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 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).

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.