Getting Started Guide

This guide is for new players, and veterans looking to revise their own knowledge on Operating in Ground Branch. This is the comprehensive collection of knowledge compiled by the community, and by its players.

Upcoming Developments:
 * YouTube 'Field Manual' Series
 * Known Issues & their Solutions
 * Recommended Game Settings

Please note, this is subject to change, based upon upcoming updates

to Ground Branch. While non-exhaustive, this guide aims to give new

Operators the broader understanding of the deliberate, calculated and

unforgiving world of Ground Branch. The contents are displayed below:

Etiquette
Ground Branch is a unique tactical first-person shooter, in which a particular emphasis on realism is made. However, in keeping with the design choices made by the developers, TOC has provided an etiquette guideline that, while optional, it's recommended that players attempt to abide by this. This part of the guide is to prepare the player's mental approach.

Realism Definition 

Realism

/ˈrɪəlɪz(ə)m/

(Mass Noun)

                                     I. The quality or fact of representing a person or thing in a way that is accurate and true to life.                                      "...Ground Branch has realism at its core. It attempts to simulate real-life CQB situations..."

Natural Order of Realistic Gameplay (NORG)

A legacy term originally coined by "Hatchetforce", a retired Special Forces Operator who contributed to the early start of Ground Branch. He defines the Natural Order of Realistic Gameplay (NORG) as a doctrine or concept surrounding the design and development of realistic tactical/military simulation games. Some arguments about the clearest definitions of NORG exist, and Tactical Operations Center has their own definition of the NORG philosophy, which it is shown below:



Natural Order of Realistic Gameplay 2019+ (NORG2019)

The Natural Order of Realistic Gameplay mandates that the player consider every action taken in-simulation with the same weight, and consequence as one would in-reality. The situation in-simulation is, and should be throughout, an experiential journey of applying real-life consideration to an otherwise digital experience; the goal of which is to set a high standard for realism during the active operation of said simulation; asking reflectively 'would I do this in reality?'. If the answer weighs heavily towards the negative, then the act should be avoided in lieu of an answer in the positive. 

What NORG is...
 * is a philosophical framework that supports realistic consequential forethought toward any action in-game
 * provides a system for checking how 'realistic' the current state of play is, and when possible, enhances it
 * reinforces the notion that being 'realistic' in-game, is a positive mentality that encourages immersive play

Pro-Norg Examples
 * Situational: 'this door may conceal several well-armed hostiles awaiting my entry, what would real-life troops do?
 * Logistical: 'this equipment might be too heavy, or inappropriate for the mission. What would real-life troops use?'
 * Physical: 'this terrain requires careful navigation to avoid enemy detection. How would a real-life squad travel?'

What NORG is not...
 * a hard and fast set of rules that govern player actions, rather it is a manifesto that is flexible in its application
 * a dogmatic set of principles in which to judge another player's adherence to realistic gameplay via discussion
 * a cure-all for reality:simulation equations; some things when applied in a game, do not successfully translate

Anti-Norg Examples...
 * Situational: 'I'll just open this door and run in guns blazing, I can always respawn later. It's a game, afterall...'
 * Logistical: 'My fireteam benefits from everyone taking 'the best' guns, rather than considering what troops do'
 * Physical: 'Jumping around and dodging using crouch is perfectly fine, it gives me an edge over the enemy...'

In summary, it is good etiquette to consider the decisions made when designing Ground Branch. This game has spent numerous years in development, aiming to provide a highly authentic experience using NORG as a central manifesto for its design, and therefore its intended playstyle. However, it is not a hard and fast ruleset, but here at TOC we would prefer that players attempt to apply some level of realistic consideration when interacting with Ground Branch's model.

Tutorials
Tactical Operations Center has provided a series of videos containing tutorial material for new players, and veteran Operators alike. This series, while not exhaustive, can help strengthen player knowledge and collate the group data into a collective knowledge pool for future Ground Branch generations to come. Please see videos below for more.

BASIC TUTORIALS

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Below are a series of quick-fixes that can help resolve common issues. A table has been provided that shows bugs or issues relating to Ground Branch. While non-exhaustive, it may provide a quick solution that solves a player's problem.

In-game Activities
There are several in-game activities for prospective Operators to conduct missions in. These can range from Player vs. Enemy (PVE) or Player vs. Player (PVP) Gamemodes to customisable Training Operations in which to refine skill levels used in the field. Players can also customise their Operator, and have the ability to save and load operator kit formats.


