Project Reality Forums

Hello everyone,

First off, let me just say that I absolutely love the game thus far. It's what I've sought out of a FPS for quite some time. Sure, the comical and "fast-action" of something like Team Fortress is nice at times, but I usually desire more realism out of my games. That being said, as a new player, I'm a little overwhelmed and have some questions for the community if you don't mind!

First off, pertaining to squads: Is it improper etiquette to just join an infantry squad? One thing I don't like to do is tick off a squad leader or some such. Also, should I avoid telling my squad that I'm a novice at PR?

Secondly, how do you folks tell the difference between a friendly and a hostile? I've admittedly had some really rough times with this. Also, how do you know where to shoot? Do you just follow the direction that someone in the squad announces for contact and then let loose suppression?

Thirdly, when it comes to kits, I've read the manual and saw that a Rifleman is preferred for starter players, but I've been told that I should be picking up a kit? What kind of kits should I be picking up?

Fourth, there's a lot of acronyms and talks about tactical stuff that is going right over my head. If there's a group of players near the U.S. that would not mind taking me under their wing, have a good deal amount of patience, and wouldn't mind tutoring me in their squad, it'd be vastly appreciated.

Once again, love the game and everything that the developers have done. Thanks to any of you who take the time out to answer my questions! I may be a newbie, but I'm quite eager to learn.

Just read forum (there are some threads like this) and watch tutorials on Youtube.

is it improper etiquette to just join an infantry squad?

Nope, if it's unlocked then jump right in! Contact squad leader straight away, ask for what kit he wants and tell him that you are new to PR but willing to follow orders.

Secondly, how do you folks tell the difference between a friendly and a hostile?

Experience, experience, experience. Telling the difference between Uniform only comes with time and regular checks of the map to find out where friendlies are in relation to you.

Thirdly, when it comes to kits, I've read the manual and saw that a Rifleman is preferred for starter players, but I've been told that I should be picking up a kit? What kind of kits should I be picking up?

Ask the squad leader wants as soon as you join the squad. Project Reality is a very dynamic game and thus you can never just remain as one kit. Breacher, Grenadier are both kits that are easy to master for the beginner player. Also, mastering medic is always a good choice (this was the first kit I decided to try and play and boy does it pay off!)

Sorry, can't help you with the last stuff as I live in New Zealand! But just ask as you play along and you will quickly get the hang of it. E.g. Inf = Infantry, Dogbox = Insurgent FOB, Trans = Transport, w2 = Where to? (When jumping in a APC or Transport Heli), Lase = Mark target with GLTD for laser guided bomb/missile (E.g. I have lased the tank)

Welcome onboard, buddy

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:Hello everyone,
First off, pertaining to squads: Is it improper etiquette to just join an infantry squad? One thing I don't like to do is tick off a squad leader or some such. Also, should I avoid telling my squad that I'm a novice at PR?

Yeah, just join an infantry squad, and tell them that you're new! They will give you advice, tips, and tell you everything what you want/need to know. The community is very, very newb-friendly. New players are always needed.

ParadoxicalPancake wrote: Secondly, how do you folks tell the difference between a friendly and a hostile? I've admittedly had some really rough times with this. Also, how do you know where to shoot? Do you just follow the direction that someone in the squad announces for contact and then let loose suppression?

You can see the difference after some time playing. If you are not sure if the target you're aiming at is friend or foe, press shift, it will open the map and you can see your position and if there are any friendlies in front of you. Tip: On the map, you are displayed as a blue dot. If you click on your dot, it will turn white and you can see where you currently are much quicker. And don't forget, top of the map is north, left is west, right is south etc.. if you know what i mean.

Also if you're aiming at a friendly, most of the time a nametag will appear above his head (i said most of the time, because the nametag does not appear on every friendly player, due to Battlefield 2 Engine limitations).

And yes, if a squadmate calls out a direction, look at it, if you see a target try to hit it with precise shots, if he ducks into cover, suppress his cover, so he can't fire back.

Don't forget, when you aim at target with a normal assault rifle you have to wait 4 seconds, otherwise the bullets will go everywhere but where you want them to hit.

Welcome to PR

Welcome to PR and read the manual since it has all the information that you need and if you need understanding of something then come to the forums to seek out an explanation on what you're not understanding.

https://www.realitymod.com/manual/pr_manual.pdf

The only problem I have is finding a squad that wants to group up and use mics for decent team play. So I've been playing as SL and it's really fun, but it can get overwhelming when you have a full squad.

