Difference between revisions of "Auxiliary"

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Auxiliary refers to a group of wide ranging classes that support their fellow soldiers in battle through unique abilities.
 
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This article will help one master and understand the basics of auxiliary.
 
  
−
== Musicians ==
+
= Auxiliary Class =
 +
The '''Auxiliary''' is a collective term for several support classes in ''Holdfast: Nations at War'', providing critical buffs, healing, and utility to the main fighting line. Auxiliary classes are essential for maintaining morale and endurance on the battlefield, especially in line battles where every soldier counts.
 +
----
  
−
==== Abilities ====
+
== 1. Classes & Abilities (Napoleonic Era) ==
 +
In the Napoleonic Era, the Auxiliary umbrella includes Musicians and Surgeons, each filling a vital support role.
  
−
Musicians can increase the firing accuracy of nearby rank and file by playing their instruments. This boost starts out at 8% for one musician but can stack to 12% if two musicians plays a song with another. While one is boosting another player, the boosted player's team/regimental circle above their head will gain a purple outline. Their symbol on the minimap will also turn purple. (This ability is known as 'Musician'.)
+
=== '''Musicians (Fifer, Drummer, Bagpiper, Violinist)''' ===
 +
Musicians primarily serve to boost the combat effectiveness of nearby friendly troops.
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|Class
 +
|Faction Availability
 +
|Special Notes
 +
|Role/Buff
 +
|-
 +
|'''Fifer'''
 +
|All Nations (Land)
 +
|Can crouch while playing.
 +
|'''Musician:''' Provides an '''Accuracy/Reload Speed boost''' to nearby allies.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Drummer'''
 +
|All Nations (Land)
 +
|Works with Fifers to increase the total boost.
 +
|'''Musician:''' Provides an '''Accuracy/Reload Speed boost''' to nearby allies.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Bagpiper'''
 +
|British only (Land)
 +
|Boost does not stack above the maximum 12% bonus.
 +
|'''Musician:''' Provides an '''Accuracy/Reload Speed boost''' to nearby allies.
 +
|-
 +
|'''Violinist'''
 +
|British & French (Naval)
 +
|Naval-only class. Has the '''<nowiki/>'Light Swimmer'''' trait, increasing swim speed by 35%.
 +
|'''Musician:''' Provides an '''Accuracy/Reload Speed boost''' to nearby allies.
 +
|}
 +
'''Key Mechanics:'''
  
−
To play an instrument, a player must press the Q key on default control settings. Q opens a menu of possible songs to play. While playing a song, it will show up as green in the 'Q' menu. While a friendly musician plays a song it will show up as yellow in this menu.
+
* '''Musician Buff:''' While playing, a musician grants an increased reload speed and accuracy boost to allies within range. The visual indicator for a buffed player is a '''purple outline''' around their team/regimental circle. The maximum boost is around '''12%''' when multiple musicians are playing the same tune in unison.
 +
* '''Equipment:''' All Musicians are equipped with a '''Pistol''', a '''Sword''', and their respective '''Instrument'''.
  
−
===== Equipment =====
+
=== '''Surgeon''' ===
 +
The Surgeon is the dedicated medical class, responsible for preserving "tickets" (reinforcements) by healing injured soldiers.
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|Class
 +
|Faction Availability
 +
|Abilities
 +
|Equipment
 +
|-
 +
|'''Surgeon'''
 +
|All Nations (Land)
 +
|'''Medicine''' (Heal Friendly), '''Bandage''' (Self-Heal)
 +
|'''Pistol''' and '''Sword'''.
 +
|}
 +
'''Key Mechanics:'''
  
−
Every type of musician has a pistol, sword, and instrument as their default equipment. The pistol cannot kill through body shots past short ranges and must be aimed to shoot the heads of the enemy to score a kill.
+
* '''Healing Friendlies (Medicine):''' Surgeons can view the health bars of nearby friendly troops. To heal an injured ally, you must face them and perform the 'Medicine' action. This is the primary way to save "injured" (non-one-shot killed) allies and prevent a loss of a reinforcement ticket.
 +
* '''Self-Healing (Bandage):''' A Surgeon can heal themselves, with a typical cooldown of around '''one minute'''.
 +
* '''Tactics:''' Since musket fire often results in one-hit kills, a Surgeon is most effective during long-range engagements where injuries are more common, or after a large close-quarters engagement to quickly stabilize the remaining troops.
  