 * Categories
 * Training (Offline)
 * Play Offline
 * Gamemode: Deathmatch
 * Gamemode: Development
 * Gamemode: Team Deathmatch
 * Gamemode: Team Elimination
 * Gamemode: Terrorist Hunt
 * Host Game
 * Server Settings (incl. Gamemodes above, and more)
 * Server Browser
 * Server Filters (incl. Gamemode, Map Choice, LAN, Friend's Servers, Favourites, History, etc)
 * Customise Operator
 * Operator Loadout, incl.
 * Profile
 * Name (also displays name on Equipment Nametapes)
 * Head (pick from various heads that best fit your choice)
 * Facial Hair
 * Outfit (incl. various shirts, pants, gloves and footwear)
 * Gear (incl. various headwear, eyewear, facewear and body armour)
 * Arm Patches (disabled at present, patches are coming)
 * Weapons (selecting a firearm for use in operations)
 * Loadouts (saving new, loading or editing existing kits)
 * Save new...
 * Select Kit

Training
The Training Gamemode is available in Single Player and Online Multiplayer (incl. LAN). It enables a team or singular Operator to conduct skill refinement missions. In some examples, 'Target App v1.0' is made available to Operators, a screen-displayed system that allows the team or individual to customise and monitor Enemy and Friendly targets that pop up in the scenario. Furthermore, it allows for timer tracking, and helps to increase Operator proficiency in-game...



The Aircraft Takedown Training Area, is a level designed to offer training to Operators who seek to refine their field capabilities in enclosed situations. It features a single aircraft fuselage, with computer controlled pop-up targets and hostages as well as timers. These features make it an excellent choice when preparing for a mission that involves preparation in advance of flights grounded for aircraft raids. It also features an equipment table for logistics.

FEATURE SUMMARY
 * Simulated Aircraft (likely Boeing 747 Fuselage Cabin)
 * Computer Controlled Pop-up Targets (Hostage/OpFor)
 * Timer Control Functions (Start/Reset)
 * Equipment Table for Operators' needs.

The Killhouse Training Area, is a level designed to offer varied refinement and training options to individual Operators and teams. It features rooms, doors and hallways with computer controlled pop-up hostages and target boards as well as timers. These help to make it an excellent choice when training in versatile Close-Quarters Battle (CQB) situations requiring units having to adapt to new obstacles. It also features an equipment table, too.

FEATURE SUMMARY
 * Single Story CQB Shooting Environment (kill house)
 * Computer Controlled Pop-up Targets (Hostage/OpFor)
 * Timer Control Functions (Start/Reset)
 * Equipment Table for Operators' needs.

The Shooting Range Training Area, is a level aimed at firearm refinement and proficiency. It features numerous types of targets, including motion or movement based and stationary targets. This level includes range viewer technology, for instructors to help assess the shooters performance. Map settings aren't as diverse, but the player can opt to load the map with FX that simulate explosions and other sound effects to disorient an Operator.

FEATURE SUMMARY
 * Multi-range Target Oriented Shooting Range
 * Alternative Map with Simulated Conflict FX
 * Equipment Table for Operators' needs.

Play Offline
An Operator can choose to 'Play Offline', and select from a range existing gamemodes already available with Ground Branch. Each mode has various levels of customisation (explained below in their relevant sections). They provide the Operator with the ability to adjust settings, and allow for a more in-depth Single Player experience. By participating in Offline Play, the Operator can practice their ability against artificial intelligence (AI) that seek to oppose them in-game.



GAMEMODE SUMMARY
 * Deathmatch
 * Development
 * Team Deathmatch
 * Team Elimination
 * Terrorist Hunt

Deathmatch
In Deathmatch, Operators are individually poised against one another in a fight to the death. They are able to equip themselves before the round will begin, and during the fight will attempt to accrue as many kills as possible.

GAMEMODE SETTINGS
 * Pre-Game Area: Ready Room Locker
 * Winning Condition: Most Kills Scored
 * Losing Conditions: Least Kills Scored
 * Customisable Settings: Time Limit (in Minutes)

Development
In Development, Operators are able to get access to the developer's new work previews. They can enter, observe and feedback on level designs in Ground Branch that aren't made available for gamemode use in the game.

