Battleship Command Wiki
Your complete command reference for MicroProse's immersive WWII naval simulator. Master fire control, fleet coordination, and the legendary Scharnhorst — from first sortie to veteran admiral.
This is an unofficial fan wiki. Information is based on official sources, developer posts, and preview footage. Gameplay details may change during Early Access.
- Release
- Jun 2, 2026 (Early Access)
- Developer
- Bracer / MicroProse
- Genre
- Naval Simulation
- Platform
- PC (Steam)
About the Game
Game Overview
Battleship Command: Scharnhorst is a first-person World War II naval simulation developed by Bracer and published by MicroProse. You command a 30,000-ton Scharnhorst-class battleship across the stormy Atlantic, icy Norwegian Sea, and sunlit Mediterranean.
Unlike arcade naval games, Battleship Command emphasizes authentic command systems. Walk the ship's decks freely, issue orders to your crew, or take direct control of gunnery stations, radar, navigation, and damage control — all recreated from historical blueprints.
The game enters Steam Early Access on June 2, 2026, with a planned 12-month development cycle. Players can complete a tutorial, play single missions and scenarios, and use the built-in scenario editor. A full campaign, additional ships, and torpedo systems are planned for the 1.0 release.
Battleship Command fills a long-standing gap for fans of Destroyer Command and classic surface warfare sims — delivering the weight and complexity of commanding a capital ship with cinematic first-person immersion.
What Makes It Unique
Key Features
First-Person Ship Exploration
Walk every deck, bridge, and control room of the Scharnhorst. The interior is meticulously recreated from historical blueprints for maximum immersion.
Authentic Fire Control
Use real WWII rangefinders, radar systems, and fire-control computers. Calculate bearing, target speed, and range before every salvo.
Dual Command Modes
Issue high-level orders to your crew or take manual control of individual stations — gunnery, radar, navigation, and damage control.
Fleet Coordination
Command an entire surface fleet of destroyers, cruisers, and battleships. Coordinate maneuvers and assign targets across multiple vessels.
Dynamic World
Encounter active convoys, patrols, and merchant traffic. Weather, fog, ocean conditions, and day-night cycles directly affect visibility and tactics.
Scenario Editor
Create custom missions and battles with a quick, intuitive built-in editor. Share challenges with the community during Early Access.
First Sortie Checklist
Getting Started
Your first hours in Battleship Command should focus on the in-game tutorial. It introduces basic movement aboard the ship, station access, and the fundamentals of issuing crew orders versus manual control.
Before accepting your first mission, familiarize yourself with the bridge layout: locate the helm, compass heading controls, speed orders, and the map table. Knowing where each station is saves critical seconds in combat.
Start with simpler missions — merchant convoy raids or single-ship engagements — before attempting fleet battles against Royal Navy cruisers and battleships. The learning curve for fire control is steep but rewarding.
Join the official Discord community (linked from the Steam page) for developer updates, demo feedback, and tips from other captains during Early Access.
Read more
- Complete the in-game tutorial from start to finish
- Walk the entire ship and memorize key station locations
- Practice manual helm control and compass heading orders
- Visit the fire-control director and observe the targeting interface
- Run a easy convoy mission before engaging warships
- Review the mission briefing for enemy composition and weather
- Set speed and heading before entering the engagement zone
- Check system requirements and adjust graphics if needed
Navigation, Radar & Damage Control
Ship Systems Guide
The Scharnhorst operates as a living warship with interconnected systems. Understanding each station's role — and when to command the crew versus taking direct control — is essential for effective command.
Navigation can be managed through rudder controls for fine adjustments or by setting compass headings and speed orders for longer transits. During combat, precise heading changes enable optimal gun bearing and present your strongest armor angle to incoming fire.
Navigation & Helm
Control the ship's course via manual rudder or ordered compass headings. Speed orders range from economical cruising to flank speed. Position your broadside relative to targets for maximum firepower.
- Use manual control for fine adjustments during gunnery engagements
- Order compass headings for long-range intercepts
- Turn to unmask additional turrets when engaging multiple targets
Radar & Detection
Authentic WWII radar systems provide early warning of enemy contacts. Radar contacts appear as blips that must be correlated with visual spotting through rangefinders and binoculars.
