In-Game Heads-Up Display (HUD)
The UI in Holdfast: Nations At War adapts dynamically between the Napoleonic Era and the Frontlines (WW1) Era. It is divided into the Main Menu (out-of-game management) and the HUD (in-game tactical information).
HUD Elements Reference
| Element | Description | PC / Console Access |
|---|---|---|
| Health & Ammo | Located in the bottom right. Shows HP bar and "Loaded/Unloaded" status. | Always Visible |
| Compass & Wind | (Naval Only) Shows ship heading and wind direction arrow. | Bottom Left |
| Objectives | Shows capture progress (bars) and the Match Timer. | Top Center |
| Reinforcements | Displays remaining team "Tickets" (lives). | Top Center (below timer) |
| Mini Map | Displays terrain, objectives, and friendly positions. | M / View Button (Xbox) |
| Kill Feed | Lists kills, weapon used, and distance (top right). | Toggle in Settings |
| Scoreboard | View player scores, pings, and classes. | TAB / Options (PS) |
Communication & VoIP
Communication is the most powerful tool in Holdfast.
- Proximity Voice (VoIP): A speaker icon appears over a player's head when they speak. It is directional and fades with distance.
- Text Chat:
- All: Round-wide chat.
- Team: Strategic chat for your faction.
- Command: Exclusive to Officers and High Command for coordinating movements.
- Command Radial:
- PC: Q (Napoleonic) or V (Frontlines).
- Console: RB / R1 (Hold). Allows for quick callouts like "Follow Me!", "Fire!", or "Charge!"
Era-Specific UI Differences
Napoleonic Era (Nations at War)
- Reload Progress: Because muskets take ~15 seconds to load, a circular or bar progress indicator is vital. Moving while the indicator is active will cancel the reload.
- Melee Mode Indicator: A bayonet icon appears when you switch to melee mode (X on PC / D-Pad Right on Console).
- Officer Orders: Visual markers (circles on the ground or arrows) appear when an Officer issues an order like "Line Up" or "Fire."
Frontlines Era (World War 1)
- Stamina Bar: WW1 combat involves sprinting and trench clearing, adding a stamina bar near the health indicator.
- Squad UI: Players are grouped into squads. Friendly squad mates appear with green icons instead of blue.
- Artillery UI: When using Field Guns or Mortars, a detailed range-finding UI or "Level" indicator appears to help calculate trajectory.
Console UI Optimizations
On Console, the UI is optimized for controller navigation:
- Radial Menus: Holding specific buttons (like the Command or Sail menus) brings up a wheel selection rather than key-presses.
- Aim Assist Indicator: A subtle reticle change may occur when aiming near an enemy (can be disabled in settings for a more hardcore experience).
Pro Tip: You can toggle the entire HUD off (PC: H) (Xbox / PS5: Hold the Menu button (Xbox) or Options button (PS5) for approximately 2 seconds.) for cinematic "Hardcore" gameplay or taking high-quality screenshots/recordings.