−
=== Class Variations ===
+
=== '''Sapper/Engineer''' ===
 +
While often categorized separately, the Sapper or Engineer class provides essential Auxiliary support by constructing and demolishing battlefield fortifications.
  
−
There are four types of musicians in Holdfast as follows:
+
* '''Role:''' Build and repair fortifications (gabions, earthworks, palisades) to create defensive positions or block enemy movement. They can also destroy enemy fortifications using their sledgehammer.
  
−
===== Fifers =====
+
----
  
−
Fifers are available to all nations on default land map settings. These auxiliary men play their fifes and are the only music class in the game that is able to crouch while playing their instrument.
+
== 2. Console Controls (PS5 & Xbox) ==
 +
The console version of ''Holdfast: Nations at War'' utilizes a controller mapping that includes '''Radial Menus''' to access class-specific abilities and other common actions. While the exact button mapping may be customized, the primary input for Auxiliary actions is as follows:
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|Action
 +
|PS5 Controller
 +
|Xbox Controller
 +
|PC (for reference)
 +
|-
 +
|'''Movement'''
 +
|Left Stick
 +
|Left Stick
 +
|WASD
 +
|-
 +
|'''Look/Aim'''
 +
|Right Stick
 +
|Right Stick
 +
|Mouse
 +
|-
 +
|'''Fire'''
 +
|R2 (Right Trigger)
 +
|RT (Right Trigger)
 +
|Left Click
 +
|-
 +
|'''Melee (Attack)'''
 +
|R2 (Right Trigger)
 +
|RT (Right Trigger)
 +
|Left Click
 +
|-
 +
|'''Block/Aim Down Sights'''
 +
|L2 (Left Trigger)
 +
|LT (Left Trigger)
 +
|Right Click
 +
|-
 +
|'''Reload'''
 +
|Square / X
 +
|X / Square
 +
|R
 +
|-
 +
|'''Melee Mode Toggle'''
 +
|Circle / B
 +
|B / Circle
 +
|X
 +
|-
 +
|'''Jump'''
 +
|X / A
 +
|A / X
 +
|Space
 +
|-
 +
|'''Use/Interact'''
 +
|'''Hold E''' (Mapped to a button)
 +
|'''Hold E''' (Mapped to a button)
 +
|E
 +
|-
 +
|'''Primary Ability Menu'''
 +
|'''D-Pad Up''' (or other assigned radial menu access)
 +
|'''D-Pad Up''' (or other assigned radial menu access)
 +
|Q
 +
|-
 +
|'''Musician - Play Song'''
 +
|Access via '''Radial Menu''', then select song.
 +
|Access via '''Radial Menu''', then select song.
 +
|Q (Opens menu, then Left Click)
 +
|-
 +
|'''Surgeon - Heal Friendly (Medicine)'''
 +
|'''Hold''' assigned button while facing ally.
 +
|'''Hold''' assigned button while facing ally.
 +
|Hold E
 +
|-
 +
|'''Surgeon - Self-Heal (Bandage)'''
 +
|'''Hold''' assigned button (often the same as the 'Primary Ability Menu' button).
 +
|'''Hold''' assigned button
 +
|Hold Q
 +
|}
 +
'''Note on Console Abilities:''' Class abilities like playing music or self-healing are typically accessed by holding or tapping a button to bring up a '''Radial Menu''', where you can select the specific ability. The button assigned to the 'Use/Interact' function (PC's 'E') is generally used for the Surgeon's friendly healing.
 +
----
  
−
===== Drummers =====
+
== 3. Era Modes & Auxiliary Roles ==
 +
The role of the Auxiliary classes shifts dramatically between the two major eras in ''Holdfast''.
  