I'm glad people love being medic. I don't I'm only medic when nobody else wants to do the job.

Cameratoss wrote:The only problem I have is finding a squad that wants to group up and use mics for decent team play. So I've been playing as SL and it's really fun, but it can get overwhelming when you have a full squad.

I'm glad people love being medic. I don't I'm only medic when nobody else wants to do the job.

Visit this board here and look for a clan that is taking new players that will teach you how to play PR.

Clan Recruitment - Project Reality Forums

Welcome sir. Welcome to pr
Advice would be a 153page book for me to type. But I would say check on forums.
Just 2. Things.
Do not fly our assets until u are properly trained to fly
And please get a mix and listen to squad leaders

So after playing a few matches, I'm looking for some advice after I've noticed a few things:

Firstly, how are people able to spot people from such great distances? I've had difficulty spotting enemies and by the time I hear the shots, I'm already wounded. Sometimes, I may just peek my head from cover slightly and bam, down. How do you folks spot individuals and know where to shoot?

Secondly, are you sure it's a good idea to admit that I'm new? I did for one game and was immediately kicked from the squad and then was left to a squad leader that didn't talk or communicate at all. A little offputting, but I'm a pretty optimistic fellow and understand that a few bad apples shouldn't spoil the bunch, but I want to keep learning, but it's difficult keeping up with folks.

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:Firstly, how are people able to spot people from such great distances? I've had difficulty spotting enemies and by the time I hear the shots, I'm already wounded. Sometimes, I may just peek my head from cover slightly and bam, down. How do you folks spot individuals and know where to shoot?

Could be that they are already aware of your location, so when you peek around the corner they just have to pull the trigger.

Secondly, are you sure it's a good idea to admit that I'm new? I did for one game and was immediately kicked from the squad and then was left to a squad leader that didn't talk or communicate at all. A little offputting, but I'm a pretty optimistic fellow and understand that a few bad apples shouldn't spoil the bunch, but I want to keep learning, but it's difficult keeping up with folks.

I would say that it's always better to say that you're new, because that's what's the case, no? I know that some people don't want newbies in their squad, sometimes I don't want that either, especially with my mates around, but to keep that a secret I would never advise you to do.

I still would say though that even though you might get kicked immediately, players in clan tags are your best option, they know the tricks, they know how to communicate, they know what they want, so you end up learning the most, even if it takes a while to find people willing to pick you up.

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:So after playing a few matches, I'm looking for some advice after I've noticed a few things:

Firstly, how are people able to spot people from such great distances? I've had difficulty spotting enemies and by the time I hear the shots, I'm already wounded. Sometimes, I may just peek my head from cover slightly and bam, down. How do you folks spot individuals and know where to shoot?

Secondly, are you sure it's a good idea to admit that I'm new? I did for one game and was immediately kicked from the squad and then was left to a squad leader that didn't talk or communicate at all. A little offputting, but I'm a pretty optimistic fellow and understand that a few bad apples shouldn't spoil the bunch, but I want to keep learning, but it's difficult keeping up with folks.

1. Always check your map and surroundings. Be aware of your teammates and squadmates location, so you can avoid a friendly fire incident.

2. It's better to let them know that you are new then to let them find out later down the road when they ask you to pick up a HAT kit from a crate or something.

My only advice would be to join your local PR Community/Clan.

They will explain and show you a lot in no time what could take you months to learn.

Check PR Clans section - there are plenty of them.

Usually if I have a bunch of clanmembers playing, I kick out all the guys I dont know. If I have a locked squad with room, and someone asks nicely, Ill let em in.

If you find a SL who doesn't talk just leave.
Alot of old players are happy to have a new player, they can appreciate it's needed. It can be good to join a mortar squad or even form one yourself (after practising on CO-OP) as that can be a little less brutal, from what I've heard TG has good teamwork and would probably have few SLs with the ability to help you out.

Mr Pancake which is in paradox.

I can help you get some proper help in gaming PR. Just send me a PM, or reply here. And I shall endeavour to help you. Also mmm pancakces.

Hi Paradoxical, and welcome to PR! Sorry you're having a bit of a tough time getting into the game. Stick with it though, it's worth it - we all started off in your position once.

Keep active on the forums, and you'll learn as much on here as you will in game.

Some people have already answered your questions, but I'll throw my two pence in - it could well be the same, similar, or contradictory advice.

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:First off, pertaining to squads: Is it improper etiquette to just join an infantry squad?