GAMEMODE SETTINGS
 * Pre-Game Area: N/A
 * Winning Condition: N/A
 * Losing Conditions: N/A
 * Customisable Settings: Time Limit (in Minutes)

Team Deathmatch
In Team Deathmatch, just like Deathmatch; Operators are teamed against one another in battle. They are able to equip themselves before the round will begin, and during the fight will attempt to gain as many kills as possible.

GAMEMODE SETTINGS
 * Pre-Game Area: Ready Room Locker
 * Winning Condition: Most Kills Scored by Team
 * Losing Conditions: Least Kills Scored by Team
 * Customisable Settings: Time Limit (in Minutes)

Team Elimination
In Team Elimination, Operators are teamed up in a realistic survival of the fittest mission. No respawns. They are able to equip themselves before the round will begin, and during the fight will attempt to eliminate all hostiles.

GAMEMODE SETTINGS
 * Pre-Game Area: Ready Room Locker
 * Winning Condition: Eliminate All Enemy Combatants
 * Losing Conditions: All Friendly Operators Neutralised
 * Customisable Settings: Time Limit (in Minutes)

Terrorist Hunt
In Terrorist Hunt, Operators are teamed up in a realistic operation against hostile artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, the hostile AI can be custom built to specification, with varying difficulty and cleverness. The number of enemy combatants can be set, as well as other specific details that apply.

GAMEMODE SETTINGS
 * Pre-Game Area: Ready Room Locker
 * Winning Condition: Eliminate All Enemy AI
 * Losing Conditions: All Friendly Operators Neutralised
 * Customisable Settings: Time Limit (in Minutes)
 * Customisable Settings: Round Time (in Minutes)
 * Customisable Settings: Terrorist Behaviour
 * Terrorist Count
 * Show Terrorist Count
 * AI Skill Level
 * Max Turn Rate
 * Max Head Look Rate
 * Recoil Compensation Skill
 * Aim Error Update Interval
 * Suppression Recovery Rate
 * OnTarget Threshold
 * Deliberate Miss Time
 * Deliberate Miss Blend Out Time
 * Deliberate Miss Distance Threshold
 * Center of Mass Bone
 * Reaction Time Base
 * Reaction Time Random

Host Game
The Operator can opt to 'Host Game' which enables them to host a client-side hosted match in Ground Branch. They are able to customise whether their server will be 'Internet' or 'LAN', with Internet mode connecting to the internet with Ports Forwarded and UPNP, and LAN connecting via Localhost (127.0.0.1). The individual can also customise player numbers, and the specified gamemode (see settings above for further details), but ultimately the server choices remain upto them.



SETTINGS & ADDITIONAL HOSTING INFORMATION
 * Customisable Settings: Type (Internet & LAN)
 * Customisable Settings: Players (No. of Players)
 * Customisable Settings: Gamemode Type
 * DEDICATED SERVER SETUP GUIDE: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1449083065

Server Browser
The Operator can find servers via the Server Browser, the most common way to enjoy Ground Branch. It comes with numerous options to allow you to find the perfect match. This includes the ability to toggle 'Filters', or categories that enable or disable servers showing up, according to parameters defined by the filter. Shown below is a browser menu.



SERVER BROWSER COMPONENTS
 * Tabs
 * Internet Servers
 * LAN (Local) Servers
 * Friends (Servers in which Friends are Playing)
 * Favourites (Servers the Operator Marks as Favourites)
 * History (Previous Servers)
 * Filters
 * Gamemodes (Change to find Preferred Gamemodes)
 * Map (Change to find Preferred Maps)
 * Not Full: Check to find Non-Full Servers
 * Has Players: Check to find Non-Empty Servers
 * No Password: Check to find Non-Passworded Servers

Customise Operator
The Operator can customise their outfit, and save equipment as a 'loadout' for use in missions later. This is available within the game, and from the main menu under 'Customise Operator' dialogue. Within this system, the player is then able to access various levels of equipment and has access to all logistical aspects from the menu, and from in-game.