−
Like fifers, drummers are available to all nations on default land map settings. Drummers have access to the drum. The drum can play many of the same songs a fife can and is useful for assisting fifers to bring the total boost to 12%.
+
=== '''Napoleonic Era (Nations at War)''' ===
  
−
===== Bagpipers =====
+
* '''Setting:''' Early 19th Century warfare, focusing on line battles, formations, and disciplined fire.
 +
* '''Auxiliary Role:''' Focused on '''Buffs and Endurance'''.
 +
** '''Musicians''' are arguably the most crucial auxiliary class here, as the accuracy and reload speed buffs are vital for winning prolonged musket engagements and minimizing the impact of the long reload times inherent to black powder rifles.
 +
** '''Surgeons''' are critical for preserving the limited reinforcement count (tickets) during the slow, deliberate pace of line battles.
  
−
Bagpipers are a unique music class only available to the British. Bagpipers can play many of the same songs as fifers and drummers, however; the accuracy boost will not go above 12% even if 3 musicians are playing in unison.
+
=== '''Frontlines Era (World War I)''' ===
  
−
===== Violinists =====
+
* '''Setting:''' Early 20th Century warfare, featuring trench warfare, bolt-action rifles, machine guns, and artillery.
−
 
+
* '''Auxiliary Role:''' Focused on '''Combat Utility and Direct Support'''.
−
Violinists are the only naval-unique music class and cannot spawn on default land maps. Due to their naval restriction, violinists are only avaliable to the French and British.
+
** The Napoleonic '''Musician''' and '''Surgeon''' are replaced by the more modern '''Combat Medic''' and '''Engineer''' classes, which are specifically designed to address the needs of WWI battlefields.
−
 
+
** '''Combat Medics''' carry rifles and smoke grenades to provide cover while attempting to revive or heal soldiers under fire.
−
== Surgeons ==
+
** '''Engineers''' focus on building and using heavy weapons like machine guns and mortars, alongside constructing fortifications and trenches.
−
 
 
−
==== Abilities ====
 
−
 
 
−
Surgeons are able to view the healthbars of nearby friendly troops. Once a surgeon enters the proximity of an injured friendly soldier while facing them, he or she has the ability to heal them by holding down 'E'. (This ability is known as 'Medicine'.)
 
−
 
 
−
If a surgeon is injured in battle, he or she may heal themselves by holding down 'Q'. Self healing has a cooldown of one minute.
 
−
(This ability is known as 'Bandage'.)
 
−
 
 
−
===== Equipment =====
 
−
 
 
−
This unit class has access to a pistol, sword and Knife. The pistol must hit headshots to kill past striking distance.
 
−
 
 
−
== Flagbearers ==
 
−
 
 
−
==== Abilities ====
 
−
 
 
−
While holding a flag, a flagbearer can increase the reload speed of nearby rank and file by 10%.
 
−
This boost does not stack with other flagbearers. (This ability is known as 'Standard Bearer'.)
 
−
 
 
−
While one is boosting another player, the boosted player's team/regimental circle above their head will gain a purple outline. Their symbol on the minimap will also turn purple.
 
−
 
 
−
==== Equipment ====
 
−
 
 
−
This unit class has access to a pistol, sword and flag. Aside from its use in boosting reload speeds, the flag can be used as a two directional melee weapon. Although the damage caused by a flag is low compared to most weapons (1/4 health to a standard lineman), flags have exceptional range (with the exception of the French flag).
 
−
 
 
−
== Sappers ==
 
−
 
 
−
==== Abilities ====
 
−
 
 
−
Sappers have access to three unique construction tools that allow them to build, a hammer, a sledgehammer, and a shovel.
 