Joining a squad is how you join a squad. Unless you're on vent/TS with a particular group of people, there's no way to "ask" to join a squad. If it's open and there's space, jump in! Perhaps avoid the CAS squad as a new player for now though - and jump on board once you're a bit more confident in the basics.

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:Also, should I avoid telling my squad that I'm a novice at PR?

I'd be more inclined to just say "Hey, I'm a newcomer learning the ropes. I'll try my best." I'd say about 75% of people in game have some kind of presence here in the forums. They have a reputation to maintain, and generally for PR players, it's a good one. If you see someone in game who you recognise as a forum user, chances are you can expect a fun and friendly round with them. The majority of players in this community are open to teaching new players, so long as they can keep up with the pace. PR is a very hands-on game in order to shift the tide of battle in the field, so it's impractical to spend 15-20 minutes at base going over basics. Just keep up with your squad, listen to your squad leader, and pick it up as you go along. Have fun learning!

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:Secondly, how do you folks tell the difference between a friendly and a hostile? I've admittedly had some really rough times with this.

We all are, since the removal of tags in 1.0. Best bet is to glance at your team mates kit, and then shoot anyone who doesn't look like that. At a distance, stick in cover and return fire if they're bold enough to shoot at you. It's not worth accidentally teamkilling someone. Ask questions first and shoot later - it'll save you a few kicks!

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:Also, how do you know where to shoot? Do you just follow the direction that someone in the squad announces for contact and then let loose suppression?

Observe your compass, and listen out for target coordinates to engage. I don't "suppress" as much as I should, treating every bullet as if it's destined to make a hit. Suppression is an upper hand in a fire fight. 3 years in and I'm still to let that sink into my head.

Also, remember that unlike vanilla, the battle can only flow in a certain order. Observe your attack/defend objectives, and recognise that if you own everything to your West, you're probably going to be fighting enemies to your East.

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:Thirdly, when it comes to kits, I've read the manual and saw that a Rifleman is preferred for starter players, but I've been told that I should be picking up a kit? What kind of kits should I be picking up?

Rifleman is your catch-all-kit. You have guns, grenades, ammo and patches. Jack of all trades, master of nothing - and they're in unlimited supply with a choice of scope/no scope. They are great for learning the game, and supplying your squad with ammo in a pinch.

Squad leaders tend to want to maximise the effectiveness of the squad however, and as the 8th person, you could be being utilised as any other specialist role, other than 'ammo *****'. Ultimately, if your squad leader wants you to take a kit, what's the worst that could happen? You'll get better with experience, and maybe your squad members will give you some on-the-job tuition if you're not sure how to use the kit you've been told to get.

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:Fourth, there's a lot of acronyms and talks about tactical stuff that is going right over my head.

What acronyms are confusing you? Let's see if we can help you out =]

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:Firstly, how are people able to spot people from such great distances? I've had difficulty spotting enemies and by the time I hear the shots, I'm already wounded. Sometimes, I may just peek my head from cover slightly and bam, down. How do you folks spot individuals and know where to shoot?

Silhouettes against the sky/terrain mostly, but sometimes people just have eagle eye vision and there's not much to be done about it. Some people just have damn good vision. I don't.

ParadoxicalPancake wrote:Secondly, are you sure it's a good idea to admit that I'm new? I did for one game and was immediately kicked from the squad and then was left to a squad leader that didn't talk or communicate at all. A little offputting, but I'm a pretty optimistic fellow and understand that a few bad apples shouldn't spoil the bunch, but I want to keep learning, but it's difficult keeping up with folks.

I think you've come across some bad SLs, and there's plenty about - but for every bad SL there's 5 good ones. Keep trying mate. If a squad has a decent name, the SL is an officer, the squad has a medic, and they don't look like they're split up randomly over the map, chances are it's a good squad to join.

The squad called 'ENG INF' with some bloke called genericsoldier0124 as the SL, running around with a HAT kit, and 4 other people spread out across the map with crewman and pilot kits... You can bet your bottom dollar that it was ONCE a functional squad, until the real SL left/disconnected. Don't join that squad.

Thanks to all of you that have been incredibly welcoming and patient. I've been progressively performing better. If I have more questions, I'll be sure to ask them.

As the others already said, don't worry if you feel "left out" because you're new. I am personally willing to help newcomers because I want them to notice how great PR is and not to stick with a bad opinion of it and its player base.

I feel sorry for you if you had bad experiences such as squad-kick and shit, but remain patient and don't mind people whining about you being a noob, non-understanding people are the ones to be blamed