Commands 2.0

Control

Give you all the possible insight into the most useful commands inside of BAR. See sections below.

Selection
Select
Select or Drag-Select your units
+
+
Left MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft Mouse
Select or Drag-Select your units
Select or Drag-Select your units

Default select

Left-click on a unit to change your selection to that unit. Selecting a unit will deslect all other units. Left-click anywhere on the map to deselect all units.

Selection Box

Left-click and drag to draw a selection box.
All units within the white border will become your selection. Again, use shift to avoid deselecting your previous selection.

Add to selection

Hold shift to add units to your existing selection, without deselecting what you already have selected.

Remove from selection

Hold control to remove units from your selection, either by clicking or dragging.

Select Commander
Select your Commander
Ctrl
+
C
+
Select your Commander
Select all units
Select every unit on the map.
Ctrl
+
A
+
Select every unit on the map.
Select all units of same kind
Select one or more units and do CTRL+Z to select every same unit on the map
Ctrl
+
Z
+
Select one or more units and do CTRL+Z to select every same unit on the map
Select all units of same kind in view
Double click on a unit to select all units of the same kind that are in your current view
Double
+
+
Left MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft Mouse
Double click on a unit to select all units of the same kind that are in your current view
Select idle Builders
Select next idle builder / construction unit
Ctrl
+
B
+
Select next idle builder / construction unit
Group Select
Selects previously set groups or auto-groups
+
1-9
+
Selects previously set groups or auto-groups
Group Units
Add all selected units to Group number
Ctrl
+
1-9
+
Add all selected units to Group number
Group Units (Auto)
Set units as auto-group. Newly build units will get assigned automatically
Alt
+
1-9
+
Set units as auto-group. Newly build units will get assigned automatically
Ungroup from Autogroup
Remove selected unit-type from its autogroup(s)
ALT
+
`
+
Remove selected unit-type from its autogroup(s)
Movement
Move
Use right mouse for regular move.
+
+
Right MouseRight MouseRight MouseRight Mouse
Use right mouse for regular move.
Use right mouse for regular move.
The Move-Order is the most used and probably also the most versatile command.

You can combine move with various keyboard-keys or drag a line or queue up commands while holding down SHIFT very easily.

Move

Simple Right Mouse click. Move (hotkey: M) instructs units to travel to a waypoint. For factories, this sets a waypoint for units it constructs. Right-click on the map to give a move command to your selected units.

Move Line Drag
Draws a line on which al selected units will spread evenly
+
+
Right Mouse DragRight Mouse DragRight Mouse DragRight Mouse Drag
Draws a line on which al selected units will spread evenly
Draws a line on which al selected units will spread evenly

Right Mouse + Drag to "draw" a custom formation. Selected units will be given waypoints evenly spread along the line you drew. See, BAR is for artists too! So-called "custom formations" are the best way to spread out your units.

Move Line Drag is superior because:

A) you can avoid splash damage
B) you can put your units where they can shoot the enemy.

Also very powerful is the Fight Line Drag, which works similar, but with the Fight Command.

Move in Formation
Keep formation and move as slow as slowest unit in selection
Ctrl
+
+
Right MouseRight MouseRight MouseRight Mouse
Keep formation and move as slow as slowest unit in selection
Keep formation and move as slow as slowest unit in selection

Move in formation

Ctrl + Right Mouse click wil let your move units in formation. Faster units will move at the speed of the slowest units in the group.

Battle
Attack
Simple Attack of enemy units
+
a
+
Simple Attack of enemy units
Simple Attack of enemy units

Normal Attack

When you have selected units that have a weapon, you can Right-Click on any enemy unit to order an attack. The attack command can be given on the map and mini-map. Once the targetted unit is destroyed the command will be removed.

Queue up multiple attacks

While holding down SHIFT you can issue multiple attacks in a row. All units will attack the set target in that order. When not in firing range, units will attack all other units that come into range. The attack command will ignore firing stances "Return Fire" and "Hold Fire".