−
 
 
−
==== Construction and Digging ====
 
−
 
 
−
To build, a player on default controls must hold right click to open a build menu.
 
−
 
 
−
While in this menu a player is greeted with three options:  
 
−
 
 
−
'''1. Mode Selector:''' Mode selector is the top left option and functions as a 'hub' to allow quick access of other options. This option allows one to choose between:
 
−
 
 
−
'''''1a. Construct (top left):''''' This button brings one back to the default menu they started on as construct is the default mode. (A hammer is equiped in this mode.) When one clicks on a structure to build, a green outline of the structure will appear. One can rotate this outline using the scroll wheel or move its location by moving/turning the sapper itself in the desired direction. Once the green outline is in the desired location one must press left click. After this the player must hit it a certain amount of time times with a hammer to fully build it. The 'construction menu' has two submenus for structure options:
 
−
 
 
−
<big>''1aa. Defenses:'' This menu allows a player to build one of seven things:</big>
 
−
 
 
−
<small>Infantry Stakes: (3 materials, 5 hits) When a player walks into these, it damages the player to half health, often killing them if they hold down the movement key and continue moving into the stakes.
 
−
 
 
−
Gabion: (2 materials, 4 hits) A gabion is used for cover from musket fire. A gabion can protect all but the head of a crouching player.
 
−
 
 
−
Chevaux de Frise (Large): (5 materials, 8 hits) When a mounted soldier runs into these, their horse is killed. This often injures or even kills the rider due to the fall they take.
 
−
 
 
−
Chevaux de Frise (Small): (2 materials, 2 hits) When a mounted soldier runs into these, they are knocked off their horse. This structure also damages non-mounted troops (though this damage is minimal).
 
−
 
 
−
Palisade: (10 materials, 25 hits) These walls cover the full body (and more) of a soldier. These are excellent for cover.
 
−
 
 
−
Palisade Platform: (10 materials, 25 hits) These act as stairs and allow a player to shoot over a palisade while still having their bodies protected. (A well placed earthwork can also act as a substitute for this.)
 
−
 
 
−
Chair: (No materials-build limit is 4 on a standard server, 2 hits) These allow a player to sit down after a long, hard day fighting for their nation. Chairs also provide minimal cover.
 
−
</small>
 
−
 
 
−
<big>''1ab. Artillery:'' This menu allows a player to build one of four things:</big>
 
−
 
 
−
<small>Explosive Barrel: (No materials- limit of 4, 7 hits) An explosive barrel can be blow up by either shooting a player holding it or setting a 10 second timer via interacting with the barrel (e). A barrel may also be held by a player with the trait 'Explosives Specialist'. This trait is found in both sappers and carpenters.
 
−
Upon explosion, the barrel will kill any player and destroy any destructible building within 4 or so meters.
 
−
 
 
−
Swivel Gun: (5 materials - limit of 2, 10 hits) A swivel gun can only fire grapeshot. There is no ramming required (though there is a 10 second cooldown.) This small cannon may be carried by a sapper.
 
−
 
 
−
Ammobox: (No materials- limit of 4, 3 hits) This player-built ammobox may be used to load cannons and contains both grape and roundshot.
 
−
 
 
−
Rocketstack: (No materials- limit of 4, 3 hits) This player-built rocket ammunition may be used to load rockets.</small>
 
−
 
 
−
'''''1b. Deconstruct (bottom left):''''' This button closes the menu and equips the player with a sledgehammer. While the sledge hammer is equiped, a player may hit sapper fortifications (including friendly ones) to break them down. After enough hits (this corresponds with the amount of hits it took to build- though unfinished builds will be taken down instantly regardless of how many hits went into them) the structure will disapear and the materials will be recycled back into the team's material count. Deconstruct does not work on earthworks and sandbags (refer to 1d. for this).
 
