PHOENIX WARS
Rezarus Phoenix Wars is a solo-focused PvP phoenix missiles only arena combat mode built around aim and evasion. Players pilot Leopard tanks equipped with Phoenix Missiles, battling in nearly duel-like skirmishes where raw aim, prediction and juking win out most. If you are new to Phoenix Wars, here's a quick guide to the mode that closest resembles the traditional first person shooter, but with tanks instead.
About Phoenix Wars
Phoenix Wars simplifies the entirety of Rezarus gameplay to its very core: movement, aiming, and evasion. Phoenix Wars features locked loadout Leopards equipped with 3 Phoenix Missiles and Rocket Thrusters. This medium-paced to fast-paced mode emphasizes strong individual skill, rewarding players who are able to aim, lead their targets well and evade incoming fire. It takes only two Phoenix Missiles to destroy a Leopard, making the environment of Phoenix Wars harsh but thrilling at the same time. If you're an adrenaline junkie, then this is the mode for you.
Available Loadouts
In this game mode there are two preset loadouts:
- Standard - 3 Phoenix Missiles, 1 Thruster Pack (Air Boost included)
- Grounder - 4 Phoenix Missiles
Most players prefer the Standard loadout for its added mobility, but if you're a new player having trouble with aiming while flying the grounder loadout is a powerful alternative that sacrifices movement for extra firepower.
The standard loadout comes up equipped with thrusters which enable flight mobility, along with an air boost module that applies quick directional based thrust while airborne.
The loadout screen of Phoenix Wars that shows the two locked loadout selections available for the game mode: Standard and Grounder.
A contested reload pad in the Phoenix Wars arena Downtown. Here the player "Span" has the advantage of firing missiles and instantly reloading. But just a single missile will knock him off the pad.
Flying tanks are a part of Phoenix Wars. They offer extra attack and evasion strategies.
Attacking a 1 vs 3 situation will be difficult to come out of alive. There is safety in numbers.
Strategies
Pad Locations
With a limited missile supply, learning the locations of reload pads is critical.
When using the Standard loadout, you typically need to land 2 of your 3 missiles to secure a kill — unless your target is already damaged. Because of this, combat often revolves around firing, reloading, and re-engaging.
Fighting near reload pads gives you the chance to either replenish missiles mid-battle or at the end, making these areas far more contested than open sections of the arena that are better suited for pure duel-like play.
Hovering on or near reload pads too often might earn you the nickname "pad sitter," but controlling reload pads is a core strategic element of Phoenix Wars.
Air Boost Module
The Air Boost comes automatically equipped with the Thruster Pack. It provides an instant burst of thrust in any direction while consuming thruster fuel.
Air Boost is commonly used to dodge incoming fire mid-air, reposition quickly, or launch fast aerial attacks.
In some arenas like Checkers or Kahuna, skilled players can chain movement routes through reload pads, allowing them to perform touch-and-go refills and immediately gain another Air Boost for even greater speed.
Its overall impact on gameplay varies heavily by arena. Maps like Checkers are strongly centered around aggressive Air Boost use, while arenas such as Downtown or Rush where reload pads are spaced farther apart, often reward saving Air Boost for aerial jukes and defensive maneuvers.
Team Play
Phoenix Wars isn't centered around team play, but that doesn't mean there isn't safety in numbers. If you're struggling or still getting comfortable with the mode, try staying near your teammates. Fighting alongside allies can reduce the chance of being isolated, create crossfire opportunities, and make it easier to survive chaotic engagements.
While individual skill is still the biggest factor, using nearby teammates for support is a smart way to ease into the pace of Phoenix Wars. Just be mindful not to accidentally steal too many kills, as veterans in this mode are often far more competitive and less forgiving than players in more relaxed and team-focused modes like Impulse Wars or Laser Wars.
Mode Skill Depth: 7/10
- Individual Skill Depth: 9/10
- Team Play Skill Depth: 5/10
Phoenix Wars is generally considered a moderate skill depth mode compared to other game modes in Rezarus.
Phoenix Wars is the most simple to understand mode: aim and fire, like any traditional first person shooter. However, that simplicity places greater emphasis on the game's most fundamental core mechanics — movement, aiming and evasion.
This results in individual skill playing the biggest role in Phoenix Wars, while team play becomes a secondary factor. The mode is fast, unforgiving but thrilling, and highly rewarding, making it one of the more intense experiences Rezarus has to offer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What tank is used in Phoenix Wars?
All players pilot Leopard tanks in Phoenix Wars.
How many Phoenix Missiles does it take to destroy a Leopard?
Two direct hits — unless the target is already damaged, in which case a single missile can finish them off.
Are loadouts locked in Phoenix Wars?
Yes. All players share the same preset loadouts in Phoenix Wars. You may select one of two loadouts — Standard or Grounder.
Which loadout should I pick as a new player?
If you're new and struggling with aiming while flying, start with the Grounder loadout. It gives you 4 Phoenix Missiles and removes the complexity of managing flight, letting you focus purely on aim. Once you're comfortable, switch to Standard for the added mobility and Air Boost.
Can I fly in Phoenix Wars?
Yes, with the Standard loadout. The included Thruster Pack enables aerial movement, which is a core part of evasion and attack strategies.
What is the Air Boost module?
Air Boost is a module automatically included with the Standard loadout's Thruster Pack. It delivers an instant burst of thrust in any direction while airborne, consuming thruster fuel. It's commonly used to dodge incoming missiles mid-air, reposition quickly, or launch fast aerial attacks. Its impact varies by arena — maps like Checkers reward aggressive Air Boost chaining, while arenas like Downtown favor saving it for defensive jukes.
What are reload pads and where do I find them?
Reload pads are scattered throughout each Phoenix Wars arena. Driving over or landing on one replenishes your missile supply, making them critical with only 3 or 4 missiles per loadout. Because of this, reload pads are often the most contested areas in any arena — controlling one during a fight can give you a significant advantage.
Is pad camping or "pad sitting" allowed?
Yes — controlling reload pads is a legitimate and core strategic element of Phoenix Wars. That said, hovering on pads too often may earn you the "pad sitter" label from veterans. It's fair play, but expect some pushback from more experienced players who prefer open dueling.
Is Phoenix Wars a team mode or a solo mode?
Phoenix Wars is primarily a solo-focused mode. Individual skill is the biggest factor in performance, and the mode is built around personal aim and evasion. Team play is secondary — though staying near teammates can help newer players survive chaotic engagements.
How does Phoenix Wars compare to other Rezarus modes?
Phoenix Wars strips Rezarus down to its most fundamental mechanics — movement, aiming, and evasion — making it the closest thing to a traditional first-person shooter in tank form. It demands more individual mechanical skill (rated 9/10) than team-oriented modes like Impulse Wars or Laser Wars, while requiring less coordination. It's faster and more unforgiving, but also more immediately rewarding for players who enjoy pure aim-based combat.
What are the most popular Phoenix Wars arenas?
For players who like Air Boost heavy gameplay, Checkers and Kahuna are most popular. For players who prefer a more rounded style of Phoenix Wars, Downtown and Rush are popular arena choices.
