Intel is a form of detection in Supreme Commander 2 that gives general information about detected units, but not the full information. All units have an intel radius, while only a few buildings have or can get intel capabilities.
Game Mechanics
Intel provides low-fidelity information about detected units and buildings. Intel is provided by radar/sonar and by units. An enemy inside the intel detection range will show up as a grey icon, without showing which commander the unit is under. If an enemy unit comes into visual range then their information will still show up as long as they stay within intel range. Units can fire on enemies that are in intel detection range.
While intel information cannot be upgraded, there are research upgrades that will increase radar and sonar range. Additionally, factories (minus the experimental) can get an intel installation add-on which provides a large intel detection range, though not as big as a dedicated radar or sonar installation.
There are five types of intel icons. They are the same shapes as the icons used for units in visual range, but less specialized and grey instead of player colors.
- Square - Land units
- ACUs will show up as a land unit
- Diamond - Buildings
- Triangle - Aircraft
- Half-Circle - Naval Units
- Circle - Experimentals (no matter the type: land, air, structure, naval)
While technically not an intel icon, nukes will show up on the map when fired as the traditional nuclear logo.
Strategy
Intel is essential for situational awareness. Generally units and buildings have much greater intel range than visual range so it's the easiest way to track enemy movements.
Units and buildings can fire on enemies within intel range. There are a variety of units and buildings that have a larger attack range than visual range so having proper radar/sonar coverage can be invaluable. This is especially true with artillery.