---- 3. Basics ---- [3000]

New to Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun? This guide breaks down the main menu options, game interface elements like credits and the minimap, and essential building controls.

Alright, so you're diving into Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun! Before we get into the thick of battle, let's quickly go over some of the game's fundamentals. Most of this stuff is probably in the manual, but hey, who actually reads those anymore? Think of this as a quick rundown from a buddy who's already been through it.

3.1. Main Menu

When you first boot up the game, you'll see the main menu. Here's what each button does:

• New Campaign: This is your starting point for the story. Click it, pick your faction (GDI or Nod), choose your difficulty, and the game begins!
• Load Mission: If you've already started a campaign and saved your progress, this is where you'll come to pick up where you left off. You can't load a game if you haven't saved one yet, so don't forget to save! ;P
• Multiplayer Game: Ready to test your skills against others? This tab opens up a few more options:
  • Internet: Lets you connect to Westwood's servers online. You'll need a username and the 'Shared Internet Components' installed.
  • Modem/Serial: If you're rocking a phone line connection, you can use this to play with others.
  • Network: For playing with friends on a local network.
  • Skirmish: This is your go-to for custom games against the AI. You can pick your map, set the AI difficulty, and more, but it's strictly AI opponents here.
  • Main Menu: Yep, this just takes you back to the main menu.
• Intro/Sneak Peek: Clicking this will play the game's intro movie – either GDI or Nod, depending on which game CD is in your drive. Afterwards, you might see trailers for other Westwood games.
• Options: This is where you tweak the game's settings:
  • Game Settings: Adjust things like game speed and scroll rate.
  • Display: Choose your resolution – 600x400, 640x480, or 800x600. I personally prefer 800x600.
  • Sound: Balance the volume for music, voice, and sound effects.
  • Keyboard: Customize your hotkeys to whatever feels best for you.
  • Network: Configure your network settings if you're using one.
  • Main Menu: Yep, this one goes back to the main menu too.
• Exit Game: When you're done playing, this is the button to quit.

3.2. The Interface

When you're actually in a mission, you'll see an interface on the right side of your screen. Here's a quick breakdown of the key parts:

(Imagine the ASCII diagram here showing the interface elements)

• [1] Credits: This number at the top shows how much money you have available. You'll need it to build units and structures!
• [2] The Map: This is your minimap, showing you the terrain and your units. It's super important for keeping track of what's going on.
• [3] Fix Button (Monkey Wrench Icon): Click this, then click on a damaged building to repair it over time. It costs credits, so make sure you have enough!
• [4] Sell Button ($ Symbol): See something you don't need anymore, or want to recoup some cash? Use this button to sell buildings. You'll get half of what you originally paid for them back.
• [5] Power Down Icon (Lightning Bolt): If you're running low on power for your base, you can click this to temporarily disable a building's power consumption. This helps keep your essential structures running.
• [6] Waypoints Button: This lets you set custom paths for your units.
• [7] Build Buttons: These are the icons for all the units and structures you can build. They'll appear here as you unlock them.
• [8] Unit/Structure Tabs: These tabs organize your build options, letting you switch between different categories of units and buildings.
• [9] Build Queue/Info Panel: This area shows you what you're currently building and provides details about selected units or structures.