Fig 1.1: Customise Operator Screen

Fig 1.2: Operator Head Selection

Fig 1.3: Operator Beard Selection

Fig 1.4: Operator Camouflage Selection

Fig 1.5: Operator Helmet Configuration I

Fig 1.6: Operator Helmet Configuration II

Fig 1.7: Operator Armour Configuration I

Fig 1.8: Operator Armour Configuration II

<p style="text-align: center;">Fig 1.9: Operator Firearm Configuration

CUSTOMISE OPERATOR SUMMARY
 * Profile
 * Name
 * Head Choice (see Fig 1.2 Above)
 * Facial Hair (see Fig 1.3 Above)
 * Outfit
 * Shirt (see Fig 1.4 Above)
 * Pants (same as above)
 * Gloves
 * Boots (same as Above)
 * Gear
 * Headgear (see Fig 1.5 and 1.6 Above)
 * Eyewear (see Fig 1.4 Above)
 * Facewear (see Fig 1.4 Above)
 * Platform (see Fig 1.7 and 1.8 Above)
 * Weapons
 * Primary Weapon (see Fig 1.9 Above)
 * Secondary Weapon (same as above)

Online Communities
Ground Branch features a community of Operators, professionally-minded individuals who organise themselves into units, teams and online clans. The former of which are highly serious, and the latter being less realistic in nature. An additional support network is provided by the developers, who contribute to forums, an online discord and other sites.

Official Networks
The official networks made available by Blackfoot Studios are shown below. Please use these if you wish to contact the developers. Their careful dedication to serving the player with accurate information, is both welcomed and helps players find their solutions rapidly. It is highly recommended you reach out to the official discord prior to other areas.


 * OFFICIAL WEB PAGES: https://www.groundbranch.com / http://www.blackfootstudios.com
 * OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA: https://twitter.com/blackfootstudio&#x20;/&#x20;https://twitter.com/GroundBranch
 * OFFICIAL STEAM STORE: https://store.steampowered.com/app/16900/GROUND_BRANCH/
 * OFFICIAL FORUMS: https://www.blackfootstudios.com/forums/index.php?/forums/
 * OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLrKVRro0Z2GlYmpFUzBXg

Community Networks
Tactical Operations Center is the premier unofficial community network, tying together existing milsim, tacsim, casual and organised groups into a singular representative playerbase. We can be found from a range of links shown below. If you own a team, or have a group you wish to add to our growing fanbase, please visit our discord below, and we're always welcoming new players, individuals especially. We strive to stay in the creative vision outlined in Ground Branch.


 * TOC WEBSITE: http://www.tacticaloperations.center
 * TOC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/axf2Zcm
 * STEAM GROUP: https://steamcommunity.com/groups/groundbranchmultiplayer
 * YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51mP9M1SZDo_cdZYu98--Q
 * FRIENDS AND SOLUTION SITES
 * Fubar's Ground Branch Fixes: http://fubs.no-ip.org/web/GBloadout.html
 * Verstanden's Networks Guide: https://www.blackfootstudios.com/forums/index.php?/forums/topic/8447-quick-start-guide-to-hosting-your-own-server-for-ground-branch-steam-version-20162017/

Controls
An Operator can edit their settings via the 'Settings' menu, via either the Main Menu, or via pressing Esc Key and also accessing the Pause Menu. Below, is a screenshot demonstrating the customisable nature of Ground Branch's control schematics. Additionally, a table that contains a total form of these inputs is also provided, including our recommended control or setting so that the Operator can optimise their Ground Branch play. While optional, they are highly efficient...



<p style="text-align: center;">Ground Branch Controls Table

Gameplay
An Operator can edit their settings via the 'Settings' menu, via either the Main Menu, or via pressing Esc Key and also accessing the Pause Menu; they can adjust their gameplay settings. This includes settings for displaying chat data, or the ability to toggle user experience (UX) icons on and off. Furthermore, various realism settings can be adjusted, too.



<p style="text-align: center;">Ground Branch Settings Table

Video
An Operator can edit their settings via the 'Settings' menu, via either the Main Menu, or via pressing Esc Key and also accessing the Pause Menu; they can adjust their video graphics settings. This includes the ability to set resolution, or alter various configurations, including post-processing, sharpening, or adjust the Operator's 'Field of View' (FOV), too.



<p style="text-align: center;">Ground Branch Controls Table

Audio
An Operator can edit their settings via the 'Settings' menu, via either the Main Menu, or via pressing Esc Key and also accessing the Pause Menu; they can adjust their audio graphics settings. This includes the options to set volume level for numerous channels, including Music, Sound Effects and Voice as well as handling how Voice and Radios interact.



<p style="text-align: center;">Ground Branch Controls Table