This guide explains how to deploy and use the MAU in RF Online Next, along with practical tips and the best situations to bring it into battle.
What Is the MAU in RF Online Next?
The MAU is a powerful Sacred Weapon in RF Online Next with its own stats and skill set, separate from your character. While riding it, most controls feel similar to playing your normal character, though a few actions, such as jumping, are not available. The screenshot below shows the first-person view you get once you are riding the MAU.
How to Use the MAU
Here is a quick reference for the basic MAU controls before going through each action in detail.
| Action | How to Operate |
|---|---|
| Deploy MAU | Select the MAU icon, or tap and hold then swipe to choose a deployment spot |
| Riding MAU | L Shift |
| Getting off (retrieving) MAU | Z |
| Basic combat controls | Same as basic operations in a real body |
Deploying the MAU
Deploying the MAU is simple once you know the available options. Follow these steps to bring your MAU into the field:
- 1 Tap the MAU icon on the right side of the screen to deploy it at your current position.
- 2 For more control, tap and hold the icon, then swipe upward to choose a specific deployment location.
- 3 Avoid narrow scaffolding or platforms that are significantly smaller than the MAU itself, as deployment will fail in these spots.
- 4 If deployment fails, reposition your character to a wider or more open area and try again.
The screenshot below shows where the MAU deployment icon sits on the right side of the screen.
Here is an example of a platform that is too narrow for the MAU to deploy on. If you stand on a spot like this, deployment will fail and you will need to move to a wider area first.
Boarding and Auto-Boarding
Once your MAU is deployed, walk up to it and board it by tapping the prompt that appears in the center of the screen, or press L Shift if you are playing on PC. The image below shows what this boarding prompt looks like when you approach your deployed MAU.
If you prefer a faster workflow, RF Online Next also offers an auto-boarding option. You can find this setting under Settings > Combat > Sacred Weapon. Turning on "Toggle auto-boarding MAU upon deployment" will automatically place your character onto the MAU as soon as you are close enough after deploying it. The screenshot below shows where this toggle is located.
Retrieving the MAU
When you no longer need your MAU, simply get off it to retrieve it. Keep in mind that after retrieval there is a 30-minute cooldown before it can be redeployed, plus additional time needed to repair its durability, so use this feature only when needed. The image below shows the cooldown timer that appears after retrieval.
Combat Controls While Riding MAU
Combat while riding the MAU works almost the same as fighting in your normal state. Skills can be triggered automatically by swiping upward, and the MAU is fully compatible with the AUTO combat system, making it easy to use even during busy fights. The screenshot below shows the combat view from inside the MAU.
Tips for Using MAU Effectively
Beyond the basic controls, a few habits can help you get much more value out of every MAU deployment.
Level Up Your MAU Regularly
MAUs can be leveled up from the hangar. Reaching the maximum level rewards you with blueprints for the next MAU, so make a habit of investing resources into upgrades whenever you can. The screenshot below shows the MAU leveling screen in the hangar.
Choose Rovers for the MAU Effect Bonus
The Rovers MAU effect further enhances your stats while you are riding the MAU, giving you an edge in tough fights. If you are deciding which character's MAU effect to use, Rovers is a strong choice for this reason. The image below shows the stat bonus this effect provides.
Learn the Skills and Use Them Manually
The MAU has two skills, but their effects vary depending on the unit. Some skills inflict status ailments such as stun, and using them at the right moment makes the unit harder to destroy, increasing the chance it can operate for its full time limit. The screenshot below shows the MAU skills screen, where you can check what each skill does.
When to Use MAU
Since MAU has a daily time limit, timing your deployments well makes a big difference in how much value you get from it.
Save It for Boss and Elite Enemy Battles
MAU works best as a trump card against bosses and powerful enemies. Check the boss schedule from the clock icon on the left side of the screen, and deploy your MAU for world boss battles where the damage you deal directly leads to rewards. The screenshot below shows this boss schedule shortcut.
Use Leftover Time for Hunting
MAU earns 10 minutes of free operational time every day, and this time does not carry over to the next day. If you have any minutes left unused, spend them on leveling up or progressing through quests instead of letting them go to waste. The image below shows the MAU durability and remaining operation time display.
Deploy Only Once You Are Close to Your Destination
The MAU moves slowly and has a limited time window, so it is not well-suited for long-distance travel across multiple quests. Move close to your objective first, then deploy and sortie from there. The screenshot below shows deploying the MAU right before heading into action near the destination.
Quick recap: Deploy the MAU near your target, board with L Shift, fight using your usual combat controls or AUTO mode, and get off with Z when you are done. Keep upgrading it in the hangar, equip Rovers for the MAU effect bonus, and save your limited daily operation time for bosses and worthwhile hunts.