- Monitor radar continuously during night and fog operations
- Cross-reference radar contacts with visual bearing reports
- Use radar to track multiple contacts while you focus on fire control
Damage Control
Battle damage includes flooding, turret knockout, and fire-control system disruption. The damage control station lets you assess hull integrity and prioritize repairs to keep the ship fighting.
- Check damage reports immediately after taking hits
- Prioritize flooding control — unchecked flooding can cripple speed and stability
- A disabled secondary battery reduces your anti-destroyer capability
Gunnery & Targeting Systems
Fire Control Masterclass
Fire control is the heart of Battleship Command. The Scharnhorst carries three 28cm triple turrets (Turrets A, B, and C) plus 15cm secondary batteries and heavy anti-aircraft guns. Each main turret can fire independently or be coordinated through fire-control directors.
The fire-control computer requires you to input target bearing, estimated speed, and range. Rangefinders provide optical range data that must be combined with target motion calculations. Getting these values wrong means shells splash harmlessly astern or ahead of your target.
You can split your main battery across separate targets using the three independent fire-control stations — potentially engaging three enemies simultaneously. Alternatively, concentrate all turrets on a single high-value target for maximum alpha damage.
Connect secondary batteries to the main fire-control director to engage smaller targets or add volume of fire against warships. Switch to high-explosive (HE) shells against merchant vessels for faster kills; use armor-piercing (AP) against capital ships.
- 1
Enter the Fire Director
Navigate to the fire-control station and assume direct control. Identify your target on the horizon or via radar contact.
- 2
Set Target Bearing
Adjust the target bearing to match the enemy's relative position. Account for your own ship's heading — targets crossing left-to-right require different lead than head-on approaches.
- 3
Estimate Target Speed
Input the target's estimated speed in knots. Merchant convoys typically travel 12–20 knots; warships may exceed 25–30 knots. Incorrect speed estimates cause consistent misses in the same direction.
- 4
Adjust Range
Use rangefinder data to set initial range, then adjust based on splash observation. If shells fall short, increase range; if they overshoot, decrease. Fine-tune after each salvo.
- 5
Fire and Correct
Fire Turret A (or all turrets) and observe splashes. Walk corrections incrementally — experienced captains achieve 20–25% hit rates at medium range with practice.
- 6
Enable Secondary Battery
Link secondary guns to main fire control for additional volume. Select HE against merchants, AP against armored warships. Designate a main target for automatic secondary engagement.
Multi-Ship Coordination
Fleet Command Tactics
Battleship Command allows you to command an entire surface fleet — destroyers, cruisers, and fellow battleships — not just your flagship. Fleet command transforms single-ship duels into combined-arms naval operations.
Assign targets to escort vessels to divide enemy attention. While your Scharnhorst engages the primary threat, destroyers can screen against torpedo attacks and cruisers can pursue fleeing merchants.
Coordinate fleet maneuvers before entering the engagement zone. Set a formation heading and speed, then assign individual ship orders as the battle develops. A well-coordinated fleet can overwhelm superior single opponents through crossfire and flanking.
- Assign destroyers as a screen ahead of the battle line to detect and intercept torpedo attacks
- Use cruisers to chase and finish damaged merchants while the battleship engages escorts
- Concentrate capital-ship fire on the highest-threat enemy warship first
- Withdraw damaged escorts rather than losing them — every ship contributes to fleet firepower
- Use fleet speed orders to maintain formation during weather transitions
- Flank convoys from multiple bearings to prevent merchant escapes
Engagement Tactics
Combat & Ammunition
Combat in Battleship Command rewards preparation and patience. Read the mission briefing carefully — it tells you enemy composition, estimated positions, and time constraints. A supply ship racing for Gibraltar with RN heavy units responding demands speed and efficiency.
Against merchant targets, close range for higher hit probability and switch to HE shells. Disable their fire control if armed merchants fight back, then finish with concentrated salvos.
Against Royal Navy warships, respect their firepower. The Scharnhorst's speed advantage lets you choose engagement range — use it to kiting weaker escorts while avoiding battleship duels you cannot win. When forced to fight cruisers like HMS Kent, concentrate main battery fire and use your secondary armament for supplementary damage.
