Broken Arrow Beginner Tips and Tricks
Written by Jason B.
If you're just getting started with Broken Arrow, there are a few things you should know before jumping into battle.
This guide covers early access tips, game setup advice, and how to avoid common mistakes that new players make.
Learn in Skirmish Mode First
The game launches with skirmish mode for 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5. You can play with friends or against AI.
There is no 1v1 or 2v2 in skirmish yet, but you can make those matches manually through the scenario editor. That tool lets you create custom missions, play solo, or set up practice matches with AI support.
If you're still figuring out your deck, play skirmishes against AI first to test everything.
Make Two Decks for Each Faction
Start by building two decks each for the United States and Russia. One should be focused on ground units, the other on air units.
This gives you more options depending on what type of map you’re playing on. Urban maps work better with ground-heavy builds. Open terrain works better with air support or mobile units.
Do not use the default decks. They're not well-rounded and will put you at a disadvantage unless you're still learning how the game works.
Get Familiar with Scenario Editor
Broken Arrow includes a powerful scenario editor that allows players to make solo missions, co-op maps, and full campaigns.
You can even share decks and missions using files, though it’s not handled inside the game yet.
Mods, missions, and scenarios will be added to the Steam Workshop, so check there after launch for early 1v1 or 2v2 options.
There Is No Spectator Mode
As of launch, you can’t spectate matches or rewatch your games.
This also means it’s harder to catch or confirm cheaters. If you believe someone is cheating, use the in-game report feature, and also report them on the game’s official Discord.
Proof helps. If you catch someone on video, they can be banned quickly.
Try Both Air and Ground Decks Early
To reiterate a bit, each map plays differently, so it's important to test both air and ground-focused decks early on.
Some maps have wide open spaces that favor helicopters and jets. Others are full of buildings and tight roads where infantry and tanks shine.
By learning how both types work, you'll be ready for any match, no matter the layout.
What to Expect from Campaign and Co-op
The game launched with a 19-mission single-player campaign. You cannot play the campaign in co-op at launch.
More co-op and single-player modes are planned for future updates. These will be free.
Save Time with Starter Decks
Many players will share starter decks online or in Discords. If you want to skip the hassle of building from scratch, grab one of these and tweak it.
You’ll also find streamers posting their builds and strategies, which is helpful if you’re trying to copy a strong setup without fully understanding all the unit roles yet.
Final Blurb
Broken Arrow has a steep learning curve, but planning ahead makes a huge difference. Build your own decks, test them in skirmish, and be ready for some launch-day chaos.
Watch for community decks and scenario mods to get even more out of your time early on.
FAQ
Q: What should I do first in Broken Arrow?
Build two decks for each faction, then test them in skirmish against AI.
Q: Can I play solo or 1v1 at launch?
Not directly, but you can create 1v1 matches using the scenario editor.
Q: What’s the file size of the game?
Broken Arrow requires about 85GB of free space.
Q: Will the servers have issues on launch day?
Most likely. Be ready for long wait times or download delays.
Q: Is the campaign playable in co-op?
No, not at launch. Co-op campaign support is planned for later.
Q: How do I report cheaters?
Use the in-game report system and post proof in the official Discord.
Q: Are default decks worth using?
No. Make your own decks if you want better results in matches.
Q: Is there a way to spectate matches?
Not at launch. There is no spectator or replay mode right now.
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