Acepedia
Acepedia
(→‎Trivia: Strangely, when the player reaches Avalon and then fly over the ravine, he/she will suffer no damage at all.)
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{{Mission2Operation|Operation Point Blank}}
{{Mission_infobox
 
  +
{{Notice|For the ''[[Ace Combat Infinity]]'' version of this mission, see [[Avalon (mission)]].}}
|title = The Valley of Kings
 
  +
{{Mission
|subtitle = 王の谷 "Ō no Tani"
 
  +
| image = Avalon (The Valley of Kings - ACZ).png
|game = [[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]
 
  +
| caption = A distant shot of Avalon Dam
|mission = 17
 
|previous = [[The Demon of the Round Table]]
+
| game = ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''
  +
| mission = Campaign Mission 17
|next = [[Zero]]
 
  +
| previous = [[The Demon of the Round Table]]
|focus = Air-to-ground
 
  +
| next = [[Zero]]
|objective = Reach [[Avalon Dam]] and stop the [[V2]] launch.
 
  +
| focus = [[Canyon flight]]
|date = December 31, 1995
 
  +
| objective = Approach Avalon Dam.
|time = 15:00
 
  +
| timelimit = 20 minutes
|location = [[Avalon Dam]], [[Principality of Belka]]
 
|playerchar = [[Cipher]]
+
| playerchar = [[Cipher]]
  +
| u1focus = Air-to-Ground<br>[[Tunnel flight]]
|allies = Allied forces
 
  +
| u1objective = Destroy the V2 controls ({{TGT}}).
|enemies = [[A World With No Boundaries]]}}{{Quote|It's the [[Galm Team]]! We've been waiting for you! Follow us, we'll escort you to [[Avalon Dam|Avalon]]!|[[Osean Air Force]] pilot}}'''The Valley of Kings''' is the seventeenth mission in ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''. Following directly after the events of "[[The Demon of the Round Table]]", it sees the [[66th Air Force Unit]] raiding [[Avalon Dam]], the main stronghold of the "[[A World With No Boundaries]]" coup forces to stop the launch of a [[V2]] missile.
 
  +
| u1timelimit = 10 minutes (Very Easy/Easy)<br>7 minutes (Normal/Hard)<br>5 minutes (Expert/Ace)
==Plot==
 
  +
}}
The Ustio military's investigation of the attack carried out by the heavy command cruiser [[XB-0 Hresvelgr]] against the city of [[Lumen]] and [[Valais Air Base]] by the rebel organization "[[A World With No Boundaries]]" in December 25th has led them to discover the existence of [[Avalon Dam]], a [[Belkan]]-made missile silo located in the Mund region which serves as the group's central headquarters. Furthermore, they have discovered that A World With No Boundaries is in possession of a [[V2]], an experimental ballistic missile, which they intend to launch.
 
  +
{{Quote|It's the [[Galm Team]]! We've been waiting for you! Follow us, we'll escort you to Avalon!|Allied Squadron}}
  +
{{Nihongo|"'''The Valley of Kings'''"|王の谷}} is the 17th and penultimate [[campaign]] mission in ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''. Following directly after the events of "[[The Demon of the Round Table]]", the player and the [[Allied Forces]] raid [[Avalon Dam, Belka|Avalon Dam]], the main stronghold of [[A World With No Boundaries]], to prevent the launch of a [[V2]] missile.
   
  +
==Briefing==
After fighting their way past an elite fighter squadron at [[Area B7R]], the Galm Team arrives at 15:00hrs. to Mund Valley, right as several Allied aircraft distract the coup forces that the mercenaries may fly through. With the local airspace being protected by an anti-aircraft defense network, [[Cipher]] and [[PJ]] make their way through Mund Valley, avoiding groups of AA vehicles and incoming fighters as they go. Eventually, they arrive to Avalon Dam itself, at which point the rebel forces begin the final preparations for the V2's launch. With no time to lose, Cipher flies into the insides of Avalon itself and attacks the missile's launch control systems, which results in the launch countdown sequence stopping.
 