Attack Area
Define a circle in which to spread attack/fire
Alt
+
a
+
Define a circle in which to spread attack/fire
Define a circle in which to spread attack/fire

Only for units that have the option to do area attacks.

For specific units only, mostly artillery.
Attack Circle
Drag a circle in which to attack all enemies
+
A
+
Left Mouse DragLeft Mouse DragLeft Mouse DragLeft Mouse Drag
Drag a circle in which to attack all enemies
Drag a circle in which to attack all enemies

Ideal for Bombers, or quick selection of larger groups of enemies.
Only use this when you have Line of Sight (LoS) or good radar coverage.

Lost targets (outside of LoS or radar) are lost forever.

When bombers loose their target(s) they do idle fly-bys while getting hammered by AA.

Attack Line
Press A and then drag a line with right mouse for a spread-attack.
+
A
+
Right Mouse DragRight Mouse DragRight Mouse DragRight Mouse Drag
Press A and then drag a line with right mouse for a spread-attack.
Press A and then drag a line with right mouse for a spread-attack.

Very useful for Bombers and Artillery. Make sure you first scout the area with scout (planes) so you know where draw your bombing lines.

When done right, you can get devastating results:
Fight
Attack + Move command. Units will stop moving when they can attack an enemy
+
f
+
Attack + Move command. Units will stop moving when they can attack an enemy
Attack + Move command. Units will stop moving when they can attack an enemy
Very handy if you don't want your units to run through dangerous areas full of enemies, but keep their distance.

Also works with Right Mouse Drag, to draw a line, just like the Move Line Drag command.

You can use Fight with construction and resurrect units as well.

Fight

Combat units = Move and stop to attack when enemies are within firing range
Construction
units = Move and stop to Repair or Assist everything on the movement path
Resurrect
units = Move and stop to Repair or Reclaim everything on the movement path

ALT + Fight

Resurrect units = Move and stop to Repair or Resurrect everything on the movement path

Guard
Guard any unit or building to help fight, repair or construct.
+
g
+
Guard any unit or building to help fight, repair or construct.
Guard any unit or building to help fight, repair or construct.

Guard instructs a unit to persistently follow another unit.

When guarding other units, constructors will also repair them. If a constructor is guarding another constructor or a lab, they will also assist with construction.

The default behavior for right-clicking on your units (or an ally's unit) is to instruct the selected units to guard that unit. Note that constructors will instead repair damaged units.

Use this command to restrict Nano Turrets to assisting a high-priority lab/constructor. Note: Guard commands only end when the guarded units are destroyed!

Try to avoid using guard commands in the middle of an order queue.
Patrol
Make a looping patrol route for selected units
+
p
+
Make a looping patrol route for selected units
Make a looping patrol route for selected units

Patrol between 2 (or more) points

When you have units in your selection you can press "P" for the Patrol Command. Click with your Left Mouse and your units with patrol between their current and the clicked position.

Patrolling units are in "Fight-mode" and will assault any enemy units in the area or their patrol.

Patrol is also very useful for construction- and resurrect-units. They will repair and reclaim metal and energy along the patrol-route, and only reclaim when resources are low.

TIP: You can set multiple patrolling waypoints while holding down SHIFT when placing the Patrol-commands.

Usually you first will use a Move command to the startposition of the patrol-route. Then, while holding down SHIFT, press "P" and the click all waypoints. Units will repeat this patrol route.

PS. Colors for movement-lines are green for Move, purple for Fight and red for Attack.

Set Target
Set a preferred target to attack, even while moving.
+
y
+
Set a preferred target to attack, even while moving.
Construction
Build Border
Usefor for walling in units or buildings with one click.
Ctrl
+
Alt
+
Shift
+
+
Usefor for walling in units or buildings with one click.
Build Grid
Build a (large) grid of units or structures
Shift
+
Alt
+
+
+
Build a (large) grid of units or structures
Build Grid/Line Spacing
Use Z to increase spacing and X to decrease
Shift
+
Alt
+
Z
+
X
+
Use Z to increase spacing and X to decrease
Build Line
Build a line of units or buildings
Shift
+
+
+
+
Left Mouse DragLeft Mouse DragLeft Mouse DragLeft Mouse Drag
Build a line of units or buildings
Build a line of units or buildings
Building Lines can be useful in various situations

Just hold down Shift and drag a line of the building or unit that you want to construct.

