Musician Tunes - Revision history

Alan3 at 20:35, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T20:35:15Z

Alan3 at 19:48, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T19:48:56Z

Alan3 at 19:14, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T19:14:37Z

EXPRI3ST: Revamped // Updated

2026-01-21T07:18:10Z

Revamped // Updated

EXPRI3ST: Reworded

2025-10-12T01:07:11Z

Reworded

EXPRI3ST: Filled in information

2025-10-12T01:00:35Z

Filled in information

Spammy: Created page

2022-08-07T11:22:41Z

Created page

New page

@@ Line 99: / Line 99: @@
 <pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong "C:\my music\filename.mid"</nowiki></pre>
-You can also add some options to the command to help with smoother playback.
+To play along with another musician, you can join their band by pressing E on them.
-Use the -t option to start a song at a particular timestamp, argument in seconds:
+If you prefer to join a band through the console instead, you can do so using the following commands:
 <pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -t 15</nowiki></pre>
-Use the -a option to analyse a MIDI file, which will provide a suggested shift value:
+Use the -v/-volume option to control volume, from 0.0 to 1.0 (default 1 = max loudness) Scales based on peak velocity so dynamics are preserved:
 <pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -a</nowiki></pre>
-Use the -s option to shift a MIDI file, it is recommended to analyse the file first for a suggested value:
+Use the -s/-shift option to shift a MIDI file's pitch, argument in semitones:
 <pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -s 12</nowiki></pre>
-Use the -nf option to disable note fitting and play the MIDI file exactly as it was created:
+Use the -c/-channels option to list available channels or play specific channels only, special arguments: <list>,<all>:
 <pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -nf</nowiki></pre>
 You can combine multiple options to get the desired effect, for example:
-<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -s 12 -nf</nowiki></pre>
+<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -s 12 -c 1,3,6 -vmax</nowiki></pre>
 == 6. Obtaining MIDI files ==

@@ Line 100: / Line 100: @@
 You can also add some options to the command to help with smoother playback.
 Use the -a option to analyse a MIDI file, which will provide a suggested shift value:
@@ Line 107: / Line 110: @@
 <pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -s 12</nowiki></pre>
-Use the -f option to fit remaining notes:
+Use the -nf option to disable note fitting and play the MIDI file exactly as it was created:
-<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -f</nowiki></pre>
+<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -nf</nowiki></pre>
 You can combine multiple options to get the desired effect, for example:
-<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -s 12 -f</nowiki></pre>
+<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -s 12 -nf</nowiki></pre>
 == 6. Obtaining MIDI files ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:14, 19 March 2026
Line 87:		Line 87:
	* '''Audio Standards:''' While the game encourages atmosphere, players should use VoIP music sparingly. Ensure any external audio is clear, not distorted, and ideally period-appropriate.		* '''Audio Standards:''' While the game encourages atmosphere, players should use VoIP music sparingly. Ensure any external audio is clear, not distorted, and ideally period-appropriate.
	* '''The "Last Stand":''' Musicians often lead the charge during the final moments of a round to boost morale; however, during standard play, focus on staying alive to provide buffs.		* '''The "Last Stand":''' Musicians often lead the charge during the final moments of a round to boost morale; however, during standard play, focus on staying alive to provide buffs.
		+
		+	== 5. Playing Custom MIDI Tunes ==
		+	To play MIDI tunes, you first need to place them in your Holdfast game folder, next to Holdfast NaW.exe. Typically this would be located at: <Drive>:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Holdfast Nations At War.
		+
		+	Alternatively you can have them somewhere else on your PC, but you will need to provide the entire file path (in double quotes) when playing the song in-game instead of typing just the file name.
		+
		+	Whilst in-game and holding an instrument, open the console by pressing F1, and then enter the following command:
		+	<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid</nowiki></pre>
		+
		+	If you are pasting a file path in, your command may look more like:
		+	<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong "C:\my music\filename.mid"</nowiki></pre>
		+
		+	You can also add some options to the command to help with smoother playback.
		+
		+	Use the -a option to analyse a MIDI file, which will provide a suggested shift value:
		+	<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -a</nowiki></pre>
		+
		+	Use the -s option to shift a MIDI file, it is recommended to analyse the file first for a suggested value:
		+	<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -s 12</nowiki></pre>
		+
		+	Use the -f option to fit remaining notes:
		+
		+	<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -f</nowiki></pre>
		+
		+	You can combine multiple options to get the desired effect, for example:
		+	<pre class="hf-code"><nowiki>playsong filename.mid -s 12 -f</nowiki></pre>
		+
		+	== 6. Obtaining MIDI files ==
		+	Due to the nature of the implementation, MIDI tracks with many channels will not typically sound as good, so try to find or create files with as few channels as possible.
		+
		+	MIDI File repositories:
		+	* BitMidi
		+	* OnlineSequencer
		+
		+	MIDI File Creators:
		+	* OnlineSequencer

