Fanatic (Rivals)

"We will die for the cause!"

- Fanatic when selected

The Fanatic is a rare Nod infantry unit in Command & Conquer: Rivals.

Background
The Nod Fanatics are handpicked squads of the most zealous Nod foot-soldiers. They are charged with carrying Nod's colors into the battle, dreaming to inspire their comrades by sacrificing themselves in battle.

Abilities

 * Reveals invisible units.
 * Death of a squad member boosts nearby friendly units.
 * Death of a squad member boosts nearby friendly units.

Game unit
Fanatics are capable of delivering damage to infantry near that of Flame troopers, and even vehicles cannot afford to ignore them for too long. The only thing that stands in the way of Fanatics becoming the ultimate early game stand-alone infantry is their low health. But surviving is not what they are there for. Their main role is to die at the appropriate time and near friendly units. When a member of the squad dies, it boosts all surrounding friendly units. Although in perfect circumstances one squad of Fanatics could boost the whole army three times over, it is almost impossible to achieve in practice.

Fanatics work well combined with the Scorpion tank and other Fanatics. A pair of Fanatic squads will swiftly deal even with Shockwave troopers, since the dying squad will boost up the other squad, thus substantially increasing the already high damage output. The Scorpion Tank is a great companion, because together they can easily pressure the harvester. One of the best counters to the Scorpion tank is Missile squad, but Fanatics can get rid of those quickly. If the opponent first tries to deal with the Fanatics, they will boost the Scorpion tank, which then can go after the Harvester.

If the opponent is ignoring the Fanatics, they can be killed off by being placed in Tiberium cloud or Fire patch, but these tactics are opportunistic and will kill off the whole squad, not single members.

Ability to target stealthed units can be a life saver if the fanatics are the only infantry in the deck.

The main weakness of the Fanatics are air units, like Venoms and Talons, which can afford to ignore Fanatics and deal with other units. Riflemen and Sniper Team are an effective answer as well, since the former will trade favorably and the latter can take them out from a safe distance and use Missile squad to block/counter boosted units.

Decks
Oxanna can be replaced with Seth, Phantom with Banshee

Changelog

 * Added to the game on 17 May 2019
 * 2019-09-12: Vehicle damage decreased to 32 (was 37)
 * 2019-12-11: Damage to Vehicles 18 (was 32)
 * 2020-08-12:
 * Overall buff duration reduced to 5 seconds (was 8)
 * Reload Speed Boost changed to 10% (was 25%)
 * Attack Speed buff reduced to 45% (was 65%)
 * Movement speed buff reduced to 25% (was 40%)
 * 2021-06-09: Weapon damage reduced to 49 (was 57)

When created

 * My life is yours!
 * Our faith lies in Kane!
 * Our lives mean nothing

When selected

 * We will die for the cause!
 * Our lives are insignificant
 * One purpose
 * Honor in death
 * Fear no enemy

When moving

 * The great plan unfolds
 * As it has been written
 * Kane requires it
 * Be clear of mind
 * His will moves with us
 * It's Kane's will

When moving to attack favorably

 * Glory for Nod!
 * For the cause!
 * The brotherhood has spoken
 * See their weakness

When moving to attack neutral

 * Sacrifice for the cause
 * Our purpose will unfold!
 * We must not fail!
 * Anything for Nod
 * War of attrition

When moving to attack unfavorably

 * Sacrifice for Kane!
 * Hear the words of Kane!
 * We will not be forgotten!
 * Rejoice in death!

When unable to attack target

 * Not part of Kane's mandate
 * Not Kane's will
 * Kane does not want it

When attacking

 * Our time is at hand!
 * Now is our time!
 * For the brotherhood!
 * Rejoice for Kane!

When under attack

 * We will be remembered!
 * They test our faith!
 * Kane calls to us!
 * Cover yourselves!

When dying

 * For Kane!
 * The plan!

Trivia

 * Named similarly to the Fanatics in Tiberium Wars, but have different roles.
 * Don't see much value in their own lives. Male.
 * When idle, raises their hands up into the air.

Videos
Idling

Behind the scenes
"The buff when a squad member dies should give players new interesting ways to play and hopefully help create new strategies."

- KyleF