Squad is a large scale military shooter where two teams of up to 50 players fight over objectives with real logistics and command structure. Offworld Industries built it around teamwork, so a coordinated squad usually beats individual skill.
Starting Squad can feel overwhelming. This guide tells you exactly what to focus on during your first hours so you don't waste time on things that don't matter yet. For the full progression path, see our walkthrough.
What Kind of Game Is This?
Squad is a fps game built around Large scale 50v50 battles and Squad and fireteam command. The core loop involves mastering these systems to progress through increasingly challenging content.
What to expect: Time investment in learning mechanics, experimentation, and gradual mastery. The game rewards patience and knowledge.
Choosing Your First Role
| Role | Beginner Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Squad Leader | Good (but demanding) | Place HABs and rally points, mark contacts, talk to command and your squad |
| Rifleman | Excellent for beginners | Stick with the squad, resupply the leader, hold and clear positions |
| Medic | Good (but demanding) | Stay behind the front, revive quickly, bandage before the squad moves |
| Anti-Tank | Excellent for beginners | Hide on flanks, hit armor from the side, relocate after every shot |
| Crewman and pilot | Excellent for beginners | Balanced approach |
Our recommendation: Start with Rifleman. The backbone infantry role that resupplies squad leaders and holds ground.
Avoid Crewman and pilot as your first pick. It requires deep knowledge of game systems to use effectively. Once you're ready, check our classes guide for all options.
First Session Step-by-Step
Step 1: Learn Large scale 50v50 battles
Matches put up to 100 players on kilometers wide maps, so map control and coordination matter more than raw aim.
This is the foundation. Spend your first 15-30 minutes getting comfortable with how Large scale 50v50 battles works before worrying about anything else. Our combat guide breaks this down further.
Step 2: Head to Al Basrah urban map
Al Basrah urban map is the starting area designed for new players. Resources are plentiful and enemies are manageable.
Clear the main content here before moving on. Everything teaches fundamentals you'll need later. See our maps guide for all locations.
Step 3: Get Your First Upgrade
Look for RPG-7 launcher: it's the most accessible early upgrade. The jump from starting equipment to your first upgrade is the biggest relative power spike in the game.
Step 4: Understand Squad and fireteam command
Players group into squads led by a squad leader who places spawn points and coordinates with command.
This is the system most new players overlook. Invest time here early. It pays off throughout the entire game.
Step 5: Push to Gorodok open terrain
Once you've cleared Al Basrah urban map, Gorodok open terrain is the natural next step. The difficulty increases but you should be ready.
Essential Mechanics Explained
Large scale 50v50 battles
Matches put up to 100 players on kilometers wide maps, so map control and coordination matter more than raw aim.
Squad and fireteam command
Players group into squads led by a squad leader who places spawn points and coordinates with command.
Logistics and fortification
Teams haul ammo and build materials to construct forward bases, HABs and defensive emplacements.
Combined arms vehicles
Trucks, armored vehicles, tanks and helicopters support infantry when crews and drivers cooperate.
Proximity and radio voice
Local proximity chat and squad radio drive communication, making clear callouts a core skill.
Common Beginner Mistakes
1. Lone wolfing away from the squad and dying far from any friendly spawn point
2. Ignoring logistics so the team never builds forward HABs and loses the spawn race
3. Pushing armor without infantry support and losing it to a hidden anti tank shooter
4. Giving up instantly when downed instead of waiting for a nearby medic
5. Staying silent on voice and missing the contact calls that keep the squad alive
First 5 Hours Checklist
- Understand Large scale 50v50 battles and Squad and fireteam command
- Choose Rifleman as starting role
- Clear Al Basrah urban map main content
- Acquire RPG-7 launcher or equivalent upgrade
- Reach Gorodok open terrain
- Stay close to your squad leader, since their rally point is your fastest respawn back into the fight.
- Help build HABs in good positions so the squad spawns forward instead of running from the main base.
Tips for New Players
- Stay close to your squad leader, since their rally point is your fastest respawn back into the fight.
- Help build HABs in good positions so the squad spawns forward instead of running from the main base.
- Call contacts with a clear direction, distance and description so the squad can react fast.
- Wait for a medic when downed instead of giving up, because a revive keeps your ticket and position.
- Coordinate vehicles with infantry escorts, since lone armor dies fast to flanking anti tank.
- Carry an ammo bag as a rifleman and resupply your squad leader so they keep placing spawns.
- Use smoke to cross open ground, especially on large maps with long sightlines.
- Anti tank players should fire from the flank and relocate, never trading shots from the front.
- Listen to proximity and squad voice constantly, since most deaths come from unheard warnings.
- Move as a squad in bounds, with some covering while others advance, rather than running solo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Squad beginner friendly?
It has a learning curve, but joining a squad with a communicative leader and playing rifleman or medic eases new players in quickly.
Do I need a microphone?
It is strongly recommended, since proximity and squad voice drive coordination, though you can start by listening and following orders.
How big are the battles?
Matches run up to 50 versus 50 players on kilometers wide maps with combined arms infantry, vehicles and aircraft.
What role should I start as?
Start as a rifleman or medic to learn the maps and teamwork before taking the demanding squad leader or crewman roles.
Why does teamwork matter so much?
Spawns, logistics and vehicles all depend on coordination, so an organized squad reliably beats a group of skilled solo players.
More Squad Guides
- Squad Squad Overview
- Squad Best Builds
- Squad Tier List
- Squad Walkthrough
- Squad Tips & Tricks
- Squad Weapons Guide
- Squad Combat Guide
- Squad Boss Guide
- Squad Maps & Locations
- Squad Crafting Guide
- Squad Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Squad, check out these related guides:
- Counter-Strike 2 Beginner's Guide: fps game with similar mechanics
- Apex Legends Beginner's Guide: fps game with similar mechanics
- Rainbow Six Siege Beginner's Guide: fps game with similar mechanics