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-= Musician Tunes =
+= Musician Class: Overview & Mechanics =
-The Musician class in ''Holdfast: Nations At War'' is a crucial support unit, providing battlefield buffs to nearby allies and adding to the game's atmosphere through period-appropriate music.
+The '''Musician''' is a specialized auxiliary unit in ''Holdfast: Nations At War''. Beyond their contribution to the game's historical atmosphere, Musicians serve a vital tactical role by providing passive combat bonuses to friendly infantry.
-== 1. The Musician Class Overview ==
+=== 1. Combat Buffs & Mechanics ===
-Musicians are auxiliary support units that utilize their instruments to inspire troops and provide tactical advantages.
+Musicians provide a rhythmic cadence that improves the combat effectiveness of nearby '''Line Infantry, Guards, and Grenadiers'''.
-=== Core Musician Traits & Buffs ===
+* '''Accuracy Bonus:''' Playing an instrument grants a base '''8% accuracy buff''' to nearby qualifying units.
-* '''Musician - Inspiring Presence:''' Playing music grants nearby allied line infantry, guards, and grenadiers a substantial '''accuracy buff'''.
+=== 2. Musician Class Variations ===
 {| class="wikitable"
-|Class
+|'''Class'''
-|Available Nations
+|'''Nation Availability'''
-|Instrument
+|'''Primary Instrument'''
-|Key Feature
+|'''Unique Traits'''
 |-
 |'''Fifer'''
-|All Nations (Default Land Maps)
+|All Nations
 |Fife
-|Can '''crouch''' while playing their instrument, offering a lower profile under fire.
+|'''Agile:''' Can crouch while playing to reduce their profile.
 |-
 |'''Drummer'''
-|All Nations (Default Land Maps)
+|All Nations
 |Drums
-|Provides the percussion of war, supporting Fifer/Bagpiper buffs.
+|'''Standard:''' Essential for coordinating buff stacking with Fifers.
 |-
 |'''Bagpiper'''
-|British Faction Only
+|Great Britain
 |Bagpipes
-|Unique instrument for the British.
+|'''Faction Unique:''' Exclusive to the British Army.
 |-
 |'''Violinist'''
-|French and British Factions Only (Naval Maps)
+|GB & France (Naval)
 |Violin
-|Naval-unique class. Gains the '''Light Swimmer''' trait, increasing swimming speed by 35%.
+|'''Light Swimmer:''' Increases swimming speed by 35% (Naval Maps only).
 |}
-== 2. Playing Music In-Game (PC) ==
+== 3. How to Play: Controls & Interface ==
-# '''Select Class:''' Choose any Musician class (Fifer, Drummer, Bagpiper, or Violinist).
+* '''Green Text:''' Indicates the song you are currently performing.
-# '''Open Menu:''' Press the '''<code>Q</code>''' key (default) to bring up the Musician Tunes menu.
+* '''Yellow Text:''' Indicates a song currently being played by a nearby ally. '''Select this to stack the accuracy buff.'''
-== Console Controls for Musician (Xbox / PlayStation 5) ==
+=== Console & PC Control Mapping ===
 {| class="wikitable"
-|PC Function
+|'''Action'''
-|Controller Action (Xbox)
+|'''PC Command'''
-|Controller Action (PS5)
+|'''Xbox Controller'''
-|Notes
+|'''PS5 Controller'''
 |-
-|'''Open Tunes Menu'''
+|'''Open Music Menu'''
-|'''Hold Right Bumper (RB)'''
+|<code>Q</code>
-|'''Hold R1'''
+|Hold '''RB'''
-|This opens the menu displaying the list of available songs.
+|Hold '''R1'''
 |-
-|'''Select a Tune'''
+|'''Select Tune'''
-|'''Move Right Stick'''
+|Mouse Click
-|'''Move Right Stick'''
+|Right Stick
-|Use the right stick to highlight a song in the menu, and release the '''Hold Button''' (RB/R1) to select and begin playing.
+|Right Stick
 |-
-|'''Play/Start Tune'''
+|'''Start Playing'''
-|'''Release Right Bumper (RB)'''
+|Select Tune
-|'''Release R1'''
+|Release '''RB'''
-|The song begins once a tune is selected and the menu button is released.
+|Release '''R1'''
 |-
 |'''Auto-Walk'''
-|'''Hold Down on D-Pad'''
+|<code>Num Lock</code>
-|'''Hold Down on D-Pad'''