  +
''I'll transmit the latest data we've received from the Allied Forces. According to this, the dam is protected by an intensive antiaircraft defense network. To deal with this, the Allied squadron will draw antiaircraft fire to itself in the skies. Meanwhile, [[Galm Team]] will join the Allied squad's Avalon Dam strike team and approach the target at low-altitude through the canyon. That's the only way we stand a chance at succeeding. If you destroy the V2 launch control facility, you should be able to stop the weapon from being fired. The V2 will probably be equipped with a [[Nuclear weapon|nuclear warhead]]. The destruction caused by its single warhead will most likely dwarf the damage inflicted by that [[Operation Ravage|tactical nuclear attack before]]. All the Allied Forces will be mobilized for this full scale operation. It seems this war doesn't want to come to an end. We must stop the V2 launch! Hurry!''
   
  +
==Objectives==
Cipher gets outside Avalon and is greeted by an excited PJ, who exclaims that they "are going to be rich" (if the player flies as a mercenary), "going to be branded as heroes" (if the player flies as a Knight), or that "the war is over" (if the player flies as a soldier). [[AWACS Eagle Eye]] tells them to remain in "stand by" as the situation is analyzed. When flying in formation over the now ruined Avalon Dam, an unidentified aircraft enters the airspace at high speed. A light comes from the horizon towards the duo, and PJ dives into Cipher's way, his [[F-16C Fighting Falcon]] being destroyed by the "light", a laser beam. Over the radio, the unknown plane's pilot says "Have you found a reason to fight yet...? [[Larry Foulke|Buddy]]."
 
==Walkthrough==
+
===Initial===
  +
The player will spawn inside a canyon at the southern edge of the map. The only objective at this point is to survive the canyon and reach Avalon Dam to the north. An anti-aircraft defense network covers the rim of the canyon, so the player must not fly above 600&nbsp;m (1968&nbsp;ft). It is impossible to avoid the defense network; the player's aircraft will automatically suffer damage while above the altitude limit.
===Approach to Avalon===
 
The player spawns inside a canyon in Mund Valley, at the southern end of the map. The objective is to get to Avalon Dam at the north. All ammunition and health lost in the last mission will be restored here; as well, since the player is far away from [[Valais Air Base]], changing to another aircraft will be impossible at this point,unless you're playing on free mission.
 
   
  +
The canyon flight is separated by four bridges, each protected by anti-aircraft weapons such as [[Surface-to-Air Missile|SAMs]], [[Anti-air gun|AA GUNs]], and [[Pillbox|PILLBOXs]]. After the player passes the first bridge, two [[Rafale M]]s ahead will fire on the player as well. Two [[Su-47 Berkut]]s will spawn after the player passes the third bridge, as well as a jamming [[EA-18G Growler]] on Ace difficulty (see [[#Special Units|§ Special Units]]). An [[F-22A Raptor|F/A-22A Raptor]] and another Su-47 Berkut will also begin to approach the canyon from either side.
The approach to Avalon is complicated by the fact that the area is covered by an anti-aircraft defense network, which is triggered whenever Cipher flies too far above the rim of the canyon (3,000m.), nearly always shooting down the player. [[Electronic Countermeasure Pod]] usage will be rendered useless in this situation, so do not bother using a Jammer aircraft.
 
   
  +
The mission will advance once the player passes the fourth bridge and arrives at Avalon Dam.
After entering the canyon, the player will arrive to a small bridge, where two SAMs and two AA guns are attack Allied aircraft; deal with them as required. When the first bridge is passed, a group of five anti-air vehicles will be waiting on the ground below. Be careful not let the SAMs launch a missile when going north, as evading such projectiles will be made more difficult by the AA network. Two [[Rafale M]] will fly through the canyon ahead of the player firing their guns, which are easily avoidable. When the planes have been passed, the player will arrive to the second bridge, which is protected by two pillboxes on the cliffsides and AA vehicles on the ground.
 
