Ingress/Psychological Warfare

Information from The State of Sarkhan Official Records
Catch me if you can
The Mind Games of Ingress: How Psychological Warfare Wins Battles

Ingress isn't just about hacking portals and building fields. A shrewd agent also understands the power of psychological warfare. Let's explore how MoNoRi-Chan's tactic against BlueUPS exemplifies this approach, drawing parallels to his past experience at Kaset Fair.

Why Mind Games Matter:

In Ingress, victory isn't solely determined by who has the most powerful XMP burners or the most linked portals. The mental state of your opponent can significantly impact the game's course. Here's how psychological warfare can be beneficial:

  • Frustration and Discouragement: By employing tactics like MoNoRi-Chan's field manipulation, you can disrupt your opponent's plans. This can lead to frustration and discouragement, potentially causing them to give up or make rash decisions.
  • Predictability and Exploitation: By observing your opponent's habits, you can predict their moves. MoNoRi-Chan learned from his confrontation with BigBB, avoiding the pitfall of predictable attacks. You can exploit their patterns to gain an advantage.
  • Demoralizing the Opposition: A well-executed psychological tactic can demoralize your opponent, making them question their abilities and strategies. This can give you a significant psychological edge.

MoNoRi-Chan's Maneuver: A Cat-and-Mouse Game on the Ingress Battlefield

MoNoRi-Chan's decision to move the portal away from the main street is a classic example of a cat-and-mouse game. Here's the analogy:

  • The Cat (MoNoRi-Chan): By relocating the portal, MoNoRi-Chan forces BlueUPS (the mouse) to adapt their strategy. The easy drive-by attacks are no longer an option.
  • The Mouse (BlueUPS): BlueUPS is now faced with a dilemma. They either need to find a new way to attack the portal (more effort) or abandon it altogether (ceding territory).

The Kaset Fair Analogy: A Wild Goose Chase for the Resistance

MoNoRi-Chan's reference to his Kaset Fair experience highlights another psychological tactic: the wild goose chase. Imagine:

  • MoNoRi-Chan (the Decoy): He captures portals rapidly, drawing the attention of Resistance agents who chase after him through the crowded fairgrounds.
  • The Resistance Agents (the Geese): They waste valuable time and resources fruitlessly trying to keep up with MoNoRi-Chan, never quite catching him due to the dense crowd.

The Takeaway: Mind Games are a Powerful Tool

MoNoRi-Chan's strategic use of field manipulation and his reference to the Kaset Fair experience demonstrate the effectiveness of psychological warfare in Ingress. By frustrating, discouraging, and demoralizing your opponents, you can gain a significant advantage on the battlefield. Remember, sometimes the best weapon you have isn't an XMP burner, but your opponent's mind.