In Game Guide

We like to call this game the "Infantry Flight Simulator", due to the depth and significant controls. While this might be overwhelming at first, after a couple Wednesday Night Sessions, you'll be able to look like a true operator in no time.

Map & How to Navigate

"M" will open your map.

 When we say "GRID REF" in-game, we’re referring to four- to six-digit grid coordinates. The map is divided into grid squares, which help us pinpoint locations.

"K" will open your compass.

 * The Compass will have both Letters and Numbers.
 * The letters are the Cardinal Directions; N = North, E = East, W = West, & S = South.
 * The compass also has small numbers around the ring (on the round circle).
 The compass is marked in degrees from 0 to 360:
 * 0° (and 360°) is North
 * 90° is East
 * 180° is South
 * 270° is West

 💡 Tip: When we call out a number using our compass, it's called an azimuth.  
 So when you hear us call out something similar to “enemy at 030!” we're using our compass to identify the direction.

If you open your map while stationary, your in-game view direction will align with the compass shown on the map.

How to Read a Map

Always read a map RIGHT and UP:

 * First, read the numbers across the bottom (left to right)
 * Then go up the map (bottom to top)

When identifying a location, remember:

 Grid coordinates reference the entire square. But the Grid Square begins in the bottom-left corner of the square that you're calling out.

Weapons

   ⚠️ NOTE

    
       We NEVER allow firing at the FOB.

"Ctrl + `" = Puts your weapon on safe.
"F" = Changes your fire rate (if the weapon supports it).
"Ctrl + Right Click" = Switches optic views, if multiple are available.
"L" = Turns on your flashlight or laser.
"1" = Selects your primary weapon.
"2" = Selects your secondary weapon.
"3" = Selects your tertiary item (e.g., AT weapons).
"Page Up/Down" OR "CTRL + Page Up/Down" = Will adjust your ranging for your weapon.

With your rifle equipped:

"Double Ctrl" = Lowers your weapon. This helps conserve stamina during long movements when no enemy contact is expected.
"Double C" = Raises your weapon to a high-ready position, just short of aiming down sights.
"C" = deploying bipod for Automatic Weapon system, or rests it against a solid object to assist in recoil.

 * When near a chest-height barrier or similar object, press "C" to rest your weapon for increased stability while firing.
 * If your weapon has a bipod, you can deploy it while prone or near a surface using the same key.

 * If you equip an AT system and the ammo appears in red in your UI, it means the weapon is not loaded. You'll need to reload or prep it.  
 * The AT-4 is a good example—it must be prepped before firing.

Grenades / Smokes

Hate friendly fire? So do we. Grenades are one of the most common ways to accidentally ruin a mission—usually from a simple misclick. Help us help you: We ask that you rebind your grenade key to "Double G" to avoid accidental throws that can derail an op.

"Double G" = Throws a grenade.
"Shift + G" = Opens the ACE grenade interaction menu.

 This lets you see a visual arc and estimated throw distance. You can also choose:
 * Underhand throw (shorter distance)
 * Overhand throw (longer distance)

"Ctrl + G" = Cycles through your available throwable items (e.g., smokes, grenades, flashbangs).

Smokes & What They're For

Smoke Color	Usage
White smoke	Used for masking and concealment.
Green smoke	Marks the location of friendlies.
Red smoke	Marks the location of enemies.
Purple smoke	Marks the location of a medevac.
Blue smoke	Marks an LZ (Landing Zone).
Yellow/Orange smoke	Marks a downed pilot.

ACE

ACE (Advanced Combat Environment) is a mod that adds more immersive and realistic mechanics to the game. It enhances medical systems, interactions, weapon handling, and more.

Read about all features here: ACE3 Official Feature List

"Ctrl + Left Windows" — This is your Self-Interaction key.
"Left Windows" — Used to interact with other players, equipment, and environment objects.

Radios

TFAR (Task Force Arrowhead Radio) is a mod that integrates with TeamSpeak to provide an immersive communication system. All communication—both local and via radio—is affected by distance, terrain, and volume.

"[Your TeamSpeak bind]" — Used for local chat. Others nearby will hear you speak based on proximity.

"Ctrl + Tab" — Cycles your speaking volume between Whispering → Talking → Yelling. Adjust as needed depending on stealth or environment.

"Caps Lock" — Your push-to-talk key for short-range radio.

"Shift + Caps Lock" — Your push-to-talk key for long-range radio (if equipped).

"Ctrl + P" — Opens your short-range radio for frequency management.

"Alt + P" — Opens your long-range radio (if equipped).

Per our Unit SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), we use the following radio frequencies:

Short Range (SR): 200.00
Long Range (LR): 50.00