   
  +
===Mission Update===
This point ends the first half of the valley run. Several targets on the ground will spawn ahead. As mentioned before, deal with them as required. Following that, the third bridge will appear ahead. When the bridge has been bypassed, two [[Su-47 Berkut]] fighters will appear within the canyon; fly low to avoid them and their fire. An [[EA-18G Growler]] jammer will appear behind them in Ace difficulty (see "Aces" below.) Behind the aircraft lies the fourth and final bridge, which is occupied by AA guns and SAMs, as usual.
 
  +
Upon arriving at Avalon, the defense network will be disabled and the player can fly at any altitude, even backtracking over the canyon safely. After a few moments, a V2 launch countdown will begin. The countdown varies depending on the selected [[difficulty]]:
  +
*10 minutes on Very Easy and Easy
  +
*7 minutes on Normal and Hard
  +
*5 minutes on Expert and Ace
   
  +
The player must destroy all three V2 control devices marked as {{TGT}} before the countdown ends. The devices are located inside the tunnels underneath the dam, and various entrances are available from above; these entrances will close over time, faster on the higher difficulties. Anti-aircraft weapons are also present inside and outside the tunnel, and enemy aircraft will also be flying nearby.
After bridge n°4 has been bypassed, continue flying ahead until Avalon Dam enters into view. Upon entering Avalon Dam airspace, a "Mission Update" will take place.
 
===Assault on the dam===
 
After finally arriving to Avalon, the focus of the mission shifts to stopping the launch of the V2. The coup forces will begin preparations for the launch, and with that a countdown begins whose length depends on the difficulty. The objective is to destroy the V2 launch control systems located inside the dam itself. The targets are three core panels found inside the installation, each of which shields the controls with protective "lock joints". When all four lock joints in a panel are destroyed, a launch control is revealed, which must be taken out.
 
   
  +
Each control device consists of four locks which, once destroyed, will reveal a final core panel that rises from the ground. The player has to destroy all three of these core panels to complete the mission.
When the mission update occurs, fly through the first opening to enter the insides of Avalon. Players should be wary of their speed during the approach, as it is easy to smash into the environment this way. Destroy as much lock joints as possible in one sweep, then move onto the next. During the mission, it is very likely for one to find an [[X-29A]] ace taking off from inside the base.
 
   
  +
==Enemy Lists==
When all launch controls have been destroyed, the countdown will stop. Fly outside Avalon and wait for the "Mission Accomplished" message. Shortly afterwards a cutscene will take place, which will be followed by the final mission.
 
  +
The following enemy lists are taken from the ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War Perfect Guide Book]]''.{{Ref|ACZ-PFG-M17|''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War Perfect Guide Book]]'', pages 094–095.}}
==Aces==
 
  +
*[[F-35C Lightning II|F-35C]] "'''Turm'''" - will spawn north some time after arriving to Avalon.
 
  +
===Standard Units===
*[[X-29A]] "'''Bauer'''" - spawns inside Avalon Dam and attempts to take off. Very easy to spot and destroy.
 
  +
{| class="wikitable unitlist-mu"
*[[F/A-22A Raptor|F/A-22A]] "'''Ritter'''" - appears west of Avalon after arriving there along with other NPC aircraft.
 
  +
! Section
*[[YF-23A Black Widow II|YF-23A]] '''"Slon'''" - spawns above the player after the mission update. Expert difficulty; Mercenary ace style.
 
  +
!
*[[Typhoon]] "'''Pyoshka'''" - appears above the canyon rim during the Mund Valley run. Soldier ace style.
 
  +
! Unit
*[[F-14D Super Tomcat|F-14D]] "'''Kon'''" - spawns on the way to Avalon. Knight ace style.
 
  +
! Points
*[[EA-18G Growler|EA-18G]] "'''Springer'''" - found after the third bridge in the Mund Valley approach. Ace difficulty exclusive.
 