+|D-Pad Down
-|This toggles the auto-walk function, allowing the musician to move in a straight line while playing without continuous stick input.
+|D-Pad Down
 |-
-|'''Crouch (Fifer Only)'''
+|'''Crouch (Fifer)'''
-|'''B'''
+|<code>Left Ctrl</code>
-|'''Circle'''
+|'''B''' Button
-|As the Fifer, you can crouch while playing.
+|'''Circle''' Button
 |}
-=== How to Play a Tune: ===
+== 4. Best Practices & Etiquette ==
-# Select the Musician class at the spawn screen.
+* '''Tactical Coordination:''' Always prioritize playing the song highlighted in Yellow. Reaching the 12% accuracy cap can significantly alter the outcome of a line-battle engagement.
-⚠️ '''Community Courtesy:''' It is highly recommended to use any VoIP music sparingly, in order to, avoid excessive loud or distorted audio) and only play music that is period-appropriate or used during charges/last stands.
+* '''Positioning:''' Stay behind your Rank & File. As an auxiliary unit, your survival is key to maintaining the accuracy buff for the front line.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-= Musician Tunes & Functionality in Holdfast: Nations At War =
+= Musician Tunes =
 The Musician class in ''Holdfast: Nations At War'' is a crucial support unit, providing battlefield buffs to nearby allies and adding to the game's atmosphere through period-appropriate music.
@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 |}
-== 2. Playing Music In-Game ==
+== 2. Playing Music In-Game (PC) ==
 # '''Select Class:''' Choose any Musician class (Fifer, Drummer, Bagpiper, or Violinist).
@@ Line 49: / Line 49: @@
 #* '''Yellow Text:''' Indicates the song being played by other friendly musicians nearby. '''If you wish to stack the buff, click the tune displayed in Yellow.'''
-== 3. Custom Music (VOIP Method) ==
+== Console Controls for Musician (Xbox / PlayStation 5) ==
-While the game does not natively support adding custom MIDI or MP3 files to the in-game music selection menu, players frequently utilize third-party programs and Virtual Audio Cables to play custom music through the in-game Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) system.
+The interface for selecting and playing music is the same, but the controls to open the menu and trigger the action are mapped to controller buttons.
-'''This method is not officially supported and requires external software:'''
+=== How to Play a Tune: ===
-# '''Software Required:''' A '''Virtual Audio Cable''' program (like VB-Audio Virtual Cable) and an audio player (like Foobar2000 or Soundpad).
+# Select the Musician class at the spawn screen.
-# '''Setup:'''
+# In-game, '''Hold Down RB (Xbox) or R1 (PS5)''' to open the Musician Tunes menu.
-#* Install the Virtual Audio Cable.
+# Highlight the desired tune using the '''Right Stick'''.
-#* In your operating system's sound settings, configure the desired audio application (e.g., Spotify, Foobar2000) to output sound to the '''Virtual Cable Out''' device.
+#* '''Tip:''' Look for the '''Yellow''' text to play the same tune as another nearby friendly musician to stack the accuracy buff.
-#* In '''Holdfast's Audio Settings''', set your '''Input Device''' (microphone) to the '''Virtual Cable In''' device.
+# '''Release RB / R1''' to begin playing the selected tune.
-<blockquote>⚠️ '''Community Courtesy:''' It is highly recommended to use this feature sparingly, avoiding "ear-rape" (excessively loud or distorted audio) and only playing music that is period-appropriate or used during charges/last stands. Many players will mute you if you misuse this feature.</blockquote>
+⚠️ '''Community Courtesy:''' It is highly recommended to use any VoIP music sparingly, in order to, avoid excessive loud or distorted audio) and only play music that is period-appropriate or used during charges/last stands.