Build Split
Split a buildqueue across multiple constructors
Shift
+
+
+
Space
+
Left Mouse DragLeft Mouse DragLeft Mouse DragLeft Mouse Drag
Split a buildqueue across multiple constructors
Split a buildqueue across multiple constructors
Building Split can be crucial when you need stuff fast

When you have multiple constructors selected, just hold down SHIFT and SPACE and drag a line (or grid with SHIFT + ALT + SPACE) and the entire queue will be split across all of the selected constuctor units.

So this will make construction a long line of defenses or a windfarm faster (in a way).

Factory Build +100
Add 100 units instead of 1, while clicking a buildorder for factory
Ctrl
+
Shift
+
+
+
Left MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft Mouse
Add 100 units instead of 1, while clicking a buildorder for factory
Factory Build +20
Add 20 units instead of 1, while clicking a buildorder for factory
Ctrl
+
+
+
+
Left MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft Mouse
Add 20 units instead of 1, while clicking a buildorder for factory
Factory Build +5
Add 5 units instead of 1, while clicking a buildorder for factory
Shift
+
+
+
+
Left MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft Mouse
Add 5 units instead of 1, while clicking a buildorder for factory
Insert factory quick buildorder
If you need a unit fast, without disrupting a factory build-queue
Alt
+
+
+
+
Left MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft Mouse
If you need a unit fast, without disrupting a factory build-queue
If you need a unit fast, without disrupting a factory build-queue

You can Quick-Insert a build order for a unit in an existing factory build-queue.
This way, you don't need to erase all previously queued units. You can even use this with Factories that are on "Repeat".

Use ALT and left-click on the unit you need.

The factory will produce that unit next, only once, and then will continue with the rest of the queue. Very useful!

Queues
Queue up multiple commands
+
+
+
Shift
+
Right MouseRight MouseRight MouseRight Mouse
Queue up multiple commands
Queue up multiple commands
Queues are very(!) useful

You can make sequences of orders like build, move, repair, guard etc. This is very helpful in planning a base expansion, as well as planning a strategical / tactical attack.

Making a queue

While holding down SHIFT, issue your commands in your desired sequence. All commands will be executed one by one. This can be any command like construction, movement, attack, reclaim, repair, etc.

If turn on the Repeat command (green), then the unit will repeat/loop the sequence forever

Remove from queue

While holding SHIFT, issue a new construction on an existing item in the queue. This will remove / delete that one from the queue.

Quick build

You can also quickly build something in front of your existing queue. Check out how this works on the  Queues Add in Front.

Queues Add in Front
Quickly add build-order while keeping current queue in tact
+
+
+
Space
+
Left MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft Mouse
Quickly add build-order while keeping current queue in tact
Quickly add build-order while keeping current queue in tact

If a construction unit has a (long) queue setup, but you need to quickly build an Anti-Air defense for example.

Use ''Space'' and issue the priority build order

This will build this order 'in front of the original queue'.

The construction unit wil immediately go to the new build-order, construct the AA defense, and it will keep the initial queue in it's memory. After completion, it will go back to it's initial build-queue.

Quick Build shortcuts
Multi-press shortcut keys for commonly used buildings.
Z
+
X
+
C
+
V
+
Multi-press shortcut keys for commonly used buildings.
Multi-press shortcut keys for commonly used buildings.

Z, X, C, V - for quick building of most frequently used structures. Press multiple times to get all the choices (z, zz,zzz, etc). See the infographic above.

Reclaim
Reclaim metal or energy from ... well... anything.
+
+
+
E
+
Left MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft Mouse
Reclaim metal or energy from ... well... anything.
Reclaim metal or energy from ... well... anything.

