Holdfast: Nations At War – Beginner’s Guide By Akio 3,213+ Hours of Experience

Introduction
Welcome to Holdfast: Nations At War! If you're new, this guide will teach you the basics of movement, shooting, formations, and teamwork. Whether you’re a soldier on the battlefield or a sailor at sea, mastering these fundamentals will make your experience more enjoyable.

1. Basic Movement & Controls
Movement Controls
Learning how to move efficiently can keep you alive longer.

WASD – Move forward, backward, left, right.
Shift – Sprint (drains stamina).
Ctrl – Crouch (reduces exposure, useful for cover).
X – Change stance (toggle melee mode with some weapons).
Q – Free look (lets you look around without moving your aim).
y – Voice chat (useful for teamwork)
Above: Basic movement controls in Holdfast.
Pro Tip: Avoid running in a straight line; zig-zagging makes you harder to hit.
2. Shooting Mechanics Shooting in Holdfast is slower and more methodical than modern FPS games. Aiming & Firing Press Right Mouse Button (RMB) to aim. Hold your aim for 2-3 seconds before firing for better accuracy. Press Left Mouse Button (LMB) to shoot. Reload automatically starts after firing, but don’t move while reloading, or it will cancel.
Above: Aiming and shooting mechanics in action.
Accuracy Tips Stand still for better accuracy. rouching slightly improves aim. Bullets have drop-off over distance—aim slightly higher for long shots.
3. Melee Combat (Bayonets & Swords) Most new players struggle with melee, but with practice, you can dominate close combat. Basic Melee Moves LMB (Left Click): Stab (bayonet/sword).
RMB (Right Click): Block incoming attacks. Mouse Movement: Control attack/block direction. LMB (Left Click): Stab (bayonet/sword). The dots indicate where your attack will land (low, mid, high), giving you the ability to target specific areas.
RMB (Right Click): Block incoming attacks.
Mouse Movement: Control the direction of your attack or block. The direction you move your mouse will influence where the stab or block lands.

4. Formations & Teamwork
Unlike run-and-gun shooters, Holdfast is a team-based game. Working with others is key to victory.
Basic Formations
Line Formation – Standard formation, used for shooting volleys.
Skirmish Formation – Looser spread-out positions for cover fire.
Square Formation – Defensive formation against cavalry.
Follow the Officer’s Orders! Officers lead lines, call volleys, and keep formations organized.
Communication
Use y (voice chat) or text chat to coordinate. If playing as an Officer, use B (order commands) to direct troops.
5. Extra Tips for Beginners Stick with your team – Lone wolves get picked off easily.
Play different roles – Try Infantry, Artillery, or Navy to see what fits your style.
Join a Regiment – Regiments (clans) offer structured play and training.
Have fun! The community is friendly, so ask for help if needed.
Conclusion
That’s the basics of Holdfast: Nations At War! As you gain experience, you’ll improve in shooting, melee, and teamwork. Feel free to drop any questions in the comments.