After each engagement, review the battle report: shells fired, hits landed, and accuracy percentage. This feedback loop is essential for improving your fire-control skills.
| Armor-Piercing | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Armor-Piercing (AP) | Capital ships, cruisers, and armored targets. Penetrates belt armor at optimal range. |
| High-Explosive (HE) | Merchant vessels, destroyers, and unarmored targets. Faster kills with less structural penetration. |
| Secondary Battery AP | Destroyers and light cruisers at medium range when main guns are engaged elsewhere. |
| Secondary Battery HE | Merchant convoys and exposed superstructure targets at close range. |
Environmental Tactics
Weather & Visibility
Dynamic weather is not cosmetic in Battleship Command — it fundamentally changes how you fight. Storms reduce visibility and affect shell trajectory. Fog can hide your approach or conceal enemy reinforcements. The day-night cycle alters spotting range and radar effectiveness.
Use bad weather offensively: approach convoys under cover of fog or storms, then emerge at close range where your fire-control advantage is maximized. Defensively, retreat into weather when outmatched — pursuing enemies may lose radar contact.
Clear Day
Effect: Maximum visual spotting range. Long-range gunnery engagements favored.
Tip: Engage at maximum effective range to exploit Scharnhorst's gunnery before enemies close.
Fog
Effect: Severely reduced visibility. Radar becomes primary detection method.
Tip: Close to visual range before opening fire. Surprise attacks on convoys are highly effective.
Storms
Effect: Heavy seas affect ship handling and shell accuracy. Visibility fluctuates.
Tip: Reduce speed for stability. Use storm cover to reposition between salvos.
Night
Effect: Limited visual range. Radar and star shell tactics become critical.
Tip: Rely on radar contacts and fire-control data. Night convoy raids are historically authentic.
Survival Under Fire
Damage Control
The Scharnhorst is tough but not invincible. Enemy shells can knock out turrets, disable fire-control systems, and cause flooding that reduces speed and stability. Effective damage control separates victorious sorties from limping home for weeks of repairs.
After taking hits, visit the damage control station or review crew reports. Assess which systems are affected and prioritize accordingly. Flooding is always the top priority — unchecked water ingress can eventually stop your engines or cause list that ruins gun accuracy.
A knocked-out secondary battery (as seen in preview gameplay) reduces your anti-escort capability but does not prevent main battery engagement. Adapt your tactics: rely more on main guns and fleet escorts if secondaries are lost.
The developer has envisioned a reputation system for future campaign mode: careful combat preserving your ship earns fuel, ammunition, radar upgrades, and elite crew. Even in Early Access missions, minimizing damage improves your readiness for subsequent engagements.
- Stop flooding immediately — assign all available damage control parties
- Restore fire-control systems to regain targeting accuracy
- Assess turret status — redistribute fire assignments to operational guns
- Evaluate whether to continue fighting or break contact and withdraw
- After battle, review total damage for long-term repair planning
The Legendary Battleship
Scharnhorst Ship Profile
The German battleship Scharnhorst was one of the most formidable surface raiders of World War II. Though sometimes classified as a battlecruiser due to her speed, she carried battleship-grade armor and nine 28cm (11-inch) main guns in three triple turrets.
Scharnhorst and her sister Gneisenau were designed for commerce raiding and fleet operations — faster than traditional battleships but with lighter main armament than true capital ships like Bismarck. This made them ideal for hit-and-run raids against convoys, exactly the gameplay loop Battleship Command emphasizes.
In the game, you command a 30,000-ton Scharnhorst-class vessel with historically accurate interior layouts. Future updates may add other iconic German warships including Bismarck and Admiral Graf Spee.
- Displacement
- 30,000 tons (standard)
- Main Armament
- 9 × 28cm (11"/52) SK C/34 guns
- Secondary Armament
- 12 × 15cm (5.9") guns
- Anti-Aircraft
- Multiple heavy AA mounts
- Top Speed
- 31+ knots (design)
- Fire Control
- 3 independent director stations
Campaign Areas
Theaters of War
North Atlantic
The primary hunting ground for commerce raiders. Vast open waters, unpredictable weather, and dense Allied convoy routes make the Atlantic the definitive Battleship Command experience.
