Grad is a strange Mordhau map that isn’t quite the same in every game mode. This map has three relatively different variations depending on game mode. You will need to learn what strategies to use for the map for each type of player. The map isn’t quite as well balanced as Camp, but it is also not as limited as Tourney. Grad provides opportunities for most players to get stuck into the battle. With some really varied areas, you might find yourself staying in only one side of the entire map depending on your choice of character class.
Grad is available to players in the Frontline, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Horde and Skirmish modes. The horde mode available is fun, but it isn’t the best map to grind Gold and XP. When playing on Grad you will get a different variant depending on your game mode. They’re all fairly atmospheric, but with some differences. Skirmish and the two deathmatch modes feature a smaller variant of the map. This only includes the castle and the courtyard just outside. The Horde mode variant extends the map beyond its boundaries for more countryside, but this is essentially just more unused space.
The main variant of Grad provides ample space for horses to manoeuvre, chokepoints for engineers to man, and open spaces for intricate duels. No matter what type of player you are, you need to be using the best settings, key binds, and getting the best frames per second as possible. As a larger map, Grad will be taxing on your PC, so using the right set-up is essential.
Grad for Archers
Grad isn’t the perfect map for Archers in any of its game modes. In each variation, the castle is the better spot to focus on. However, the ease of doing this is going to depend on which side you’re on. The Free Guard have easier access to vantage points, making that side better for less experienced archers. The caste in the map provides a number of fairly isolated spots that give a good view of the courtyard and some of the outside area. This is a great spot to position yourself in if you’re skilled at long range and delicate archery.
More adaptive archer players should position themselves behind the chokepoints surrounding the courtyard. The courtyard itself is often filled with duelling players, these points surrounding are a great spot for picking off individual duelling players. You need to be cautious of other archers in these spots and use the right perks to counter them.
When playing on game modes with the wider outdoors area in Grad, an archer is well-positioned to take on horses. Melee players will struggle to make a dent in horseback players in these areas, so you should use your aim and relative safety to deal damage to horses.
Horseback Players and Engineers
Horseback gameplay is only really viable on the larger variants of Grad. In these modes, you have access to a large outdoor area surrounding the main castle. This space has the freedom for you to manoeuvre on a horse in relative safety.
Horseplayers may be tempted to take a run into the courtyard for this area to clean up with some kills. This run might actually net you a good amount of damage. However, you will struggle to escape before taking a lot of damage yourself. This makes it a less than ideal spot to really focus on.
Engineers on grad need to focus either on countering horseplayers or manning chokepoints around the castle. Of course on the smaller maps, this decision will have been made for you. Spikes and walls can be used to barricade the courtyard and keep a team closed in. Equally your spikes or crossbow can be really effective in taking out horseback players in the open area.
The mounted crossbow can be positioned in one entry point to the courtyard to give you a wide field to take shots in. This position won’t last too long but it will enable you to rack up plenty of kills before becoming overwhelmed.
Grad for Melee Players
Grad is a fun map for melee players but one that suffers from some of the larger problems with Mordhau’s current balance. When they’re effective for horseback players, you’re going to have a bad time trying to stay safe in the outdoors. Melee players aren’t well equipped to deal with horseback players without wasting far too much time and energy on it. To avoid this problem, stay out of the outside areas. The castle courtyard will give plenty of space for duels. Although you need to be cautious of arrows, players comfortable taking on multiple enemies at once will manage to do well in these sections.
The inside of the caste provides space for more intimate interactions. Advanced duellists who prefer the one on one gameplay will likely have more fun in these sections. Since they can also become chokepoints they are a good way of isolating other players.
Grad can provide options for every type of Mordhau player. However, it does demonstrate some of the larger flaws with the balancing of the game and the mechanics becoming too segmented. Despite some problems, every player stands a fighting chance on this map despite their choice of player class. If you’ve got your strategy down and you’re running the best settings for Mordhau that you can, you should be able to win plenty of matches on Grad.