The easiest way to reclaim is to use use your Right Mouse button when hovering over a reclaimable object.
You can also queue multiple reclaim commands with SHIFT + Right mouse click on any reclaimable object.

Even faster is holding down the Right Mouse button and dragging a circle, for Area Reclaim.

You can also reclaim units one by one with E + Left Mouse click

Reclaim Area
Drag a circle (while hovering over a reclaimable object) to reclaim metal or energy within the circle
+
+
+
+
Right Mouse DragRight Mouse DragRight Mouse DragRight Mouse Drag
Drag a circle (while hovering over a reclaimable object) to reclaim metal or energy within the circle
Drag a circle (while hovering over a reclaimable object) to reclaim metal or energy within the circle


Select a construction unit and drag a circle (while hovering over a reclaimable object) to reclaim everything (of the same type) within the circle.

Reclaim Area is a contextual Reclaim Command

So it will reclaim only what is directly underneath your cursor (metal or energy). Hold right mouse and drag an area to reclaim all features of that type in the area you select.

You can also Queue multiple circles with SHIFT. (or see command queuing)

TIP: If you want to keep reclaiming an area you can also turn on REPEAT.

Reclaim Area Specific Unit
Drag a circle (while hovering over a unit) to reclaim only this type of unit within
Alt
+
+
+
+
Right Mouse DragRight Mouse DragRight Mouse DragRight Mouse Drag
Drag a circle (while hovering over a unit) to reclaim only this type of unit within
Repair
Repair damaged units or unfinished constructions
+
+
+
r
+
Repair damaged units or unfinished constructions
Repair damaged units or unfinished constructions

You can repair units by selecting a construction or resurrect unit and use Right Mouse click on any (damaged or unfinished) unit.

You can also use Right Mouse Drag to draw a circle in which every unit will be repaired.

TIP: If you want to keep repairing units, f.e. always within a circle on your front line, you can toggle REPEAT so repairs will always be done.

This is needed because with REPEAR |OFF, when all units are repaired the repair-command will end. If a next wave of enemies roll in and do damage, with REPEAT ON the repairs will recommence again when new damage is found.

Rotate Buildings
Rotate the buildings you build in 90 degree turns
[
+
+
]
+
+
Rotate the buildings you build in 90 degree turns
Upgrade T1 Mex
For T2 Construction Unit » Right click on existing T1 Mex for upgrade
+
+
+
+
Right MouseRight MouseRight MouseRight Mouse
For T2 Construction Unit » Right click on existing T1 Mex for upgrade
For T2 Construction Unit » Right click on existing T1 Mex for upgrade

You can upgrade T1 metal extractors one by one by simply selection a T2 Contruction unit and Right Click on any T1 mex to start upgrading.

TIP: Faster and easier could be the Upgrade Mex Area Command
Upgrade T1 Mex Area
For T2 Construction Unit » Left Mouse Drag for Area upgrade
+
+
+
+
Left Mouse DragLeft Mouse DragLeft Mouse DragLeft Mouse Drag
For T2 Construction Unit » Left Mouse Drag for Area upgrade
For T2 Construction Unit » Left Mouse Drag for Area upgrade

Faster and easier is the Upgrade Area Command.
Click on the "Upgrade Mex" command and use Left Mouse Drag to draw a circle in which all T1 metal extractors will be upgraded to T2.

Behavior
Cloak
Cloak or Decloak
+
k
+
Cloak or Decloak
On/Off
Turn a unit or building on or off.
+
x
+
Turn a unit or building on or off.
Positioning
Hold Position, Maneuver in/out of it's position or Roam freely in search of things to do
+
+
Hold Position, Maneuver in/out of it's position or Roam freely in search of things to do
Repeat
Set a factory to repeat it's buildqueue or a unit to repeat (all of) it's order(s)
+
+
Set a factory to repeat it's buildqueue or a unit to repeat (all of) it's order(s)
Set a factory to repeat it's buildqueue or a unit to repeat (all of) it's order(s)
Activate Repeat to make units continuously repeat their command or command queue.

