Editing Jumpbot Factory

The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a factory that produces jumpjet equipped robots.{{ Infobox zkunit

| name = Jumpbot Factory

| description = Produces Jumpjet Equipped Robots

| image = http://manual.zero-k.info/unitpics/factoryjump.png

| cost = 700

| speed = 180

The esoteric Jumpbot Factory offers unique tactical options for rapidly closing the distance in a knife fight, or getting over hills and rivers to cut a path through enemy lines. Key units: Pyro, Moderator, Jack, Firewalker, Jugglenaut.

The Jumpbot Factory builds:<dl>

{{icon unit def|jumpcon|Constable|Jumpjet Constructor}}

{{icon unit def|jumpscout|Puppy|Walking Missile}}

{{icon unit def|jumpraid|Pyro|Raider/Riot Jumper}}

{{icon unit def|jumpblackhole|Placeholder|Black Hole Launcher}}

{{icon unit def|jumpskirm|Moderator| Disruptor Skirmisher Walker}}

{{icon unit def|jumpassault|Jack|Melee Assault Jumper}}

{{icon unit def|jumparty|Firewalker|Saturation Artillery Walker}}

Placeholder, Moderator and Firewalker have no jumping ability. While the factory itself is not able to [[Jump Command|jump]], either, its Jump command can be used to set a rally point to which any jumping unit will jump instead of walking. It will still walk until it reaches its minimum required jumping distance from the destination.

 

The Jumpbots combine a wide array of gimmicks into a potent force. The Constable, Pyro, Jack, Toad, Skuttle, and Jugglenaut can jump over obstacles, allowing them to attack from unexpected directions or escape from enemies, and the Jugglenaut turns the jump itself into a deadly weapon. The Moderator, Placeholder and Firewalker are specialists which contribute utility effects from longer range.

The Jump and Specalist bots rely on their unique characteristics in battle and therefore require a great deal of attention for effective use. Furthermore, if your opponent is setting the terms of engagement such that your advantages do not come fully into play, the Jumpbots are at a disadvantage in a direct fight. Combining the utility of the Jumpers and Specialists with more directly powerful units such as [[Amphibious Bot Plant|Amphibious Bots]] or [[Shield Bot Factory|Shield Bots]] nullifies this weakness and leaves you with a truly fearsome force.

Use Jacks in combination with a Jugglenaut to destroy enemy units and buildings while the Jugglenaut throws the enemy army into disarray.

Get your Skuttles close to the enemy with an [[Iris]] or an air transport.

Use a Jugglenaut or Placeholder to prevent enemies from running away from bigger threats such as a [[Dante]].

=== Beating Jumpbots ===

In general the Jumpbots are not particularly good against static defenses. Firewalkers can slowly chip away from long range and Jacks can tear down turrets if it's safe for them to get that close, but their options are pretty limited.

The Pyro is a fearsome raider if it sneaks into your base by jumping, but it is quite expensive and rather flimsy. Engaging it at close range with your own raiders can be dicey, but a pair of [[Picket]]s will easily polish off a Pyro.

If there is a lot of [[wreckage]] to [[reclaim]] on the map, keep an eye on it and prevent the Jumpbot player from sucking it all up to create a mass of Puppies.

 

 

The Jugglenaut is a scary opponent but it's ineffective against structures. Stingers or a larger number of Lotuses will force it to retreat. If it is disabled or disarmed the Jugglenaut cannot jump, push or pull, and so it can be caught and defeated easily. It also doesn't do much on its own against heavier opponents such as [[Strider Hub|Striders]].

Jumping units set to [[retreat]] will automatically jump toward the nearest retreat zone when damaged. A retreating Jugglenaut can damage allied units and structures.