Totally Accurate Battle Simulator (TABS) is a physics-based strategy game that turns historical and fantasy battles into slapstick chaos. Behind the goofy animations and ragdoll physics lies a surprisingly deep tactical sandbox. Whether you're tackling campaign levels, experimenting in sandbox mode, or building custom factions, understanding unit behavior, formations, and faction synergy is key to victory. This guide breaks down the game into ten progressive sections, offering expert tips to help you dominate every battlefield.

1. Understanding the Core Mechanics TABS operates on a simple loop: place units, simulate battle, observe results, and adjust tactics. The physics engine drives unpredictable outcomes, so success depends on smart placement and unit synergy.

Units behave differently based on terrain, proximity, and enemy type. Melee units charge, ranged units hold position, and support units buff allies. Learning how each class interacts is essential for building effective armies.

Core Tips:

  • Use slow-motion to study unit behavior
  • Observe how terrain affects movement
  • Adjust formations based on enemy type

2. Choosing the Right Faction for the Situation Each faction in TABS has unique strengths. The Medieval faction offers balanced melee and ranged units, while the Dynasty faction excels in mobility and projectile defense. The Secret and Legacy factions contain powerful but costly units.

In campaign mode, factions are often restricted. Learn to maximize each faction’s strengths. In sandbox mode, mix factions to create synergy and counter enemy formations.

Faction Highlights:

  • Medieval: Knights, Healers, Catapults
  • Dynasty: Samurai, Firework Archers, Dragons
  • Legacy: Super Peasant, Dark Peasant, Pharoah

3. Terrain Awareness and Strategic Placement Terrain plays a major role in battle outcomes. Hills slow movement, water disrupts formations, and narrow paths create chokepoints. Use terrain to your advantage by placing ranged units on high ground and melee units in open areas.

Avoid placing fragile units near cliffs or water. Use bottlenecks to trap enemies and deploy splash damage units like Bomb Cannons or Catapults for maximum effect.

Placement Tips:

  • High ground benefits ranged units
  • Use chokepoints for crowd control
  • Avoid placing units in water or near cliffs

4. Balancing Cost and Efficiency Each unit has a cost, and battles have a budget. Don’t just pick the strongest units—focus on cost-effective combinations. A group of Archers may outperform a single expensive unit.

Use cheap units like Halflings or Clubbers to distract enemies while stronger units attack from behind. Experiment with combinations to find the best value for your gold.

Cost-Efficient Units:

  • Halfling: Distraction
  • Archer: Reliable ranged damage
  • Squire: Balanced melee fighter

5. Countering Enemy Formations Enemy formations are often designed to bait you into poor placement. Shield walls block projectiles, while ranged clusters punish slow melee units. Learn to counter formations with smart unit choices.

Use units like the Ballista to pierce shields, or the Ninja to flank ranged groups. Diversify your army to handle multiple threats. Don’t rely on one strategy—adapt to the enemy.

Counter Strategies:

  • Ballista vs Shield Walls
  • Ninja vs Ranged Clusters
  • Mammoth vs Tight Formations

6. Using Special Abilities and Timing Certain units have special abilities, like the Valkyrie’s aerial attack or the Chronomancer’s time manipulation. These abilities can turn the tide of battle but require proper timing and placement.

Place special units where they can activate their abilities early. Avoid placing them in the front line where they may die before using their powers. Use distractions to buy time for ability activation.

Ability Tips:

  • Place special units behind front lines
  • Use distractions to delay enemy advance
  • Watch cooldowns and activation timing

7. Campaign Progression and Unlocking Units TABS features multiple campaigns, each with increasing difficulty. Completing levels unlocks new units and factions. Some secret units are hidden in maps and require exploration to unlock.

Use the free camera to search for hidden weapons or props. Interact with them to unlock secret units like the Mace Spinner or Raptor Rider. These units offer unique abilities and can be used in sandbox mode.

Unlocking Tips:

  • Explore maps with free camera
  • Look for hidden weapons or statues
  • Interact to unlock secret units

8. Creating Custom Battles and Factions The Unit Creator and Faction Creator allow you to design your own armies. Customize stats, weapons, and abilities to build unique units. Share them via the Steam Workshop or use them in sandbox mode.

Balance your custom units to avoid overpowered creations. Test them against vanilla factions to ensure fair gameplay. Use the Map Creator to build custom battlefields for added variety.

Creation Tools:

  • Unit Creator: Customize stats and gear
  • Faction Creator: Group units into armies
  • Map Creator: Design terrain and props

9. Using Simulation Tools for Strategy TABS includes simulation tools like slow-motion and free camera. Use these to study unit behavior, test strategies, and enjoy cinematic battles. Slow-motion helps identify weaknesses in your formation.

Use the free camera to scout terrain and enemy placement. Pause and adjust your strategy if needed. These tools are especially useful in campaign mode where precision matters.

Simulation Tips:

  • Use slow-motion to study combat
  • Free camera for terrain scouting
  • Pause to adjust strategy mid-battle

10. Mastering Sandbox Mode and Challenges Sandbox mode lets you experiment without limits. Test unit combinations, recreate historical battles, or challenge yourself with custom scenarios. Use sandbox to refine your skills and discover new strategies.

Try building themed armies—Vikings vs Samurai, or Medieval vs Fantasy. Use the Workshop to download community factions and maps. Sandbox is the best place to learn and have fun.

Sandbox Ideas:

  • Historical recreations
  • Custom challenges
  • Community content exploration

Conclusion Totally Accurate Battle Simulator is more than chaotic fun—it’s a deep strategy game with layers of tactical nuance. By mastering unit behavior, terrain, faction synergy, and campaign progression, you can turn slapstick skirmishes into calculated victories. Whether you're unlocking secret units or designing your own factions, TABS offers endless possibilities for creative combat