Commandos: Origins Beginner’s Guide – Tips for New Players

by Fernando Diaz / Game Guides, Tips & Tricks / 12 Apr 2025

Remember those good old days? Poring over isometric maps, timing guard patrols with precision, the sheer frustration of taking one step incorrectly and alerting the whole map? Well, after what has felt like an eternity (and diplomatically forgetting that one first-person aberration we don’t mention), the real-time tactics legend is back! Commandos: Origins is here to fill that “sorely missed” gap, returning to where the legendary unit started on their “daring missions.”

To the newcomers, greetings! Prepare for tactical challenges that will make your brain sweat… for the vets, this is a return to form, holding onto that distinctive complex gameplay and adding some shiny “modern innovations.” So let’s dive into the intel that we have:

It’s Brains Over Brawn (Mostly): Tactics & Stealth

Think First, Act Later: “Success. is all about tactics.” You have to blend your team’s skills for “complex actions” executed in real time. This is the essence of it.

Stealth: Your Best Friend: While guns blazing is an option it’s pretty much the same as yelling -> HEY NAZIS I’M OVER HERE!!… No, go instead for “tried and true bush hiding,” be a “patrol route study” nerd master and use things like “radios to create audible diversions.”

How Not to Be Seen (The Fine Art of Invisibility)

Beware the Cones of Vision: Enemies have “vision cones.” Stay out of the shiny area! The text advises you can sneak by “crawling through” the “part furthest from enemy eyes”

Master the crawl! Clean Up After Yourself : “Not observing surroundings,” “not hiding bodies” (macabre hide-and-seek, anyone?) or even “leaving footprints” will alert people faster than you can say Scheisse!?!.. Be tidy be vigilant.

Meet the Crew (Your Specialized Problem Solvers)

You’ve got six operators under Jack O’Hara (The Green Beret):

Thomas Hancock (The Engineer/Sapper) – Like things that go boom? Probably.

Francis T. Woolridge (The Sniper) – The specialist at long range problem removal.

Samuel Brooklyn (The Driver) – Your resident getaway driver (and maybe parking valet?). He’s a “dab hand at maneuvering vehicles.”

James Blackwood (The Marine) – Presumably good near water (Zodiacs are mentioned!) and handy in a scrap.

Rene Duchamp (The Spy) – The master of disguise. He “can don Nazi uniforms to infiltrate camps.” Très sneaky!

Use Their Nicknames: They “should clue you into their specialty.” Don’t put the Sniper in to drive the tank (unless desperate?). Combine their skills!

Shiny New Features on a Classic Chassis

Bigger & Better Views: The isometric view returns, but now with “even larger maps,” “zoom in and perspective rotation capability,” and “multi-story buildings.” Check out every angle!

Poke the Environment: There’s “more widespread opportunity to interact with the environment” and use it “to stay hidden.” Click on things! See what happens!

Missions: Variety is the Spice of (Wartime) Life

What You’ll Be Doing: “Covert operations, daring raids, and heroic rescues.” Sounds serious! There are 14 missions spread across the Arctic, Africa, and Europe (West & East).

No Single ‘Right’ Way: Success can be achieved through “multiple means.” Experiment! “Many paths are possible,” using “hiding, climbing and even driving vehicles” to achieve objectives. Don’t always take the obvious route.

Enemy Types (Know Who’s Trying to Ruin Your Plan)

Guards: Typically stationary; guarding important places with nasty guns like the “MP 40” Most importantly they -> won’t leave their post… stubborn lot.

Officers: These guys move around! They “move between patrols.” Keep an eye on them.

Snipers: Hidden in “eagles nest” positions; waiting to end your career from afar. Find them before they find you.

Sappers & Regular Soldiers: More enemies to avoid or outsmart. The regulars are, of course, more easily lured… are they maybe fond of bright shiny objects??

Getting Around (And Blowing Things Up)

Your Wheels: Commandeer trucks (“Opal Blitz”), jeeps (“Kuba Wagon,” “Jeep Willis”), and even the infamous “Panzer” tank! (Subtlety not available with tank). And, “Zodiac boats” for water entrances.

Big Stationary Toys: You can even play with anti-tank guns (“PAK 38”), AA guns (“Flakvierling,” “Flak 88”), and machine guns (“MG-34”). Great power, great noise!

Loot: More Than Just Bullets and Bandages

Grab What You Find: Pick up ammo, first aid kits from the environment or enemies.

Stealthy Swag: The loot system “supports stealth rather than promote a gunsblazing approach.” The big example? Picking up “enemy uniforms.” Score!

Pick Your Pain Level (Difficulty Settings)

Beginner: To learn the ropes. “Slow reacting enemies,” extra health. Room for oopsies.

Normal: For the experienced tactician. Faster enemies, less forgiving.

Hard: “For veterans.” Enemies react instantly, health is low. Prepare for perfection (or pain).

The “Make My Plan Work” Button (Command Mode)

Coordinate Like a Pro: This new feature lets you “pause the game,” issue orders to multiple Commandos, and then execute them “individually or together simultaneously.”

Example: The manual describes the Engineer setting up a trap as the Green Beret and Marine eliminate guards simultaneously. No more angry clicking for perfect timing!!!

Bring a Friend (If You Trust Them With Your Commandos)

Two Heads Are Sneakier Than One? Almost every mission features two-player co-op (online or local split-screen). Double the planning, double the fun (or double the shouting when everything falls apart!).

Fernando Diaz

Fernando is doing what he always did, sharing his honest opinions about games whenever he can. The difference is now he is writing and not talking about it.
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