← Older revision	Revision as of 01:00, 12 October 2025
Line 1:	Line 1:
	+	= Musician Tunes & Functionality in Holdfast: Nations At War =
	+	The Musician class in ''Holdfast: Nations At War'' is a crucial support unit, providing battlefield buffs to nearby allies and adding to the game's atmosphere through period-appropriate music.

	+	== 1. The Musician Class Overview ==
	+	Musicians are auxiliary support units that utilize their instruments to inspire troops and provide tactical advantages.
	+
	+	=== Core Musician Traits & Buffs ===
	+
	+	* '''Musician - Inspiring Presence:''' Playing music grants nearby allied line infantry, guards, and grenadiers a substantial '''accuracy buff'''.
	+	* '''Buff Stacking:'''
	+	** One musician playing a song provides an '''8% accuracy buff'''.
	+	** Two or more musicians playing the '''same song in unison''' increase the buff to '''12% accuracy'''. (The buff will not exceed 12%, even with more than two musicians.)
	+	* '''Equipment:''' All musician classes are equipped with a '''Pistol''' (a short-range defensive weapon) and a '''Sword''' or '''Sabre Briquet''' (for close-quarters combat).
	+
	+	=== Musician Class Variations ===
	+	{\| class="wikitable"
	+	\|Class
	+	\|Available Nations
	+	\|Instrument
	+	\|Key Feature
	+	\|-
	+	\|'''Fifer'''
	+	\|All Nations (Default Land Maps)
	+	\|Fife
	+	\|Can '''crouch''' while playing their instrument, offering a lower profile under fire.
	+	\|-
	+	\|'''Drummer'''
	+	\|All Nations (Default Land Maps)
	+	\|Drums
	+	\|Provides the percussion of war, supporting Fifer/Bagpiper buffs.
	+	\|-
	+	\|'''Bagpiper'''
	+	\|British Faction Only
	+	\|Bagpipes
	+	\|Unique instrument for the British.
	+	\|-
	+	\|'''Violinist'''
	+	\|French and British Factions Only (Naval Maps)
	+	\|Violin
	+	\|Naval-unique class. Gains the '''Light Swimmer''' trait, increasing swimming speed by 35%.
	+	\|}
	+
	+	== 2. Playing Music In-Game ==
	+
	+	# '''Select Class:''' Choose any Musician class (Fifer, Drummer, Bagpiper, or Violinist).
	+	# '''Open Menu:''' Press the '''<code>Q</code>''' key (default) to bring up the Musician Tunes menu.
	+	# '''Choose a Tune:''' The menu displays a list of available period-appropriate tunes.
	+	#* '''Green Text:''' Indicates the song you are currently playing.
	+	#* '''Yellow Text:''' Indicates the song being played by other friendly musicians nearby. '''If you wish to stack the buff, click the tune displayed in Yellow.'''
	+
	+	== 3. Custom Music (VOIP Method) ==
	+	While the game does not natively support adding custom MIDI or MP3 files to the in-game music selection menu, players frequently utilize third-party programs and Virtual Audio Cables to play custom music through the in-game Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) system.
	+
	+	'''This method is not officially supported and requires external software:'''
	+
	+	# '''Software Required:''' A '''Virtual Audio Cable''' program (like VB-Audio Virtual Cable) and an audio player (like Foobar2000 or Soundpad).
	+	# '''Setup:'''
	+	#* Install the Virtual Audio Cable.
	+	#* In your operating system's sound settings, configure the desired audio application (e.g., Spotify, Foobar2000) to output sound to the '''Virtual Cable Out''' device.
	+	#* In '''Holdfast's Audio Settings''', set your '''Input Device''' (microphone) to the '''Virtual Cable In''' device.
	+	# '''Execution:''' When you activate your push-to-talk button (<code>V</code> or <code>B</code> default), the music playing through the Virtual Cable will be broadcast as your voice, audible to nearby players.
	+
	+	<blockquote>⚠️ '''Community Courtesy:''' It is highly recommended to use this feature sparingly, avoiding "ear-rape" (excessively loud or distorted audio) and only playing music that is period-appropriate or used during charges/last stands. Many players will mute you if you misuse this feature.</blockquote>