  +
! Count
==V2 launch speech==
 
  +
! Difficulty
During the attack on Avalon Dam itself and the beginning of the V2 launch countdown, one of A World With No Boundaries' leaders will make an speech over the coup forces' ultimate goal of "removing all borders", which provide further insight into the organization's goal. The speech heard will be determined by the player's [[Ace Style]].
 
  +
! Other Notes
===Mercenary/Soldier version===
 
  +
|-
{{Quote|We will carry out the new creation of destruction through the power of righteousness. Territories... peoples... authorities... all will be liberated. This is the new state "A World With No Boundaries" will create. Neither nations nor nationalities have meaning. We will erase these unnecessary borders. The World With No Boundaries will pen a new story. The world will change.|[[Joshua Bristow]], [[Wizard Squadron]] leader. Heard if the mission is played as a "Mercenary" or "Soldier".}}
 
  +
! rowspan="6" style="vertical-align:top;" | Initial
===Knight version===
 
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
{{Quote|The battle to realign the borders has moved to the meeting boardroom. Those lines will give birth to new conflict. Rising above countries and armies, our "World With No Boundaries" will become one. For the ideal. For the people. It's time for a perfect world without restrictions or wars. V2 will erase the old one.|[[Anthony Palmer]], [[Sorcerer Squadron]] leader.}}
 
  +
| [[Rafale M]]
==Trivia==
 
  +
| 640
*The speech heard during the Avalon attack has a distinctive echoing electronic, "synthesizer" feel. The effect will remain even when flying outside Avalon.
 
  +
| 2
*There is no way to avoid the anti-aircraft defense network on the approach to Avalon. The player's aircraft will suffer damage for apparently no reason, as there are no missiles to evade.
 
  +
|
**Strangely, when the player reaches Avalon and then fly back over the ravine, he/she will suffer no damage at all.
 
  +
|
*If the player destroys all gun towers and AA guns on the surface of the facility and in the tunnels, he will earn the "Gold of Annwn" medal.
 
  +
|-
*Before Pixy reveals himself, AWACS Eagle Eye announces "Unknown target approaching at high speed." In ''{{wp|Star Fox: Assault}}'', another game published by [[Namco Bandai Games]], Rob 64, the Star Fox team's advisor, proclaims "Unknown vessel approaching at high speed." Interestingly, both craft are piloted by the player's former ally (Pixy in ''Ace Combat Zero'', General Pepper in ''Star Fox: Assault'').
 