This can be pretty handy, for example when you want to patrol without fighting, to stay on the move. This also helps with assist/repair bots, when used in combination with the Fight command » They will keep checking the area for things to do.

Stance
Hold Fire, Fire at Will or only Return Fire when attacked
+
+
Hold Fire, Fire at Will or only Return Fire when attacked
Hold Fire, Fire at Will or only Return Fire when attacked
There are 3 Stances you can toggle between:
  1. Fire at Will
  2. Hold Fire
  3. Return Fire
Stop
Stop all commands/orders
+
s
+
Stop all commands/orders
Trajectory
Switch between Low and High trajectory fire.
+
+
Switch between Low and High trajectory fire.
Switch between Low and High trajectory fire.

Low Trajectory

Is the default and usually faster.

High trajectory

Optional setting which does more area damage, but can take longer to reload.

High Trajectory can be useful when terrain or other units/buildings are blocking.
Wait
Pause command to make a unit wait temporarily
+
W
+
Pause command to make a unit wait temporarily
Pause command to make a unit wait temporarily

The Wait command is very useful, since you can put factories or any unit on hold, without removing all of it's orders.

You can temporary pause Factories / Construction on hold to free up some resources.
You can also coordinate attacks/movement and let some units hold their positions, only to strike at the exact right time.
Special Abilities
Capture
Capture an enemy unit » convert it to your team
+
+
Capture an enemy unit » convert it to your team
Capture an enemy unit » convert it to your team

All commanders can capture enemy units

Check the command-button ''Capture'' and use that to capture enemy units and convert them to your team.

Commanders can capture while being cloaked!

DGUN
Commanders | Energy Cost: 500/shot
+
d
+
Left MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft Mouse
Commanders | Energy Cost: 500/shot
Commanders | Energy Cost: 500/shot

The Commander's Disintegrator Gun (D-Gun) is the ultimate weapon, destroying everything* on contact.

Select this special attack with the "D" key, left-click to set a target, and watch your enemies melt in a ball of fire!

The D-Gun uses a significant amount of energy (500), and takes 1 second to reload.

*Except Commanders, which are immune to a D-Gun attack.

Load Transport
Load one or more Units into transport
+
L
+
Load one or more Units into transport
Unload Transport
Unload transport cargo
+
U
+
Unload transport cargo
Resurrect
Rez-bots | Revive fallen units or buildings
+
+
Right MouseRight MouseRight MouseRight Mouse
Rez-bots | Revive fallen units or buildings
Rez-bots | Revive fallen units or buildings

Select a resurrection unit (Bot or Sub) and Right Click on any wreckage to revive that fallen unit.

Resurrection costs quite some energy, so make sure you have enough of that.

TIP: You can resurrect a lot faster (and more) with the Area Resurrect Command

PS. You can only resurrect wreckages that are still partly in tact. Rubble and debris cannot be resurrected.

Resurrect Area
Rez-bots | Revive fallen units or buildings in an area
+
+
Right Mouse DragRight Mouse DragRight Mouse DragRight Mouse Drag
Rez-bots | Revive fallen units or buildings in an area
Rez-bots | Revive fallen units or buildings in an area

Have a rez-bot selected, then hover over a resurrectable unit (wreck) and Drag a circle with your Right Mouse button.

All wrecks inside the circle will be resurrected in the most efficient order.

Self Destruct
Initiate self-destruct sequence
Ctrl
+
d
+
Initiate self-destruct sequence
Game
Change Gamespeed
Increase or decrease the game speed
Alt
+
+
-
+
Increase or decrease the game speed
Chat
Open Chat. Press Shift+Enter to switch between player and spectator chat.
+
ENTER
+
Open Chat. Press Shift+Enter to switch between player and spectator chat.
Pause Game
Pause the game. Or type /pause in gamechat.
+
Pause | Break
+
Pause the game. Or type /pause in gamechat.
Switch to Map Overview
Switch between 3D cam and Map overview
+
TAB
+
Switch between 3D cam and Map overview
Draw on Map
Draw on the map for strategic planning
+
Q
+
Left MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft MouseLeft Mouse
Draw on the map for strategic planning
Draw on the map for strategic planning

You can draw lines by just dragging your mouse while holding down Q.

