but an experienced player in the NCO role does wonders in this gamemode.

With that, the relationship between the NCO and the rest of the squad is a two-way street. The NCO must have the know-how of the game, as in where to place your Command Aura and use your abilities. One thing that I can't hardly stress enough is that the enemy goes where the massive shield icon is on the map. In my experience, it is always a good idea to place your command aura there, and have your squad in that area, and keep as many enemies out as possible.

With this, the members of the squad should follow the NCO no matter what. If he gives the order to go somewhere, go there. Be open to the NCO's ideas and follow by example. If you have an ass of an NCO, I can understand why you might not follow orders. But always think that there's always something different or better that you can be doing.

When in doubt, bayonets out. I take it to heart when I say that bayonets (or other melee items) in Squad Defense are absolutely essential . Think of it this way: The enemy is coming relentlessly, and will not stop unless 1) fired upon 2) they reach the trench. With that, prepare for close quarter combat for when enemies are in your trench. I do not recommend using scopes in Squad Defense because of this, and I can not recall a specialization that has a rifle with a scope along with a sidearm. If your class does not have a bayonet or melee weapon, go to your next-best options: sidearms. The automatic sidearms like the Luger or the 1911 do well for CQC, since aiming is not necessary.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Squad Defense is not like other game modes. You can take multiple shots, stabs, bashes, etc, and be able to walk. So that means if you see your position getting overwhelmed, do NOT panick, and instead hold your ground and kill the enemies in your trench. This is where bayonets come in handy. Do not retreat down to the other end of the trench unless absolutely necessary (and even then you might as well retreat to the next trenchline) because avoiding enemies will give them a faster rate of capturing your trench. In case this happens, call in HQ artillery if you have it available.

Such as it is in Frontlines, communication is very helpful in Squad Defense, whether you directly chat (using "y" or "u") or use voice commands (using "x"). Telling your teammates where you see enemies, and whether or not they've breached your trenchline, is a huge factor in whether or not you survive the wave. You want to get your teammates' attention if something goes wrong, because the priority is killing enemies that are in or close to the trench, not the ones spawning.

Although using grenades sounds like a great idea in Squad Defense, I've found that they are surprisingly weaker in this game mode than in others. Even if you throw the grenade into a pile of enemies, it won't kill all of them. (I have yet to see a Geballte Ladung used in Squad Defense, so maybe that grenade gets more results).

A quick tip for reloading: instead of using the ammo box after every wave, you can reselect your specialization after the wave in the Squad Menu when you press Esc. You will respawn with full ammo, and can use the ammo boxes when you need them during the wave. (Huge tip for MGs)

That's all I can really think of for right now. If you have any edits or comments, perhaps on something that's an improvement on what I've said here, let me know! Thanks for reading.