Your preferred overlays, views and layers.

[Leigh]

I've had C:MANO for almost a year, but have yet to really get my teeth into it, as such I am totally green. If I were a book, I would be titled "Noobs Guide to be Noob in C:MANO".

Sometime ago I looked into key elements of UI that are useful, and those you can live without, just to streamline the battlespace presentation slightly. Now, I have kept those settings since then, but I cannot find my source. Can't even remember if it were a video or a guide (such as a couple of awesome ones here on Steam).

So, assuming starting from default, what do you like to keep on and switch off? Also, what is the "Time Mode Pulse or No Pulse"? I have mine set to No Pulse, but not actually sure what that does.

Aside from some minor "Thinking, Please Wait" moments, my system can seem to be able to keep up with the sims computations, so system stress regarding UI elements etc should not be an issue.

While I'm here, I might as well ask; Is there any "step by step, hand holding" videos or guides I could look into to learn the basic process of a mission, keybinds/drop down functions, and other basic tips such as that. Even if they focus on a single scenario, a step by step breakdown would be interesting and very helpful to see, so I can apply that thinking to any scenario.

I'm aware of a few channels for general play, such as Stoic Frogs playthroughs (highly entertaining), and MatrixGamesPress seems to be quite descriptive in actions, but lack any actual tutorials form what I can see. So, if anyone could point me in the direction of something like that, I'd be grateful!

[Peter]

Welcome to the world of Command,

First off, most of the answers are better explained in chat. You can join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/dyQDesj but I'll explain some answers in this post too.

I'd recommend running No-pulse (fast) as this is the smoothest way to run Command. As for what I have on and off I'll list below:

View ->
Map Lat/Long Grid = OFF
BMNG Layer = ON
Relief Layer = OFF by default, ON for planning strikes.
Borders + Coastlines = ON
Custom Layers = OFF by default
Day + Night Lighting = OFF by default. Makes it eaier to see the map but useful when planning.

Map Settings ->
Everything = OFF by default
I turn these on as and when I need them.

Baloogans videos on YouTube are helpful tutorials. I'd also recommend jumping on Discord and asking lots of questions there.

But most of all, jump in, experiment and enjoy Command.

[Leigh]

Thanks for those comments, Peter.

One thing that i have found is that the Sim does not save my preferences between sessions, any way to save these options?

I found my source, it was this guide right here on Steam, under section 9.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1081327870

So yeah, if there is a way to make these changes default, could someone let me know? :) Thanks!

[Half life Expert]

I'm glad you found my guide lei07, I hope it is helpful to you!

As for saving preferences, some things may be saved, but there are some scenarios that are set up with some of the settings a certain way.

For example, some scenarios may actually need the map grid enabled for you to play properly, as the briefing or messages might refer to specific map coordinates.

As far as I can tell, you'll have to live with sometimes needing to change some map settings to your liking when playing new scenarios, like I do with Contact Emissions. Though your preferences might be saved in a save game if you are playing a scenario in more than one sitting.

Originally posted by Peter:

Welcome to the world of Command,

First off, most of the answers are better explained in chat. You can join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/dyQDesj but I'll explain some answers in this post too.

I'd recommend running No-pulse (fast) as this is the smoothest way to run Command. As for what I have on and off I'll list below:

View ->
Map Lat/Long Grid = OFF
BMNG Layer = ON
Relief Layer = OFF by default, ON for planning strikes.
Borders + Coastlines = ON
Custom Layers = OFF by default
Day + Night Lighting = OFF by default. Makes it eaier to see the map but useful when planning.

Map Settings ->
Everything = OFF by default
I turn these on as and when I need them.

For the Map Grid: Sometimes a scenario might need you to refer to map coordinates, so have the grid on if it's there by default, and if a special message refers to coordinates, re enable it.

For BMNG: Yeah, leave it on unless you want to simulate an old computer display from the late 1980s or 90s for immersion.

Relief Layer: Disable it if there are no land targets you need to worry about. That would be the only reason to use it.

Borders and Coastlines: Yeah there is no reason to ever turn these off.

I don't use any custom layers myself.

Not much need for Day/Night Lighting really unless you want it and it doesn't' affect your PC's performance while playing.


As for Map settings, I would rather work off of what the scenario has by default and go from there.

[Peter]

Just want to touch on a few points that HLE made. But before I do, the guide HLE created is fantastic, good reference for new and old users.

BMNG layer shows the depth of water via colour, this is quite handy and I've never seen a reason to turn it off personally.

Custom layers/overlays are important in some scenarios. In fact I often use them myself but everyone has their own preferences. Custom overlays can bring a whole new sense of scale and detail in to a scenario.

Day/Night Lighting can be important if your units are not equipped with night vision capable sensors. This is more important in scenarios that are over 24 hours. It's not required even then as the data block will tell you all that information. However I like to visually see it. Personal preference at the end of the day.

Good point on the Map Grid by the way. Had not thought of using it like that.