Observatory (Natural Selection 2)

Observatory

"Distress Beacon activated. Teleport imminent!"
Frontiersmen
Team Resources 10
Supply 25 / 200
Health 700	Armor 500
Abilities and Upgrades
Abilities: Scan, Distress Beacon, Detector, Recycle
Upgrades: Phase Tech
Miscellaneous
Tech Requirements: Infantry Portal, Armory
Unlocks: Phase Gate
Build Time:	15 seconds
Builds From:	Marine Commander
Buy From:	Advanced Tab
Hotkey:	S

Introduction[]

The Observatory is the Frontiersmen alien detection and emergency recall structure created by the Marine Commander. Marines or MACs are required to assemble the unbuilt structure and Power Nodes nearby.

When powered, the Observatory can passively detect nearby Kharaa lifeforms and structures, which will periodically appear as blips on Marine Heads-up Display; detection can also reveal Kharaa under Camouflage effects. The Commander can spend Team Resources to scan any area for alien presence with the benefits of detection. Additionally, Phase Tech can be researched at an Observatory by the Commander to unlock the Phase Gate structure.

The Observatory enables the Distress Beacon for emergency teleportation when activated by the Commander. After a short delay, all existing Marines will teleport to the nearest Command Station from the Observatory.

Abilities[]

Passive Ability

Detector

Reveals nearby Kharaa players and structures, highlights enemy position on Marine HUD, and provides targeting for ARCs.
Radius	22
Requires	Nearby Active Power Nodes

Detected

Reveals you to enemy players by nullifying Camouflage, and highlighting your position on Marines' Minimap and HUD, even through walls.
Requires	Nearby active Observatory or Scan

The Observatory is designed to detect Kharaa lifeforms and structures. When hostiles are within range, they will be revealed if under the effects of Camouflage; all nearby Marines will receive periodic target circles on their Heads-Up Display, allowing them to approximate the threats' locations. ARC sonic cannons can lock onto Kharaa structures that are detected by the Observatory.

Targeted Ability

Scan

Reveals all Kharaa players and structures in an area of the map provides line-of-sight for ARCs Can be countered with Ink
Hotkey	A or E , F
TRes	3
Range	Global
Radius	20
Duration	10 seconds
Cooldown	1 seconds
Targets	Player, structure, ground

The Marine Commander can use any Observatory's scanning capabilities to reveal a large part of the map. The Scan will provide a small light source to aid Marine visibility in unpowered rooms, and provides the same benefits as the Detector passive ability.

Triggered Ability

Distress Beacon

Teleports all Marines to the nearest Command Station.
Hotkey	S
TRes	10
Delay	3 seconds
Requires	Nearby Active Power Nodes and Command Station

The Distress Beacon is an emergency teleportation function of the Observatory. After initiating the beacon protocol and a small delay, all Marines will be teleported next to the nearest Command Station from the Observatory. Distress Beacon cannot be cancelled once activated.

The Distress Beacon sound

Triggered Ability

Recycle

Recycles the structure over time and refunds resources based on initial cost and current Health. Recycle can be canceled by Marine Commander or by destroying the structure.
Frontiersmen
Hotkey	V
TRes	0.75 x initial cost x %HP left
Duration	6 seconds

Recycle enables the Marine Commander to return a portion of Team Resources by recycling a structure. The recycling process lasts a short duration, after which a maximum of 75% Team Resources used to create the structure is refunded. However, the amount of Team Resources refunded depends on the remaining health of the structure on recycle completion. The higher the structure's health, the more resources are refunded.

Research[]

Phase Tech[]

Phase Tech

Enables the purchase of Phase Gates.
Hotkey	Y / Z
TRes	10
Research Time	45 seconds

Trivia[]

Positioning is key to maximize Observatory detection coverage.
- Placing an Observatory in the center of your base reveals hidden lifeforms in the base.
- Placing an Observatory on the outskirts of your base allows your team to prepare for incoming attacks.
The Observatory is very fragile. Try not to expose it to Bile Bomb attacks around corners.