Command Squad

Command Squad Field Manual

Start Here: Your Path Into Squad and Command Squad

Two clear pathways — one for players brand new to Squad, one for experienced players new to Command Squad. Pick yours and follow the steps.

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Everything on this page fits one of two situations. Pick the one that describes you.

Path A: I’m new to Squad

Squad is a 98-player combined-arms shooter where communication decides matches. It’s deeper than most shooters, and that’s exactly why it’s worth learning. Take it in this order:

  1. Complete the in-game tutorials. Squad ships with training for infantry basics. Twenty minutes there saves your first squad leader an hour of explaining.
  2. Get your microphone working. Test it in the game’s audio settings before you join a server. Listening matters even more than talking — see the communication guide.
  3. Learn what a squad actually is. You’ll join a 9-player squad led by a squad leader (SL). Your job is to stay near your squad and follow the plan. That single habit puts you ahead of most new players.
  4. Skim the roles. Start with Rifleman — it’s forgiving, useful, and teaches the fundamentals. The roles overview explains the rest.
  5. Read what your first match will feel like. No surprises: your first match.
  6. Join a new-player-friendly server. That’s us — Command Squad Server 1 is run specifically to be a good place to learn.
  7. Say you’re new. In squad chat, out loud. On our servers that gets you help, not grief.

Deep dive: the full New Player Guide walks through all of this in detail.

Path B: I know Squad — I’m new to Command Squad

Welcome. Here’s how our corner of the game works:

  1. Pick a server. We run two full-time servers to the same standard — details here. Server 1 is the flagship.
  2. Read the rules. Most are standard for a licensed server; the ones people ask about (main camping, vehicle claims, heli rules) are explained in Rules Explained.
  3. Know the expectations. Squads communicate, SLs coordinate, and objective play wins. If you like that, you’ll fit in immediately.
  4. Join the Discord. Optional to play, but it’s where seeding calls, events, and the community live.
  5. Learn how seeding and whitelisting work. Consistent seeders can earn reserved-slot access.
  6. Know where to get help. Reports, appeals, or questions — the player support pathway.
  7. When you’re ready for more: events, community programs, and optional membership.

Wherever you start

No account creation, no registration, no homework. Read what’s useful, ignore what isn’t, and come play: play.commandsquad.net.