Suppression (EU2012)
Suppression is a combat ability shared by the Heavy and Support classes, the S.H.I.V as well as most of the Aliens.
Its purpose is to degrade the enemy's ability to fire and maneuver. The target's Aim suffers a 30 point penalty, and your soldier gets an Overwatch shot on the target if it tries to get away. It uses up two ammo, and cannot be activated if you have less. Suppressing an enemy prevents them making Overwatch shots, too. If your Heavy have Danger Zone and suppresses multiple targets, he'll get Overwatch shot to any of them, but whole suppression will be end after that.
Taking a reaction shot on Suppression does not deduct additional ammo on top of what was already 'paid'. To think of it another way, two volleys is how much is needed for a long-term suppression, but if they provoke overwatch, you'll instead use some of the ammo to shoot them and then end the suppression.
Suppression allows you to pin down a target that you can't immediately kill, reducing its ability to hurt your soldiers. You can then get your people to cover, or attempt to flank the alien. Suppressive fire sometimes destroys the enemy's cover, which may allow another soldier better line of fire on the alien.
Since it affects the enemy's Aim, Suppression is not so effective when used against an enemy that relies on hand to hand (melee) combat such as Chryssalids or Berserkers. However, the free shot still applies (and is more likely to be applied against these aliens, as they are much more prone to moving).
Dealing with Suppression
Suppression can be dealt with in a number of ways. Firstly you can attack the suppressing unit before moving or using the suppressed soldier. You don't need to kill them, taking any damage cancels the Suppression effect. Some abilities will not trigger a reaction shot, so you may still use these freely while under suppression instead of a low percentage shot:
- Grenades
- Rocket Launchers
- Psionic Abilities
The Assault class ability Lightning Reflexes will counter the first reaction shot in a turn, so if your Assault soldier has this ability and is suppressed, it is safe to move him/her.