−
 
 
−
'''''1c. Dig (top right):''''' This button will open up the 'dig menu'. This menu has three options, on the top left is the mode selector button (refer to '1.') while there are two unique options. The top right button allows one to place down earthworks. When one clicks this button, a green highlight will appear on where to place an earthworks. One can rotate this using the scroll wheel or move its location by moving/turning the sapper itself in the desired direction. Once the green outline is in the desired location one must press left click. After this the player must hit it three times with a shovel to fully build it. Sandbags (another option in the 'dig menu') can only be placed on finished earthworks. After clicking on the sandbag button, a green outline will appear when facing earthworks. Sandbags are built instantly and require no hits to bring them up to their previous level.
 
−
 
 
−
'''''1d. Undig (bottom right):''''' This mode uses the same mechanics as deconstruct (refer to 1b.) but only works on sandbags and earthworks.
 
−
 
 
−
===== Equipment =====
 
−
 
 
−
Aside from the building tools, a sapper has access to a sword, carbine and adze. The adze can be used to destroy enemy or prebuilt destructible structures faster.
 
−
 
 
−
== Carpenters==
 
−
 
 
−
==== Abilities ====
 
−
 
 
−
A carpenter's hallmark ability comes with his or her two-handed axe. This axe (though not very useful in melee against experienced players) cuts through destructible buildings/objects (including many ship parts) like a hot knife through butter! To complement this ability sappers also have the 'Explosives Specialist' trait which allows them to carry explosive barrels. Overall, the combination of these two abilities makes carpenters very useful for breaching defenses.
 
−
 
 
−
<small>*Note carpenters cannot build or repair ships, sapper constructions or any other object.</small>
 
−
 
 
−
===== Equipment =====
 
−
 
 
−
Aside from the two-handed axe, a carpenter has an adze which also damages structures, however at a slower rate. A carpenter's weapons include a sword and a blunderbuss. A blunderbuss shoots multiple shots. This comes with the drawback of it having a very short practical range in both accuracy and the ability to kill through body shots.
 

Latest revision as of 17:14, 12 October 2025

Auxiliary Class

The Auxiliary is a collective term for several support classes in Holdfast: Nations at War, providing critical buffs, healing, and utility to the main fighting line. Auxiliary classes are essential for maintaining morale and endurance on the battlefield, especially in line battles where every soldier counts.

1. Classes & Abilities (Napoleonic Era)

In the Napoleonic Era, the Auxiliary umbrella includes Musicians and Surgeons, each filling a vital support role.

Musicians (Fifer, Drummer, Bagpiper, Violinist)

Musicians primarily serve to boost the combat effectiveness of nearby friendly troops.

Class Faction Availability Special Notes Role/Buff
Fifer All Nations (Land) Can crouch while playing. Musician: Provides an Accuracy/Reload Speed boost to nearby allies.
Drummer All Nations (Land) Works with Fifers to increase the total boost. Musician: Provides an Accuracy/Reload Speed boost to nearby allies.
Bagpiper British only (Land) Boost does not stack above the maximum 12% bonus. Musician: Provides an Accuracy/Reload Speed boost to nearby allies.
Violinist British & French (Naval) Naval-only class. Has the 'Light Swimmer' trait, increasing swim speed by 35%. Musician: Provides an Accuracy/Reload Speed boost to nearby allies.

Key Mechanics:

  • Musician Buff: While playing, a musician grants an increased reload speed and accuracy boost to allies within range. The visual indicator for a buffed player is a purple outline around their team/regimental circle. The maximum boost is around 12% when multiple musicians are playing the same tune in unison.
  • Equipment: All Musicians are equipped with a Pistol, a Sword, and their respective Instrument.

Surgeon

The Surgeon is the dedicated medical class, responsible for preserving "tickets" (reinforcements) by healing injured soldiers.

