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 is marked in degrees from 0 to 360:
 * 0° (and 360°) is North
 * 90° is East
 * 180° is South
 * 270° is West

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 bottom-left corner of the square you're calling out.

Weapons

⚠️ WARNING:
In Charlie Mike, firing weapons at the starting base or FOB is strictly not allowed.
We also NEVER allow friendly fire during a mission.

"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).

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).