It's been a while since the last time I did a strategy post for BC3, so why don't I break down Rank 0 for you few readers I have?

BC3 Strategy: Rank 0

So what it is Rank 0? It's the default starter rank for all new players. If you look at it from an in-universe point of view, it's basically the newb rank: you've done absolutely nothing to prove your battling capabilities. Therefore, you're going to be fighting only those who are at a similar power level: other Rank 0 players, and more or less mindless Rahi.

Since Ranks are essentially the levels for BC3, the NPCs scale for your Rank. For Rank 0, these are all the NPc enemies, and the challenge for ranking up, broken down:

1. Zesk:

Zesk

Mutated Agori

Stats:

HP: 15

Offense: 3

Defense: 3

Speed: 5

Inventory:

Weapon: Stinger (3 Damage)

Abilities:

Creep (Crawl after enemy at high speed; boosts Speed 1.2x and decreases enemy accuracy 20%)

Techniques:

Attack (Standard Attack)

Sting (2x Damage; Charge 1)

A simple, weak enemy. Good for practicing your moves, and quickly racking up stat points.

2. Nui Jaga:

Nui Jaga

Great Scorpion Rahi

Stats:

HP: 25

Offense: 5

Defense: 5

Speed: 5

Inventory:

Weapon: Claws and Stinger (6 Damage)

Armor: Scorpion Plating (Block 2)

Abilities:

Blindness (Flings venom; 60% chance of inflicting blindness; Cooldown 2)

Scorpion Sting (Stings with tail; 2x Damage, with 20% chance of inflicting poison; Cooldown 4)

Techniques:

Strike (Standard Attack)

Claw Crush (Dashes to crush enemy in claws; halves Speed during Charge, for 2.5x Damage; Charge 3)

A stronger enemy, maybe on par with other players. This is a true test of your skill, and more fun once you outgrow a Zesk.

3. Two Nui Rama:

Nui-Rama:

Insect Rahi

Stats:

HP: 10

Offense: 4

Defense: 2

Speed: 6

Inventory:

Weapon: Claws (3 Damage)

Abilities:

Buzz (Create a Sonic hum; 50% chance of confusion; Cooldown 2)

Techniques:

Strike (Standard Attack)

Abduct (Carry away opponent, only to smash it back down to the ground for 1.5x Damage, with 20% chance of confusion; Charge 2)

Directly inspired by the actual Nui Rama set, this is a good way to practice double battles, if you can only get 1 partner, instead of three people for an actual double battle. Neither of the Nui Rama are very difficult, so this is more for getting used to working with a partner, especially considering the challenge...

4. Eight Kraata:

Kraata

Makuta Spawn

Stats:

HP: 5

Offense: 2

Defense: 2

Speed: 2

Inventory:

Weapon: Body (3 Damage; 5% chance of infection)

Abilities:

Infect (Guaranteed infection; requires successful Leech; Cooldown 1)

Techniques:

Hurl (Standard Attack)

Leech (Must follow Hurl; attaches self to opponent, draining 2 HP; Charge 0)

A special battle, for entertainment. Kraata, and later Shadow Kraata, Rahkshi, and Makuta, can inflict Infection status. Individually weak, you have to mind eight at once. Perhaps the most difficult battle; defeating this means you're probably ready for the challenge.

Challenge: Tahnok and Gahlok:

Tahnok

Bohrok of Fire

Stats:

HP: 25

Offense: 6

Defense: 2

Speed: 4

Inventory:

Weapon: Fire Shield (4-6 Damage; Free)

Armor: Bohrok Body (Block 2)

Abilities:

Roll (Rolls up; doubles Speed, but decreases accuracy 20%; Cooldown 2)

Head Smash (Fires head; 2x Damage, with 20% chance of stun; Cooldown 4)

Krana Fling (Desperation Attack; fires krana, with 60% chance of gaining control of the target; self-defeats)

Techniques:

Strike (Standard Attack; with 5% chance of burning)

Burn (1.5x Damage; with 50% chance of burning; Charge 1)

Incinerate (2.5x Damage; with guaranteed burn; Charge 3)

It Must Be Cleaned (Partner Attack; 2x Damage for every Bohrok partner; strikes every opponent; Charge 2)

Gahlok

Bohrok of Water

Stats:

HP: 25

Offense: 6

Defense: 2

Speed: 4

Inventory:

Weapon: Water Shield (4-6 Damage; Free)

Armor: Bohrok Body (Block 2)

Abilities:

Roll (Rolls up; doubles Speed, but decreases accuracy 20%; Cooldown 2)

Head Smash (Fires head; 2x Damage, with 20% chance of stun; Cooldown 4)

Krana Fling (Desperation Attack; fires krana, with 60% chance of infection; self-defeats)

Techniques:

Strike (Standard Attack; with 5% chance of dizzying)

Swamp (1.5x Damage; with 50% chance of dizzying; strikes all enemies Charge 1)

Flood (2.5x Damage; with guaranteed dizzying; Charge 3)

It Must Be Cleaned (Partner Attack; 2x Damage for every Bohrok partner; strikes every opponent; Charge 2)

This is a relatively difficult battle, definitely on par with a player double battle. It’s advised to work with other players, rather than taking it on alone,especially since they’re a tad stronger than most players. The best strategy is to focus on taking them down one at a time, with a Defender or Healer soaking up damage, or Shooters and Fighters debuffing the enemy with status effects. Don’t be afraid to work together; victory will rank up all players involved, since the rewards will be equal.

In addition, here’s a semi-teaser:

BC3 Rank Challenges:

Rank 0: Tahnok and Gahlok

Rank 1: A Vahki

Rank 2: Exo-Toa

Rank 3: Skrall

Rank 4: Two Toa – Victory here upgrades your character to a Tier 2 Class

Rank 5: Three Bohrok Kal

Rank 6: The Bahrag – Cahdok and Gahdok

Rank 7: Two Piraka

Rank 8: Rahi Nui

Rank 9: Vezon and Fenrakk – Victory here upgrades your character to a Tier 3 Class

Rank 10: Makuta Icarax

Rank 11: Brutaka and Axonn

Rank 12: Makuta Teridax (Ultimate Dume form) – Victory here earns the title of Legendary

Rank 13: The Great Spirit Mata Nui – Victory here earns you Rank XIV, the title of Omnipotent, a HUGE number of widgets, and a Tier 4 Class

The game is set through fourteen ranks, 0 through 13. Each Rank will feature NPCs of similar difficulty and status, though a bit weaker. Rank 13 is the effective limit (since it’s a cool number ) so far, although you can try the Rank 13 challenge. Good luck declaring war on a universe .

Put your thoughts on the challenges in the comments. Too difficult? Too short? Tell me what you think!