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| [[Su-47 Berkut|Su-47]]
  +
| 760
  +
| 3
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| [[F-22A Raptor|F/A-22A]]
  +
| 760
  +
| 1
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon|g}}
  +
| [[Surface-to-Air Missile|SAM]]
  +
| 120
  +
| 14
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon|g}}
  +
| [[Anti-air gun|AA GUN]]
  +
| 100
  +
| 15
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon|g}}
  +
| [[Pillbox|PILLBOX]]
  +
| 250
  +
| 4
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
! rowspan="7" style="vertical-align:top;" | Mission Update
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| [[Su-47 Berkut|Su-47]]
  +
| 760
  +
| 2
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| [[F-22A Raptor|F/A-22A]]
  +
| 760
  +
| 3
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon|g|TGT}}
  +
| [[V2|LOCK JOINT]]
  +
| 500
  +
| 12
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon|g|TGT}}
  +
| [[V2|V2 CTRL.]]
  +
| 2000
  +
| 3
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon|g}}
  +
| [[Gun tower|GUN TOWER]]
  +
| 100
  +
| 8
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon|g}}
  +
| [[Surface-to-Air Missile|SAM]]
  +
| 120
  +
| 2
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon|g}}
  +
| [[Anti-air gun|AA GUN]]
  +
| 100
  +
| 4
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|}
  +
  +
===Special Units===
  +
{{Main|Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War/Aces}}
  +
{| class="wikitable spunitlist acz-special"
  +
!
  +
! AR #
  +
! Unit
  +
! Points
  +
! Campaign<br/> Completed
  +
! Minimum<br/> Difficulty
  +
! Ace Style
  +
! Notes
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| 161
  +
| [[F-35C Lightning II|F-35C "Turm"]]
  +
| 1430
  +
|
  +
| Very Easy
  +
|
  +
| {{Note|"Turm" spawns to the north of the dam. On Hard and below, he will spawn 30 seconds after the V2 countdown starts. On Expert and Ace, he will spawn once the V2 countdown starts.}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| 162
  +
| [[X-29A|X-29A "Bauer"]]
  +
| 1150
  +
|
  +
| Very Easy
  +
|
  +
| {{Note|"Bauer" spawns inside the tunnel after at least one V2 CTRL. is destroyed and at certain points in the V2 countdown:
  +
*3 minutes, 30 seconds left on Very Easy and Easy
  +
*2 minutes, 30 seconds left on Normal and Hard
  +
*2 minutes left on Expert and Ace}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| 163
  +
| [[F-22A Raptor|F/A-22A "Ritter"]]
  +
| 1450
  +
|
  +
| Very Easy
  +
|
  +
| {{Note|"Ritter" spawns west of the dam after the Mission Update once the player earns 1,500 points.}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| 164
  +
| [[YF-23 Black Widow II|YF-23A "Slon"]]
  +
| 1240
  +
|
  +
| Very Easy
  +
| Mercenary
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| 165
  +
| [[Typhoon|Typhoon "Pyoshka"]]
  +
| 1200
  +
|
  +
| Very Easy
  +
| Soldier
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| 166
  +
| [[F-14D Super Tomcat|F-14D "Kon"]]
  +
| 1000
  +
|
  +
| Very Easy
  +
| Knight
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| {{EnemyIcon}}
  +
| 167
  +
| [[EA-18G Growler|EA-18G "Springer"]]
  +
| 1300
  +
|
  +
| Ace
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|}
  +
  +
==S Rank==
  +
Earning an [[Clear Ranks|S rank]] on this mission requires earning 18,000 points.{{Refcall|ACZ-PFG-M17}} The {{TGT|TGTs}} are worth 12,000 points in total, so the player must earn an additional 6,000 points by destroying other units. It is recommended to fire on some of the enemies in the canyon run, but the player must remain cautious as there are many anti-air units stationed there.
  +
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{{Notelist}}
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{{Reflist}}
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{{Navbox/ACZ-Missions}}
 
[[Category:Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War missions]]
 
[[Category:Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War missions]]

Revision as of 00:30, 7 December 2018

For the Ace Combat Infinity version of this mission, see Avalon (mission).

"It's the Galm Team! We've been waiting for you! Follow us, we'll escort you to Avalon!"
― Allied Squadron

"The Valley of Kings" (王の谷) is the 17th and penultimate campaign mission in Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. Following directly after the events of "The Demon of the Round Table", the player and the Allied Forces raid Avalon Dam, the main stronghold of A World With No Boundaries, to prevent the launch of a V2 missile.

Briefing

I'll transmit the latest data we've received from the Allied Forces. According to this, the dam is protected by an intensive antiaircraft defense network. To deal with this, the Allied squadron will draw antiaircraft fire to itself in the skies. Meanwhile, Galm Team will join the Allied squad's Avalon Dam strike team and approach the target at low-altitude through the canyon. That's the only way we stand a chance at succeeding. If you destroy the V2 launch control facility, you should be able to stop the weapon from being fired. The V2 will probably be equipped with a nuclear warhead. The destruction caused by its single warhead will most likely dwarf the damage inflicted by that tactical nuclear attack before. All the Allied Forces will be mobilized for this full scale operation. It seems this war doesn't want to come to an end. We must stop the V2 launch! Hurry!

Objectives

Initial

The player will spawn inside a canyon at the southern edge of the map. The only objective at this point is to survive the canyon and reach Avalon Dam to the north. An anti-aircraft defense network covers the rim of the canyon, so the player must not fly above 600 m (1968 ft). It is impossible to avoid the defense network; the player's aircraft will automatically suffer damage while above the altitude limit.

