This is a quick guide for new players which I think may come in handy. If you feel anything else should be added, just let me know.

Troubleshooting

• If the game does not start at all, displays a missing d3dx9_.dll type message or stops after the loading screen, you are missing DirectX components. Install DirectX manually or through Steam. See the FAQ for a download link.
  
  
  
  
• Game character/menu does not behave as expected. If you have a gamepad/controller attached but want to use the mouse instead, make sure the 'Use Controller' option in the menu is Off.

What exactly is Nation Red?

Nation Red is a perk based top-down arena shooter (twin-stick shooter for console players) like Smash TV, Robotron and Crimsonland, with single player, local coop and on-line coop play across various arenas. Barricade mode offers a different type of challenge and has become most players' favorite mode.

With 360 degree action, the game becomes very hectic after about 5 minutes of play. It is not a 'corridor shooter' like Alien Swarm, but the player control and coop game setup will feel very familiar for players of that game.

In short, Nation Red is a perk + leaderboard + achievement shooter, alone or with friends.


Camera

Move the camera up or down using the middle mouse or the PageUp and PageDown keys. You can also set the camera to a 'topdown' view in the game options.


Perk Modes

You can play in three perk modes:

• Random Perk mode
  When you level up, the game displays a random list of 7 perks. Select one perk from the list and continue play. There is no limit to the amount of perks you can collect in total.
  
  Use this mode to get a different game every time.
  
  
  
• Strategic Perk mode
  As above but you can now choose the exact perk you want from the entire list of perks, however there is a maximum of 20 perks you can collect per game. Scroll up/down through the list with the middle mouse or by clicking the arrows.
  
  Use this mode for more control over your perk selection.
  
  
  
• Auto Perk Mode
  Create your own list of favorite perks (which the game will save). Whenever you level up the game will intelligently choose a perk from your list without pausing the game. There is no limit to the amount of perks in your list.
  
  Use this mode to play without having to pause the game to select perks.

Must-Have Perks

There are some perks which most players consider must-haves, among them:

Accuracy, Armor, Boss Power, Friendly Fire, Living the Moment, Luck, Messy, Mirror Image, Powerup Hook, Regeneration, Strike Team, Wild Bunch. Other perks depend on your play style.


Perk Selection in Online games

Online games will use the Perk Mode you selected in the main menu. When playing in Random or Strategic Mode, you will receive a free Cloak powerup when you select a perk. This will prevent zombies from targeting you during perk selection.

If you do not want to deal with perk selection or you feel you don't have enough time to choose, you can create an Auto Perk list and play in Auto Perk Mode. The game will take care of the perk selection for you.


Play Modes

Game modes available in single player, coop or local coop.

• Free Play. A selection of arenas with an unlimited amount of powerups, zombies/bosses and weapons.
  
  
• Barricade. A selection of arenas with concrete or wood barricades which are slowly destroyed by waves of zombie attacks. Some maps have people or items to protect.
  
  
• Survival. Time-based survival arena without any perks.

Weapons

You can carry two weapons at any time. Auto Fire for both mouse or controller is available in the game options.
• Q: Switches between the primary and secondary weapon
  
  
• R: Reload the primary weapon
  
  
• F: Lock your current primary weapon. Avoids picking up a weapon you do not want.

Melee Weapons

You can 'charge' your melee attacks into a 360 degree round swipe by holding down the left mouse button for a second or two and then releasing it. The longer you charge the attack the more damage it will do.