5 Best Features in Squad’s ICO Update

Squad is a realistic tactical shooter that has recently implemented its Infantry Combat Overhaul. Dubbed the ICO update, this update sees the implementation of tons of new features to the game. These features are designed to not only enhance immersion and gameplay. But are also designed with the intention of slowing things down a bit. That said, there are many features that this update introduces that players should be on the lookout for. So without further ado, here are the 5 Best Features in Squad's ICO Update. 

5. Proximity Markers

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Starting off today's list of the best features introduced as part of Squad's ICO update, here we have Proximity Markers. As anyone who has played Squad for any amount of time will tell you, visual information is incredibly vital to the player experience. This is not only due to the fact that the game focuses heavily on realism. But also due to the sheer size of the game's maps, as well as the nature of its combat. Combat in Squad requires players to pay attention to minute details in their moment-to-moment gameplay.

Perhaps it is an enemy squad cresting over a far-off ridgeline or the movement of an enemy vehicle. No matter the case, the importance of player positioning cannot be understated. This makes the inclusion of Proximity Markers incredibly game-changing for the better. It should be noted, however, that the Proximity Markers present in Squad only work within the Proximity voice chat radius, which is roughly up to fifty meters out. All around, Proximity Markers should improve the flow of combat, as well as a player's understanding of their location, making it one of the best features in the ICO update for Squad.

4. Changes To Movement

Staying somewhat in the same vein as our last entry for our next, here we have the changes to movement. For those unaware, there have been immense changes to the movement system within Squad. The ICO update introduces a slower movement time, as well as more weighty animations, to both aid immersion and deter point-and-click gunplay. Instead, players will now have to steady their weapons if they are readying up from moving. This is great, as it keeps players from instantly being able to ready their weapon, and inherently aids players who take the time and patience to move effectively.

This is perhaps the most felt feature change within Squad's ICO update, making it one of the most important. Players will have to not only think about their movements more carefully but also work in tandem with their squad in order to succeed. This is great, as it really bolsters the hardcore roots of the game, and encourages the more communication-based gameplay that Squad is known for. In short, the changes to the movement within this update are one of the best features of the ICO.

3. Picture-in-Picture Scopes

For our next entry, we have an entry that affects every infantry player, Picture-in-Picture Scopes. The implementation of Picture-in-Picture Scopes not only gives Squad a more realistic and authentic feel, but it changes the gunplay immensely. This is due to the fact that players are essentially forced to scope out in order to observe their surroundings. This is done to incentivize players to choose their engagements wisely. The Picture-in-Picture Scopes are available to all scoped weapons and can be changed variably based on zoom levels.

This makes this feature one that is felt throughout the infantry gameplay, and a welcome change for many. This is due to the fact that many in Squad's close-knit community, thought that combat prior to the ICO was becoming too arcadey. Before the ICO, players were able to essentially move around freely without worrying about their stamina affecting their weapons too much. To close, the implementation of Picture-in-Picture Scopes is one of the most welcome, and best features of the ICO update in Squad.

2. Increased Suppression

Changing things up a bit for our next entry on the best features of the ICO update in Squad. Here we have increased Suppression. For players who aren't familiar with the suppression mechanic in Squad, it is a mechanic that is meant to keep players' heads down under fire. This is great, as it really manages to capture the feeling of panic and worry that comes with coming under fire. Prior to the ICO, players didn't have to worry too much about Suppression. However, with the implementation of the ICO Suppression is greatly enhanced.

Overall, this is great for the game and really manages to buff the Fire Support roles. Fire Support roles within Squad include things such as Machine Gunners, and Automatic Riflemen. Now, when these classes open fire upon an area, enemy players will have to maneuver around, instead of instantly being able to return fire. This not only increases the quality and length of the game's firefights overall. But it also helps the Fire Support roles shine in a way that wasn't possible before. To close, this is one of the best features within Squad‘s ICO update.

1. Gunplay Changes

Now comes the time for our final entry. For our final entry on our list of the best features present within the ICO update in Squad, we have the sweeping gunplay changes. For those unaware, prior to the ICO, gameplay became rather arcadey and even twitchy to an extent. This was due to the fact that players hardly had a deterrent for a more run-and-gun playstyle. This, for many players, seemed disingenuous to the Squad experience, as well as its core tenants of teamwork and coordination.

These changes serve to not only reward more team-oriented players but also immerse the player within the game fully. This also greatly affects weapon balance in the game, as each weapon now functions differently from its prior iteration. This is great, as it levels the playing field in many ways. All while placing more emphasis on player positioning and strategy. In conclusion, the changes to the gunplay within Squad are without a doubt, one of the best features present in the game's ICO update.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Features in Squad's ICO Update? What are your favorite features from the update? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.