You can also add Labels, which work as pings.
You can do this by double clicking with your left mouse button, and then type the label text.

Alternatively you can double tap Q, which will also add a label.

Erase Drawings on Map
Erase specific drawings on the map with your cursor
+
Q
+
Right MouseRight MouseRight MouseRight MouseRight Mouse
Erase specific drawings on the map with your cursor
Erase specific drawings on the map with your cursor

You can also erase all drawings on the entire map by clicking the eraser icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.

You can clear and disable all drawings by doing CTRL+Click on this icon.

Ping to map
Add a Ping to map for your allies
+
Q
+
Middle ClickMiddle ClickMiddle ClickMiddle ClickMiddle Click
Add a Ping to map for your allies
Add a Ping to map for your allies
Pings are very useful for your allies.

You can quickly notify your team of urgent or important events/locations. Your allies will see and hear a noticable ping on their map and mini-map.

Just hold down Q and click your middle mouse button to ping your entire team. Your allies can then easily hit F3 to go to the latest Ping.

You can also add Labels, which are pings with text.
You can double tap Q and type your text for the ping, or double click with your left mouse, while holding down Q.

Show Map Elevation
+
F1
+
Show Unit Pathing
Select Unit and press F2 to show pathing. Purple color = not traversable.
+
F2
+
Select Unit and press F2 to show pathing. Purple color = not traversable.
Go to last Ping
Go to last send Ping or notification.
+
F3
+
Go to last send Ping or notification.
Show Map Metal
Highlight Metal Spots on the map
+
F4
+
Highlight Metal Spots on the map
Show / Hide UI
Toggle the UI and "on top"-Unit icons
+
F5
+
Toggle the UI and "on top"-Unit icons
Mute Sound
Mute / Enable Sounds
+
F6
+
Mute / Enable Sounds
Options Menu
Open Options menu
+
F10
+
Open Options menu
Widgets Menu
Show Widgets Menu. Green = On, Yellow = Auto, Red = Off.
+
F11
+
Show Widgets Menu. Green = On, Yellow = Auto, Red = Off.
Take Screenshot
Make a screenshot. Found in install-dir/data/screenshots/
+
F12
+
Make a screenshot. Found in install-dir/data/screenshots/
Camera | Overhead
Switch to fixed Top-down camera mode
CTRL
+
F2
+
Switch to fixed Top-down camera mode
Camera | Spring
Switch to (rotatable) Top-down camera mode
CTRL
+
F3
+
Switch to (rotatable) Top-down camera mode
Switch to (rotatable) Top-down camera mode

You can rotate the camera while in "Middle-Click-Pan-Toggle" mode, when holding ALT + Mouse movement.

Server Commands
Type these commands in the server chat
!boss name
To set someone as the boss of the lobby, which enables many boss-only commands
!forcestart
Forces the start of a game, even when some players aren't ready or when there are any other issues to prevent a normal start
!help
Get more information about the server and commands
!promote
Sends a message on in-game main chat that your room is waiting for people
!stop
End the game in progress and return to lobby
!resign
Call a vote for your team to resign
$explain
If your party gets broken up, this will explain why, and other details
$party
Send you a link and instructions to play with your friends.
If a party results in highly imbalanced teams, the party will be broken up
$rename name
To rename your lobby (requires boss)
$minratinglevel number
Allow only people above a certain skill level (requires boss)
$maxratinglevel number
Allow only people below a certain skill level (requires boss)
$whoami
Get statistics and rating info on your account and a link to your server website account
$website
Log into the lobby website, where you can manage parties and view match/rank history