The canyon flight is separated by four bridges, each protected by anti-aircraft weapons such as SAMs, AA GUNs, and PILLBOXs. After the player passes the first bridge, two Rafale Ms ahead will fire on the player as well. Two Su-47 Berkuts will spawn after the player passes the third bridge, as well as a jamming EA-18G Growler on Ace difficulty (see § Special Units). An F/A-22A Raptor and another Su-47 Berkut will also begin to approach the canyon from either side.

The mission will advance once the player passes the fourth bridge and arrives at Avalon Dam.

Mission Update

Upon arriving at Avalon, the defense network will be disabled and the player can fly at any altitude, even backtracking over the canyon safely. After a few moments, a V2 launch countdown will begin. The countdown varies depending on the selected difficulty:

  • 10 minutes on Very Easy and Easy
  • 7 minutes on Normal and Hard
  • 5 minutes on Expert and Ace

The player must destroy all three V2 control devices marked as TGT before the countdown ends. The devices are located inside the tunnels underneath the dam, and various entrances are available from above; these entrances will close over time, faster on the higher difficulties. Anti-aircraft weapons are also present inside and outside the tunnel, and enemy aircraft will also be flying nearby.

Each control device consists of four locks which, once destroyed, will reveal a final core panel that rises from the ground. The player has to destroy all three of these core panels to complete the mission.

Enemy Lists

The following enemy lists are taken from the Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War Perfect Guide Book.[1]

Standard Units

Section Unit Points Count Difficulty Other Notes
Initial Icon-AirEnemy Rafale M 640 2
Icon-AirEnemy Su-47 760 3
Icon-AirEnemy F/A-22A 760 1
Icon-GroundEnemy SAM 120 14
Icon-GroundEnemy AA GUN 100 15
Icon-GroundEnemy PILLBOX 250 4
Mission Update Icon-AirEnemy Su-47 760 2
Icon-AirEnemy F/A-22A 760 3
Icon-GroundTGT LOCK JOINT 500 12
Icon-GroundTGT V2 CTRL. 2000 3
Icon-GroundEnemy GUN TOWER 100 8
Icon-GroundEnemy SAM 120 2
Icon-GroundEnemy AA GUN 100 4

Special Units

AR # Unit Points Campaign
Completed
Minimum
Difficulty
Ace Style Notes
Icon-AirEnemy 161 F-35C "Turm" 1430 Very Easy [note 1]
Icon-AirEnemy 162 X-29A "Bauer" 1150 Very Easy [note 2]
Icon-AirEnemy 163 F/A-22A "Ritter" 1450 Very Easy [note 3]
Icon-AirEnemy 164 YF-23A "Slon" 1240 Very Easy Mercenary
Icon-AirEnemy 165 Typhoon "Pyoshka" 1200 Very Easy Soldier
Icon-AirEnemy 166 F-14D "Kon" 1000 Very Easy Knight
Icon-AirEnemy 167 EA-18G "Springer" 1300 Ace

S Rank

Earning an S rank on this mission requires earning 18,000 points.[1] The TGTs are worth 12,000 points in total, so the player must earn an additional 6,000 points by destroying other units. It is recommended to fire on some of the enemies in the canyon run, but the player must remain cautious as there are many anti-air units stationed there.

Footnotes

  1. "Turm" spawns to the north of the dam. On Hard and below, he will spawn 30 seconds after the V2 countdown starts. On Expert and Ace, he will spawn once the V2 countdown starts.
  2. "Bauer" spawns inside the tunnel after at least one V2 CTRL. is destroyed and at certain points in the V2 countdown:
    • 3 minutes, 30 seconds left on Very Easy and Easy
    • 2 minutes, 30 seconds left on Normal and Hard
    • 2 minutes left on Expert and Ace
  3. "Ritter" spawns west of the dam after the Mission Update once the player earns 1,500 points.

References