Horde Mode in WAR RATS: The Rat em Up sets the stage for some of the most thrilling defense gameplay. As waves of enemies relentlessly close in, mastering this mode is crucial—not just to survive, but to farm vast amounts of CHz, the game’s vital currency. Once your defenses are upgraded, this mode becomes a reliable powerhouse for steady in-game progress.
Your automated defenses will carry the bulk of the battle, while your role shifts to repairing structures, swapping out broken defenses, and scooping up CHz dropped between waves. This balance lets you stay focused on sustaining your base rather than constant combat.
One of Horde Mode’s biggest draws is its risk-free nature. Even if a run fails, you won't lose any equipment or the progression you've made in Horde Mode, making it a safe and rewarding option in the long run.
Unlocking the best possible setup is key. From weapon choices to base layouts and upgrading priorities, every decision here significantly boosts your CHz income during extended sessions.
Best Loadout for Horde Mode
Starting strong means having enough upfront CHz to build solid defenses. Aim for at least 20,000 CHz to comfortably kick off a Horde Mode run.
Primary Weapon
The Chaingun shines as the premier choice thanks to its steady damage output and huge ammo reserves. This reduces the frequency of resupplies, letting you concentrate on fortifying defenses rather than scrambling for ammo.
Secondary Weapon
You’ll want an explosive secondary weapon to handle enemy swarms efficiently. Good options include:
- Flrat Cannon
- Ratzooka with the Fat Rat modification
- Homing Ratzooka, a solid alternative
These weapons quickly clear groups before they break through your walls, keeping your base intact longer.
Throwable
An upgraded Sentry Gun is indispensable here. These automatic turrets dish out continuous damage and are best deployed en masse to support your defenses throughout the match.
Recommended Equipment
- Blast Shield
- Two HP Boosters
If you’re using the Fat Rat attachment on your secondary, consider swapping one equipment slot to suit your personal playstyle better.
Best Special Rats
Choose companions who actively bolster your defenses. The top picks include:
- Bomber Rat
- Artillery Rat
- Helper Rat
- Mechanic Rat
The Mechanic Rat is especially valuable, automatically repairing damaged structures and keeping your defenses operational between waves.
Horde Mode Base Layout
Consistency is key. Both lanes should mirror the same defensive setup for balance and maximal coverage.
+ X X + (S) + + + + + + + +
M W G W (S) G B W G M W B CLayout Legend
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| M | Mines |
| W | Wall |
| G | Gunner |
| B | Mortar/Bomb |
| S | Sentry Gun |
| C | Campsite |
| + | Build this structure |
| X | Leave empty |
Note that the front-most Wall and Gunner in the layout should not be built. Construct everything else on both lanes to create a strong but efficient defensive line.
Position your Sentry Guns in front of the Gunner slots, lining them up to add a valuable layer of automatic firepower against enemies.
Upgrade every possible structure to amplify your chances of success. This setup works well for two lanes even without radio support.
Use leftover CHz to purchase upgrades. Careful investment is crucial to maintain momentum.
Upgrade priority should be:
- Right-side Gunner upgrades
- Left-side Mortar upgrades
- All other defenses
Higher-level Gunners mean your lanes will demand less micromanagement as waves grow tougher.
Managing Resources
Expect early waves to be tight on CHz. Most earnings go toward keeping your defenses intact, so don’t count on quick profit right away.
Spend primarily on:
- Replacing destroyed Walls
- Rebuilding Mines
- Setting up new Sentry Guns
- Repairing damaged defenses
You typically won't see steady CHz surpluses until around Wave 35, so patience pays off in the end.
When Upgrade Prices Become Too Expensive
Upgrade costs rise as you progress, sometimes dramatically. There’s a handy workaround: exiting to the main menu and restarting the game resets these prices to their original values for the new session.
This trick only works once per game launch but allows continuous enhancement without breaking the bank.
It’s a brilliant way to push your upgrades further by effectively managing your resources.
Reaching a Fully Automated Defense
At around Tier 10, your upgraded defenses will become incredibly efficient, capable of handling incoming waves with minimal effort from you.
This means you can shift into a more relaxed role, watching your automated systems fend off enemies for you.
Your waves last roughly five minutes each, offering windows to manage your base without frantic action.
Between waves, focus on:
- Collecting dropped CHz
- Replacing destroyed Mines
- Rebuilding Walls
- Deploying fresh Sentry Guns
- Repairing structures as needed
Then let the next wave roll in and enjoy the payoff of your well-oiled defenses.
Save Your Horde Mode Progress
It’s important not to quit in the middle of a wave to ensure your progress saves correctly.
Instead, follow this order to exit safely:
- Gather all pickups around you.
- Wait for the current wave to finish.
- Open the pause menu.
- Return to the Main Menu.
When you reload, you’ll start back at the nest, with your Horde Mode progress intact and ready to pick up from where you left off.
Extra CHz Bonus Tip
Every enemy defeated in Horde Mode boosts your score in subsequent New Game Plus or Skirmish runs, translating into additional CHz bonuses. Long sessions significantly enhance your future playthrough profitability.
The key is leveraging automation through smart upgrades and defense positioning. Focus on Gunner upgrades and let your defenses do most of the heavy lifting, turning your base into a self-sufficient CHz machine.
This is a Horde Mode strategy that is based on great automation, not constant fighting. You invest your CHz into the right weapons, position your defenses carefully, and prioritize Gunner upgrades. You’ll hit a point where your base does most of the work for you.
