Though intended to destroy heavily armored units, the Hoplite should not directly engage them but should be placed behind defences or "kited". In respect to the Viper, it is superior in almost every way with the exceptions of health and range. Damage per round is half that of the Viper, though it is made up by a higher ROF, using a salvo of three rounds to the Viper's one (With a 0.5 second slower reload time). It is highly vulnerable to air attack and should be escorted by AA units. Since the Hoplite fires in a high arc, unlike the Rhino, which fires straight ahead, the Hoplite is also helpful in shooting over hills and other raised terrain. Among land direct fire units, its range is exceeded only by T2 point defense (and Ravagers), T3 sniper bots, and Experimentals; it is also outranged