Orders

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

You can save all selected units as a single team. To do this, first select the units you wish to form a team with, then hold down the CTRL key and press one of the number keys on your keyboard (0–9). All the selected units form a team. To select the team, press the number key corresponding to that team. Note that the team’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 squad by holding down the CTRL key and pressing the squad number.

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 halt or disperse. If you issue guard commands to helicopters, they will cease their attack and return to their 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 set to this mode will continue to fire at that area, ignoring any other threats, until you tell them to stop or give them a new order. Some units cannot be forced to fire (the Engineer, for example).

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 (in most cases) 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. This technique is essential 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.

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.

Stop (S key):

You can force a unit (or a building or Turret, for example) to cease fire or stop moving. 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 that is moving. To have units follow another unit, select the unit or units you want to protect 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 to have followed, and the other units will automatically follow it wherever it goes. Note that having large groups of units following another unit can be counterproductive. Do not have a large group of units follow your Ore Truck, or you risk hindering its movement and slowing down your ore collection. 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.

Bookmarks (F7 to F10 – CTRL + F7 to F10):

You can save 4 positions on-screen and return to them at any time. To save a position, hold down the CTRL key and press one of the function keys F7 to F10. You can then press one of these keys to jump straight to the saved position. Remember to mark the enemy camp in this way; it will save you the hassle of tedious mouse movements to cross the map.