Orders

Move forward / Fire (Q key):

The most important function on the keyboard is undoubtedly the Q key. The Q key allows your units to constantly target the same enemy until it is destroyed, whilst continuing to move to avoid enemy fire.

Example: Tank battles are frequent and often crucial to ultimate victory. It is therefore very important to win them. Select a group of tanks, then hold down the Q key whilst targeting the first tank to be destroyed. Whilst still holding down the Q key, aim at a neutral area to the north, slightly away from the tank you wish to destroy, then aim at a neutral area to the south, then to the west… and so on, until the first enemy tank is destroyed. Then repeat this process for each of your opponent’s tanks (or units, or buildings). In fact, with this method, your tanks will always be targeting the same tank whilst constantly moving to avoid enemy fire.

With this trick, even when outnumbered, you can destroy enemy tanks without taking too much damage if your opponent isn’t using this key. However, against an experienced opponent who uses this spreading tactic, you’re sure to lose if you don’t adopt it yourself!

Another possible use for the Q key: to explore a map at the start of the game, select a unit – preferably a fast one. Hold down the Q key and then order that unit to reach the four corners of the map. This will save you a lot of time spent exploring the map. Useful, isn’t it?

Teams (CTRL + Number - ALT + Number - Number):

You can save all selected units as a single team. To do this, first select the units you want to form a team with, then hold down the CTRL key and press one of the number keys on your keyboard (1–4). All the selected units form a squad. To select the squad, press the number key corresponding to that squad.

Note that the squad’s display is not centred; the units are simply selected so that they can be commanded. If you wish to display this group, hold down the ALT key and press the number you have assigned to that team. The display will then be centred.

You can easily add members to an existing team. First, select that team. Then hold down the SHIFT key and click on each unit you wish to add (unfortunately, batch selection is not supported). Once all units have been added, save the team by holding down the CTRL key and pressing the team number.

Bookmarks (F9 to F12 – CTRL + F9 to F12):

You can save 4 positions on the screen and return to them at any time. To save a position, hold down the CTRL key and press one of the function keys F9 to F12. You can then press one of these keys to jump directly to the saved position. Remember to mark the enemy camp in this way; it will save you the hassle of moving the mouse all over the map.

Formations (F key):

After creating a team, you can issue formation orders to it. Press the number corresponding to the squad you have created, then press the F key. A small ‘F’ will appear next to the squad number.

Units in formation try to maintain the order they were in when you created the formation and move at the speed of the slowest unit. We recommend keeping rocket launcher units behind tanks, or any more vulnerable units behind better-armed ones.

To cancel a formation, select the group in formation and press the F key again.

Guard Mode (G key):

Generally speaking, units stationed on the battlefield only respond if they are attacked, or if an enemy unit gets close enough to reach them. However, they do not seek out battle and merely respond to attacks.

If you want your units to attack anyone within range, select the units and press the G key. All selected units will then switch to Guard mode. They will become much more aggressive, engaging any threat around them.

Guard mode will remain active for these units until you move them or issue a new command, such as to stop or disperse. If you issue Guard orders to aeroplanes and helicopters, they will cease their attack and return to their runway or Helipad.

Open Fire (CTRL + Left-click):

Sometimes, you may want certain units to open fire on a building or an area (a bridge, for example), even if it is not an enemy target. To do this, you can use the ‘Fire Upon’ command. Select the units you wish to use for this purpose, hold down the CTRL key and click on the Emplacement to target. The icon takes the form of a crosshair whilst you hold down the CTRL key.

Units in this mode will continue to fire at that area, ignoring any other threats, until you tell them to stop or issue a new order. Some units cannot be forced to fire (such as the Engineer or Field Medic).

Force Move (ALT + Left-click):

Using the Force Move command, you can move your tanks (or any heavy unit) into an enemy-occupied area and attempt to gain control of the infantry in that sector. To do this, select the unit or units you wish to force to move, then hold down the ALT key and left-click on the area you wish to move to. You can also use this command to target an enemy infantry unit that is causing you problems. Your unit will attempt to run over this infantry until it succeeds, until you issue a new order, or until it is destroyed.

Only heavy or tracked units can force a move towards enemy infantry. You cannot force your tanks to run over your own infantry.

Scatter (X key):

Using the Scatter option, you can move your troops in all directions, allowing them (most of the time) to evade danger. To scatter your units, select them and press the X key. Units that scatter will continue to follow any attack orders. You can therefore select them, order them to attack, and press the X key so that they scatter and escape the threat.

Note that the scatter option only moves the selected units once. If you want them to scatter continuously, you must keep the units selected and keep pressing the X button every second or so. Otherwise, your units will scatter once, then stop and continue attacking the target you have designated. It is also possible that units which scatter may move too far out of firing range. If this happens, click on the target again and your units will return to firing range.

An essential technique for tank battles. Using this technique, we have already seen a small group of tanks wipe out a larger group. So, use it as often as you like.

Stop (S key):

You can force a unit (or a building or Turret, for example) to cease fire or to stop moving or laying Land Mines. Select the unit or units you wish to stop and press the S key.

Escort (CTRL + ALT + Left-click):

You may sometimes want your units to defend a unit that is on the move. This can be useful for protecting an Ore Truck or any other critical unit whilst it is moving. To follow a unit, select the protective unit(s) and hold down the CTRL and ALT keys. Whilst these keys are held down, the cursor changes to a golden movement cursor. Click on the unit you want the others to follow, and the other units will automatically follow it wherever it goes.

Note that having large groups of units following another unit can prove counterproductive. Do not have your Ore Truck followed by a large group of units, or you risk hindering its movement and slowing down your ore collection. Aircraft, helicopters and unarmed units do not provide protection either.

Centred View (HOME key):

Pressing the HOME key centres your view on the currently selected unit or structure.

Construction Yard View (H key):

Pressing the H key instantly centres your view on your construction yard. This option is useful for returning directly to your base from anywhere on the map.

Select All (E key):

Pressing the E key selects all units visible on the battlefield. This option is useful for gathering all your units within your field of view.

Next Unit (N key):

This key allows you to select another unit from your army. You can view all your available units using this key. This function is practically useless.

Alliances (A key):

In multiplayer games, you will no doubt take part in team matches. To form an alliance with a player, select one of their units and press the A key (Q key on DOS). A message will appear stating that you are allied with a player. Allies can share their Service Depots, Helipads, etc.

You will also see all your allies’ units on the radar map, and their units will reveal areas you had not yet discovered.

You can only form alliances one-way. If the other player does not form an alliance with you, their units will continue to attack you, but yours will not retaliate. We advise you to ensure that the other player wishes to form an alliance with you before proceeding.

To break an alliance, select one of your ally’s units and press the A button again. Unlike forming an alliance, breaking an alliance affects both players. The units immediately become hostile towards one another.

Messaging Systems (F1 to F8):

To send messages to other players in a multiplayer game, press the F1 to F7 keys to write a message to a specific player. The F8 key sends your message to all players.

Please note that whilst you are writing a message, none of the keyboard commands will work. If you wish to cancel the message, press the ESC key.