Capture Mechanic — Confusion and Hold Back

Capture is not a post-battle bonus. Two gates: target confused, HP exactly 1. Miss either — no capture prompt.

Hub: Phase IV stealth.

Step 1 — Confusion

Reliable source: stealth ambush. Initiate from hidden — confusion applies, target cannot counterattack.

Even when I plan to kill, ambush first — confused + no counter is cheaper than a fair trade.

Step 2 — Hold Back to 1 HP

Use Hold Back — caps damage so target survives at 1. Normal attack finisher = dead unit = failed capture.

Switch to Hold Back around 15% HP, not as a last-second guess. Stray AoE or aircraft chip can kill the target — aircraft caution.

Step 3 — Capture roll

Game shows chance before commit (often ~53% — not fixed). Confusion must still be active; HP must be 1. Fewer turns = fewer things going wrong.

Success: enemy mech in roster, sometimes +3 upgrades already installed.

Huntsman note

Same loop possible — unparryable whip makes melee setup dangerous — Huntsman. Aircraft chip only until Hold Back window.