Class Faction Availability Abilities Equipment
Surgeon All Nations (Land) Medicine (Heal Friendly), Bandage (Self-Heal) Pistol and Sword.

Key Mechanics:

  • Healing Friendlies (Medicine): Surgeons can view the health bars of nearby friendly troops. To heal an injured ally, you must face them and perform the 'Medicine' action. This is the primary way to save "injured" (non-one-shot killed) allies and prevent a loss of a reinforcement ticket.
  • Self-Healing (Bandage): A Surgeon can heal themselves, with a typical cooldown of around one minute.
  • Tactics: Since musket fire often results in one-hit kills, a Surgeon is most effective during long-range engagements where injuries are more common, or after a large close-quarters engagement to quickly stabilize the remaining troops.

Sapper/Engineer

While often categorized separately, the Sapper or Engineer class provides essential Auxiliary support by constructing and demolishing battlefield fortifications.

  • Role: Build and repair fortifications (gabions, earthworks, palisades) to create defensive positions or block enemy movement. They can also destroy enemy fortifications using their sledgehammer.

2. Console Controls (PS5 & Xbox)

The console version of Holdfast: Nations at War utilizes a controller mapping that includes Radial Menus to access class-specific abilities and other common actions. While the exact button mapping may be customized, the primary input for Auxiliary actions is as follows:

Action PS5 Controller Xbox Controller PC (for reference)
Movement Left Stick Left Stick WASD
Look/Aim Right Stick Right Stick Mouse
Fire R2 (Right Trigger) RT (Right Trigger) Left Click
Melee (Attack) R2 (Right Trigger) RT (Right Trigger) Left Click
Block/Aim Down Sights L2 (Left Trigger) LT (Left Trigger) Right Click
Reload Square / X X / Square R
Melee Mode Toggle Circle / B B / Circle X
Jump X / A A / X Space
Use/Interact Hold E (Mapped to a button) Hold E (Mapped to a button) E
Primary Ability Menu D-Pad Up (or other assigned radial menu access) D-Pad Up (or other assigned radial menu access) Q
Musician - Play Song Access via Radial Menu, then select song. Access via Radial Menu, then select song. Q (Opens menu, then Left Click)
Surgeon - Heal Friendly (Medicine) Hold assigned button while facing ally. Hold assigned button while facing ally. Hold E
Surgeon - Self-Heal (Bandage) Hold assigned button (often the same as the 'Primary Ability Menu' button). Hold assigned button Hold Q

Note on Console Abilities: Class abilities like playing music or self-healing are typically accessed by holding or tapping a button to bring up a Radial Menu, where you can select the specific ability. The button assigned to the 'Use/Interact' function (PC's 'E') is generally used for the Surgeon's friendly healing.

3. Era Modes & Auxiliary Roles

The role of the Auxiliary classes shifts dramatically between the two major eras in Holdfast.

Napoleonic Era (Nations at War)

  • Setting: Early 19th Century warfare, focusing on line battles, formations, and disciplined fire.
  • Auxiliary Role: Focused on Buffs and Endurance.
    • Musicians are arguably the most crucial auxiliary class here, as the accuracy and reload speed buffs are vital for winning prolonged musket engagements and minimizing the impact of the long reload times inherent to black powder rifles.
    • Surgeons are critical for preserving the limited reinforcement count (tickets) during the slow, deliberate pace of line battles.

Frontlines Era (World War I)

  • Setting: Early 20th Century warfare, featuring trench warfare, bolt-action rifles, machine guns, and artillery.
  • Auxiliary Role: Focused on Combat Utility and Direct Support.
    • The Napoleonic Musician and Surgeon are replaced by the more modern Combat Medic and Engineer classes, which are specifically designed to address the needs of WWI battlefields.
    • Combat Medics carry rifles and smoke grenades to provide cover while attempting to revive or heal soldiers under fire.
    • Engineers focus on building and using heavy weapons like machine guns and mortars, alongside constructing fortifications and trenches.
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