Cancel Combat Exploit

The Cancel Combat Exploit is an exploit in Wasteland 1. It allows a party to exit an encounter prior to the first turn and execute 1 action before re-entering combat. It can be used to bypass difficult or tedious enemies.

It works on the DOS and Steam versions; other versions not tested.

Setup
The exploit requires a base party, and a disbanded party on a separate map. The base party remains outside the action while the disbanded party explores.

Base Party
It's normally best to set aside a non-essential NPC in a section of the overworld map where they will not encounter any random enemies.

NPCs work best as the base party since they can be easily removed from the roster. The Base Cochise mission is impossible with a party on a separate map.

The base party must be located on a map separate from where the exploit is used. The overworld map has the advantage of a faster clock, allowing you to heal the disbanded party quickly by switching view and holding the escape key. The downside of the overworld map is that you cannot use the exploit while the disbanded party is outdoors.

The base party should be located in an area where no random encounters can occur in order. Any enemies within range of the base party will prevent the exploit from working. On the overworld map, the base party is immune to random encounters in the deep desert (bring a canteen) or 2 tiles directly East of Ranger Center.

Disbanded Party
Start with all characters in the same party. Select the disband function, then identify all members of the disbanded party. All remaining characters will then be the base party.

Canceling Combat
When the disbanded party begins an encounter, the game will switch to the base party and prompt, "This party isn't on this map and isn't in battle. Do you want them to execute a battle round?" Select "Yes". The game will then prompt, "This party is not being attacked. Do you want them to execute a battle round?" Select "No", then clear the encounter screen by pressing Enter, Esc, Space Bar, or clicking the ENTER button on screen.

Once the screen is cleared, the game terminates the encounter and returns to the disbanded party. The party can then perform any action such as movement, or item, attribute, or skill use.

At the completion of that action a new encounter may initiate if the party is in range of enemies, but the exploit is repeatable. You can completely bypass enemies by repeating the exploit while walking until out of range.

The exploit must be employed at the very first message. Once combat begins, it must be concluded normally before the exploit can be used.

Applications
This exploit can allow players to access areas such as the Guardian Citadel or Darwin Village Black Market, that would normally require high levels and good gear.

Players may also bypass tedious enemies like those in Quartz Courthouse.

Against enemies capable of ranged attacks, the exploit can move the party within melee striking distance.