- Patrol convoy lanes between North America and Britain
- Use weather fronts to mask approach vectors
- Watch for RN cruiser and destroyer escorts
Norwegian Sea (Arctic)
Icy waters, long nights, and polar storms create a harsh combat environment. Reduced visibility and rough seas test both your gunnery and navigation skills.
- Exploit extended darkness for surprise approaches
- Monitor ice and storm conditions affecting ship handling
- Engage in historical Arctic convoy battles
Mediterranean
Sunlit waters and shorter engagement ranges define Mediterranean operations. Supply lines to North Africa and Gibraltar create high-value targets with strong RN responses.
- Strike fast — Gibraltar-based reinforcements respond quickly
- Use islands and coastlines for radar shadow
- Target supply ships before escorts can intervene
Custom Missions
Scenario Editor
Battleship Command includes a built-in scenario editor available from Early Access launch. Create custom battles by placing ships, setting weather conditions, defining objectives, and choosing theater locations.
The editor is designed to be quick and intuitive — no external tools required. Build historical recreations, fictional what-if scenarios, or challenging player-vs-environment trials and share them with the community.
During Early Access, expect editor features to expand based on community feedback. The developer actively engages through Discord and Steam forums to prioritize requested capabilities.
- Open the scenario editor from the main menu
- Select theater: Atlantic, Norwegian Sea, or Mediterranean
- Place friendly and enemy units on the map
- Configure weather, time of day, and ocean conditions
- Set mission objectives: sink targets, reach waypoint, survive timer
- Test your scenario, adjust balance, and save
- Share with the community via Steam Workshop (when available)
Current & Planned Content
Early Access Roadmap
Early Access
- Full in-game tutorial covering movement, stations, and basic combat
- Single missions and scenarios — historical and fictional
- Scharnhorst-class battleship with full interior
- Manual and crew-command modes for all major systems
- Fleet command with destroyers, cruisers, and battleships
- Built-in scenario editor
- Dynamic weather, day-night cycle, and living world with convoys
- Three theaters: Atlantic, Norwegian Sea, Mediterranean
1.0 Planned
- Full campaign mode with patrol structure (Silent Hunter V-inspired)
- Additional warships: Bismarck, Admiral Graf Spee, and more
- Torpedo launcher systems for the Scharnhorst
- Improved terrain and environmental detail
- Reputation system affecting fuel, ammo, upgrades, and crew quality
- Prize rules and port repair mechanics for campaign
- Open-world North Atlantic patrols
- Steam Workshop integration for community scenarios
Hardware Guide
System Requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10/11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 2070 or equivalent | NVIDIA RTX 4070 or equivalent |
| Storage | 15 GB available | 15 GB SSD |
- The RTX 2070 minimum is higher than many sims — ensure your GPU meets spec before purchase
- Install on SSD for faster loading of the detailed ship interior
- Start with medium settings during Early Access as optimization continues
- 16 GB RAM recommended if running background apps while playing
Veteran Captain's Notes
Advanced Tips
Splash Spotting Technique
Observe where shells land relative to the target. Consistent splashes short of target mean increase range; overshoots mean decrease. After 2–3 salvos you should bracket the target and land hits. Preview captains achieved ~22% main battery accuracy with this method.
Multi-Target Engagement
With three fire-control stations, assign each turret group to a different target. This is advanced but devastating against convoy groups — sink merchants with secondaries while main guns engage the escort cruiser simultaneously.
Speed and Lead Calculation
Target speed input is the most common source of misses. If you know a merchant travels 15–20 knots, start at 17 knots and adjust. Warships making evasive maneuvers require constant speed updates.
Turret Unmasking
Turn the ship to bring Turret C (aft) to bear on targets astern. A well-executed turn can bring all three triple turrets to bear on a single target for a devastating full broadside.
HE vs AP Decision Matrix
Use AP against anything with armor: cruisers, battleships, armed merchants. Use HE against unarmored merchants and superstructure targets. Switching mid-battle is quick and can dramatically reduce time-to-kill.
Reputation & Campaign (Planned)
The developer plans a reputation system where aggressive but careful captains earn better fuel, ammunition, radar upgrades, and crew. Follow prize rules and minimize hull damage to maintain operational readiness between patrols.
Common Questions